Dear Students, Staff, and Families,
I hope everyone is doing well. I’m sure you have heard that there is an increase in the number of positive test results in Rhode Island. We are watching this data very closely and will look to the Rhode Island Department of Health for their continued guidance in dealing with the virus. As always, provided below are a number of bulleted items to update you on the reopening of Cumberland’s schools.
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According to all of the Principals in each of our schools, the start of in-person learning for students that began on Tuesday and Wednesday with the hybrid model has gone very smoothly. I have had an opportunity to talk to some students and they are excited to be back. We are hopeful that everyone will be back at some point in the near future.
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We are experiencing some issues with congestion at the beginning and end of the school day at some schools. A good example is Community School. The location of that school presents some unique challenges. We are working with the police and Mayor’s office to brainstorm some solutions.
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It is important for families to know that the decision they made for their children to continue with distance learning or the hybrid model must be adhered to. At the School Committee meeting on October 8th, the Committee decided that the decision families made can not be changed due to the impact the changes have on staffing. In many cases, either hybrid classrooms or Distance Learning classrooms are already beyond capacity.
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The Education Operations Center has provided a Back-To-School Bulletin for Families. The bulletin provides important information for families. The link is attached for your review. Back-to-School Bulletin for Families
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I mentioned last week that the federal government was going to provide free lunches for all students through December. We have learned that the federal government will provide free lunches for all families for the remainder of the year.
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Please remember to complete the daily attestation form and always wear a mask.
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Please remember to take advantage of the flu clinics scheduled in October and November. As we have heard, a flu shot is particularly important this year under the circumstances. You can schedule a time using this link – schoolflu.com
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We are in the process of testing all of the ventilation units that had repairs done on them to see if the number of air exchanges per hour has improved. That work will be done soon. The spaces that do not meet the 4-6 air exchanges per hour will be getting an air purification unit.
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As I mentioned last week, the safety project at the high school is underway. We are expecting that the project will be completed by the first of the year, weather permitting.
As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate our way through this challenging time. Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Mitchell
Superintendent of Schools
Meal Benefit and Eligibility Information for Parents