Schools begin new year with high hopes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence School Superintendent Thomas Brady welcomed students during the first day of classes Wednesday at several schools across the city.

On Wednesday morning, Brady served breakfast to students at Lima and Fortes Elementary Schools.

The Superintendent also visited students at Greene Middle School, Roger Williams Middle School, Providence Academy of International Studies, Cooley Health and Science Technology High School, Charlotte Woods Elementary & Sgt. Cornel Young, Jr. Elementary Schools, and the Lillian Feinstein Elementary School.

Bus drivers and monitors were also greeted by Brady at 6am at the First Student Bus Yard, prior to beginning their routes.

There are 45 public schools in the Providence School District.

As he has done over the last two years, Brady says he will visit each one within the first two weeks of classes.

Also Wednesday, 850 students returned to Central Falls High School.

Central Falls High School made national headlines last school year when every teacher was fired under Superintendent Frances Gallo's transformation plan.

A deal was later reached to bring back the teachers.

• Students Return to Big Changes at Central Falls H.S.

Since then, dramatic reforms have been instituted at the school.

Central Falls High School ranks among the poorest performing schools in Rhode Island.

However, administrators hope plans to institute a new advisory culture in the school with increased participation by teachers, students and parents will help raise test scores and graduation rates.