Providence Schools Will Not Have Staggered Return After April Break

PROVIDENCE, RI — All students and staff in Providence Public Schools will return from April vacation on Monday, April 25, school officials said.

There will be no staggered return from break, as there was with previous vacations amid the coronavirus pandemic. April break runs from April 18 to 22.

"Providence Public Schools continue to move in the right direction in ensuring students can learn and thrive in schools safely," said state Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "By providing access to testing and vaccinations for our families through April break, we’re taking proactive action to keep students safe and, in the classroom, where we know they learn best."

School officials said the normal return from April vacation reflects a decrease in COVID-19 cases across the district, and will ensure minimal disruption to preparations for the RICAS test.

Over the past several weeks, Providence Public Schools has averaged fewer than 10 positive cases per day across a district of over 20,000 students. All students with consent forms will be tested upon returning to school on Monday, April 25.

The District will once again provide all students and staff with two free at-home COVID-19 tests prior to vacation. At-home tests will be distributed to students and parents on April 13 and 14.

Students who test positive must isolate for five days, and parents and guardians should report that information to their child’s school.

"Protecting the safety of our students, their families, and our staff is always priority number one," Superintendent Javier Montañez said in a statement. "Our multi-layered approach to mitigating COVID-19 has kept students in the classroom where they learn best, and we look forward to a safe return from April break and a strong finish to the school year."

Throughout April vacation, the district will host three vaccination clinics featuring toy giveaways and community activities.

The Rhode Island Department of Health is also providing 75 free tickets to the Providence Bruins game on Friday, April 29th to be given away during these three clinics. Tickets will be given on a first come, first served basis to those who receive a vaccine, and will be limited to 5 tickets per family.

Families can visit providenceschools.org/vaxboost to register for vaccination clinics. All clinics will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at the following locations:

• Esek Hopkins Middle School 480 Charles Street
• Gilbert Stuart Middle School 188 Princeton Ave.
• Roger Williams Middle School 278 Thurbers Ave.