Guest Readers Visit Blackrock School

More than 20 local educators, law enforcement officers and dignitaries stopped by the school on Tuesday to read to students.

  On Tuesday morning, about two dozen educators, town representatives, department heads, Coventry Police personnel, TV personalities, school committee members, and military personnel participated in Blackrock's 25-year tradition, "Guest Reader Day". Fifth grade teacher Michaela Wells organized much of the event that she said students look forward to all year. "We send out response cards to potential readers asking if they are available, if they have a preferred grade or classroom (some guest readers are former teachers who enjoy visiting their old rooms), if they need a book or are bringing one themselves," Wells explained. "The kids get so excited to get the response cards back to see who is coming." A number of students are chosen from …

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(PHOTOS) Blackrock School Holds Night of the Arts

The event showcased many types of student artwork created during the school year.

  Family and friends of Blackrock Elementary School students came out in droves on Monday night for the school's "Night of the Arts", held at Coventry High School. Visitors were able to view exhibits of student artwork from various grades and listen to musical selections from the 4th and 5th grade bands, 3rd and 4th grade recorder ensemble and chorus.

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Coventry Students Learn Life Lessons from BMX Star

The world record holding biker taught students at Blackrock to always be kind and respectful to others and to never give up on their dreams.

  Students at Blackrock Elementary School were visited by a special motivational speaker on Wednesday morning. BMX star Kevin Robinson who hails from East Providence has been riding professionally for 20 years and has competed in every X-Games since they began in Providence in 1995. He has won multiple gold medals and is also the world record holder for the BMX height record with a vert jump of 27 feet. When he's not training or competing, Robinson who has three children of his own, spends his time visiting schoolchildren in an attempt to instill quality values and life lessons in an entertaining way. He and his wife also started the K-Rob Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps less fortunate children in East Providence …

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School Committee Members Honor Blackrock Teacher; Introduce Contributing Educator Policy

Fourth grade students also showcased a unit that they have been studying in class.

  On Tuesday evening, the Coventry School Committee had its first meeting of 2012 at Blackrock Elementary School, where they recognized second grade teacher, Valerie Bishop for her work last year with two students that had been adopted. Bishop and the students created a book that they will use to help other families become more comfortable with the adoption transition. Bishop was awarded the Beacon of Hope Award from Adoption RI in November. "The fact that a teacher noticed how the students were feeling and found a vehicle for children to work something out that is difficult for them i just amazing and we are very proud of you," said Committee Member Nancy Sprengelmeyer. Blackrock Presentation Committee members viewed a presentation from …

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Reader Roundup

READER ROUNDUP: 'Proud to Have Valerie as a Teacher'

Check out a sampling of reader comments from around the region.

Coventry: "Thank you to Valerie Bishop for thinking about and implementing such a creative project for these children. It really helped Carly process her adoption in a fun way! Blackrock School should be proud to have Valerie as a teacher." — Christine Carroll, commenting on Blackrock Teacher Recignized for Helping Students Embrace Adoption Cranston: "Guaranteed all the "politicians" that voted YES for this will lose in 2012 including the state treasurer. Of course we the people are happy but the people it affects will certainly vote them out. Wait n see." — Golden, commenting on General Assembly Approves Pension Reform East Greenwich: "Unacceptable — there is no excuse for any professional respesenting our town to act in such an ignorant…

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Blackrock Students Walk Over 100 Miles on Tuesday For Good Cause

The 4th Annual Buzz-A-Thon raised over $8,000 for student activities.

Some children jogged, skipped, ran or even sprinted at times around the 1/8-mile asphalt track. A few took backwards steps. But on Tuesday more than 400 students from Blackrock Elementary School, joined by faculty, parents and sometimes other family members, kept moving on the school track for a very good cause.   The occasion was the 4th annual Blackrock Elementary Buzz-A-Thon to help fund extra school activities and events. The PTA began this special kind of walk-a-thon to replace the three former fundraising events formerly held throughout the year. With students getting pledges from family members and friends, the goal was to reach or exceed $8,000. Principal Alicia Castle announced on Wednesday morning that the event raised $8006.49…

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