May 27, 2022
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
As we continue to have our minds on the senseless tragedy that occurred at the elementary school in Texas, please know that our school community here in Cumberland continues its commitment in providing a safe educational environment for everyone. We can all support one another by being observant of anything that appears to be out of the ordinary. Please don’t hesitate to contact a staff member or administrator if you have any concerns. We ask everyone to follow the expectation that “if you see something, say something”.
2022 District Teacher of the Year
I am pleased to announce that Cumberland’s 2022 District Teacher of the Year has been named. Jennifer Marvel, an elementary teacher at Ashton School is this year’s recipient.
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There was a surprise announcement made on Thursday, May 26th at the conclusion of a planned assembly at the school. Principal, Nidia Karbonik and I were amongst the many colleagues, students, family and friends of Ms. Marvel sharing this very special moment with her.
Recognition was also given at the Cumberland School Committee meeting on Thursday evening.
Congratulations to Jennifer!
Positive Covid-19 Cases
There has been an increase in positive Covid-19 cases at some of the schools. We ask for your continued support in keeping your child home should he/she develop symptoms of illness and have him/her tested. You can visit Portal RI to find a testing site and make an appointment. You can also call 844-857-1814 to schedule an appointment.
Please find linked here in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, a letter from RIDOH to Pre K-12 Families reminding them of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) isolation protocol for those who test positive for COVID-19.
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- Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated, must stay home and isolate for at least 5 days.
- They may return to school on day 6, if they don’t have symptoms or their symptoms are improving, and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication), and
- On days 6-10 of their isolation period, they must wear a well-fitting mask on the bus, in school, and at all school-associated events. They should also wear a mask outside of school when they are around others, especially when indoors.
- If students and staff are unable to wear a mask at school, they must isolate at home for the full 10 days following the positive test. They can then return to school if their symptoms have improved and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
- The CDC recommends an isolation period of at least 10, and up to 20 days, for people who were severely ill with COVID-19 and for people with weakened immune systems.
- Everyone must follow these isolation protocols, even if they receive a negative test result (i.e., antigen or PCR) during their 10-day isolation period.
As of now, we will continue with masking wearing as an option. It is recommended that any individual that is immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask.
If information and guidance from State Agencies show a significant increase, we will review and consider what, if any, action is necessary.
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.
“So Happy” App
As a reminder, the Sodexo Food Service has an App that provides menu and nutritional information.
Key features are:
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- 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
It’s hard to believe that Memorial Day weekend is upon us and many of our schools are busy planning for end of school year events.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable and restful long weekend.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools