Barrington Public Schools (BPS) provides opportunities for family, community, educator, and student involvement in decision-making through the establishment and refinement of Advisory Committees to the School Committee. Some Advisory Committees, such as the Health and Wellness, Special Education, and Policy Committees, are established following state regulations and guidelines. Other committees have been developed by the School Committee to address critical local needs, such as the Facilities, Diversity and Inclusivity, and Social-Emotional Learning Committees.

As noted in the policy, BPS recognizes that “community involvement is the backbone of BPS.” Therefore, we are seeking students, parents, educators, staff, and community member participation on Advisory Committees, which will provide recommendations to the School Committee.

Advisory Committee members will represent a variety of community perspectives and are encouraged to solicit input from other community members and organizations. The primary charge of the Advisory Committees is to provide policy recommendations on specific areas as well as to inform the School Committee, and Administration of issues brought forward by members of the community.

The Advisory Committees are strictly advisory; the School Committee will consider the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, along with other input and guidance, in making final policy decisions. All committee members will serve a two-year term. All Advisory Committees will provide regular reports to the School Committee and will follow RI Open Meetings Laws: https://goo.gl/R3YcoK

The specific charge of the Health and Wellness Committee is to promote healthy schools by supporting wellness, respect, safety, nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment.  BPS supports a healthy environment in which children learn and practice positive dietary and lifestyle habits.  Schools contribute to the primary health status of children through the support and promotion of good nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness.  BPS also recognizes that improved health optimizes student and staff performance potential.

Barrington Health and Wellness Policy: https://goo.gl/PLGQTn
Barrington Advisory to the School Committee Policy: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/900988/Barrington_Public_Schools_Advisory_Committees_to_the_School_Committee_Policy.pdf

If you are interested in serving on the Health and Wellness Committee, please read the Health and Wellness Policy and complete the form below to be included in the selection process. Please note you will need to be available for meetings during the school day approximately 6-8 times per year.

This year, the Health and Wellness Advisory Committee is charged with reviewing health-related policies for systemic bias and to make sure they are aligned with medical practice; completing the adolescent sexual health survey; and continuing our on-going work with all things related to health and wellness, including the curriculum, systems and structures that support the health and wellness of our staff and students.  

The Health and Wellness Committee members will include one parent and staff liaison from each school, a middle and high school student, one School Committee member, one district-level administrator, a parent and educator representative for special populations, and representatives from applicable community organizations such as food services, the Bay Team, RI Healthy Schools Coalition, and others.

Applications are due 9/28/2020, and selections will be made the week of 10/5/2020.