Dear Students, Staff, and Families:
As we celebrate National Principals Month this October, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor the incredible work our principals do every day. Their leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to student success create a foundation for excellence. Though much of their work happens behind the scenes, the results are seen in every achievement, every act of kindness, and every moment of growth in our schools. Thank you.
Cumberland Preschool Center Ribbon Cutting
Thank you to all who attended the celebration of the new Cumberland Preschool Center. We are proud of all the work that has gone into making this space fun and inviting for our youngest learners. Ms. Rachel and her team have made the Transitional building their home, and I am excited to have them as neighbors.
Help Shape School Meals at Cumberland!
At Cumberland Public Schools, we’re always working to improve the meals we serve to students. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Chartwells K12 on the School Meals Report Card. This nationwide survey gives students, parents, families, and staff the chance to share feedback on school meals.The survey only takes a few minutes and is completely anonymous, with no identifying information collected. It will be open from October 13 to November 7. Take the survey now, and let’s work together to make school meals even better! SCHOOL MEALS REPORT CARD
District Health & Wellness Committee
Thank you to everyone who reached out to Heather Chea with an interest in serving on the District Health & Wellness Committee. We have selected the candidates, and they will be notified by October 17th and appointed at the October 30th meeting.
RICAS Results
The 2024‑25 RICAS results, as published on RIDE’s Assessment Data Portal, confirm that Cumberland continues to distinguish itself among Rhode Island districts. Cumberland’s momentum in both ELA and Math emphasizes our district’s resilience, purposeful instruction, and steady growth. Compared to peer districts across the state, Cumberland’s performance places us as one of the leaders in both disciplines. That standing demonstrates not only academic strength, but also a capacity for continual improvement.
These results are a valid reassurance to our community that our efforts are paying off, and they sharpen our focus: we will build on our successes, direct resources toward areas of unfinished work, and aim not just to compete, but to lead. Cumberland’s achievement is a credit to the collective hard work of students, teachers, and administrators.
The district is preparing to present RICAS data to the School Committee later this fall. Commissioner Infante-Green shared this message for families and educators.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools