January 1, 2022
Dear Students, Parents and Staff,
Happy New Year!
We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
As we return to school on Monday, January 3, 2022 there are a few items of importance that I would like to share with you:
Covid-19 Testing in the Schools – Voluntary – Re-register or Register
As you may be aware, our school district has chosen to participate in Operation Expanded Testing, a program supported and funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide COVID-19 testing to K-12 schools at no cost to the school. Participation in this program is entirely VOLUNTARY and helps schools stay safer against the risk of COVID-19.
We were previously testing but paused due to a vendor change from Affinity to Concentra.The transition process is almost complete. If you had previously registered to have your child tested in school you will need to re-register. You may also register now if you were not previously enrolled but now wish to participate. Please remember this is entirely voluntary and no students will be tested unless you opt in and the student is registered by a parent or guardian.
To opt into the program, please visit the following site:
https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent
School: BF Norton – ACCESS CODE: BFNORTON
School: Ashton – ACCESS CODE: ASHTONELEM
School: Community – ACCESS CODE: 352X09
School: Garvin – ACCESS CODE: GARVINELEM
School: Cumberland HIll – ACCESS CODE: CUMBHILLELEM
School: North Cumberland Middle – ACCESS CODE: NORTHCUMBERLANDMIDDLE
School: McCourt Middle – ACCESS CODE: MCCOURTMIDDLE
School: CUMBERLAND HIGH SCHOOL: CUMBHS
Quarantine –
You may have seen the updated CDC guidance on quarantine protocols. We received confirmation yesterday that the State of Rhode Island is not yet adopting these new protocols for schools. They may be considering adopting the new protocols in the coming weeks depending upon the review by the RI Department of Health.
Cumberland schools will continue to follow the recommendation option as follows:
People with one (1) major symptom or two (2) minor symptoms of COVID-19 need
to isolate, go home, and get tested.
Any ONE Major symptom: •Cough (new) •Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
Any TWO minor symptoms: Fever or Chills •Muscle or body aches •Headaches
- Sore throat •Fatigue •Congestion or runny nose (new)
Effective immediately, per RI Department of Health Guidance, asymptomatic siblings/household members (both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated) to remain in school pending test results for the symptomatic individuals.
Unvaccinated individuals determined to be close contacts will be placed in quarantine unless they fall within an approved classroom or bus exemption as approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Unvaccinated individuals placed in quarantine will be able to return to school on the 8th day after the close contact exposure if they receive a negative PCR or Antigen test on day 5 or later of quarantine.
Please note that vaccinated individuals will not have to quarantine unless they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Covid-19 Testing
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, testing is available. Please go to covid.ri.gov/testing.
Students and staff in Pre K-12 schools or child care can schedule a COVID-19 test
Vaccination Clinics
We encourage everyone to get vaccinated and, if eligible, boostered as the best way to prevent COVID-19.
Vaccination Clinics for children and adults – RI Vaccination Clinic Sign-Up
The Covid-19 vaccine is available for children ages 5 – 11.
You can learn more about the vaccine at covid.ri.gov/5to11vaccinefaqs.
**The next Cumberland vaccination clinic (ages 5-11) is scheduled on Thursday, January 6, 2022 (Ann & Hope Building)**
Here is some information about Upcoming Vaccination Clinics for Children Ages 5-11 by School District and Community Vaccination Clinics (open to the public).
As always, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff in the schools is very important.
I feel that it is in the best interest of our students for us to remain in school as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools