FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Rebecca Keister, 401-456-4679, rkeister@ric.edu
Laura Hart, 401-456-8977, lhart@ric.edu
RHODE ISLAND PBS TO AIR CENTRAL FALLS/RIC
“TRANSFORMATION 360” DOCUMENTARY
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island PBS will air “Transformation 360: Building an Innovation Lab,” a documentary chronicling the once-troubled Central Falls School District’s collaboration with Rhode Island College to overcome barriers to success.
The film will air on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (channel 36.1) on April 26 at 6 p.m., April 28 at 4 a.m. and May 2 at 11 p.m., and on WBSE Learn (channel 36.2) on April 28 at 8 p.m., April 29 at 3 p.m. and April 30 at 12 a.m.
“With this film, we hope the public will understand that making change comes from getting in there on a daily basis and trying to meet needs,” said RIC Assistant Professor of Communication Anthony Galvez, who led RIC students to produce the film during the Spring 2014 semester.
Galvez and his students created the documentary as part of the Central Falls/RIC Innovation Lab, a holistic, integrated and permanent partnership between the entire RIC community and the entire Central Falls School District.
“The mission of the Lab is to develop and pilot sustainable and replicable programs in urban education, community development and healthy communities.
“Transformation 360” partially chronicles the daily life of Lenira Monteiro, a 2014 Central High School graduate. Monteiro immigrated to the United States from Cape Verde just a few years ago and struggled to academics and domestic duties while in high school.
Monteiro is now a RIC student who recently was initiated into The 3.5 Society, an honor society for freshmen.
“Transformation 360” also features interviews with Central Falls School Superintendent Fran Gallo, RIC President Nancy Carriuolo and other administrators and educators who have had integral roles in developing the Innovation Lab.
Of the Innovation Lab, Carriuolo said, “Rhode Island College believes deeply in innovation and community engagement. Through our Innovation lab, our students and faculty will be able to supplement and research the effectiveness of cutting-edge learning and programs designed to meet the diverse needs of the residents of Central Falls.”
David W. Piccerelli, president of WSBE Rhode Island PBS, said “Transformation 360” is an important story to tell. “Central Falls made national headlines when it took bold steps to improve its schools,” he said. “Now, it’s important to follow-up, to tell the story of the school district’s successes, and share the innovative solutions and partnerships that came of it. Rhode Island PBS is glad to bring attention to this local community story and its enduring, far-reaching lessons.”
“Transformation 360” was partially funded through a Nellie Mae Educational Foundation grant secured by the Central Falls School District.
For more information on the CF/RIC Innovation Lab, visit www.ric.edu/innovationlab.
