East Providence School Department
145 TAUNTON AVENUE
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02914-4505
Superintendent of Schools Kathryn M. Crowley
Dr. Celeste Bowler, Asst. Supt.
Dr. Sandra Forand, Asst. Supt.
October 18, 2020
To our East Providence Educators,
We may be jumping the gun on Thanksgiving but we did want you to know how much we are thankful to be working with you, our wonderful, dedicated East Providence educators.
This has, so far, been a year like no other. We are constantly challenged by the often conflicting demands of educating our students and keeping them, their families and you safe and healthy. You have likely seen around your school efforts to socially space students, provide barriers, sanitize surfaces and move air. We will soon have air purifiers for every room.
Depending on the school you work in, you may have experienced potential or positive COVID-19 cases. Considering the size of our population, this has not been happening in large numbers. However, the impact of a child with symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test is huge. As soon as the Dept. of Health (DOH) confirms a positive test, the contact tracing begins. We work with the DOH providing class rosters and seating plans, bus rider lists, and the staff who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive student. The DOH then determines who needs to be quarantined. As mentioned, the impact of one case can have a snowball effect. In one instance, we had seven teachers quarantined.
COVID-19 is one side of the balance scale.
We also know we cannot let COVID-19 interfere with our efforts to educate the students of East Providence. From what I hear, you, the East Providence educators, are at the top of the list in Rhode Island. Between you and our East Providence parents and guardians, our students have accomplished far more than most.
We don’t know what is yet to come. We know, one day, this will all be in the past. In the meantime, I cannot thank you enough for your resilience, dedication and determination. Townie Pride is such an integral part of this school district. I have seen nothing like it in any of the other district’s in which I’ve worked. Townie Pride means our students get the best education we can provide them – regardless of the challenges.
For that I am so grateful to you all. Please be safe and healthy (don’t forget the three-mile challenge that will keep you both physically and mentally fit).
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kathryn M. Crowley
Superintendent of Schools
The East Providence School Department, in partnership with families and the community, is committed to provide a comprehensive, inclusive program of academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment preparing all students to become responsible, life-long learners able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Telephone 401-383-2224 x 30002 • Fax 401-435-7854 • E-mail: kcrowley@epschoolsri.com • TTY 800-745-5555 • Voice 800-745-6575
The East Providence School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, color or handicap in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.