East Providence schools to follow early dismissal schedule Thursday

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The East Providence School District will be open Thursday after being remote due to ongoing issues with the Washington Bridge.

In an email sent to parents of students obtained by ABC 6 News, the district said that the schools will follow an early dismissal schedule “to ensure elementary students get home before the rush hour traffic increases.”

“After discussion with the East Providence Police and Mayor [Bob] DaSilva regarding this morning’s traffic situation, we have decided to reopen schools tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 14,” the email reads. “High school will dismiss at 12:45 pm, middle school at 1:45pm and elementary at 2:45 pm.”

The district is also encouraging students to walk or carpool “whenever possible in heavily congested areas.”

Schools will also open 15 minutes early Thursday and Friday.

“Our goal is to keep schools open but this is a continuously evolving situation that will be monitored closely,” the statement said. “Decisions will be made with the safety of students and staff as the priority.”