School committee approves Coventry High handbook changes, advances dress-code policy
October 10, 2025 | Coventry, School Districts, Rhode Island
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The Coventry School Committee approved updates to the Coventry High School handbook and advanced the student dress-code policy JICA in a first reading, with both measures passing on 4–1 votes.
Assistant Superintendent Amy Anzalone described proposed exam-exemption criteria targeted by grade level. Under the proposal, freshman year will be the first year all students take exams. Tenth graders would be eligible for exam exemption in a class if they meet one of the following for that subject: a 92.5 average or higher, proficiency in math and English Language Arts on the PSAT, and fewer than 10% unexcused absences in that class. Eleventh grade would use SAT proficiency instead of PSAT for the same criteria. Twelfth graders could be exempt from all finals, including semester courses, if they meet class-average requirements and fewer than 10% unexcused absences; an additional exemption requires proficiency in science, math and ELA state testing.
Anzalone said the guidance office advised that PSAT and SAT scores arrive in May, which is early enough to apply to tenth- and eleventh-grade exemptions, but noted that statewide science results come in later — toward the end of summer — and therefore cannot be used for junior exemptions. The committee discussed the policy’s stated aims: to encourage students to take statewide tests seriously and to improve attendance.
The committee also considered clearer language on disruptive attire in the high school handbook — additions labeled b, c and d under that section — aimed at giving administrators more specific guidance when responding to items such as full costumes or face paint that administrators described as disruptive.
On the policy JICA first reading, the subcommittee recommended mirroring the handbook language about disruptive attire. A motion to approve the first reading passed 4–1; members asked that questions be raised now if they had concerns before a future second reading.
Member comments at the meeting emphasized planning ahead for students who aim to complete many AP or honors courses and asked for clarity on prerequisites and summer preparation for AP work. The committee did not change the central thresholds presented: 92.5 average, fewer than 10% unexcused absences and the use of PSAT/SAT proficiency where specified.
Handbook updates passed 4–1 and the dress-code JICA first reading passed 4–1; the committee recorded those votes during the open session.
Assistant Superintendent Amy Anzalone described proposed exam-exemption criteria targeted by grade level. Under the proposal, freshman year will be the first year all students take exams. Tenth graders would be eligible for exam exemption in a class if they meet one of the following for that subject: a 92.5 average or higher, proficiency in math and English Language Arts on the PSAT, and fewer than 10% unexcused absences in that class. Eleventh grade would use SAT proficiency instead of PSAT for the same criteria. Twelfth graders could be exempt from all finals, including semester courses, if they meet class-average requirements and fewer than 10% unexcused absences; an additional exemption requires proficiency in science, math and ELA state testing.
Anzalone said the guidance office advised that PSAT and SAT scores arrive in May, which is early enough to apply to tenth- and eleventh-grade exemptions, but noted that statewide science results come in later — toward the end of summer — and therefore cannot be used for junior exemptions. The committee discussed the policy’s stated aims: to encourage students to take statewide tests seriously and to improve attendance.
The committee also considered clearer language on disruptive attire in the high school handbook — additions labeled b, c and d under that section — aimed at giving administrators more specific guidance when responding to items such as full costumes or face paint that administrators described as disruptive.
On the policy JICA first reading, the subcommittee recommended mirroring the handbook language about disruptive attire. A motion to approve the first reading passed 4–1; members asked that questions be raised now if they had concerns before a future second reading.
Member comments at the meeting emphasized planning ahead for students who aim to complete many AP or honors courses and asked for clarity on prerequisites and summer preparation for AP work. The committee did not change the central thresholds presented: 92.5 average, fewer than 10% unexcused absences and the use of PSAT/SAT proficiency where specified.
Handbook updates passed 4–1 and the dress-code JICA first reading passed 4–1; the committee recorded those votes during the open session.
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