July 2008
thrive goes live on Radio Disney!
Listen to a live interview with Midge & Rosemary on RI's Coordinated School Health Program - thrive- that was aired on Sunday, July 20 on Radio Disney - WDDZ 550 AM.
Just click on the Radio Disney icon to hear the interview. You will need to have Windows Media Player or other MP3 software to listen to the interview.
July 2008
New School Health Legislation
The following laws passed this legislative session:
All of these laws are now in effect. Please see the Legislation page for more information.
June 2008
2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey - School Briefs
Youth Health Risk Behaviors: How Rhode Island Schools Can Use Survey Data to Create a Healthy Environment for Students: 2007 Update has been published. This school-focused brief describes how schools and districts can use health data for school improvement and strategic planning. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the 2007 YRBS Summary Report (a combined document is also available. Additional information can be found on the School Health Data page and on the Department of Health website.
June 2008
2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The 2007 data from the high school Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) have been released. This year marks a decade of survey data from 1997 to 2007 at the high school level, and for the first time, middle school data are also available. The report, "Health Risks Among Rhode Island Public High School and Middle School Students: 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey" includes a summary of key 2007 data, ten-year trends (high school survey only), and breakouts by grade level related to all of the health topics. Additional information can be found on the School Health Data page and on the Department of Health website.
May 2008
Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit
The Rhode Island DEM Launches the Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit - An Initiative to Re-Connect Children and Their Families with the Outdoors. For additional information, registration form, and consent form, visit the Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit website, or call (401) 222-2632.
May 2008
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The Rhode Island Department of Education has been awarded $250,000 to be dispersed amongst twenty five schools under the USDA “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program” (FFVP) for the 2008-09 school year. The goal of this reimbursement program is to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day outside of the USDA meals program. This is a fantastic way to promote healthier eating in your schools by providing fresh produce in areas outside of the cafeteria! Imagine, a basket of fresh RI locally grown apples in every classroom of your school next fall. An overview of the program can be found at the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Handbook for Schools.
The success of this program lies in identifying schools that have the creative energy and individuals present to make the program happen. Half of the schools chosen are required to have a free and reduced lunch population of greater than 50% and total funds awarded to each school will be based on school enrollment. If you are interested in having schools in your district considered for this award, please contact Karin Wetherill or Carole Toselli before FRIDAY, MAY 9TH.
May 2008
Legislative Updates
The 2008 Rhode Island legislative session is in full swing. Please check the Legislation, Rules & Regulations page regularly for introductions, hearings, and votes on key school health-related bills.
April 2008
A Guide to Preventing Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Violence in Rhode Island Schools
The Rhode Island Department of Education has released A Guide to Preventing Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Violence in Rhode Island Schools. This is a guide to help school and district leaders develop a response and prevention strategy that engages administration, faculty, students, and parents. This document (also available in Word format) includes:
- Model Policy on School Response to Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence: A comprehensive, best-practice policy framework to meet the requirements of RIGL §§ 16-21-26 and 16-21-30.
- Federal and Rhode Island Law: A summary of laws that describe and define school and district responsibilities to address abuse.
- Dating Violence Prevention Toolkit: A guide to understanding teen dating violence with tools and strategies to stop abuse before it starts.
- Resources: Books, articles, organizations, and online resources about bullying, teen dating violence and sexual violence.
March 2008
Congratulations to Rosemary Reilly-Chammat on successfully defending her doctoral dissertation in the Doctor of Education Educational Leadership program at Johnson and Wales University.
It's now official - way to go Dr. Rosemary Reilly-Chammat!
February 2008
thrive report
The latest issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. February's focus is School Health Services. 
February 2008
thrive goes live!
View the thrive report Fresh From the Field video. This video highlights the Jenks Junior High School, Pawtucket. Watch Jenks Junior High School - thrive live! - school nurse teacher interact with students and get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school nurse. Hear how helping students remain healthy is connected to academic success and see how that philosophy is embodied at Jenks Junior High School.
January 2008
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bugden!
Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health Program - thrive - congratulates Elizabeth Bugden, RI CSHP School Food Safety Specialist, for being awarded NSF International 2008 NSF Food Safety Leadership Award in Education. This award is designed specifically to recognize the efforts of those extraordinary individuals and organizations in the foodservice industry that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and advancement in areas directly impacting food safety. The award ceremony will be held at the national Food Safety Summit in Washington, DC on March 19, 2008. Look for the national press release in the next several weeks!
Click on the food safety component of a healthy school for additional information and resources on school food safety.
January 2008
thrive goes live!
View the thrive report Fresh From the Field video. This video highlights the Martin Middle School, East Providence, as they work closely with AIDS Quilt RI Anna's Workshop to put a face on this devastating disease.
January 2008
Central Falls Tuberculosis Exposure
The Rhode Island Department of Health has released the following information related to the TB case in Central Falls High School:
December 2007
thrive report
The tenth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. December's focus is HIV/AIDS. This issue includes a new feature:
Fresh from the Field - Live! - a video submitted by Kristen Koutoulakis, Health Educator and Principal Frank DeVall, Jr.,Martin Middle School, East Providence. See the video here!
December 2007
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Topical Reports
A series of new 4-page reports on RI Youth Risk Behavior Survey data have been added to the thrive website. "Health Risks Among Rhode Island Public High School Students 1997 through 2005"
incude key data and trends for each of the health topics:
All 7 Topical Reports are also available in a single document.
November 2007
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Commissioner of Education Peter McWalters has issued a memo on MRSA in RI.
Also, see the RI Department of Health's web page on MRSA, including Frequently Asked Questions, guidelines for healthcare providers, and useful links.
November 2007
thrive report
The ninth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. November's focus is School Food Safety.
October 2007
Governor's Award for Wellness Innovation
Congratulations to Susan Donovan and the Guiteras School in Bristol for winning the Governor's Award for Wellness Innovation in the Schools category.
Congratulations also to the the Lincoln School Department and to Sodexho School Services in the Pawtucket School System for receiving "honorable mentions"!
Please see the Governor's press release and the program descriptions.
October 2007
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
The RI Department of Health has created a new web page on
MRSA,
including Frequently Asked Questions, guidelines for healthcare providers, and useful links.
October 2007
thrive report
The eighth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. October's focus is School Safety.
October 2007
Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition's 5th Annual Breakfast for School Leaders
Eat Healthy * Get Active * Score High
This event was a great success with over 300 school and community leaders from across the state in attendance.
The Rhode Island Physical Education video shown at the Breakfast is now available online.
Congratulations to the Narragansett School System for winning the 2007 RI Healthy Schools Coalition Award of Honor for their leadership and persistent district-wide wellness efforts over the past five year period.
Congratulations also to Central Falls High School and Dennis Gomez, General Manager of Food & Nutrition Services for receiving the 1st Place Award in the New England Dairy and Food Council's Expanding Breakfast Award and to Broad Rock Middle School and Karen Orabona, Director of Dining Services for receiving 2nd Place Award.
September 2007
thrive report
The seventh issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. September's focus is Family Involvement.
September 2007
Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy Law
The Department of Education has sent out a series of memos, information, and resources to help clarify the new state law regarding Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies and assist schools with implementation of the law. Please download the following:
Or download all five documents combined into one.
Also, please see the Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies section of the Physical Environment in Schools page for additional resources.
September 2007
Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition's 5th Annual Breakfast for School Leaders
Eat Healthy * Get Active * Score High
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick
7:15am – 10:30am
This event celebrates our 5-year accomplishments and begins the work of the next 5 years. District wellness policies and nutrition standards are in place! Attendees will participate in a lively discussion about Physical Education and learn the benefits of giving Staff Wellness higher priority.
Agenda includes:
- Commissioner’s Open Forum on Physical Education: “Making it GREAT for Academic Success!”
- District Innovations & Best Practices in PE: “It’s Not Gym Anymore!”
- Staff Wellness: “Getting Serious Can Pay-Off!”
Please see the invitation and registration form for details.
August 2007
Kids First Healthy Foods Marketplace
Thursday, August 23, 2007
10:00AM – 3:00PM @ the Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI
Food buyers from schools, childcare centers, and other sites are all invited to attend. It’s FREE! No pre-registration is required. Simply show up and register at the door. You can visit the show any time between 10:00 – 3:00 PM.
This event brings over 50 vendors of healthy foods together with buyers seeking those products. All products exhibited during this free tradeshow meet Kids First Nutrition Criteria, which, in turn, meets and often exceeds RI established nutrition criteria for schools.
Identify great tasting and healthy vending, ala carte, meal component items and farm fresh produce that fit within your budget. Discuss ordering, pricing, packaging and other distribution issues.
Attend information sessions – “Confused about Nutrition Guidelines?”
July 2007
Rhode Island Receives $100,000 National Grant to Combat Childhood Obesity
Governor Donald L. Carcieri announced on July 24th that Rhode Island has received a $100,000 grant from the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices to improve the overall health and nutrition of the state’s children. Rhode Island is one of only ten states to receive this funding, which will support and enhance existing childhood obesity prevention efforts in schools and communities.
Read the press release from the Governor's Office.
July 2007
New Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy Legislation
A new law was passed in this legislative session that addresses the issue of peanut allergies in schools (see H5671 Sub A as amended). The law applies to all elementary and middle schools, but is recommended to apply to all high schools, as well.
If there is a student in your school(s) identified with a peanut or tree nut allergy, the district/school must do the following:
- Post a notice within the school in a conspicuous place at every point of entry and within the cafeteria providing notice that a student in the school has an allergy to peanuts/tree nuts (see sample sign);
- Prohibit the sale of peanuts/tree nuts, peanut butter and other peanut-based products in the school cafeteria;
- Designate a peanut/tree nut free table in the cafeteria;
- Designate one classroom per grade to be peanut/tree nut free.
Regulations are being developed to clarify the intent of the legislation. However, since the law took effect upon passage, these actions must be taken immediately. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jackie Ascrizzi, School Health Specialist, 222-8953, jackie.ascrizzi@ride.ri.gov.
Please see the attached memo from David Abbott, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Education. The memo includes a copy of the legislation and a sample sign. Also see the Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies section of the Physical Environment in Schools page for additional resources.
July 2007
Other New Legislation
The RI General Assembly passed nine new laws and three new resolutions in the latest legislative session. Please see the Legislation, Rules & Regulations page for details.
June 2007
The Governor's Awards for Wellness Innovation
This year, Rhode Island was recognized by the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) as the first "Well State" in the nation. Now it is time to recognize those organizations that are providing outstanding leadership in wellness innovation! Through the Governor's Awards for Wellness Innovation, the Governor is recognizing organizations that have developed creative wellness policies and programs.
If your school has developed an innovative policy or program to promote wellness in tobacco control, seat belt use, healthy weight, physical activity, and/or nutrition, then your organization may be eligible to apply for an award. Please visit www.health.ri.gov/wellnessaward for more information on how your organization can apply! The application deadline is August 31, 2007.
Questions? Contact Erin Brown at 401-222-7637 or Erin.Brown@health.ri.gov.
June 2007
thrive Live: Our School thrives…So Can Yours
RI’s Coordinated School Health Program, thrive, is going live! We are looking for your school’s health-related success stories to share with others as 3-5 minute videos shown on the thrive website. If your school is selected, a professional videographer will work with the principal, students, and other members of your school community in the fall or winter to create the video.
What is your school doing to promote a healthy school environment and/or healthy behaviors for students, staff, or families?
Please consider the following criteria before clicking on the link below to complete the application:
- Is your school’s approach easily replicated at other schools?
- Is there an enthusiastic and supportive school leader?
- Can it be captured visually?
- Is it related to at least one component of coordinated school health?
- Does it promote health and academic achievement?
- Is there a measurable result you’d like to share?
Check out some written RI school success stories in the Fresh from the Field feature of the thrive report. Current and previous editions of the thrive report are also available.
Please send us your school’s healthy and successful story by following the link below to our online application form.
thrive Live Application
We look forward to hearing more of your innovative approaches and school successes!
June 2007
thrive report
The sixth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. June's focus is Sexuality.
May 2007
The fifth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. May's focus is Physical Activity.
May 2007
Congratulations! Sandi Delack,
RN, BSN, MEd, CSNT school nurse teacher at the Ferri Middle School in Johnston, awarded the 2007 RI School Nurse Teacher of the Year and also newly elected President-Elect of the National Association of School Nurses.
May 2007
Message from RI Department of Health to Cranston High School East Community
HEALTH and DEM Officials Available to Answer Questions About Cranston Mercury Spill Thursday, May 3, 4:00-8:00 p.m. May 2, 2007
Today a mercury spill and exposure occurred at Cranston High School East. HEALTH offers the following guidance for those concerned about health risks from mercury exposure.
- There are no acute effects from short term, low level mercury exposure.
- Testing for mercury exposure from this event is unnecessary.
- If you are concerned about mercury on your clothes or shoes, leave the item outside in the open air for 24 hours. Any residual mercury will dissipate.
- For more information call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit the following websites: ToxFAQs for Mercury
English 
en Español
- Mercury Information from EPA
April 2007
Safe Routes to School Call for Proposals
The Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program, Department of Transportation and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Steering Committee announce a call for proposals to participate in the 100% federally funded SRTS Program. The purpose of this reimbursement program for schools housing grades K-8 is to:
- Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school;
- Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and to
- Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of elementary and middle schools.
Eligible activities include:
- The planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects such as sidewalk construction or repair that improve the ability of students to safely walk and bicycle to school;
- The undertaking of non-infrastructure activities such as “walking school buses” and “bike rodeos” that are designed to encourage walking and bicycling to school; and
- The conducting of one day National SRTS Training Courses.
Eligible applicants include individual public and private schools, entire school districts, municipalities and non-profit 501(c)(3)’s such as Parent Teacher Organizations. Applications must be submitted to Ms. Ronnie Sirota, RI SRTS Coordinator, RI Statewide Planning Program, Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 12, 2007.
See the Rhode Island Safe Routes to School website for more information.
April 2007
thrive report
The fourth issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. April's focus is Tobacco.
March 2007
thrive report
The third issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. March's focus is Nutrition.
February 2007
thrive report
The second issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. February's focus is Mental Health and bullying.
February 2007
Youth Health Risk Behaviors: 2005 Update is now available. 
The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Education have updated the 2004 publication, Youth Health Risk Behaviors: How Rhode Island Schools Can Use Survey Data to Create a Healthy School Environment for Students. We are pleased to present this update to Rhode Island school staff and administrators.
These updates reflect findings from the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), along with key School Accountability for Learning and Teaching (SALT) student survey data. The updates highlight recent trends in health risk behaviors among Rhode Island high school students in Physical Activity and Nutrition, Sexual Activity, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Tobacco Use, and Injury and include suggestions for best practices and questions to stimulate further discussion within the school community.
February 2007
New guidance for planning for the possibility of pandemic influenza is a U.S. Government-wide effort to educate public, encourage communities to plan ahead. On February 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the availability of an essential new resource for communities, schools, and colleges that offers guidance on community strategies that would delay or reduce the impact of a severe pandemic by limiting the spread of disease until a vaccine is available. U.S. Education Department Joins Centers for Disease Control, Other Federal Agencies to Announce Community Influenza Preparedness Planning Guidance
February 2007
The Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs have recently been revised. Proposed revisions reflect the following:
- The creation of Wellness Subcommittees in each district;
- New laws regarding the sale of beverages and snacks in schools;
- Clarifying language related to individual health care plans for students assisted by medical technology;
- Regulations to clarify the implementation of the newly passed law regarding vision screening for children entering kindergarten; and
- Clarifying language to ensure that health education curricula reflect medically accurate information.
January 2007
thrive report
The first issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available.
The January issue focuses on coordinated school health and includes 7 Resolutions for a Healthy School in '07. Let us help you keep your 2007 resolutions for your school.
January 2007
Proposed Legislation
Links and updates for proposed school health legislation are being added to the Legislation, Rules & Regulations page.
January 2007
The Mycoplasma Pneumoniae outbreak in some Rhode Island schools:
For parents, educators, and others:
For school administrators:
For School Nurse Teachers:
For more updates or questions, please visit the Department of Health website or call the Family Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Midge Sabatini, Ed.D.
Manager, Coordinated School Health Program
Rhode Island Department of Education
401-222-8952
Midge.Sabatini@ride.ri.gov
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Ed.D.
Program Manager, Initiative for Healthy Youth
Rhode Island Department of Health
401-222-5922
Rosemary.Reilly-Chammat@health.ri.gov
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