Bringing back February vacation up for debate at Cumberland schools

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) – Adding February vacation back on the school schedule next year is up for debate in the Cumberland School District.

The district hasn’t had a February break in years, but a majority of districts in the state still do. This year, Cumberland and Scituate school districts have the earliest release in the state, June 9.

Cumberland’s school committee sent a poll to parents asking them to choose between four options. Right now their school year starts at the end of August and finishes up in early June. Parents were asked whether they want a February break and whether they want schools to go back in September.

• Start date of August 26-27 WITHOUT February break, release date of June 10 (current Cumberland schools plan)
• Start date of August 26-27 WITH a February break, release date of June 16
• Start date of September 2 WITHOUT a February break, release date of June 17
• Start date of September 2 WITH a February break, release date of June 23

If they do start in September and add in a winter break, students would be in school through June 23rd.

“I do feel like the kids need the break but it’s also nice to get out during the summer,” said parent Kara Dessert.

Dessert said her son, at North Cumberland Middle School, would like a winter break to go skiing, but said she’s indifferent.

“The longer they’re in school, the antsy-er they are to get out and they’re not as focused either. But I get both sides of it,” added Dessert.

School committee chairperson Paul DiModica said he’s received a few hundred responses from parents so far, and most are split.

“With them having to be in school a bit longer come the summer, that stinks a little bit, but, another break for the kids in between is actually kinda good,” said parent Nicole Malo.

Malo said her son would like a winter break.

“Come the time of the summer he wouldn’t like it so much but he wouldn’t mind that right now to get vacation back.”

Other parents would like to stick with starting summer early.

“As a parent, I don’t enjoy it. It would kind of put a damper on our plans what we have for vacation and so forth,” said Joe Avelar.

DiModica said the committee will likely make a decision at their next meeting in two weeks. He hopes that time will allow parents and administrators to voice their opinions so that they can make a decision that pleases the majority.

© WLNE-TV 2020