Schools in EP to Open with a Plan

In a letter to parents of East Providence public school students, Superintendent of Schools, Kathryn Crowley indicated that the district is hoping to start school as normal as possible.  “We are looking so much forward to a more normal school year with our students in their schools, learning together and growing together. Our teachers are ready and want to see their students face to face. Our classrooms are ready all having been sanitized, every room has an air purifier and a social distancing layout.

The schools will also have to adhere to a Governor Dan McKee mandate that “everyone in schools shall be required to wear masks - students, staff and visitors.”  By federal law, masks are required on school buses.

“We are highly recommending everyone in our schools who is eligible, be vaccinated. The fewer COVID cases within the District, the fewer disruptions to our school year. To facilitate as many vaccinations as possible, we are sponsoring three vaccination sessions. Everyone, including eligible students, staff and family members, is welcome,” said Crowley.

The school district has listed the following information for those who need to be vaccinated:

East Providence High School - Student Commons September 13, 2021 - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointmenUen/reg/6012059569     

Martin Middle School - Gym

September 15, 2021 - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointmenUen/reg/9515296001 

Riverside Middle School - Cafeteria September 17, 2021- 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointmenUen/reg/2659505109 

The school department has the capacity to vaccinate 108 people at each site and urges people to register soon.

The Return to Learn Plan: All students will be back in school in person to start the 2021-2022 school year

The School Department has carefully examined the ability to open schools safely.  Pre-K-5 will be able to maintain stable groups throughout the day to the extent possible. Schools will also ensure that stable groups remain 6 feet apart throughout the day.  Middle and High school will operate on a regular schedule while maintaining 3 feet of distance from each other as much as possible in classrooms.

Elementary Schools, Monday - Friday

All students in school in secure groups of 30 (including adults).

School hours: 8:40 am- 3:00 pm.

Middle Schools, Monday - Friday

All students in person

School hours: 7:45 am-2:15pm

EP High School, Monday - Friday

All students in person

School hours: 7:25 am-1:45 pm

Wednesday 7:25-12:30

There will be no distance learning option this year. Quarantined students will have access to work posted on Google Classroom. If an entire class is quarantined, learning will be synchronous.

Face Coverings:

• Masks are required for all students, staff and visitors in all school buildings.
• Masks should be cleaned on a regular basis.
• District Mask Policy: II EPSD-Mask-Policy-2021-PendingApproval.pdf

Vaccinations:

• It is strongly recommended that all staff and students 12 and older be vaccinated.
• Vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine in the case of exposure.
• Proof of student vaccination can be submitted to the school nurse.

Quarantining:

• Students and staff that are exposed to a positive covid case will be required to quarantine based on RIDOH guidance.
• Unvaccinated students/staff will quarantine for seven days if exposed to a positive Covid case.

Dining in all schools:

High School:  Dining in the cafeteria. It is recommended students sit with the same group of students to the extent possible.

Middle School:  Dining in the cafeteria. Students will be assigned a table.

Elementary Schools:  Students will eat in classrooms in order to maintain distance between pods.

Busing:

At this time buses will be allowed to operate at full capacity. Windows will need to remain open, masks are to be worn at all times (excluding students with health related issues), and hand sanitizer will be given. Buses will be wiped down after each run with full sanitizing at the end of each day.  Students will remain in stable pods. This will allow for seating charts and attendance to be enforced.

Appeals will not be approved at the beginning of the school year. However, we will monitor the bus capacity daily, and allow it if at all possible, as soon as possible. Parents/guardians will need to provide alternate modes of transportation to get their students to and from school, if they are not eligible for transportation.

The Superintendent cautioned that this plan is current but subject to change according to health-related issues which can be very fluid.  More specific information is available on school web sites or by calling school offices.