PORTSMOUTH — Out of more than 300 schools in Rhode Island, only 20 this year were awarded the prestigious Five-Star Designation by the R.I. Department of Education (RIDE).

Melville Elementary School is one of them. It’s the first time any public school in Portsmouth has received the coveted rating.

“Every year (RIDE) looks at all our RICAS scores, our Survey Works — all the accountability data — and gives every school a ranking. Last year all four schools in Portsmouth were four stars, and this year (Melville) hit five,” Melville Principal Danielle Laurie said of the accomplishment, which she first learned of in December. “I was just so proud of our community for everything we’ve accomplished.”

She wasn’t shocked, however, noting that changes have been afoot at the school in recent years.

“I think there’s been a shift in the way our teachers are talking about data versus instruction,” Laurie said. “There’s been a higher focus on giving a teacher’s voice autonomy and ensuring that we’re not just focused on the outcomes but getting excited about teaching and learning.”

The achievement, she added, “is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and love of our incredible staff and community. It reflects the commitment of passionate educators, supportive families, and enthusiastic students who make us a school family. We take care of one another, and this recognition is a celebration of our collective efforts.”

She also gave a shoutout to the Melville Parent Teacher Group. “They’re really reached new levels in what they’re willing to do to support the school. It really has brought the whole culture and climate of the school to a level I haven’t experienced in the 20-something years I’ve been here,” said Laurie, who was appointed principal in 2020.

The school is also grateful to its students, teachers, families, the School Committee, Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy, and Deputy Superintendent Elizabeth Viveiros for their support, she said.

Viveiros knows the school well, as she was Melville’s principal before being promoted. At a School Committee meeting in February, Viveiros said the school will always remain special to her.

“This achievement is a true testament to the hard work of the students, the staff and the families. This recognition is so very well-deserved. You make Portsmouth proud,” she said.

Team efficacy

The most instrumental practice guiding Melville’s success, Laurie said, is its team efficacy — “the collective belief that we, as a school family, can and will positively impact every student. We are committed to giving our students incredible childhood experiences. We also have a commitment to working through challenges and strive to build perseverance and resilience in ourselves and our students.”

The school also offers plenty of enrichment programs for students. “We don’t have to do any ‘special days’ because every day we try to make great for the kids at Melville. I think all those pieces coming together — the culture, the hard work of the teachers — has been making a huge difference,” said Laurie.

Some of her students shared their own thoughts on what makes Melville Elementary School so special during a recognition ceremony in front of the School Committee in February. One of them was fourth-grader Hunter Underwood.

“My dad’s in the Navy, so we move a lot,” said Hunter. “We’ve been around the world. Before coming to Portsmouth, I’ve lived in Italy, California, and Maryland. Since I’ve been to many places, I’ve gone to many schools. With all the different schools I’ve been to, Melville has been the best. There are great teachers; they’re all very, very kind, and whenever you’re stuck, they can help.”

His principal shows how much she cares, Hunter said, and so do his classmates.

“When I was a new student, the kids made me feel welcome and played with me. The kids here are very kind.”