It’s that time of the year again: early wakeups, late nights of homework, Friday night lights, and homecoming near. The school year’s back in full swing, and this year has been vastly different from the last. This year, students have not only seen a major change in policies—like those of bathroom passes and phones—but also a group of brand-new teachers and staff members across numerous departments.

This group of new hires includes Nanci Caron and Joshua Lombardi in administration; Daniel Caramante and Mikayla Fernandez in the music department; Maria Coleman in math; Jillian Cook in art; and Francis Guevara in language.

Caron, SHS’s new assistant principal, has extensive experience in teaching, having worked in multiple schools across Massachusetts and Rhode Island as both an administrator and an educator. Caron says she is “looking forward to being a part of such a team-oriented school culture,” and “working with [her] fellow administrators as well as the educators to ensure that every student has a sense of belonging, has access to the curriculum and feels safe in order to learn without apprehension.” So far, Caron’s favorite part of SHS has been “the pride that all students and staff have for Smithfield High School.”

Alongside Caron, Lombardi will join administration as the Dean of Students. Lombardi has also worked as an administrator and educator, having previous experience as a dean and in teaching physical education.

“My favorite part of SHS so far is the warm welcome I’ve received from the students and staff members,” says Lombardi, “and being able to be present in the building daily.” Lombardi is also excited to join the SHS community and create a positive environment while also holding students to an “unapologetically high standard. He also says he is “looking forward to attending athletic events, dances, art showcases, and much more throughout the year.”

Caramante, the new Choral Director, also teaches keyboard and guitar ensemble—as well as music tech and theory—is excited to be joining Kerissa Roderick to direct the musical this year. This year will be Caramante’s fourth year teaching, having previously taught general music and digital music production at Winman Middle School in Warwick.

“My favorite part of SHS so far is how engaged the students are!” says Caramante with
enthusiasm. “It’s refreshing to see students who want to be in the music classes, who are
interested in learning. They practice independently, and when playing or singing allow
themselves to be wrong, but don’t give up if they don’t get it right!”

Just next door, Mikayla Fernandez has taken over as Band Director. Previously, Fernandez
worked in Elementary Education, teaching both general music and instrumental ensembles. Much like Lombardi, Fernandez has enjoyed the warm welcome SHS has brought across students and teachers. “The togetherness is what makes this community so special,” she remarks.

“I am looking forward to growing our Music Department and sharing music across our community,” says Fernandez. Fernandez, alongside Caramante, will be helping with SHS’s Tri-M Honor Society Chapter throughout the year.

In the art department, Jillian Cook kicks off her teaching career in the ceramics room. Recently, Cook graduated from Rhode Island College and student-taught across Rhode Island, including stints at Central Falls Elementary and Mount Hope High School.

“My favorite part about SHS so far is all of my amazing students!” she boasts. “I am most
looking forward to spirit week,” Cook states. Spirit week at SHS never disappoints—and that will be clear in just a couple of weeks.

Across the school, Maria Coleman joins the math department for her fourth year of teaching. Previously, Coleman taught at Middletown High School, as well as Achievement First Providence High.

“The community has been so welcoming and warm,” says Coleman. “It’s always scary being new, but everyone I’ve interacted with from faculty and staff to students has been so
kind and nice to get to know.” Coleman, too, is looking forward to the approaching fall
season and rest of the school year.