Cunningham Star News

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Dear Cunningham STARS,

I hope this message finds you well. Entering my second year as a principal and my first year leading Cunningham Elementary, I am reminded that the journey of leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. The first year as a new administrator brings the challenge of learning a school’s unique culture - building relationships, honoring what is already strong, and carefully identifying areas for growth. This takes time, observation, and a deep commitment to our scholars and families.

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” - Kofi Anann

This quote continues to resonate with me. The power we gain from knowledge as educators commands us to ensure the students grow academically and socially. Parents and families, my goal is for you and your children to participate in taking ownership of education - and for our teachers and staff to partner with you through clear, consistent communication about our expectations for student learning.

During my learning walks, I see teachers are fostering safe, supporting and collaborative environments for students where every minute counts. At the same time, we are facing a challenge that requires urgent attention: student attendance. Already this year, more than 66 students have missed 10% or more of school days within just the first 23 days. Each missed day or tardy represents lost instructional minutes, and those minutes matter. If students are not here, they lose valuable time and cannot participate to their fullest potential.

You play a critical role in reversing this trend. Here are ways to support your child’s success at Cunningham:

1. Prioritize Daily Attendance - Make school attendance a non-negotiable routine. Arriving on time (before 9:00 am) and staying the full day (3:10 pm) teaches dependability - a skill valued in both education and the workplace.

2. Set Routines at Home - Establish consistent times and spaces for reading and studying. Encourage your child to dedicate time each day to practice and reflect on what they are learning.

3. Engage and Monitor - Stay connected with your child’s teachers, track academic progress, and have conversations about school. Your engagement makes a measurable difference.

Together, we will ensure the Cunningham scholars not only attend school, on time, but thrive.

Warmest Regards,

April L. Flowers

Principal

The school day begins at 9:00 am. Students should be here at designated arrival areas before 9:00 am each day. Morning adult supervision begins at 8:40 am, so students can arrive well before the school day begins.

The school day ends at 3:10 pm. (Early dismissal ends at 2:45 pm.)

All Areas of the Cunningham Campus are CLOSED until 3:05 PM.

At dismissal, please collect your child(ren) and exit the campus. The playground will be closed during dismissal and lingering will not be allowed. Anyone who is not picking up, must remain outside of the school grounds. (These procedures ae intended to keep our students safe during dismissal.)

• October
• 8 - Community Flu Clinic
• 10 - Progress Alerts available in Skyward
• 13 - Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day
• 21 - Fall Picture Day
• 30 - Trunk or Treat/Annual Title I
• 10/27-31 Red Ribbon Week
• 31 Character Book Parade
• November
• 11 - Veterans' Day
• TBD - BINGO
• 11/21 - Turkey Trot
• TBD - RICAS/NGSA Breakfast
• 26 - 28 - Thanksgiving Recess

From WJAR Channel 10:

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island Department of Education is implementing a new policy next school year that could keep kids back a grade level if they miss too many school days.

It's an update to the Attendance Matters initiate implemented statewide. “Kids need to be in school," said Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. Infante-Green told NBC 10 News the new attendance retention policy is on the horizon.

It has three criteria. A student risks not moving to the next grade if:

• The child is chronically absent, missing 18 or more days of school.
• The child is struggling with literacy
• The child is struggling with math

Checking all or several of those boxes means families will get a letter saying the child may be held back. “If we promoted to the next grade, we’re setting them up for failure and we cannot continue to keep doing that," said Infante-Green.

News Link: https://turnto10.com/news/local/parents-beware-new-attendance-policy-takes-effect-across-rhode-island-next-school-year-grade-level-retention-held-back-exceptions-absenteeism-may-28-2025