WaterFire basins are lit for the first time in the 2024 season.

On Saturday night, Governor Dan McKee and Always Learning Rhode Island, in partnership with the National Governors Association and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), hosted a partial WaterFire basin lighting in celebration of the Learn365RI. 

“Learn365RI is about bringing communities together as one team with one common goal – improving educational outcomes across our state,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I thank everyone who has stepped up to join this team: Always Learning Rhode Island, the National Governors Association, RIDE, our municipal leaders, the business community and families, students and educators across our state.”

Learn365RI is Governor McKee’s statewide initiative to improve student educational outcomes across Rhode Island by focusing on increasing three key metrics: reading and math skills; school attendance rates; and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates.

The event included an educational resource fair featuring various state programs and efforts, as well as performances from Hope High School, the Smithfield High School Chorus, and the Achievement First Cheer Team.

Governor Dan McKee and RIDE Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green help lead the way at the Learn365RI WaterFire celebration.
Governor McKee’s daughter, Kara, joins the Smithfield High School Chorus for a special performance.
Hope High School Student, Aiyanna, performs the National Anthem to kick off the Learn365RI WaterFire.
Torch bearers pass along flames for partial lighting.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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