In a time when educators talk about "too much screen time," Fernando loves to read. The first grader in Tara Mellow's class at Aquidneck School also helps other English Language Learners in a kind and gentle way as Middletown's "Student of the Week."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com

STUDENT OF THE WEEK:
AQUIDNECK SCHOOL FIRST GRADER FERNANDO CARDONA CANO
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MARCH 25, 2022) – In each of the schools across Middletown, there are students doing excellent, noteworthy things. As part of a new feature from the Town, a different student will be spotlighted for their efforts to make Middletown a more special place to live, work and play.
Name: Fernando Cardona Cano
Age: Six
School: Aquidneck School
Grade: First
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Leidi Cano & Estuardo Cardona
Accomplishment(s): Fernando works hard every day and absolutely loves to read whenever there’s a free moment.
Quotable: “My favorite books are about shirts and I like to write folktales."
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Song: “Stay”
Best TV Show: “Star Wars”
Person/People I Look Up To: My brother Wanderly Cardona Cano
Go To Meal: Chicken soup with rice
What I’d Like To Do When I’m Older: Become a teacher
Favorite Middletown Hangout: The park
Comment From Teacher/Staff Member:
- “Fernando loves to read and reads any free minute he has. He’s funny and kind and loves to use big vocabulary words he is learning. We are so lucky to have Fernando in our class,” first grade teacher Tara Mellow said.
- “Fernando is like the mayor of Ms. Mellow's first grade class. He is always translating for other Spanish speaking kids and making sure they are okay. He loves to be their advocate," said Megan Mainzer, Middletown school Family Service Coordinator.
Who I’d Like To Thank: “My brother taught me how to read and write and we do science together. He teaches me a lot!”
Story Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/4160/SOW-Fernando-Cardona-Cano