Dear Students, Staff, and Families:
In just two weeks, we will be jumping into the start of the 2025/2026 school year. It is an exciting time as we welcome some brand-new faces starting their first school experience, and some veteran faces that are one step closer to graduation day. Make the most of the next couple of weeks.
Construction Update
Construction continues to be a main focus this summer, with projects happening in every building. Colliers, our project manager, is working hard to be sure that everything is on track to start the year. We are anticipating our Certificate of Occupancy for Community School by the end of the week. Once that is in hand, teachers will be allowed in the building.
2025/2026 School Opening
As the start of the year gets closer, families start to look for information. Here is a recap of what has been shared these last few weeks:
2025-2026 School Calendar: The 2025-2026 school calendar can be found here. New teacher orientation will be held on August 26th. Professional development, mandatory for Teachers and Optional for support staff, will be held on August 27th, and the mandatory Orientation day for all staff will be held on August 28th. ALICE training is available for new hires on August 29th. It is required for new teachers to attend on the 29th; support staff are encouraged to attend, but another training will be made available. All staff are required to complete ALICE school safety training. If you have any questions about PD, Orientation, or ALICE training, please contact your building administrator or hr@cumberlandschools.org.
Back-to-School Events: Back-to-school events have been scheduled throughout the district. Please watch your emails for updates from your students’ principal for details.
Back to School Celebration: Back to School RI has scheduled the Back to School Celebration for Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This event is 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 popular event.
Food Service: Everything food service can be found here, https://cumberlandschools.org/food-services/, lunch menus, Free/Reduced Lunch Applications, My School Bucks link, etc. Free or Reduced lunch applications need to be submitted each year to approve eligibility status. Please review the E-3 School Meal Payment Policy.
School Supply Lists: The school supply lists have been shared by most building principals. They can also be found on your school’s webpage, linked here https://cumberlandschools.org/schools/. Click on your student’s school to find the information.
Start and End Times: Tuesday, September 2nd, will be the first day of classes for all students in Grades 1-9. Preschool, Kindergarten, and grades 10-12 will start on Wednesday, September 3rd. The start and end times for the 2025/2026 school year can be found here. The first early release on Wednesday will be held on Wednesday, September 10th; September 3rd is a full day of school.
Transportation: Bus Routes have not yet been released, but as soon as they are available, they will be posted on our website, as well as information about Bus Zone, the bus tracking App, and Verra Mobility safety cameras. https://cumberlandschools.org/transportation/. Once routes are established, bus numbers will be noted in ASPEN for each student in their “Transportation” tab. Any questions regarding busing can be directed to transportation@cumberlandschools.org.
Handbooks: School Handbooks for 2025-2026 have been approved by the School Committee. Updated handbooks can be found on our website https://cumberlandschools.org/student-parent-handbooks/, as well as shared through building principals.
Policy Manual: The school committee has been working hard on some recent policy updates, including H-1 District Wellness Policy, E-2 Transportation, and
K-2 Use of School Facilities Policy. The most complete policy manual can be accessed through the website, CSD Policy Manual.
Vaccine Clinic: The annual vaccination clinics have been scheduled with the Wellness Company. Save the Date for your flu shot. This year, we are offering one of the clinics at J.L. McCourt Middle School and two at Cumberland High School. More information will be forthcoming, including registration information.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools