December 22, 2021
Dear Students, Parents and Staff,
Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the entire Central Office Administration Team, I would like to wish everyone a joyous and heartwarming holiday.
This time of year is always special and these last couple of years have made us all want to enjoy time with our family and friends even more. Please take a moment to reflect on the many challenges we all have had to overcome as we celebrate the holiday season. The students, administrators, faculty and staff have worked very hard to maintain a safe and successful learning environment for everyone. We are looking forward to having our students back in school on Monday, January 3, 2022.
Please do your part to stay safe when socializing with others by wearing a mask, keeping your distance, having proper ventilation when gathering indoors and stay home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
It is important to know that in most cases, fully vaccinated students will not need to quarantine. Our student vaccination rates in the District are at 47% as of December 15, 2021. Listed below are links to scheduled upcoming vaccination clinics.
We are hopeful that the holiday recess will give everyone a chance to rest and relax. Our wish to you is that your holidays are filled with joy, laughter and lasting memories.
Covid-19 Testing
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, testing is available. Please go to covid.ri.gov/testing.
Vaccination Clinics
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).
Positive Covid-19 Cases
The Positive Covid-19 Cases in the Schools spreadsheet is provided for your review and will be updated on a weekly basis. It is also available on the District’s website under Quick Links.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Newly Installed Playground at the Cumberland High School Transitional Building – Swing Space
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2021 for the newly installed playground at the Cumberland High School Transitional Building. The playground is located just outside the building and will be utilized by the John J. McLaughlin Cumberland Hill Elementary School students during this school year. School principal Debra Malcolm cut the ribbon with kindergarten teachers, Megan O’Hare and Allison Mudge. The kindergarten students were very excited to participate and enjoyed the new playground after the ceremony. Students and staff have been at the building since the start of the school year while their school is being renovated. This is the first phase of the five-year construction plan for the elementary schools. For the 2022-2023 school year, Garvin Memorial School staff and students will be at the swing space while their school is being renovated. When all school construction phases have been completed, the Cumberland Preschool Center will be moved to this location.
“So Happy” App
Sodexo Food Service is announcing an App that provides menu and nutritional information.
Key features are:
- Updated daily to most current menu, considering product substitutions
- Nutrients displayed by item and/or meal offered
- Product allergens are listed
- Compatibility with Apple and Android
Click here for additional information – Sodexo “So Happy” App Flier
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools