🌱 Threats Affect Woonsocket School Attendance + 2022 MLK Events

Morning, Woonsocket, and happy National Apricot Day! Let's get you started this Sunday with everything you need to know going on today in town.

Woonsocket's principals discussed online threats and school attendance. Also, the schedule for this year’s MLK events is out. Finally, there are snow photos being posted!

First, today's weather:

Breezy; a little p.m. rain. High: 41 Low: 25.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. The Woonsocket HS Principal noticed a 20% attendance drop on the two days before Christmas, while the Middle School at Villa Nova Principal said that 150 or so students were absent on the Monday before Christmas. We learned Thursday that there was a December 13 Snapchat threat and the recent threat of weapons at WACTC and the middle school. According to a parent and educator, “staff members sometimes felt helpless during lockdowns.” Because the district cannot expel a student for making online threats, some parents have been thinking of banning backpacks or having children pass through metal detectors. (Valley Breeze)
2. The Woonsocket MLK Community Committee announced Thursday that this year’s theme is “Amplifying Voices for Racial Solidarity and Equity.” At Friday’s scholarship banquet, Lanre Ajakaiye is the speaker. For Sunday’s church service at St James Baptist Church, parishioners will hear The Rev. Natasha Gordon of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Monday’s event’s location is the MLK Sculpture Site. (On Worldwide)
3. Residents are posting snow photos. The vistas are amazing. Have you posted a photo of your deck or yard on Twitter? (@NBC10)
4. The Woonsocket Harris Public Library announced Thursday that Two for Tuesdays will move to Zoom. You can pick up craft kits from the library. Wednesday preschool story time will remain in person. The same goes for Friday’s family music session. (Valley Breeze)

Today in Woonsocket:

• Intermediate Level Integrated Energy Therapy at Creatigo (9:30 AM to 6 PM)
• NENA Tier-1 Competition at Laid-back Fitness (11 AM)
• End of Season Show at Alchemy (12 PM)
• AMOK! Seminar at 1 South Main Street (1:30 PM)
• Gardenhouse Collective LIVE Experience happening at 50 Rounds Ave (4 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park reminds you that next summer may seem far away, but now is the time to apply for the Science Communication Assistant position. This paid internship involves a range of duties. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.