September 24, 2021
Dear Student, Parents and Staff,
We have some exciting news!
-
2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award – ASHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We are pleased to announce Ashton Elementary School has been named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School! Congratulations to the Ashton School Community!! Please click here to read more about this exciting and well deserved accomplishment.
I am also providing some important information:
-
Out-of-State Travel & Quarantine ~
Cumberland will follow the guidance as outlined below for quarantines associated with travel.
All unvaccinated students and staff who travel to a location outside of the New England Region shall be required to comply with the CDC quarantine requirements1. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination prior to travel outside of the region shall be required to comply with all quarantined requirements for unvaccinated individuals.
Please keep in mind that some activities, even when they take place in Rhode Island, carry a higher risk with them than others. For example, attending a concert, wedding or funeral carries with it more risk than hiking. We are asking families and staff to use their best judgment when returning to school after participating in high risk activities that may put others at risk.
Individuals will be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 once two (2) or more weeks have passed after receipt of the second dose in an FDA approved 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or two (2) or more weeks have passed after receipt of an FDA approved single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen).
Please be advised that this new guidance is being issued based on the information available to us at the time of writing this communication. The School Department may adopt stricter travel protocols if future circumstances warrant increased/decreased restrictions based upon current scientific data.
1Current Travel Quarantine Guidance from CDC for unvaccinated individuals:
People should get tested with a viral (PCR) test three to five days after travel AND stay home and self quarantine for a full seven days after travel.
-
Even if you get a negative test result, stay home and self quarantine for the full seven days.
-
If your test result is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
-
If you don’t get tested, stay home and self quarantine for 10 days after travel.
-
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.
-
Flu Vaccination Clinics have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 12; Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, November 17 at the Cumberland High School Cafeteria from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Please see RI Department of Health-Flu (Influenza). You will need to register online to schedule an appointment: schoolflu.com. Limited walk-in availability will be accepted as resources allow. Additional information is provided in the Flu Vaccination Clinics Folder.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time as we strive for normalcy in our schools while keeping our students and staff safe.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools