North Kingstown High School honors RISE and SAIL programs for community inclusion efforts

North Kingstown High School's RISE and SAIL programs received high praise during the School Committee meeting on June 3, 2025, for their impactful contributions to promoting inclusion within the community. The meeting featured a presentation by students involved in these programs, highlighting their efforts to foster understanding and acceptance among peers.

The RISE program, catering to students in grades 9 through 12, and the SAIL program, a transition academy, have been actively engaging with younger students in North Kingstown and Jamestown. Their initiatives include the Skipper Cafe, where students learn business and social skills by selling homemade cookies, and the second annual Unified Spirit Week, which promotes kindness and belonging through various activities, including a unified basketball game.

Students also participated in the Unified Champions Plunge, where they braved the ocean waters to raise awareness for inclusion. A significant aspect of their work involved creating a video project titled "Busting Our Myths," which addresses misconceptions about disabilities. This project was developed in collaboration with Able Opportunities, a Seattle-based organization, and aims to educate the community about both visible and invisible disabilities.

The presentation showcased the students' dedication to making North Kingstown High School a more inclusive environment. Their efforts have not only been recognized locally but are also set to be shared at the state level, amplifying the message of inclusion across Rhode Island.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for these programs, emphasizing their importance in shaping a compassionate and understanding school culture. As these initiatives grow, they promise to further enhance the sense of belonging for all students in the district.