updated March 2015
Current Work of the Coalition:
This year the Coalition is in receipt of a secondary grant requiring substantial additional planning and accountability to its source. This grant is called Rhode Island Partnership for Success Grant, PFS grant. The coalition is currently in the planning stages of organizing receiving and implementing this grant.
Also, as part of our ongoing 5 year plan as set out by the Needs Assessment performed in 2009, we are still Coalition building. This means we are networking with local interested groups such as the Island Free Library and the Block Island Maritime Institute to clarify and make known our goals and interests within the community. We are building our board to represent a wider variety of voices within our community. Examples of this work from last year: the coordinator attended 4 or 5 School Board meetings to introduce the coalition, define the Student Assistance Counselor role, and request structure, support and funding around this position within the school.
In February, March, April, Coalition Directors take part in Webinars to further enable their expertise organized by Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center.
The Student Assistance Counselor is an ongoing position consistent with the School Calendar.
This post is currently being advertised as Shannon Morgan, the present holder has resigned. Requirements as on Block Island Bulletin Board.
* Block Island Wellness Coalition is seeking a Student Assistance Counselor. This position is responsible to develop and implement early intervention, education and prevention programs involving drug and alcohol abuse. Requirements; Masters in Counseling with a focus on chemical dependency or equivalent experience. Certified Prevention Specialist preferred. 10-15 hours per week September to June, approximately 2 school days per week. Pay is commensurate with experience. Submit resume and letter of interest to Wellness Coalition c/o Town of New Shoreham Drawer 220, Block Island, RI 02807 or email response to Jill Seppa. Posting until April 3rd.*
The SAC is at the School two days each week and her position is a combination of classroom time, planning time and open hours in which she is available for students to drop in, make an appointment or be referred by a faculty member. During her classroom time she discusses age appropriate topics such as anti-bullying or self-esteem building. The SAC helps coordination of trips throughout the year and her presence at the school for this is very valuable.
Current Programs within the Community & Calendar of Events – more detail under “Upcoming Events”.
September-this is a month in which lots of Roots planning gets done. See attached checklist and schedule.
October-Roots (6th grade) and Haunted House (all grades)
November-Teen Dance (6th-9th), New York Trip Planning (8th grade)
December-Parenting Planning, New York Trip Planning (8th grade)
January-New York Trip planning (8th grade), Parenting, Project Adventure planning (every other year 9th & 10th grade)
February-Roots-Vision Boards (6th grade), New York Trip Planning, Parenting
February or March – Teen Dance, fund raising by Grade 8 for NYC trip.
March-New York Trip (8th grade)
April-Project Adventure (every other year, grades 9 & 10)
May-5th grade introduction to the Wellness Coalition, Project Reach Exchange (8th grade)
June-Roots-follow up picnic (6th & 7th grade)
National Calendar of Events
February 2nd-27th National Drug Facts Week
March-National Nutrition Month
April-Alcohol Awareness Month
May 31st-World No Tobacco Day
June- National Safety Day
September- Fruits & Vegetables, more matters month
-National Recovery Month
October- National Bullying Prevention Month
23-31-National Red Ribbon Week
November-Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Mental Health, Mental Illness, on Block Island 