Dear Students, Staff, and Families:
As we wrap up Trimester 2 and are quickly approaching the end of Quarter 3, I want to send a reminder that Attendance Matters. Regular school attendance is foundational to academic success, the development of essential skills, and the fostering of student confidence from kindergarten through high school. Being present consistently keeps students engaged, supports stronger performance, and helps them stay on track for success. Let’s keep showing up, staying committed, and finishing strong together!
RIDE Survey Works
Reminder, the Rhode Island Department of Education Survey Works 2026 is in full swing. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to share your anonymous input through SurveyWorks, Rhode Island’s statewide school climate and engagement survey, please make some time to do that. Participation in this survey is important, as the results help inform statewide initiatives and reforms while also providing local leaders with valuable insight into school climate and culture. You should have seen emails from your student’s school principal with links to complete the survey. You only have a couple of weeks; the 2026 Survey Works will be open until April 17th. Your participation is anonymous, voluntary, and greatly appreciated.
Bus Monitors Wanted
The Cumberland School Department is looking for School Bus Monitors. If you are interested, please use the following link to apply on School Spring – https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5599438
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tracy Walton – tracy.walton@cumberlandschools.org or 401-658-1600 x274.
Miss Cumberland Pageant
The Cumberland Arnold Mills Parade Committee is hosting the Miss Cumberland Pageant here at the high school auditorium on May 16th. They are holding an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Community Room at the Cumberland Safety Complex. For more information and to enter the Miss Cumberland Pageant, click here. If you have questions, please reach out to the pageant organizer, Sandra, at misscumberlandpageant2026@gmail.com. Pageant winners will be invited to ride a horse-drawn carriage for this year’s 100th anniversary parade.
Last Day of School?
We understand that you are eagerly awaiting updates regarding the last day of school for 25/26. We are in direct contact with RIDE as part of this process. We anticipate a formal reply regarding the State of Emergency days and the district’s request for additional waived snow days. The Commissioner has a meeting scheduled for March 31st. I appreciate your patience and look forward to being able to make that announcement in early April.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools