Instructional Rounds Hosted by PRN Alumni
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, PRN alumni Danira Vasquez (’17) and Katie Cardamone (‘24) welcomed the current PRN cohort to Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School (NMPCS) in Providence, RI, for an Instructional Rounds visit. Superintendent Vasquez and Director Cardamone proudly lead NMPCS, a dual language school serving students from Kindergarten to 8th grade.
In addition, the ‘26-’27 PRN cohort visited Davis REACH Academy, a part of Segue Institute for Learning, in Central Falls, RI led by PRN alumni Melissa Lourenco (‘14), Chloe Allen (‘26), Michelle Laboissonniere (‘26), and Kevin Montoya (’21).
During the visits, the school leaders discussed their progress with the implementation of MTSS- specifically the work to strengthen their Tier 1 program. They also introduced a problem of practice and a focus question to guide aspiring principals as they observed classrooms, gathered evidence, and engaged in collaborative reflection during the feedback protocol.
The experience proved highly impactful for the aspiring principals. One AP reflected, “Reflecting upon supportive and relevant ‘next steps’ based on our observations placed me in my ‘challenged’ zone. Challenged, because it was not just a text book reading, or a discussion on Canvas, our feedback was being taken seriously by the school leaders of two different schools, as they are looking to strengthen and improve instruction for their school communities.”
The PRN extends sincere gratitude to our PRN Alumni for opening their schools and practice to the cohort. This experience not only broadened participants’ perspectives but also provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from transformational leaders and PRN alumni.
Interested in hosting Instructional Rounds for a PRN cohort? Contact Yovanny Vargas (yovannyvargas@clee.org).
“I love seeing how different learning communities are all working so differently to achieve similar goals! I would love for other members of my school community to have this opportunity! WOW!” – PRN Aspiring Principal
Alumni Notes
PRN Alum Seeking Educators to Participate in a Research Study
Nell Sears (‘10) a PhD candidate at Antioch University is seeking educators to participate in a research study: Listening in Schools.
Are you…
- A teacher, paraprofessional, or administrator who has worked in a school that you believe values listening?
- Willing to support a research study on listening in K-12 schools by sharing your experience?
For more information complete an interest form or email Nell Sears at nsears@antioch.edu.
In Memory of Judith “Judy” D’Antuono
CLEE remembers Judith “Judy” Elaine D’Antuono, a proud
graduate of the 2010 Principal Residency Network cohort, who passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 59.
Judy devoted her 34-year career in the Providence Public Schools to educating, guiding and advocating for young people. As an assistant principal and leader, she also gave generously to the next generation of school leaders, mentoring multiple aspiring principals and sharing her experience, wisdom and commitment to students.
Above all, Judy believed deeply in young people and worked to ensure they had someone firmly in their corner. Her legacy lives on in the students she championed, the schools she strengthened and the leaders she helped prepare.
We extend our deepest condolences to Judy’s family, friends, colleagues and the many members of the PRN community who knew and learned from her.
Naming of Alumni to Leadership Roles
- Christopher Leblanc ‘25, Principal at Garvin Elementary, Cumberland School District
- Ashley Ferranti ’19, Principal of Central High School, Providence Public School District
- Jared Calise ’21, Principal, Warwick Neck Elementary School, Warwick School District
Please share your alumni news by emailing Evelyn Cosme Jones.
Advance Your School’s Goals With PLANS
You are already leading work to improve student outcomes. How could you make that work more collaborative, effective and sustainable?
PLANS (Plan, Lead, Act, Network, Sustain) helps school and district leaders turn existing priorities into measurable progress. Through individualized coaching, collaborative learning sessions, practical resources and ongoing support, you can strengthen instructional leadership, engage stakeholders in shared improvement efforts and build the capacity of others to lead.
As a PRN alum, you bring a foundation in collaborative leadership. PLANS helps you put those practices to work in your current role, supporting the goals you are already pursuing while making the work more effective for students, educators and your school community.
Ready to build on the work you are already doing? Connect with CLEE to explore how PLANS can support your school or district.
Upcoming PRN Alumni Events and Opportunities
Donate to the PRN Scholarship Fund!
Donate to the scholarship fund for the Principal Residency Network (PRN), CLEE’s residency-based building administrator certification program. This hands-on program prepares aspiring school leaders to improve student outcomes and create strong learning environments.
This 1–2 year program has a tuition of $15,000 to $17,250. Your gift creates scholarships that reduce financial barriers for Massachusetts and Rhode Island educators that allows them to learn while they serve in schools.
Give to the PRN Scholarship Fund
Participate in Mid Year Exhibitions
January 5, 2027 – January 20, 2027
2:00pm-6:00pm
Join one or more of the current PRN cohort’s mid year exhibitions and provide feedback to future school leaders!
Interested? Contact Evelyn Cosme Jones (evelyncosmejones@clee.org) for more information!
Support Prospective PRN Candidates
Share your PRN experience with a prospective candidate!
Enrolling in PRN is a life changing decision and candidates often have questions that can be best answered by graduates. Looking to strengthen the leadership pipeline? Contact Evelyn Cosme Jones (evelyncosmejones@clee.org) for more information!
Free Documentary Screening for Rhode Island Educators
RIDE, the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, and the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association (RISSA) are co-sponsoring a free, one-time screening of the documentary “Counted Out” for RI educators. Following the screening, there will be a short discussion, moderated by:
Aréema Sweeney-Ashby, Ed. D. (’20), RIDE; and Linda McQuaide, M. Ed., RISSA.
“Counted Out” is an equity-focused documentary that dives into the power and influence of math in today’s society and how numeric illiteracy is a crisis worthy of the nation’s attention. The flyer for this event is linked here, and the link to register is here. We look forward to seeing you on November 4, 2026, from 4:00-6:00PM at Cranston West HS!
We want to celebrate you and your successes in upcoming newsletters. Please email, evelyncosmejones@clee.org, with your ideas and stories.
Joe Pirraglia, josephpirraglia@clee.org, 401.314.0033
Evelyn Cosme Jones, evelyncosmejones@clee.org, 401.308.3431