Family Science Night
This fall, SMILE students across the state are showcasing their projects and club progress at their district-hosted Family Science Nights. Here, SMILE clubs from all grade levels in the district gather with friends and family to enjoy a potluck-style dinner. Our SMILE students get the amazing opportunity to present their learning to members of their community, and attendees can explore and interact with some of the activities the students are working on in their clubs.
Newport
SMILE students, families, and faculty workers of Claiborne Pell Elementary, Thompson Middle, and Rogers High schools gathered in Pell Elementary School on December 10th for this year’s Family Science Night. Across the building, from hallways to classrooms, SMILE students could be found displaying the activities they’ve worked on this semester.
West Warwick
West Warwick schools Horgan Elementary, Deering Middle, and West Warwick High hosted this year’s Family Science Night in Deering Middle School’s cafeteria on December 10th. Attendees admired the displays of student work decorating the walls and tables throughout the room, while SMILE students eagerly showcased their impressive contributions to the event.
Woonsocket
On November 15th, students from Citizen’s Memorial ES, Kevin K. Coleman ES, Globe Park ES, Hamlet MS, Villa Nova MS, and Woonsocket HS gathered with community members in the high school cafeteria for this year’s Family Science Night. The large crowd did not disappoint, presenting an impressive array of projects and activities. The cafeteria buzzed with excitement as attendees explored the numerous displays of student work.
Igus Field Trip
On November 13th, 40 students and 4 teachers from Woonsocket Middle School’s SMILE clubs, Villa Nova and Hamlet, had the exciting opportunity to visit Igus Manufacturing in Rumford, RI. This educational field trip, facilitated by Igus employee Nina Guidaboni with help from Nate Guadagni, guided our students through a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative world of robotics and sustainable manufacturing.
Igus, a family-run company based in Germany with its North American headquarters in Rhode Island, specializes in creating high-performance, low-cost, plastic polymers used in robotics, including bearings, bushings, and cable carriers. During the visit, our SMILE middle schoolers toured the building and observed the incredible ways robotics are integrated into manufacturing processes in modern production.
The field trip left a lasting impression on the SMILE students and teachers who attended, earning high praise for its engaging and educational value. A big thank-you to Nina Guidaboni and Nate Guadagni for making this experience possible!
To learn more about Igus and their mission, visit their About page.
Holiday Gratitude
As we enter the holiday season, those who work in the SMILE office want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supports The SMILE Program’s mission and makes what we do possible! We are sustained by the kindness and dedication gifted by each one of you, and we are profoundly grateful for the support you lend in shaping the lives of our students.
To our passionate teachers and staff, our hardworking students and proud alumni, and our generous donors, sponsors, and funders, we extend a heartfelt thank you. The resources and contributions you provide fuel our program’s success and make a lasting difference. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with hope, happiness, and continued success!