Sowams School Students Gain Extra Week of Summer Vacation, Thanks to Water Damage

BARRINGTON, RI —Students at Sowams School have an unexpected later start to the school year after a water leak in the second and third grade hallways, Barrington parents learned Monday night.

All classes are cancelled until Tuesday, Sept. 6, after the Labor Day weekend, according to an email from Schools Supt. Michael Messore.

The superintendent indicated the afterschool activities were also cancelled, at least through Thursday.

In his message, Messore said the classroom walls were also damaged due to the water leak. Ultimately, after the insurance company and their contractors evaluated the situation, they recommended sections of some walls should be removed and replaced.

"Therefore, Sowams School will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week," he wrote. "I anticipate that school will resume Tuesday, Sept. 6."

Messore also said the school department would provide regular updates to parents.