Bristol Warren Education Foundation and District Host Outreach Series

The Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF) and the (BWRSD) have partnered on an initiative to engage the community.

Together, they are launching a community outreach series to focus on topics of interest to parents, students and members of community. The goal of the series is to build awareness around relevant issues, current educational initiatives, grow capacity in adults and youth to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world and hone the tools in the parent and educator toolbox that will support student success. Research demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between community involvement in education and its positive effects on achievement. The series is designed to provide a forum for parents, educators and members of the community to share views on a wide range of topics.

The kickoff to the series will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the historic Bristol Statehouse, the event will run from 6:30 - 8 p.m. The topic for the evening — ‘Internet Safety and Use of Social Media.’ The event is free and open to the public.

The featured speaker will be Larry Filippelli, Ed.D. Mr. Filippelli is an instructor at the Johnson and Wales University Graduate School, as well as the Assistant Superintendent for the Scituate School Department in Rhode Island. He is the President/Proprietor of  Education Consulting Services for the Education Consortium, LLC.  Mr. Filippelli was appointed to a Special RI Senate Commission to study and make recommendations to the problem of cyberthreats, cyberbullying, bullying and sexting by the president of the Rhode Island Senate in 2010. His interactive lectures focus on cyberbullying and threats, internet safety and appropriate use of social networking sites for adolescents.

Sharing the belief that excellence in public education is essential to the economic and social health of our community, BWEF and BWRSD are committed to providing opportunities for dialog for parents, educators, students and community members.

"This series creates a forum for creative thought, innovative problem solving, and practical discussion at a time when public education is experiencing a major transformation," stated BWRSD Superintendent Melinda Thies.  "At this exciting time, the district is very fortunate to have the advocacy of such a talented partner as BWEF."

“BWEF exists to help build bridges within the community it serves, not only through the grants it funds, which open new worlds of opportunity to BWRSD students, but also by connecting local citizens to the public schools in a constructive, engaging way, building relationships and expanding support for public education,” said BWEF Board Chair Jock Hayes. “This series and partnership with BWRSD is yet another meaningful way that BWEF can support that goal.”

In an effort to be as relevant as possible, BWRSD and BWEF are hoping to hear from you, they are asking for input from the community on  
topics for future programs.

Details for submission can be found at the BWRSD website, www.bw.k12.ri.us.