Volunteer greeters from RENEWport joined staff and teachers at Claiborne Pell Elementary School on Wednesday to welcome kindergarten through fourth-grade students back for the first day of the 2025-26 school year.
The new RENEWport Volunteer Greeter Program is designed to encourage school attendance and build stronger ties between Newport Public Schools and the broader community.
Excited children ran through a welcoming balloon arch as teachers, staff and volunteers offered greetings, high-fives and directions to classrooms or the cafeteria for breakfast.
“This makes me so happy,” said Kathy Kronholm, one of the RENEWport volunteers. “I owned a nursery school in Connecticut for 20 years, and I miss the children. This morning, I told my husband that I couldn’t wait to get here.”
The volunteer greeter program will operate throughout the entire school year. Two Civic Ambassadors — students at Salve Regina University — will assist with planning and scheduling special guests for the program.
“This program is a beautiful reminder of how our community can come together to support and celebrate our kids,” said Ellen Pinnock, co-president of RENEWport. “Seeing the smiles, excitement, and encouragement from families, educators, and community leaders shows the strength and love that can make Newport such a special place for our children to grow and thrive.”
RENEWport will hold upcoming meetings on Thursday, Sept. 18, Thursday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St. All are welcome and parking is available.
For more information, contact Sue Sipprelle at susansipprelle@renewport.org.