Dear Students, Staff and Families,
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and were able to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. Our central office administrators, building administrators, faculty and staff have been working very hard to prepare the schools for our students’ first days of school. Please take a few moments to read some important information regarding the start of school.
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First Days of School –
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Friday, August 27, 2021 – Faculty/Staff Orientation Day
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Monday, August 30, 2021 – First Day of School for Students in Elementary (1-5), Middle School (6-8) and Grade 9
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Tuesday, August 31, 2021 – Grades Pre-K – 12 Report to School – First Day for Students in Pre-K, K, Grades 10,11,12
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Wednesdays – Early Release Day – Early release days will begin on Wednesday, September 15th.
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12:55 pm – Cumberland High School
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1:30 pm – Joseph L. McCourt and North Cumberland Middle Schools
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1:50 pm – B.F. Norton School & Garvin Memorial School
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2:20 pm – Ashton School, Community School and JJM Cumberland Hill School
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As a reminder, Pursuant to the Executive Order of Governor McKee, all staff and students will be required to wear masks while attending school. Executive Order 21-87
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In an effort to keep you informed, the CSD Administrative Team has updated the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Hopefully, this information will provide you with answers to most of your questions.
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If you have specific questions about your school, please contact your child’s principal directly. Every school is different and the challenges are unique. School principals will be able to address any specific questions that you may have.
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Busing –
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2021-2022 Bus Routes are posted on the district’s website
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Students will have assigned seating
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Masks are required
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Windows opened weather permitting
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We have received an updated version of the Outbreak Response Protocols: Pre K-12, also referred to as the Playbook. The Playbook provides guidance on a number of issues related to the pandemic and how we should respond.
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A number of questions have come up related to out-of-state travel. In Cumberland, we will be following what the Playbook describes as the preferred method. Here is the guidance provided in the Playbook:
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Domestic Travel (within the United States)
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Fully vaccinated individuals or individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days, do not need to quarantine or test as long as they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
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Unvaccinated individuals need to get tested 3-5 days after travel and self quarantine for a full seven days after travel. If the individual tests negative they may return to school or work on the 8th day after travel. If the individual does not get tested, they must quarantine for 10 days after travel.Unvaccinated students and staff will be able to return to work/school on the 8th day after travel as long as they tested negative for COVID-19 on day 3-5 after travel AND are symptom free.
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International Travel
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Fully vaccinated individuals should get tested 3-5 days after travel and self monitor for symptoms upon their return.
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Unvaccinated individuals need to get tested 3-5 days after travel and self quarantine for a full seven days after travel. If the individual tests negative they may return to school or work on the 8th day after travel. If the individual does not get tested, they must quarantine for 10 days after travel. Unvaccinated students and staff will be able to return to work/school on the 8th day after travel as long as they tested negative for COVID-19 on day 3-5 after travel AND are symptom free.
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We are working with an outside vendor to provide an asymptomatic testing system for all students. Affinity Empowering is the company that will be providing regular testing in the schools. This will allow us to remain in person more frequently by identifying positive cases. Testing will be voluntary.
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We encourage all eligible students and staff to get vaccinated. Under current CDC guidance, Vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine when they are determined to be close contacts with positive COVID-19 cases unless they are showing symptoms. This will allow students and staff to come to school, in-person, on a more regular and consistent basis.
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The Cumberland Emergency Medical Services (CEMS) will be operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the 12 and older student population in Cumberland. This clinic will be like those operated for the same target population last spring. This clinic is for both public and private schools. DOH estimates that there are approximately 1,362 vaccine eligible students in Cumberland.
The next clinic will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 3:00-7:00pm at the Ann & Hope Building (former retail entrance on the railroad track side).
Students less than 16 years of age must have a parent present to consent.
Please click on this registration link to register.
Accommodations will be made for walk-up (unregistered) individuals, but it is preferred that those seeking a vaccination are registered ahead of time to facilitate clinic logistics and planning.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allowing school meal programs across the country to return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021 extended through June 30, 2022. The program continues to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the pandemic continues to threaten the food and nutrition security of our most vulnerable.
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Free/Reduced Lunch Program – Families are encouraged to complete and submit applications to your child’s school to verify eligibility. Forms will be distributed to families. Please contact your child’s school if a form is needed.
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RI PBIS Airing – Explore Our Town CUMBERLAND
Our Town: Cumberland premieres Wednesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. Read more.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over digital 36.1; Cox 08/1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08/508HD, Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18/518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Stream the full schedule in real time over the Internet at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.
We look forward to welcoming our students back to school for the 2021-2022 school year.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Thornton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools