Welcome to Melville Elementary School

Dear Portsmouth Elementary Families, 

Thank you to all of our families for your partnership throughout the year.  While we found ourselves in some unprecedented times, we came together to ensure that our students continued to learn and grow and feel connected.  We are so proud of our students for all of their hard work!  

While we are sure that you have a wonderful summer planned for your entire family, it is our hope that you would encourage your child to set a few minutes aside each day to exercise their brain by continuing to read and engage in fun math activities.  Dedicating at least 2 hours per week to reviewing math concepts, along with independent reading, will prevent your child from losing the skills that he/she has learned throughout the school year.  Choice Boards can be found on the elementary school websites.  Students are encouraged to record and share their thinking with family members. 

For independent reading this summer, please review the activities below:

• Sign up for Scholastic’s Home Base & Summer Read-A-Palooza. Find out more information about this awesome free resource here. 
• Choose activities from the reading choice board.

For summer math fun, please review these activities:

• Choose activities from the math choice boards.
• Included are games to play as a family,  K-4.
• Grade-specific math practice can be found at the end of the math packet.  Please use the practice designed for the grade they are ready to begin.  (ie Kindergarten students complete First Grade Ready pages)

In addition, students will have access to their IXL and Raz Kids accounts until July 30th.  

Let’s not forget about our Free Public Library!  Get ready for a brand new way to enjoy summer reading at your public library - with a virtual summer reading program! This year the Portsmouth Free Public Library is using an app called BeanStack to set summer reading goals and keep track of all of your reading. Miss Nicole tells you more about their virtual summer reading program!

Though the library is not open to the public yet, you can still borrow books! The Portsmouth Free Public Library offers curbside pickup for library books. You can find more information on that here. (Families have reported using this service already with ease!) Here is a video on how to look and see what books the Portsmouth Free Public Library has available. 

Looking for book recommendations? Those students entering grades 3-5 next year can find the Rhode Island Children Book Award nominees here. This is a great list of books! 

Here are some other lists with great book recommendations:

We Are Kid Lit Summer Reading 2020

The NYC Book List (organized by grade level!)

International Literacy Association’s Teacher’s Choice

Activities for students entering grade five can be found on the Portsmouth Middle School webpage.  

We are wishing you a safe and healthy summer! 

Portsmouth Elementary Principals and Teachers