Cumberland High School to finish week with distance learning

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE)- Cumberland High School announced it was switching to distance learning for the rest of the week Wednesday night, the latest in a growing list of area schools making similar decisions.

The news came after another student at the high school tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent Robert Mitchell said in a notice to parents.

“Since we still have not received guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health on several other cases, we feel it is necessary to complete this week with distance learning out of an abundance of caution,” Mitchell said in the letter.

The superintendent expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts toward contact tracing by the RIDOH, echoing a statement made earlier by the Cranston Public School District after it announced district-wide remote learning for the remioander of the week.

“Superintendents from all over the state have expressed concern with both the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Education regarding the slow response to contact tracing,” Mitchell said.  “We need information in a timely manner to make the important decision to either have students attend school or remain home with distance learning.”

Earlier, two other high schools in the state, Coventry and West Warwick, said they will also complete the week with distance learning.

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