Dear Students, Staff, and Families,
I hope everyone is doing well during this challenging time. Provided below are a number of bulleted items to update you on our progress toward the reopening of school.
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Students in Kindergarten and grades 6 and 9, who have signed up for the hybrid model, will be starting school on Thursday, October 8th and Friday, October 9th. All other students who signed up for the hybrid model will begin school on Tuesday, October 13th. The Principals in all eight of our schools will be providing specific information on the days students will attend school.
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We are working on resolving all of the mechanical issues associated with the ventilation systems in each of our buildings. We will be ready to begin welcoming students back to school next week under the new air quality guidelines. Our success depends on all of us working together to remain healthy by wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand washing. As we have heard many times, you should not come to school or work if you do not feel well and are demonstrating symptoms of illness.
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The State of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have established a Covid-19 testing program that is only for Pre K -12 students and staff. The RIDOH website states: To schedule a test, call the Pre K-12 COVID-19 test scheduling service at 844-857-1814, seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. This service line is only for Pre K-12 staff and students who have symptoms or who have been identified as a close contact of a positive case. Services are available in multiple languages. Here is the link for more information: COVID-19 Testing for Pre K-12 Students and Staff
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As a reminder, all students are required to wear a mask. The following information is provided by the Rhode Island Department of Education: Masks are required in the K-12 setting, even when students are in stable groups and socially distanced (greater than 6 feet apart). The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) understands and supports the exceptions to wearing masks for health considerations, as outlined in the CDC guidance. If a mask cannot be tolerated during vigorous exercise, additional physical distance is recommended (greater than 14 feet). Consult your local school plan for more information.
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Every student and adult associated with Cumberland schools must complete a daily attestation form. The attestation form has a list of symptoms associated with Covid-19. Students and staff are required to answer yes if they have a symptom or symptoms or no if they are not experiencing symptoms. It only takes a minute or two to complete. This is important information that must be collected for the School Department and the RIDOH.
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Flu Vaccination Clinics have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 13; Monday, October 26 and Wednesday, November 18 at the Cumberland High School Cafeteria from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Please see RI Department of Health-Flu (Influenza). You will need to register online to schedule an appointment: schoolflu.com. No walk-ins will be allowed. Additional information is provided in the Reopening of Schools Information 2020-2021 Folder – Flu Vaccination Clinics.
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We are working closely with the Mayor’s office and the Cumberland Police Department. They are being very helpful with the preparation for a safe return to school. We appreciate their time and ongoing support.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we work our way through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Mitchell
Superintendent of Schools