Woonsocket Radio News Room

Office of the Mayor

WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

Woonsocket Mayor Beauchamp and Rhode Island Governor McKee to Square Off in Free Throw Showdown on March 28th to Promote Learn 365RI and Better School Attendance

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Christopher Beauchamp announced today that he and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee will participate in a lighthearted free throw shooting contest as part of a fun, basketball, and education-oriented afternoon event. The event aims to promote the Governor's Learn 365RI Program initiatives, particularly the importance of good school attendance. The free throw contest will take place during half-time of a basketball game between arch-rivals, the Woonsocket Police and Fire Departments. The event is on Thursday, March 28th between 3:15 and 5:15 PM at Woonsocket High School. Students, families, and the public are invited to attend.

The event is free, but any cash or check donations (checks made out to the Woonsocket Education Department) are welcome and will be used to buy equipment for the Woonsocket High School Basketball Teams. Collection buckets will be available throughout the event.

"Connecting with our students and families is at the heart of our Learn 365RI efforts, and I’m incredibly encouraged by the work being done in Woonsocket and across Rhode Island," said Governor Dan McKee. "Every day, every home, learning matters – and I hope Mayor Beauchamp learns a thing or two about shooting hoops before he and I square off!"

Mayor Beauchamp stated that while the event will be an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and have fun, he and the Governor want to use an informal basketball setting to connect with children and their families on the importance of education and why school attendance is crucial. The Mayor emphasized, "Each child has immense potential to achieve great things, but chronic absenteeism from school makes later success difficult."

The Mayor also teased that learning is fun but probably not as entertaining as watching the Governor try and hit free throws. The Mayor bantered, "I will try and win the contest quickly so we can sit back and enjoy an ultra-competitive basketball game between our Police and Fire Departments."

The Governor’s Learn 365 Plan engages local leaders and community organizations to create year-round programs for students K – 12 to learn in settings beyond the classroom, making education a family priority. The Plan aims to improve student test scores, eliminate chronic student absenteeism, and increase the number of students using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Learn 365RI programming in Woonsocket will be provided by the Woonsocket After School Coalition (WASC), a collaboration of six Woonsocket after-school providers and the Woonsocket Education Department. WASC providers will conduct 2024 summer programming to engage students in English and math activities in fun environments to reinforce essential academic year concepts and skills. Details on these summer programs will be forthcoming.