February 18, 2022
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families,
This 24th edition of the Back to School report includes our weekly report on COVID cases, at-home test kit distribution, mask reminders, and town data.
A Weekly Report on COVID Cases
Last week we had an additional 9 confirmed COVID cases. This brings our total since our school year began to 882 cases. There was 1 case identified at SHS, 2 cases identified at Gallagher, 4 cases at Pleasant View Elementary, 2 cases at LaPerche Elementary and 0 cases at Old County Road Elementary. This is a dramatic decrease from the prior weeks.
At-Home Test Kits Distributed
Our district received an additional delivery of at-home COVID test kits. These were distributed at each school. Please use one of the two available tests to test your child prior to returning to school after February break. If you would like an additional kit, please contact your school and we will have them available on a first-come, first-served basis until our supply is exhausted.
Tri-County Family Night
Looking for something fun to do during school vacation week? Stop by Tri-County Community Action Agency for family friendly activities, fun, and light refreshments! All are welcome. There is no cost to attend. ALL ARE WELCOME!
At this event, families will receive take home COVID-19 rapid test kits to test students before returning to school after break. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all ages 5+ at no cost. Flu shots will be available at no cost for children and family members. We hope you'll join us for some family fun! See this flyer for more information.
WEDNESDAY, 2/23/22 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tri-County Gymnasium
33 Maple Avenue, North Providence
Town Data
The number of weekly new cases in Smithfield has dropped each week since the start of the new year. The weekly number for the week ending February 12th fell to 66 cases, from 109 the week prior. The number of cases in the state has also decreased to 2,915 cases for that same week. The town rate corresponds to a weekly rate of 300 new cases per 100,000 residents. This rate is still three times more than the threshold at which the CDC classifies a high rate of transmission (greater than 100 cases/100,000 residents) but at this rate of decline, we are hoping that by the time the mask mandate is lifted, new weekly cases will be low. This data is available at https://bit.ly/2PxCgDM.
Sincerely,
Judy Paolucci, Superintendent