News & Events

B.M.C. Durfee High School hosted the Unified Basketball Jamboree on Tuesday, bringing together teams from Durfee, Somerset Berkley, Westport, Mansfield, Seekonk, Old Rochester, Wareham, and Bridgewater-Raynham for an incredible day of competition and fun!

Special guest Mack Hollins of the New England Patriots helped kick off the event, adding even more excitement to the day.

Thank you to the United Way of Greater Fall River, Inc., for once again supporting Fall River Public Schools through their Teachers’ Closet Supply Drive.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Aimee Bronhard joined members of the United Way and BayCoast Bank at theLetourneau Elementary School as they delivered a new round of classroom supplies. BayCoast Bank will be sponsoring the Letourneau Teachers’ Closet all year, helping restock materials whenever supplies run low.

While students enjoyed a break from school today, our teachers spent the day learning, collaborating, and growing. Fall River Public Schools hosted our first district-wide professional development day of the school year for all educators, covering a variety of subjects and skills to enhance teaching and learning across the district.

One of the most active sessions took place in the B.M.C. Durfee High School Fieldhouse, where the focus was on Physical Education. Nearly 100 PE teachers from Fall River, Taunton Public Schools, New Bedford Public Schools, and Attleboro Public Schools came together for hands-on training using OPEN Phys Ed content. Elementary PE teachers also explored the new CATCH Health curriculum, collaborating with neighboring districts to share lessons, extensions, and strategies. The PE professional development emphasized collaboration, resource-sharing, and networking.

Our professional development sessions today spanned all content areas, giving FRPS educators opportunities to learn new strategies, collaborate with colleagues, and grow professionally.

Thank you to all our educators for dedicating the day to strengthening their skills and enhancing learning for every student!

The B.M.C. Durfee High School Marching Band continues to shine! This weekend, the band brought home two championship titles — earning the US Bands Division 1 Open State Championship on Saturday and the New England Scholastic Band Association Division 1 Championship on Sunday.

Next up: the band is heading to Allentown, Pennsylvania, this weekend to compete in the US Bands National Championship. Let’s go, Hilltoppers!

If you can’t beat them, join them!

The staff at the Doran Community School was haunted by 6 7 today — and they wore it proudly.

Thanks for being in such good spirits.

There were only treats—no tricks—for the preschool students who attend the Durfee Early Learning Lab Preschool.

Each year, the preschoolers walk around the high school, visiting all 10 Durfee vocational pathway programs, where teachers and high school students hand out treats for Halloween.

The preschool is a unique, hands-on learning environment for high school students enrolled in the Early Education and Care Vocational Program. The high schoolers gain real-world experience as they work toward their EEC certification upon graduation.

Exploring art and history in our own backyard!

Yesterday, Director of Social Studies Matt Desmaris and Director of Fine & Performing Arts Joseph Fontinha brought learning beyond the classroom — guiding Durfee art students on a tour of Bicentennial Park memorials, followed by a studio visit with local artist Brian Fox.

Students also visited the Narrows, where Brian shared a preview of his latest work centered on the Vietnam War.

It looks like it was a great day of hands-on learning and local inspiration.

Math isn’t scary — and Monster Math Night at Viveiros Elementary proved it!

Families packed the school for an evening of hands-on math fun led by Math Coach Kelly Tavares and a team of dedicated teacher volunteers.

Students rotated through interactive stations featuring activities like building arrays with googly eyes, measuring in “monsters,” crafting symmetrical creatures with pattern blocks, exploring ST Math puzzles, and playing addition/subtraction games — all designed to make math joyful, creative, and collaborative. After completing five stations, students earned a ticket to the Pumpkin Patch prize table.

We know that many families in our community are facing challenges as SNAP benefits may be expiring or changing, and we understand the stress this may be causing. Please know that Fall River Public Schools will continue to serve free, nutritious breakfast and lunch to every student each school day. Beyond this support for families, there is help for families in Fall River and across Massachusetts.  

If your family could use some additional help, these Resources for Food and Assistance in Fall River, MA offer a variety of support, from immediate food assistance to general health and human services. 

If you need any assistance connecting with agencies, please reach out to the Community Facilitator or Counselor at your child's school or staff at our Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) Center.

For the second year in a row, B.M.C. Durfee High School CTE Engineering students spent STEM Week at Gillette Stadium for the statewide Advanced Manufacturing Mash-Up, designing and presenting their own robotics builds using the Makers of a Better Future curriculum.

This hands-on experience connected Durfee students with industry leaders in robotics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing, building real college and career readiness skills — all at no cost to families, thanks to new STEM/CTE grants.

Durfee construction students took their skills from the classroom straight to the job site last week at the Watson Elementary School. They started by prepping sections of the school grounds for new concrete—removing gravel, leveling areas, and getting everything ready for the concrete delivery. They also pitched in at the front of the school, digging and resetting the school sign.

When the concrete truck arrived, students jumped right into action, laying and setting the concrete, leveling and smoothing it, and working alongside industry professionals.

Year two of the REFReps Officiating Program is underway at B.M.C. Durfee High School. Earlier today, students received in-person instruction from former NBA referee Gary Zielinski, who guided them through real-world officiating scenarios right inside the field house.

REFReps is a term-long course that runs five days a week. It combines online certification training with hands-on experience, and once students complete the program, they’re officially recognized by the MIAA as Associate Referees — eligible to officiate JV, freshmen, middle school, and elementary games alongside veteran officials.

On last week’s show, Dr. Curley spoke with Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco about the massive behind-the-scenes operations that keep our schools running — from transportation and school meals to safety, maintenance, and building upgrades. Did you know FRPS manages over 2 million square feet of building space?

Mr. Pacheco shared updates on ongoing capital projects — all focused on ensuring safe, healthy learning environments for every student.

Good News and Positive Views airs every Friday at 2 pm on WSAR Radio and can be heard here.

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley welcomed Principal Sean Sibson, teacher Kelsey Costa, and Math Department Chair Alicia Nunes from Letourneau Elementary School to share all the Good News and Positive Views happening at their school.

With a combined 31 years of educational experience, the Letourneau team discussed how OpenSciEd, the lift in Modern Classrooms math instruction, and a commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are shaping a school where every student can thrive. 

Dr. Aimee Bronhard recently was behind the mic on Good News and Positive Views on WSAR Radio, filling in for Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley. Dr. B highlighted an exciting program that was piloted last year and is returning this year, offering paid internships for Durfee High School students with local manufacturers and giving them hands-on experience and insight into modern careers.

On the show, Dr. Bronhard was joined by Andrew Woodward, Director of School Counseling and Pathway Development; Melissa St. Pierre, Co-op Coordinator for Durfee’s CTE Pathways; and representatives from MassDevelopment and Viva Fall River. Together, they shared plans for the next cohort, with planning already underway and information sessions scheduled at Durfee High School later this month.

Wednesday, October 22nd, was Unity Day at Fall River Public Schools, and our staff and students are showing their support by wearing orange—the color of safety and visibility.

By uniting, we are committing to creating a positive and welcoming environment built on kindness, acceptance, and inclusion for everyone. We especially love seeing our Pre-K students saying "Boo to Bullying!

Taking what they’ve learned in the classroom to the construction site. Durfee construction students are on the move this week, working at Watson Elementary School.

They are putting their skills to work on a real job site - helping prep sections of the school grounds for new concrete. With tools in hand, students removed gravel, leveled the areas, and got everything ready for the concrete delivery happening this Friday.

10th-grade students at B.M.C. Durfee High School experienced a powerful storytelling performance by Rachel Briggs of the Rhode Island Black Storytellers.

Rachel — a proud “culture keeper” — travels to schools sharing songs and stories rooted in African and Black oral traditions. She reminded students that everything begins with a story — our history, our learning, our connection to one another. Her performance invited students to participate, not just listen — passing on wisdom, culture, and community through storytelling.

The 8th-grade National Junior Honor Society students at Henry Lord Community School are holding a Socktober drive, where they collect new socks for those in need.

This is the second year the NJHS has hosted ‘SOCKTOBER’ - a donation drive where new pairs of socks are donated and then given to local organizations.

Last year, HLCS students collected 269 pairs. This year’s goal: 350 pairs!

More than 60 colleges, technical institutes, and military organizations filled the B.M.C. Durfee High School Field House as seniors explored their post-secondary options.

Students had the chance to connect with admission representatives, ask questions, and start planning their next steps beyond high school.

It was great to see Hilltoppers exploring so many exciting paths for their future!

Nine of the ten candidates vying for a seat on the Fall River School Committee participated in a debate Wednesday night, hosted at the Nagle Auditorium at B.M.C. Durfee High School.

The event was a collaboration between Fall River Educational Television (FRED-TV) and Durfee’s Student Government, with students running the show both on and off camera. Student government officers Jack Rioux, Jaslene Martinez, Madison Hargraves, and Laisha Boone served as moderators and questioners, while FRED-TV students handled aspects of production, from camera and audio to the switchboard.

Special thanks to FRED-TV/FRG-TV reporter Pamela Nickerson, who worked with the students over the past several weeks to prepare thoughtful questions for the candidates.

A big thank-you to all who participated in this civic learning experience!

Fall River voters will head to the polls in November, and the new School Committee members are expected to be sworn in in the new year.

Kuss Middle School Cougars check their:

Behavior

Attendance &

Grades

every Friday during Advisory. The focus is to make sure all students are on track for success! This month's celebration included lots of fun activities and surprises for students succeeding in each area and special shout-outs for our Triple Crown Winners (success in all three areas)!

Way to go, Cougars!

Friday afternoon was perfect for a walk, and the students and staff at William S. Greene Elementary School made the most of it! In celebration of International Walk to School Day, the Greene School community took a stroll around the block—walking on Lapham, Cambridge, Jackson, and Grinnell Streets.

Every year, Fall River Public Schools proudly achieves 100% school participation in Walk to School Day, with each school finding its own fun way to get moving!

Morton students in Ms. Tufts and Mr. Blanchette’s classes recently explored what it means to protect people’s rights during their second unit on Rights from the Democratic Knowledge Project curriculum.

During a Gallery Walk activity last week, students sorted rights into those that should always be protected and those that should sometimes be protected — sparking thoughtful debate, meaningful connections, and deep reflection on why protecting rights can be both important and complex.

As Hispanic Heritage Month came to a close, students and staff at Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School celebrated with a special dress-down day honoring the many unique heritages represented in their school community.

Viveiros is home to our district’s Nueva Vista Dual Language Program — a unique program where students learn in both English and Spanish each day. Lessons in the Nueva Vista classes are bilingual, reflecting the school’s commitment to language, culture, and connection.

Students and staff across all grades and classrooms (not just those in the Dual Language Program) proudly wore heritage clothing, colors, and flags, filling hallways and classrooms with color, pride, and unity.

Last week, twelve B.M.C. Durfee High School senior marketing students got a sneak peek at college life as they toured UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business.

From meeting the Dean and professors to chatting with student leaders and exploring campus, the Hilltoppers got the inside scoop on what it’s like to study business at UMassD. They even mapped out what their four years could look like — and a few might just be future Corsairs! ️

Huge thanks to UMass Dartmouth for rolling out the red carpet and inspiring our students to dream big. The field trip was an incredible experience that allowed students to envision what their futures could look like at a nearby, affordable, four-year university. It not only motivated them to pursue higher education but also helped them recognize the opportunities available to them within the local community to continue growing as business professionals.

Students and staff at the Henry Lord Community School say it’s one of the best days of the year - the day they all walk to school together!

That day was last Friday! Buses and families dropped off students in a nearby parking lot and, together, more than 800 members of the Henry Lord community walked about two blocks to the school on Amity Street.

A big Thank You to City of Fall River Police Department School Resource Officers Nicholas Pleiss and Jason Fournier for stopping traffic and helping ensure everyone's safety during the walk. We appreciate all of our SROs and the important role they play in keeping our students safe every day!

Color, culture, and creativity are in full bloom at the Alfred S. Letourneau Elementary School.

The school is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. In art, teacher Ms. Victoria Arons is teaching students in grades 3 through 5 the significance of Día de los Muertos and exploring its vibrant traditions—like Papel Picado and Calavera face painting.

Using different art techniques, students have spent the last couple of weeks creating beautiful Sugar Skulls, Talavera Tiles, and Aztec Sun Stones—each piece a colorful tribute to Hispanic culture and creativity.

All of their artwork will soon be displayed throughout the school—transforming the school hallways into galleries of heritage!

Superintendent Tracy Curley reports that Fall River Public Schools have received satisfactory results following air quality testing at the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy.

On Oct. 2, the District received air sample results from Universal Environmental Consultants (UEC), following the removal of exterior windows with Asbestos Containing Materials caulking. The asbestos abatement project is being performed by Massachusetts-licensed asbestos abatement contractor, Alpine Environmental.

Greene Gators News is back!

The first episode of the year is here — with students at the Greene Elementary School looking back at last year’s highlights and giving a sneak peek at what’s ahead.

This year, the Greene Gators Newscast will be produced by students in the 21st Century After School Program. They’re learning how to write news scripts, record and edit video, and report like pros!

Stay tuned to see all the amazing work these young student-journalists will be creating!

Now that the school year is underway, Elevations Beauty Salon, the student-run salon inside B.M.C. Durfee High School, has reopened to the public. 

From haircuts to highlights, nail and skin care, the salon is operated by students enrolled in the Cosmetology Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway at Durfee High School. Students are able to gain real-world experience in a professional salon setting under the supervision of five licensed cosmetology teachers who have years of real-world expertise. 

From classroom to salon chair — students log 1,000 hours toward their cosmetology license. Elevations Beauty Salon is open to the public Wednesday through Friday.

Call 508-675-8180 to book an appointment.

College Information Sessions are underway at Durfee! Seniors can sign up for upcoming visits—held right during the school day—through the Class of 2026 Google Classroom or StudentSquare.

Pictured is the Rivier College (NH) information session held earlier this week. So far, the Durfee School Counseling Department has hosted five college info sessions this year—with at least seven more on the way!

For students not planning on attending college, The Counseling Department also hosts sessions for students exploring other post-secondary options. Last year, trades professionals visited Durfee to share career pathways and opportunities in the workforce.

At B.M.C. Durfee High School, PE is about more than just movement— It’s where students learn how to make active choices, practice healthy habits, and carry those lessons into life beyond school.

Thanks to a partnership with Infinite Fitness, PE teachers Kelly Beaulieu & Krista Chauvin, and Strength & Conditioning Coach Eli Brooks, Durfee is piloting a physical education class focused on mindset, goal setting, nutrition, and performance training—helping students grow in academics, athletics, and life.

Thank you to Mass in Motion - Fall River Coordinator Laura Bernal Diaz for donating 15 Bike Helmets to Fall River Public Schools!

Director of Health & Physical Education Dan Fitzgerald accepted the helmets on behalf of FRPS, which will soon be given to students across the district.

These helmets are more than just gear—they’re an investment in the health, safety, and confidence of our students.

The B.M.C. Durfee High School Atrium was buzzing with activity for the school’s Annual Club Fair. The event is an opportunity for freshmen students to learn about the more than 40 School Clubs and Activities available to join.

The FRED-TV crew was working double duty at Durfee High School.

During the school day, Fall River Educational Television is filled with students learning the ins & outs of TV production — from morning announcements to special projects, they’re always busy.

But when the final school bell rang on Tuesday, it was time to prepare for LIVE Election Coverage in collaboration with Fall River Government TV and Fall River Community Media. The high school students were essential, as they ran cameras, helped with graphics and audio, and worked behind the scenes in the control room to keep the production running smoothly.

Fall River Public Schools is rolling out new arrival procedures at Kuss, Morton, and Talbot Middle Schools, as well as Durfee High School.

The new procedure launched this week at the middle schools and will begin next week at Durfee. We were on-site this morning at Kuss as Project Present got underway – and it went smoothly!

We welcomed nearly 900 students for their First Day of Kindergarten!

We saw so much excitement, energy, and enthusiasm from both our students and their families as they began this important milestone.

We can’t wait to see all the learning, growth, and success this year will bring.

The Fall River Public Schools PACE on the Go RV is ready to hit the road.

The RV, generously donated by Southcoast Health, has been renovated and rebranded and is believed to be the first mobile family resource center of its kind in Massachusetts schools.

The PACE On The Go RV will travel across Fall River neighborhoods to bring vital services directly to families, including school registration, vaccine clinics, medical referrals, and help with applications for essential benefits (MassHealth, SNAP, and more).

Our littlest learners were all smiles for their first day of school at our Early Learning Center on Elsbree Street. ELC now has 18 preschool classrooms, offering half-day and full-day programs to nearly 250 students.

District-wide, there are nearly 700 preschool students enrolled in Fall River Public Schools

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that Lisa Zagarella Coutu has been named interim principal of Edmond P. Talbot Middle School.

Zagarella Coutu, who has been the director of Multilingual Learner (MLL) programs for Fall River Public Schools since 2023, takes over as interim principal of Talbot Middle School effective immediately.

Spencer Borden Elementary School hosted a Back to School Bash and Picnic for students and families just before the start of the school year. It was a great way to kick off the year- as students were able to see their friends, play on the playground, make crafts, and even have some fun with bubbles.

Families were also able to enjoy a cookout, bouncy house, obstacle course, and other community-building activities. Families could also purchase gently-used spirit wear and school iron-on logos. The Fall River Public Library was also on site with their Bookmobile, allowing students to check out books from the library. The event was sponsored by the school’s PTO and organized by school staff and administrators.

What an awesome way to celebrate the start of a new school year as a school community. See more photos from the event on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/15tJmaukB4/

New teachers in our district had the opportunity to participate in New Teacher Professional Development before the start of the school year.

Whether they are brand new to Fall River Public Schools, or it's their first year in the classroom, or even in a new grade level, teachers had the option to attend several PD Sessions. From diving into ELA curriculum and literacy blocks to building a strong foundation in math instruction, these sessions were designed to set them up for success in the year ahead.

We’re excited to welcome these educators to our schools and can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll have on our students this year!

Since July 1st, our Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) Center Team has enrolled nearly 2,500 new students into Fall River Public Schools!

From answering questions to guiding families through registration, their hard work ensures every student and family feels supported and ready.

We’re so grateful for this team—not just during the busy summer months, but all year long.

This summer, our Fall River Public Schools Nutrition Department and Whitsons Culinary Group have been hard at work keeping our community healthy and nourished.

In July alone, our cafeteria workers prepared more than 39,000 meals for students participating in the various summer programs in our district. All summer, they’ve also been preparing healthy meals for the Summer Lunch in the Park program, a partnership between FRPS , The City of Fall River, and Greater Fall River Recreation, which provides meals to about 1,600 children every day.

And if that wasn’t enough, this week they also made sure our staff was well-fed during this week’s Administrators Institute.

We are so grateful for your hard work and commitment to serving our students and community.

We’re Ready for the 2025–2026 School Year!

Our school and district leaders wrapped up four days of our annual Administrators Institute - a time dedicated to learning, collaboration, and preparation for the year ahead.

Over the course of the week, our staff engaged in professional development focused on instructional leadership and inclusive practices designed to help us be our very best for every student.

We are excited and committed to making this a year of success for every student in Fall River Public Schools.

The Doran Community School’s 21st Century Summer Program wrapped up with a Summer Showcase—and families were invited to see all the amazing things students had been working on.

From Lego creations powered by student-built computer programs to colorful artwork and hands-on projects, the showcase was filled with creativity, innovation, and pride. Students not only displayed their work but also explained the process behind it.

Thank you to the students, staff, and families for making the summer program a success!

Students who were in the TV Production enrichment at the B.M.C. Durfee High School Summer Enrichment Program this summer were able to get a true behind-the-scenes experience!

From producing and shooting to editing their own videos and even being in front of the camera, students were taught the skills needed to bring a story to life on screen. It was all possible thanks to the partnership with Fall River Educational Television and the FRED-TV studio located at Durfee High School.

The Durfee Summer Enrichment Program just wrapped up its 17th year, offering students in grades K–8 a chance to explore new passions & learn exciting skills over five weeks.

Durfee High’s Career and Technical Programs Expand Significantly, Offering More Students Real-World Skills

Fall River Educational Television at B.M.C. Durfee High School provides students with direct exposure to multimedia and mass communications technology to develop technical literacy and provide the skills needed and opportunities available to work directly in the industry.

Learn More

FRED-TV Facebook Page

FRED-TV Sports

Through the exposure of television production, multimedia authoring, and school to work environments, students are prepared for post-secondary education or employment in various technology-based careers.”

The core of our mission is based on Media Literacy and Responsible Use.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year is now Open.

Students must be 5-years-old on or before September 1, 2025 to qualify for Kindergarten.

Visit our Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) Center page to start the registration process.

Attention Graduates of BMC Durfee High School, Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy, or Stone Day School (2003–2024):

A recent change in state policy has eliminated the MCAS as a graduation requirement. As a result, students who previously earned a certificate instead of a diploma may now apply for a transcript review.