School rankings, catch a suspect & tank update: Seven things to know in North Smithfield this week

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The North Smithfield Heritage Association held the annual Open House at the Forestdale School over the weekend. Pictured are members of the North Smithfield High School Class of 1971.

School rankings

US News and World Report has published their K-8 school rankings for 2025 and North Smithfield Elementary School was rated #32 out of 268 schools. North Smithfield Middle School ranked #6 out of 135 schools.

“We are so excited about this and it is a true testament to everyone who works here,” said NSMS Principal Christine Lopes. “It is surely a team effort and it is nice to see when hard work pays off. Thank you to every adult in this building for ensuring our students get what they need academically, behaviorally, and socially. It isn’t always easy and it is moments like this that show us that what we are doing truly does make a difference.”

Fundraiser

Friends of the late James Haczynski have started a fundraiser in hopes to help honor his memory. Haczinski died in a tragic and unexpected accident on Saturday, Nov. 9, at age 52, leaving behind his wife and three children. Funeral expenses for the lifelong North Smithfield resident are expected to exceed $20,000 and a GoFundMe campaign has a goal of raising $25,000.

Donations can be made here.

Help catch a suspect

The Island at 1600 Victory Highway had items stolen from the business overnight on Friday, Nov. 15 and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. Anyone who recognizes the man in the above images taken from security footage is asked to contact the business via messenger or call the North Smithfield Police Department at (401) 762-1212.

Book club

North Smithfield Public Library at 20 Main St. will host its monthly book clubs this week, with the evening edition on Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and a morning gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 20  at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a cup of tea and discuss a mystery, with this month’s book, “Home is Where the Bodies Are” by Jeneva Rose. Register by visiting https://northsmithfield.librarycalendar.com/events or calling (401) 767-2780.

Trash update

The week beginning on Monday, Nov. 18 is not a recycling weeks but trash will be picked up on the regular schedule. Saturday, November 23 will be a yard waste collection day.

Questions can be directed to (401)767-2200 ext. 348 or [email protected].

Tank update

The North Smithfield Water Department recently posted an update on the ongoing improvements to town water tanks. On Country Way, following removal of the old tank grass has been planted and is coming in and residents are asked not to walk through the area.

On Comstock Road, Tank 2 has been drained, cleaned, and painted and the protective tent has been removed.

Town meetings

The North Smithfield Historic District Commission will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Town Building at 1 Main St. The agenda is here.

The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here. The board will also convene as the Municipal Buildings Review Task Force for an agenda found here.

The North Smithfield School Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of North Smithfield Middle School at 1850 Providence Pike. The agenda is here.

The North Smithfield Sewer Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.

The North Smithfield Economic Development Commission will hold a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 21 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Now let’s mention the NS High School ranking. The High School is ranked 15th in the state which is down from 9th in the state in 2016 which is right around the time someone took over the school. The high school is the cornerstone of the public school system.

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