🌱 Providence Unmasks + City Schools Report Chronic Absenteeism

Happy Wednesday, Providence! Here's everything you need to know going on locallytoday.

First, today's weather:

A bit of snow. High: 38 Low: 29.

Here are the top five stories in Providence today:

1. Breeze Airways has announced the expansion of its service at Rhode Island International Airport, adding five new direct flights. The new flights include the first-ever direct flight from Providence to Los Angeles as well as direct flights to Richmond, VA; Jacksonville FL; Savannah, GA; and Columbus, OH. (GoLocalProv)
2. According to a press release from the City Of Providence, effective as of March 8, the City of Providence has updated its COVID-19 vaccination policy to include a requirement that would allow employees who are not fully vaccinated against the virus, as defined by the CDC, to submit two negative COVID-19 tests weekly. In addition, face masks are no longer required in city buildings, though both city employees and visitors are welcome to continue wearing masks if they so choose. (Press Release Desk)
3. The 8-unit affordable apartment development on Bowdoin Street is currently underway. The homes, for renters with modest incomes, are modular, prefabricated structures that are being constructed on a property that had been vacant for several years and had three structures destroyed by fire in 2017. This is a step in easing the affordability crisis in the city. (The Providence Journal)
4. Chronic absenteeism is a problem in Providence schools. It has been reported that more than 55% of Providence students were chronically absent during the 2020-2021 school year, (meaning they missed at least 18 days of school). Some city teachers say the actual (absentee) numbers are even worse. (Turn to 10)
5. Looking for a new job. Check out the latest job listings in and around Providence. (Providence Patch)

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Today in Providence:

• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (9:00 AM)
• Libraries Launch Lives - Middle School Maker Program (3:00 PM)
• Game On! Wednesdays - Providence Community Library (3:30 PM)
• GED/COMPUTER - Providence Community Library (5:30 PM)
• Learn ITALIAN: intermediate - Providence Community Library (5:30 PM)
• ESL Class: beginner/principiante - Providence Community Library (5:30 PM)
• LGBTQ+ 101 Virtual Training (5:30 PM)
• Learn SPANISH in 2022: Advanced - Providence Community Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rhode Island School of Design: "Winners of @risdlibrary’s eighth annual Baker & Whitehill Student Artists’ Book Contest beautifully marry craft and content." (Instagram)
• Rhode Island State Police: "Linda Bailey, the first female Trooper was recognized by the Rhode Island State Police on International Women's Day. Linda graduated with the class of 1980 and retired as a Lieutenant in 2007. She was, and continues to be, a role model for women" (Instagram)
• Providence College: "Six PC undergraduate researchers will present their projects at the inaugural BIG EAST Research Symposium at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 12." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "Attention Rhode Island seniors! You can now sign up for the first round of the new produce box delivery program of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), held from March 1st – April 15th. Sign up to receive a free food box." (Facebook)
• Adoption Rhode Island: "A reminder, if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about adoption from foster care in Rhode Island, please join the next virtual Information Meeting, Thursday, March 9." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Foundation: "March welcomes in Women’s History Month - celebrating historical contributions from generations of women across the country. Learn about the history and legacy of some extraordinary women from right here in Rhode Island." (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, College Hill: "This Thursday, on National Harriet Tubman day, visit Stages of Freedom's popup exhibit on her extraordinary life! - Thanks RINewsToday.com for the spotlight! https://rinewstoday.com/harriet-tubman-day-pop-up-exhibit-at-stages-of-freedom/" (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.