Dear Students, Staff, and Families:
The final trimester/quarter is upon us. As the school year winds down, it brings a unique mix of excitement, possibility, and reflection, alongside moments of stress and uncertainty. Deadlines approach, transitions draw near, and emotions can feel heightened all at once.
This is a time of growth, of looking back at how far you’ve come, and forward to what’s next. It’s okay to feel proud, overwhelmed, motivated, or unsure, sometimes all in the same day.
Embrace all of it. The highs, the challenges, and everything in between are part of the journey. Stay present, take things one step at a time, and remember that progress matters more than perfection.
You’re closer to the finish line than you think.
New for 2026/2027
Starting this August, we will be implementing an “Opt-In” model for school transportation. The 2026/2027 school year will be used for data collection and monitoring, as well as fine-tuning the process. Families will be asked to opt their child/children into busing if they are planning to utilize the service. The goal is to maximize the use of the fleet to capacity and for cost savings down the road, if possible. The walking distances in the E-2 Transportation Policy still apply.
End of Year Events 2026
We have compiled a list of End-of-Year Events for each school. Please keep an eye out for more information from building administrators.
2026/2027 School Calendar Update
As you may have heard, the State of Rhode Island has moved the 2026 Primary Election to Wednesday, September 9th, to honor the Monday Labor Day Holiday fully. An update has been made to the 2026/2027 School Calendar to reflect that change.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools