As partners, the Rhode Island Departments of Education and Health work to build infrastructure supports with state, school, and community partners to help create safe, healthy, and nurturing schools that reduce barriers to learning.  Aligned with the Rhode Island Department of Education Strategic Plan, Basic Education Program (BEP), and Health and Physical Education Frameworks, thrive has also been successful in:

• Effecting legislative, regulatory, and policy changes,

• Developing and implementing policy as well as standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and

• Designing and providing professional development opportunities for school administrators, policy-makers, teachers, parents, students, and community organizations 

The fundamental principle of a coordinated school health program is inclusive of the expectations and premise that ". . . school success and academic achievement are built on a strong foundation of healthy students who learn in safe and caring school environments".  Healthy School Components include:

• HEALTH EDUCATION

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• HIV/AIDS & STDs

• SEXUALITY EDUCATION

• SCHOOL CLIMATE & SAFETY

• AFTERSCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

• NUTRITION

• HEALTH SERVICES

• FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT