July 16, 2025
Dear Students, Staff, and Families:
Summer is in full swing, and I hope that everyone is having a restful and enjoyable break.
Construction Update
Lots of activity is happening throughout the district on the construction front. This is our busiest summer yet, with work happening at all 8 school campuses. We are excited to announce the completion of the Garvin Memorial School playground. We have a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for Wednesday, July 23rd, at 4:00 PM for anyone who would like to join.
2025/2026 Calendar Update
RIDE has approved the 3-day inclement weather waiver for the 2025/2026 school year. This means that the first three weather closings do not need to be made up. The updated calendar can be found here.
2025/2026 Start and End Times
After some deliberation, the 2025/2026 start and end times have been finalized. The only adjustments to the times are happening at the Preschool to accommodate parking lot sharing with the High School. The preschool previously only had PM sessions on Friday; the PM-only day will now be on Wednesday. The start and end times for the 2025/2026 school year can be found here. The School Committee will continue to explore opportunities to return the start times to pre-construction, including the consideration of a RIDE Transportation Review to be discussed at the next meeting.
Back to School RI Backpack Event
Back to School RI has scheduled the Back to School Celebration for Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This event, typically held at BF Norton, but due to construction it will be held at Garvin Memorial School at 1364 Diamond Hill Road. Free Backpacks and school supplies are given on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Community agencies will also be there to offer information. Please join us for this always popular event.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools