May 29, 2020

Important 

Students,

Last evening, the RINI Board of Directors held a virtual meeting and voted to adopt a school reorganization plan. The
new plan will enhance teaching and learning so that all students can reach their fullest potential. Unfortunately, this plan
required that some faculty and staff positions were shifted and others eliminated.

The RINI Board of Directors and school leadership are committed to the mission and the vision of the school. In order to
meet the expectations that the school and the state has to create the nursing workforce of the future, reorganization was
necessary. ​

There were many of you in attendance who contributed strong sentiments and opinions through the chat. ​RINI students,
we know that many of you feel that you were not heard. Although you did not speak, your comments were seen by the
Board, the administration, and all of the attendees. It is wonderful that you have become strong advocates for what you
believe is right. It makes us proud to read and hear statements from students that are passionate, appropriate, and
professional. Everyone in attendance now understands the importance of RINI faculty and staff in your lives.

We are aware of current situations, challenges, and experiences that are affecting our community members. We believe
in you and we will continue to make decisions and improvements to our program that will provide a quality educational
experience and tremendous opportunities for students.

Today, we will begin a process to help all students come to some understanding, and we will offer open communication
and opportunities for you to share your thoughts and concerns. We will strategize with students to improve opportunities
for you to learn, to grow, and to become leaders.

We are planning some group meetings for next week where we can collaborate and strengthen our community. More
information will be shared soon.

If you have questions, wish to share your thoughts and/or ideas, or would like to connect with any of the leadership team
before next week, please reach out by email. We are happy to meet and talk with you.

Mrs. Hitchings (​chitchings@rinimc.org​), Mrs. Dwyer (​edwyer@rinimc.org​),

Mrs. Tsiane (​mtsiane@rinimc.org​)

Sincerely,

Mrs. Hitchings
May 29, 2020

Good afternoon Students and Families of the Class of 2020,

We are nearing the end of this academic year and of your time with us at the RI Nurses Institute Middle College. This
year is certainly one that you will never forget! I hope that this email finds you and your families well and to those who
have experienced challenges and loss, my thoughts are with you during these difficult times.

The RINI Class of 2020 has worked very hard and the students have demonstrated tremendous growth over the time
that they have spent with us and they will forever have memories of and hopefully a strong connection to their RINI
community. This year, we will celebrate our seniors in a non-traditional way, but we will make it as special as we can.
Our decision to hold a virtual graduation was difficult to make but it is based on information from the RI Department of
Health, the RI Department of Education, and a great sense of responsibility for the health and safety of our community.
This is an important time for our graduates and although it will be different, the graduation for the Class of 2020 will be
extraordinarily memorable. Our students have matured, they have learned, they are confident, and they are prepared -
to take on whatever comes next. We have all learned that life is not predictable, but we have set these graduates up for
success, and they are ready!

Click here​ to find important information about the end of the year virtual activities and celebrations, as well as the
expectations for students as they complete the school year and their RINI experience. I am very proud of each and
every one of them and I am determined to assist them so that the entire class will finish the requirements and earn their
diploma.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me, Ms. Keating, or Mrs. Gaspar.

Thank you,

Mrs. Hitchings

Update from RINI Principal - English and Spanish 

May 29, 2020

Good Afternoon,

I hope this email finds you and your families well. It has been a challenging several weeks and we are all
adapting to what has become our unexpected reality. I write today to share some information with you that has been upsetting to the
RINI community but is necessary for the school. Last evening, the RINI Board of Directors held a virtual meeting and voted to adopt a
school reorganization plan. The new plan will enhance teaching and learning so that all students can reach their fullest potential.
Unfortunately, this plan required that some faculty and staff positions were shifted and others eliminated.

The RINI Board of Directors and school leadership are committed to the mission and the vision of the school.​ In order to meet the
expectations that the school and the state have for us to create the nursing workforce of the future, a reorganization was necessary. ​

There were many RINI students in attendance and they contributed strong sentiments and opinions through the Zoom chat. ​Many
students expressed feelings that they were not being heard because the formal Board meeting process allows for only a brief public
comment period where faculty, staff, and one student provided their feedback on the agenda items. Although the students did not have
an opportunity beyond that to speak, their comments were seen by the Board, the administration, and all of the attendees. It is
wonderful that RINI students have become strong advocates for what they believe is right and many of the statements were passionate,
appropriate, and professional. Everyone in attendance now understands the importance of RINI faculty and staff in students’ lives.

We are aware of current situations, challenges, and experiences that are affecting our students and community members and we know
that this can be a very stressful time due to so many contributing factors. We will continue to support students and families and will
assist as needed and to every extent possible. We believe in our students and we will continue to make decisions and improvements to
our program that will provide a quality educational experience and tremendous opportunities for them to be successful in college and in
careers.

Today, we began a process to help all students come to some understanding, and we offered open communication and opportunities
for them to share their thoughts and concerns. We will continue to listen, support, and strategize with students to improve opportunities
for them to learn, to grow, and to become leaders.

We are planning some group meetings with students next week where we will collaborate and work to strengthen the RINI school
community. As always, RINI faculty and staff are there to help, so please reach out as needed.

I do appreciate your understanding, support, and continued involvement with our family and school partnership. I welcome any
questions, thoughts, ideas, comments, or suggestions as we work together to help our teens become adults in a world that is difficult to
understand and to navigate.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hitchings

RINI update
June 1, 2020

Important Message to the RINI Community

In a continued effort to support students and to strengthen our community, RINI has engaged with our
partner organization Nonviolent Schools RI to address the recent events and the public outrage and
response that is occurring throughout the country.

As a first step, we plan to continue the training for the first student cohort. Students involved in that
cohort have been invited to a meeting with Nonviolent Schools executive director Robin Wildman and
facilitator Jonathan Lewis (Globe) to be held virtually tomorrow June 2 at 9:00 am.

Those students will work collaboratively with Robin and Jonathan to assist in designing a presentation
for the rest of the students and faculty that will offer information about the Kingian Nonviolence
Principles and some strategies for processing and responding productively to the outrage and the
unrest that this country is feeling and facing. The community meeting will be held virtually on
Thursday, June 4. The time and meeting information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
It is essential to openly communicate and collaborate on this very important topic. We wish to
educate, empower, and promote peaceful understanding and appropriate action. These meetings are
optional but I encourage anyone who has an interest and/or a curiosity to attend.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns.

Mrs. Hitchings

June 2, 2020

Important RINI Community Meeting - 6/4, 3pm

Dear RINIMC students, staff, and families,
We would like to invite you to a compelling Zoom webinar THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 4 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Join us to be a part of a conversation about what has been occurring in our school, community, country, and
world. You will also hear about the Kingian Nonviolence Movement in our school as well as how you can get
involved! The RINI Kingian Nonviolence student group will be participating as facilitators of this webinar, along
with Jonathan "Globe" Lewis and Robin Wildman from ​Nonviolent Schools RI.

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

Click Here to Join
Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Password: 241129
Add to Calendar​ ​Add to Google Calendar​ ​Add to Yahoo Calendar
Please respond to this Google Survey (click on link below) no later than tomorrow (Wednesday, June
3) by 6 p.m. It is your opportunity to ask questions about what is occurring in our school, community,
country and world. We plan on addressing the most frequently asked questions during this Zoom
webinar.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesmKjXkyZ6ske0eS5Fb36IPR8GqJ1QUhHCRurH5kB1Wn-kCw/v
iewform

Robin Wildman
Executive Director
Nonviolent Schools RI
www.nonviolentschoolsri.org
P.O. Box 496
West Kingston, RI 02892
"​Building Compassionate School Communities"

June 3, 2020

RINI ROSES: Rise of Student Empowerment 6/4 3pm

Good Afternoon,

You are invited to attend a compelling presentation by the RINI R.O.S.E.S. (Rise of Student Empowerment) student group, with Jonathan
"Globe" Lewis and Robin Wildman from Nonviolent Schools RI tomorrow (Thursday, June 4) from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

​In light of the on-going racist treatment of black and brown people in America, we believe that it is important to begin to explore ways that
each of us can use our individual power, and how we can join together as a school community, to create a more just world. Dr. Martin Luther
King called this the Beloved Community - a concept we use as a framework for the future. The time is NOW to make YOUR vision of the world
a reality. Join us tomorrow-we need you!

​Our Zoom presentation tomorrow is just the beginning of the work we can do together. The agenda is as follows:

● Introduction - Colleen Hitchings

● Welcome Statement - RINI ROSES

● What is Kingian Nonviolence and why is RINI partnered with Nonviolent Schools RI in this work? - RINI ROSES

● Dr. King's 6 Principles - recited by RINI ROSES

● What is the Beloved Community - Globe and Robin?

● Dr. King's Blueprint Narrative - adapted and presented by RINI ROSES

● Questions Addressed from Google Survey - Globe and Robin

● Next Steps w/ Kingian Nonviolence - RINI ROSES finish training, Kingian Conversations summer program for RINI students

● Video - created by Stynece Sanchez

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY, SO THAT WE MIGHT ADDRESS AN ISSUE THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesmKjXkyZ6ske0eS5Fb36IPR8GqJ1QUhHCRurH5kB1Wn-kCw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Zoom Meeting: Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

Click Here to Join

Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.

Password: 241129
Or join by phone:

US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 949 1509 1289

Password: 241129

RINI Graduation
June 4, 2020

Good morning RINI graduating seniors and families!

We are in the final days of the 2019-2020 school year and it is hard to believe that graduation is just
around the corner. Although the senior events this year will be different than usual, they are very
important and will be memorable celebrations of this milestone.

I am happy to announce that the keynote speaker for the RI Nurses Institute Middle College
graduation is Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of Health for RI. This is a great
honor and as Dr. Alexander Scott has been so integral to the management of the pandemic in this
state, and has received national attention for her tremendous work, she remains a true supporter of
RINI Middle College! The world has learned through this pandemic about the importance of nurses
and healthcare workers and the need for a caring, compassionate, and skilled workforce. RINI
graduates are prepared! As they leave us, we know that they will go on to contribute in positive ways
to the community and to the world!

The graduation event is June 15 at 6pm. We still need cap and gown photos from several of our
graduates in order to finalize the plans for this event. Please send them today! Seniors are still
working to finish the required classwork and end of course assessments and it is a busy time. Please
note that diplomas will be available only after all graduation requirements have been completed. If
there are extenuating circumstances, please reach out to Ms. Keating, the guidance counselor.

The virtual senior night will be held on June 12 at 6pm. This will be a fun event that will showcase
the memories and the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. Photos and personal slides are still
being accepted for this presentation, so get them to us soon!

We look forward to celebrating with you! Although we are apart, we are together in community, in
celebration, and in support of the Class of 2020!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns.

Thank you,
Colleen Hitchings

June 9, 2020

Message to the RINI Community

Dear RINI Community,

The RINI Administration, Faculty, and Staff stand with those demanding sustainable social
transformation against violence and systemic racism towards black people and other communities of
color in our country and here in our own community. This school was created on the belief that all
people no matter their background or zip code must have a fair and just opportunity to education,
health, justice, and well-being. The words of Dr King resonate strongly with the RINI Community,
"injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
We are committed to intentionally building and nurturing a beloved RINI community that is bonded
together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting. We commit to engaging with all
community members in real, honest, and uncomfortable conversations about racism, inequities, and
abuse of power, in order to meaningfully contribute to the transformative social change needed at all
levels of society including within our own individual selves and at our school. Essential to this work is
the empowerment of our students and their voices. This work has already begun with the creation of
the RINI R.O.S.E.S (Rise of Student Empowerment) and their leadership training in the Kingian
Nonviolence philosophy of reconciliation, based on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and the
organizing strategies he used during the Civil Rights Movement. There is no doubt that RINI students
will be the leaders beyond our school walls that will facilitate these transformative changes so needed
in this world.
We commit to working together with all members of the RINI community by listening, by learning, by
supporting, and by acting in ways that not only confront racist acts and individuals, but that dismantle
racist policies, practices, and institutions that have existed for far too long.
With love, peace, and health
Pamela McCue, CEO Colleen Hitchings, Principal

June 11, 2020

Invitation from FirstWorks

Hello RINI Community,
This invitation was just sent to me this afternoon and I thought it important to share with you. Although
tomorrow evening RINI is hosting senior night at 6pm, there may be some people who are not seniors, who
wish to tune in to this event, share it with others, or search out a recording if they make it available.

Dear Friends,​
​ e have a performance this Friday that I
I hope these strange, dramatic and historic times find you well. W
think will be of interest to you and your community. I was hoping you could include it on your social media
or in any upcoming news communication.​
FirstWorks stands in solidarity with our brown and black neighbors, and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to
the work of being anti-racist and our belief in the power of the arts to effect lasting change.
Performance can be a potent form of resistance.​ This Friday, two of FirstWorks' core collaborators, Carlos
Toro and Daniel Bernard Roumain, will offer a livestream response to their experiences as artists of color in
today’s America. ​Requiem for the Living, In Color​ comes out of work the two had already been doing as a
commission for PVDFest, and has been thrown into sharp relief by the murder of George Floyd and the protests
for racial justice and police reform in the past week.
I'm attaching a media advisory with more information about Toro and Roumain's collaboration, which will
stream via F​ irstWorks’ Facebook live this Friday, June 12th at 7:00 – 7:30pm.​ Please consider sharing it with
others who might need community right now. R ​ equiem for the Living, In Color​ is a eulogy for lives lost, but
also a call to action, an affirmation of humanity, and, ultimately, a statement of hope and healing.
Sending good thoughts,
Kathleen

For more information on this event visit: ​http://first-works.org/events/requiem-for-the-living-in-color/​

See FirstWorks’ message of solidarity and commitment to antiracism on social media
Click here for and Daniel’s Declaration and Affirmation for the Love of Black People
Requiem for the Living, In Color
June 12, 7pm P​ remieres on Facebook Live
Responding to the realities of creating as people of color during these unprecedented times, multimedia artist
Carlos Andres Toro and composer/violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain collaborate on a live-streamed cinematic
journey in film and in sound. As two proud sons of immigrant families of the diaspora between island nations
and North America, Toro and Roumain marry their complex, fluid creative practices into a singular, seamless
collaboration. Combining bold, dramatic imagery with a string and beat-based score, “Requiem” addresses the
realities of living in modern-day America, where the inherent worth of black and brown bodies and souls
requires impassioned pleas for their basic humanity to be recognized.

Kathleen McAreavey

Education and Community Outreach Manager

275 Westminster Street, Suite 501

Providence, RI 02903​
Office: 401.421.4278 Direct: 401.868.1149
www.first-works.org

Experience the Arts Wherever You Are

FirstWorks is creating new ways for the arts to support students, parents, and teachers through online learning.
Visit ​FirstWorks Virtual Learning series​ for new content each week. Lessons include videos featuring world-class
artists and assignments aligned to core curricula standards.
June 15, 2020

Zoom Invitation: New Student Orientation, June 22, 2020

College Readiness - Summer Learning opportunities with RIDE - $750 stipend

available

GOOD MORNING,

PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FROM THE RI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BELOW.
THE INTENTION IS TO PAY RI STUDENTS TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION OVER THE SUMMER
MONTHS TO BE READY FOR COLLEGE NEXT YEAR. THEY WILL BE MORE PREPARED FOR THE SAT
ASSESSMENT WHICH WILL BE ADMINISTERED IN OCTOBER AS WELL AS THE ACCUPLACER, HESI,
AND ANY OTHER PRE-ADMISSION TESTING THAT IS REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE. RINI HIGHLY
RECOMMENDS THIS PROGRAM FOR ALL 11TH-GRADE STUDENTS WHO WILL BE SENIORS NEXT
YEAR. PLEASE REGISTER WITHOUT DELAY SO THAT YOUR PLACE IS GUARANTEED. ​CLICK HERE
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CONTACT ME DIRECTLY AS NEEDED. THANK Y0U!

COLLEEN HITCHINGS

ATTENTION STUDENTS! GET UP TO $750 TO TAKE A MATH OR ELA CLASS THIS SUMMER​

If you are going to be in ​12th grade in September​, ​sign up here​ to take a fully online Math or ELA class for
eight weeks from ​June 29 - August 21​ and get paid up to ​$750​ for completing assignments! You can choose
to attend either a morning or afternoon virtual session every day for ​30 minutes​ with the whole class, and will
then complete assignments in small groups and independently.
Colleen A. Hitchings, B.S., M.Ed., C.A.G.S.

Chief Academic Officer

Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School

150 Washington Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-680-4900
June 18, 2020

Important Announcement Regarding Semester 2 Grades

Hello RINI Students and Parents:

We have officially passed the last day of school, June 17; however, many of us are not done yet!

True to our mission, RINIMC upheld our high expectations of our future nurses during distance
learning. Of course, we also understand the challenges that accompany distance learning. To
accommodate for such challenges, some students received an Incomplete (I) for courses this
semester. ​If a student received an Incomplete in a course, he or she is expected to continue
coursework as soon as possible now and over the summer if more time is needed to fulfill
course requirements. ​Provided that a student demonstrates proficiency at the end of the extension,
the student will receive an earned letter grade and credit for the course.​ In the event that a student
does not complete the coursework over the summer, the student will be required to retake the
course in the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

Please note that if a student was failing a course ​prior​ to distance learning and did not demonstrate
mastery of the content at any time this year, the student will need to retake the course in the
2020-2021 Academic Year.

Over the next several days, we will be reaching out to students, families, and guardians to discuss
summer learning opportunities and plans for individual students' academic progress. In addition,
report cards will be printed and mailed after June 25.

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

All my best,
Mrs. Dwyer

Elizabeth Dwyer, B.S., B.A.

School Improvement Coordinator
RINI Middle College Charter High School
150 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903
401-680-4900
June 19, 2020

Dear Students and Families,

Join us as we prepare you for the new school year at RINI Middle College!

MEETING INFORMATION:​

Date: ​June 22, 2020

Time: ​12:00-1:30 PM OR 5:30-7:00 PM
Students and parents must attend 1 session
Spanish translation will be available for both sessions

Join Zoom Meeting (click or copy/paste)

shorturl.at/advyO
Meeting ID:​ 972 7664 3597
Password​: 7e9Nis

We look forward to meeting all of you!

Best regards,

Ms. Tsiane

Mimi Tsiane, M.A., M.Ed.

Director of School Culture and Community
Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College
150 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903
mtsiane@rinimc.org
401-680-4900. 401-213-9646 (google voice)
My preferred gender pronouns are she/her/hers.​
 
FREE COVID - 19 testing - sites in Providence on 7/16 and 7/18

July 13, 2020

Hello RINI Community,

The Lifespan Community Health Institute (LCHI) has partnered with community organizations to
provide ​free community-based COVID-19 testing​. LCHI will conduct COVID-19 testing at
● Higher Ground International’s Rukiya Center, 250 Prairie Avenue in Providence, on Thursday, 7/16 from 11 am
– 2 pm.
● Bethel AME Church, 30 Rochambeau Avenue in Providence, on Saturday, 7/18 from 10 am – 12 pm.

Important things to note:

● All adults (18+) are eligible to be tested.
● Insurance is not required but insurance will be billed if available.
● Pre-registration is required by calling 401-444-8136.

Please see attached fliers for additional information. Help spread the word.

Hope you are safe and enjoying the summer!

Mrs. Hitchings
July 13, 2020

Invitation: Zoom Q and A at 12:00 PM Today

Good morning all,

Join us today for a lunchtime conversation. Bring your questions, ideas or feedback.

We look forward to seeing you all!

MEETING INFORMATION:
Date: Monday July 13., 2020
Time: 12:00 PM-1:00PM
Location: Join Zoom Meeting (click or copy/paste link)
Zoom Meeting​ ​
Meeting ID: 990 6792 7596
Password: 7e9Nis

Dial by your location

​ 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 990 6792 7596
Password: 594363
Spanish translation will be available
July 17, 2020

Principal's Update 
Good afternoon RINI Community,

Thank you all for your very thoughtful and honest feedback over the past several weeks, regarding
distance learning and re-opening school in the fall. We have incorporated all of the information from
stakeholders and used the latest research to complete a preliminary plan as per the mandate of the
Governor and Commissioner of Education to submit plans for 3 re-opening school scenarios. RINI
submitted our plans earlier this week to the state consultant DMG Group for feedback and we sent
the plan to the RI Department of Education today to meet the submission deadline. ​As required by
the RI Dept of Education and the RI Department of Health, this plan consists of detailed operational
procedures that will be used in response to the latest information regarding the prevalence of
COVID-19 cases in RI. As always, RINI has done due diligence with planning and we are
considering health and safety as a primary focus for every aspect of the plan.

We remain committed to the success of all RINI students in the Nursing College and Career
Preparation pathway and we will continue to provide the rigor and support for academics, authentic
workforce experiences, no matter what scenario we are using during the next school year. School
may look and feel different, but we will continue the work at the highest level because our students
need and deserve the best education possible, and the world needs nurses and healthcare providers.

It is expected that we will receive state feedback and will modify the plan as needed. The working
plan will be posted to the RINI website no later than July 31, 2020. We will be conducting forums with
all stakeholders to address questions and concerns in August when we have a better idea of the
status of the pandemic and the state. We will be ready to begin school in some manner on August 31.
Thanks again for all of your support. I will be sharing updated information weekly and as it becomes
available.

I wish you peace, health, and safety,

Mrs. Hitchings
July 27, 2020

REMINDER: Zoom meeting today at 12:00PM

Good morning all,

I hope that you all had a great weekend! Please join us for a school update and as always please feel to come
with questions.

We look forward to seeing you all!

MEETING INFORMATION:
Date: Monday July 27, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM-1:00PM
Location: Join Zoom Meeting (click or copy/paste link)
Zoom Meeting​ ​
Meeting ID: 990 6792 7596
Password: 7e9Nis

Dial by your location

​+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 990 6792 7596
Password: 594363
Spanish translation will be available

Warm Regards,

Ms. Tsiane

Mimi Tsiane, M.A., M.Ed.

Director of School Culture and Community
Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College
150 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903
mtsiane@rinimc.org
401-680-4900. 401-213-9646 (google voice)
My preferred gender pronouns are she/her/hers.​

July 28, 2020

Principal's Update
Good afternoon RINI Community,

As are all schools, RINI is awaiting a decision form the RI Department of Health and the RI Department of Education as to the course
that education will take for this next academic year. We have submitted our re-entry plans and are anticipating RIDE feedback soon.
We are committed to ensuring that the health and safety of the entire community are considered the forefront in all plans. In spite of the
uncertainty around how we will return to school, RINI is continuing to focus on strengthening and developing of a robust academic plan
that will offer the best college and career preparation for students interested in the nursing and healthcare fields. We will continue to
offer our full academic program, whether in-person, online, or some hybrid version of both types of learning experiences.

We anticipate that we will share more information with you soon, about the specifics and logistics for the start of the new school year.
Thank you for your continued patience and trust as we navigate these unchartered times.

Please see the additional information and opportunities below. Thank you,

Mrs. Hitchings

● 9th Grade Enrollment

9th grade students and families have been provided with an additional digital enrollment form that needs to be completed by July 31,
2020. If you did not receive this form or if you have any questions, please contact Kayla Lubo, ​klubo@rinimc.org​, Esther
Leiva, ​eleiva@rinimc.org​, or Mimi Tsiane, ​mtsiane@rinimc.org​.

● 9th grade Chromebook Distribution

Mrs. Tsiane is coordinating the pickup of Chromebooks for all new students on August 3 and August 4. Be sure to sign up for a time
slot.

● Summer Extension and Credit Recovery

● Students who are working with teachers and independently on assignments to complete their coursework from the last school
year should be finishing up and submitting their assignments for grading. For questions or more information, please contact
Mrs. Dwyer, ​edwyer@rinimc.org​.
●
S.A.I.L. with PrepareRI this Summer! Free Virtual Summer Opportunities for Rhode Island Students, and
In-Person opportunities too!​
RIDE has now ​over 200 approved FREE virtual summer opportunities​ through the SAIL with PrepareRI program for public school
students in grades K-12 across Rhode Island! Students and families can ​sign up​ for these unique offerings.​

Programs and courses are being added weekly for both virtual and in-person programming so check back often to learn of new
opportunities at the ​RIDE SAIL page​! Providers and families can reach out to ​summer@ride.ri.gov​ for more information
● RIDE Equity Series: Racial Justice Virtual Forum
We invite you back to continue the conversation on racial justice and systemic racism with Commissioner Infante-Green and guests on
Wednesday, July, 29 at 5 P.M. This a statewide solution-based forum open to community members needing space to speak freely on
racial issues across our state. These sessions are part of a series. Please review the details on the flyer at the bottom of this email and
join the conversation.

July 30, 2020

Confirmed: Enrollment Form Received

Good afternoon families,

I wanted to confirm that I have received your enrollment form as of July 30, 2020. I am resharing
the second application forms in case you have not completed it yet. Please print them and complete.
The forms require your signature-you may bring them when you pick up the chromebooks.

As always please reach out if you have any questions. Please be aware that you may receive another
email regarding enrollment-this is a group email that is generated to all parents.
Thank you!

Ms. Tsiane

Mimi Tsiane, M.A., M.Ed.

Director of School Culture and Community
Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College
150 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903
mtsiane@rinimc.org
401-680-4900. 401-213-9646 (google voice
My preferred gender pronouns are she/her/hers.​
July 30, 2020

Important information-Please Read

Good afternoon families,

ENROLLMENT:

Thank you so much if you have already submitted your enrollment forms. Please note enrollment forms are due on​ July
31.​ Click here ​Enrollment Form​ to complete them if you have not done so already.

ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK:

After ​you complete the enrollment form, there are another set of forms that you need to fill out. I have taken the liberty
of attaching these below. Please feel free to return them when you pick up the chromebook.

CHROMEBOOK PICK UP:

Be sure to complete the Chromebook and select a time to pick it up.

Student Chromebook Pick Up Time Slots

In an effort to streamline this process and ensure the safety of our students, families and staff; ​please email me a photo
of the ID of the person​ who will be picking up the chrome book. You can simply take a photo with your phone and
forward it to my email address: ​mtsiane@rinimc.org​.

When you arrive at your selected time at the ​back of the RINI building​;

1. ​Remember; you must wear a face covering.

2. You will be handed a clear bag to place your Identification Card in.
3. I will confirm your identity, by comparing it with the emailed version.
4. You will sign off on the Chromebook Policy and place the document in the plastic bin provided.
5. I will hand you a labeled Chromebook and Charger with the student name in a clear plastic bag.
6. That will complete the process and you can leave the school.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions regarding this process.

Mimi Tsiane, M.A., M.Ed.

Director of School Culture and Community
Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College
150 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903
mtsiane@rinimc.org
401-680-4900. 401-213-9646 (google voice)
My preferred gender pronouns are she/her/hers.​

August 11, 2020

Principal’s Update

Good afternoon RINI community,

RINI is continuing to plan for the start of the new school year. Although there remains uncertainty, we are
planning for a very strong remote learning program that will provide opportunities for all students in any
scenario while maintaining our rigorous academic curriculum and Nursing College and Career Pathway. We
are expecting a decision soon from the Governor, the RI Department of Health, and the RI Department of
Education about when and how schools in RI will reopen.

The state has provided an opportunity for any family to elect a fully remote learning option for students this
year. RINI will be sending out a survey to all families in an effort to collect updated information about individual
family intent and plans for attending school in-person (in any scenario) and about how they will transport
their child to school. The RINI Reopening Plans are posted on our website: ​rinimc.org.

The Governor's press conference at 1pm tomorrow may provide more information. In addition,
RIDE’s ​Back2SchoolRI​ ​website is dedicated to all things related to a safe school reopening. The website
provides our state with constant updates from Commissioner Infante-Green and the RIDE team, answers to
the most frequently asked questions, event and engagement updates, and much more.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns.

Thank you,
Colleen Hitchings

August 12, 2020

Principal's Update 8/12/10 - Changes to the 2020-2021 School Calendar

Good Morning RINI Community,

The Commissioner of Education has released new information about the start of the 2020-2021
school year in RI. Due to a large number of complex operational and logistical challenges, the school
calendar has been adjusted. The f​irst day of classes for students will be Monday, September 14, 2020,
and the last day of school will be June 25, 2021.

​ ew timeframe for making a decision on school reopening

As a result of these adjustments, the state's​ n
scenarios will move to the week of August 31.

The Governor and Commissioner will speak to this adjustment at the 1:00 p.m. press conference
today.

RINI is continuing the planning process and will keep you updated as we progress. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Mrs. Hitchings