services, programs & initiatives
partnerships, outreach & communicationsRIHSC plays an active role as a connector and convener in the RI school wellness community.
Our many relationships, within school districts and with state and community partners, are strengthened by our active participation in district wellness meetings and through collaboration with community partners. These connections continually expand as we engage people and organizations on social media, through our monthly e-newsletter and through initiatives that address the health and wellness needs of school communities. Learn how join our school wellness network HERE. Your participation is welcome and valuable! |
technical assistanceRIHSC offers guidance and personalized technical assistance to all RI district wellness committees and schools.
Whether it’s working with school leadership and sharing resources and tools to develop and implement comprehensive wellness policies, sharing national and local best practices and strategies for promoting healthy bodies and minds or providing school-based programs for students and staff with our partner organizations, we are prepared to help schools achieve their wellness goals. Email Karin Wetherill for more information. |
recess rocks in riRecess Rocks in Rhode Island is a partnership with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI and Playworks New England.
It is a free training program for school and recess staff, designed by Playworks and funded by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI, to ensure that recess is a safe, meaningful, and healthy experience for every child. Learn more about Recess Rocks in RI HERE and email Karin Wetherill to explore how your school can get involved. |
farm to schoolRIHSC is a lead partner in the RI Farm to School Network, which was established to unify advocacy, funding and organizational capacities to develop, expand, and strengthen local procurement, education, and gardening initiatives to benefit children and youth throughout the state.
These initiatives connect local agriculture to healthy eating habits, which improve public health and the local economy, support local farmers and food producers, and build strong and resilient community relationships. Find resources for gardening, Farm to School related education, and purchasing, serving and promoting of local foods in schools HERE. |
local food ambassadorIn partnership with RI Farm to School, we developed this program to train volunteer Local Food Ambassadors to conduct cafeteria taste tests for the purpose of creating awareness and greater consumption of local produce in RI school cafeterias.
Learn more about Local Food Ambassador HERE or email Karin Wetherill to learn more about the Local Food Ambassador program and explore how your school can get involved. |
Adolescent Sexual Health in schoolsIn partnership with the RI Department of Health, RIHSC offers resources, assessment tools, and professional development for adolescent sexual and reproductive health education and access to health services in RI schools. Schools play an important role in teaching young people from an early age to identify and cultivate healthy relationships, respect and take care of one’s own body, respect the bodies of others, and develop life-skills around communication, empathy, inclusion and sensitivity to people from all backgrounds.
Learn more about Adolescent Sexual Health HERE or email Kelly Swanson to explore how we can help your school or district. |
power up pe professional developmentIn this program, RIHSC coordinates relevant professional development workshops for
physical education teachers, using the evidence-based PowerUp PE content during scheduled district PD days. Learn more about PowerUp PE HERE. |