Providence schools will start winter high school sports today
Eric Rueb
The Providence Journal
While more than half of the state has delayed the start of the winter high school sports season, Rhode Island's largest school district isn't going to wait.
The Providence Public School District sent out a press release Monday afternoon stating high schools could begin signups, practices and tryouts for winter sports offered beginning Monday, Jan. 4.
"Providence Public School District understands the high value sports bring to student development and wellness," Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters said in the release. "We are taking great care to provide a structured environment with layers of precautions so students can participate in winter sports as safely as possible."
Last week, the Providence Journal reported more than half the state would not be starting on Jan. 4, the date the Rhode Island Interscholastic League said schools could begin the winter season.
Providence public high schools that compete in the RIIL are Central, Classical, Hope, Juanita Sanchez and Mount Pleasant.
The announcement means all but one school in Providence - public, private and charter - will begin the winter season Monday. La Salle and Lincoln School confirmed as much in last week's report; Times2 Academy did as well and in the days following the story, Paul Cuffee said it would also start on Jan. 4. St. Patrick's, a small private school, will begin its practices on Jan. 11.
Since the Journal's initial report, East Providence changed its plans and will now start on Jan. 11.
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