Bristol Warren Community Outreach Lecture Series to Begin Feb 29

Topic: Internet Safety and Use of Social Media BRISTOL — The Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF) and the Bristol Warren Regional School District (BWRSD) have partnered on an initiative to engage the community. Together, they are launching a community outreach series to focus on topics of interest to parents, students and members of community. #The series will focus on topics of interest to parents, students and members of the community. The goal of the series is to build awareness around relevant issues and current educational initiatives, help adults and youth meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world, and hone the tools in the parent’s and educator’s toolbox that will support student success. The series is designed to provide a forum for parents, educators and members of the community to share views on a wide range of topics. #The kickoff to the series will be a discussion of “Internet Safety and Use of Social Media.” The featured speaker will be Larry Filippelli, Ed.D. Mr. Filippelli is an instructor at the Johnson and Wales University Graduate School and the assistant superintendent for the Scituate (R.I.) School Department. He is the president/proprietor of Education Consulting Services for the Education Consortium, LLC. Mr. Filippelli was appointed in 2010 to a special R.I. Senate commission to study and make recommendations on the problem of cyberthreats, cyberbullying, bullying and sexting. His interactive lectures focus on cyberbullying and threats, internet safety, and appropriate use of social networking sites for adolescents. #The event will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the historic Bristol Statehouse, 240 High St., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event, which is being underwritten by 'Voices for Bristol,' is free and open to the public. #Sharing the belief that excellence in public education is essential to the economic and social health of the community, BWEF and BWRSD are committed to providing opportunities for dialog for parents, educators, students and community members. #“This series creates a forum for creative thought, innovative problem solving, and practical discussion at a time when public education is experiencing a major transformation,” said schools superintendent Melinda Thies. “At this exciting time, the district is very fortunate to have the advocacy of such a talented partner as BWEF.” #BWEF is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants for educational programs at Bristol and Warren public schools. The Foundation believes strongly that research demonstrates a strong correlation between community involvement in education and its positive effects on achievement #“BWEF exists to help build bridges within the community it serves, not only through the grants it funds, which open new worlds of opportunity to BWRSD students, but also by connecting local citizens to the public schools in a constructive, engaging way, building relationships and expanding support for public education,” said BWEF board chairman Jock Hayes. “This series and partnership with BWRSD is yet another meaningful way that BWEF can support that goal. In an effort to be a relevant as possible, BWRSD and BWEF are hoping to hear from you. They are asking for input from the community on topics for future programs.”