Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why did Smithfield’s school superintendent step down mid-hazing investigation?
And check out Pokemart Expo on the Smithfield Patch calendar

Good morning Smithfield! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why did Smithfield’s school superintendent step down mid-hazing investigation?
- How well does Smithfield’s own Bryant University pay off long-term?
Also on today's calendar: Pokemart Expo and 2 more events.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 38 and low of 24 degrees.
- Sunday: Colder with snow and flurries, temps: high: 28, low: 12. ⛄️ Brr!
- Monday: Very cold; breezy in the a.m., with a high of 27 and low of 20 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Smithfield Public Schools superintendent resigns during hazing investigation (abc6.com) — Smithfield’s school superintendent, Dawn Bartz, has resigned while the district continues investigating an alleged anti-Semitic hazing incident involving football players and a Jewish student. In her resignation letter, she highlights gains in academics, facilities, and graduation rates, and notes projects like Boyle Athletic Field and new STEM and CTE programs that will continue shaping Smithfield’s schools.
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• Caitlin Clark makes USA Basketball senior team debut after injury-filled season (crossroadstoday.com) — One standout detail for local families: Bryant University in Smithfield ranks among the top 50 U.S. colleges for long-term return on investment, with strong job placement and solid starting salaries. The broader report compares dozens of colleges nationwide, but Bryant’s performance underscores the earning potential of a degree earned right here in town.
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📸 Around Smithfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Smithfield
★ Featured events ★
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Pokemart Expo
21 Traverse St , Providence
9:30 am - Central at Smithfield
Smithfield High School , 90 Pleasant View Ave , Smithfield
7:00 pm - Smithfield High School Music Students Perform in a Free Festive Winter Concert
Smithfield High School , 90 Pleasant View Ave , Smithfield
7:00 pm - Cultural Survival Bazaar
The WaterFire Arts Center , 475 Valley St , Providence
10:00 am - Robin Norton
Smithfield Elks Lodge #2359 , 326 Farnum Pike , Smithfield
7:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Tuesday December 16
Saturday December 20
📣 Smithfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Rhode Home Rescue
Rumford Pet , 445 Putnam Pike # 16 , Greenville
10:00 am - Marist Red Foxes at Bryant Bulldogs Basketball
Bryant University , 1150 Douglas Pike , Smithfield
4:00 pm - Salois Official: SALOIS AT STRINGS BAR AND GRILL
Strings Bar & Grill , 183 George Waterman Rd , Johnston
7:00 pm - Orienteering Workshop + Hike at Leo Bouchard
5 Waterview Dr , Smithfield
7:00 pm - Santa's Mobile Workshop: The Ultimate Elf Training Experience! DEC 14th
Smithfield YMCA , 15 Deerfield Dr , Greenville
9:00 am - Handel's Messiah with Providence Singers
Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) , 1 Ave of the Arts , Providence
3:00 pm - Wheelchair/Para Tennis Clinics at Rally Point
Rally Point Racquet Club , 15 Church St , Greenville
4:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Smithfield PatchAM possible:
- Constantin Floors corp — (401) 999-0199
Holiday Flooring Special! This Christmas season, Constantin
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Firefighters responded to a fire at a law office on Hartford Ave in Johnston.
5:19AM on Dec 12: A fire breaks out at a law office on Hartford Avenue in Johnston. (Nextdoor )
- TJX posted a job opening for Store Cleaning Associate in Smithfield. Apply here.
- Lowe's Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Full Time - Cashier - Day in Smithfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithfield here.
🗞 Nearby News
North Providence
- Snow could cause slippery driving conditions this weekend (wpri.com)
- Middle School wrestling: Westerly has three first-place finishers at Birchwood all-state tourney (thewesterlysun.com)
- Forget cooking. Celebrate Christmas Day or Eve at these RI restaurants (providencejournal.com)
Johnston
- Firefighters responded to fire at law office in Johnston (turnto10.com)
- Are Rhode Island grocery stores open on Christmas Eve? Most close early. See Dec. 24 hours (providencejournal.com)
Ok Smithfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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