At Matunuck School, students are inspired to learn, lead, and make a difference — in the classroom and beyond.
Matunuck Elementary is a special place to learn and grow, and the 2024–2025 school year was a shining example of how our students, staff, and families came together to make learning meaningful and memorable. Our school community achieved incredible milestones and built traditions that will be remembered for years to come.
We began the year with our recognition as a 4-Star School, a testament to the dedication of our staff and the hard work of our students. We were especially proud that our ELA growth was just two index points shy of a 5-Star rating. This recognition builds on the remarkable success we celebrated last year when every one of our graduating fifth graders was on or above grade level in both ELA and mathematics, with no students on personalized learning plans.
Academically, our school launched the Eureka Math2 curriculum, which provided students with new opportunities to strengthen their number sense, build fluency, and apply mathematical understanding in real-world contexts. Teachers worked closely to ensure lessons were engaging and accessible, helping students grow in both skill and confidence as mathematicians. We also placed a strong emphasis on writing, using a variety of strategies and opportunities to develop students’ ability to communicate their ideas with clarity and purpose. Through collaborative work on writing prompts and rubrics, consistent feedback, and increased writing across subject areas, our students made meaningful progress.
Fall brought a renewed sense of community spirit with beloved traditions supported by our active PTO. Events like Pumpkin Day, our Jog-a-Thon, and family Movie Nights brought students, staff, and families together in ways that highlighted the joy and pride of being a Manta Ray. The PTO’s energy and commitment to our school continues to enhance every aspect of student life, from funding important initiatives to volunteering countless hours to support events and projects.
Winter months were filled with both academic focus and celebration. Assemblies and spirit days energized our school community, and our 100th Day of School celebration was especially meaningful. Students collected cereal boxes that were donated to local families in need, underscoring the importance of kindness and service, values we emphasize at Matunuck. Our talented student musicians also took the stage for chorus, band, and orchestra concerts that filled the building with music and showcased the dedication of our students and staff.
This spring, we proudly hosted our 4th Annual STEAM Fair, which saw tremendous growth in student participation. With 150 students presenting 80 projects, nearly double last year’s numbers, our students demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and strong presentation skills across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Later in the spring, our community came together for our annual Art Show, where families and staff celebrated the creativity and talent of our young artists. We ended the season with our Field Day, a joyful event that brought together students and staff for a day of games, teamwork, and celebration. These spring traditions highlighted the innovation, imagination, and school spirit that make Matunuck students shine.
Throughout the year, outdoor learning remained a cornerstone of the Matunuck experience. Our outdoor classrooms, garden, and stage continued to enhance instruction while giving students opportunities to learn in hands-on, authentic ways. A true highlight was watching three new osprey hatchlings this spring in the nest located on our front field. This project was made possible by parent volunteers and supported through a live stream available to all South Kingstown students and families. Our composting program, first introduced by a second and fourth grader, also continued to thrive. With support from student volunteers, and our PTO, the program allows students to reduce cafeteria waste and contribute compost to enrich our garden.
Leadership opportunities for our older students also stood out as a milestone this year. Our fifth graders played an important role through the Student Council and the launch of our Safety Patrol Program. Safety Patrol members, selected through a student application process, rotated monthly and took on responsibilities such as greeting peers, monitoring hallways, and assisting younger students. This program, rooted in our school motto Matunuck Manta Rays Respect All Others, Yourself, and Your Surroundings, gave students a chance to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and school pride in meaningful ways.
This year also marked important progress in how we support students every day. Our strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) ensured that every student had access to the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional resources they needed to thrive. Through high levels of teacher collaboration and a shared commitment to responsive instruction, we provided a strong and viable learning day for all students, ensuring that no child fell through the cracks.
The 2024–2025 school year at Matunuck was filled with growth, celebration, and community pride. I am grateful for our staff’s dedication, our students’ enthusiasm, and the unwavering support of our PTO and families. Together, we made this year one to remember.
With gratitude,
Liz McGuire
Principal, Matunuck Elementary School