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Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that Kelly‑Ann Cooney has been named the new Director of Multilingual Learners (MLL) for Fall River Public Schools. This appointment marks a return to the district for Ms. Cooney, who previously served as Director of English Learners in Fall River Public Schools. 

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has formally exited Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School from underperforming status, pending the approval of the school’s “Exit Assurances and Sustainability Application”. This significant academic milestone was announced earlier today during the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s monthly meeting.

The announcement by DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez marks a major achievement for Fall River Public Schools and the Fonseca school community. “The Fonseca School in Fall River is making significant progress in improving academic outcomes for multilingual learners…through strong collaboration and shared leadership among educators to fulfill the school’s instructional priorities,” said Commissioner Martinez. “We need to learn about our schools demonstrating these strong professional cultures so we can help more students attain the essential conditions for school success.”

Fall River Public Schools is proud to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recognized Samuel Watson Elementary School for reaching and exceeding pre-pandemic student achievement levels in MCAS Math and Literacy.

This recognition follows Watson’s exit from underperforming status in November 2023 and highlights the school’s continued academic growth and sustained improvement. Earlier this month, a leadership team from Watson Elementary was invited by DESE to participate and present at the Celebrating Academic Success Conference, a statewide convening honoring schools across the Commonwealth that have demonstrated notable MCAS gains.

Members of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 9 of Fall River once again brought big smiles to hundreds of PreK through second-grade students at the school on Cambridge Street.

With a little help from Santa, DAV members donated, delivered, and distributed more than 400 plush stuffed animals—along with plenty of high fives, hugs, and holiday cheer. The excitement on the students’ faces said it all!

A heartfelt thank-you to DAV Chapter 9 for their continued generosity, kindness, and commitment. We are so happy to see this wonderful tradition continue at Greene Elementary School.

Thank you to Friends of Jack Foundation for delivering 300 toys to our Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) Center earlier today. The toys are currently being sorted and will soon be distributed across Fall River Public Schools—bringing joy to more than 300 students.

We are so grateful to the Friends of Jack Foundation for supporting our students and, more importantly, for embodying the true spirit of the holiday season. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in our school community.

On Saturday, it was nothing but net as the 3rd annual Elks Hoop Shoot took place at Durfee High School. Students from Fall River and neighboring communities stepped to the line and took their shot in a free-throw competition, with each participant sinking—or aiming to sink—25 shots. The top scorers will move on to the District Finals in Wareham this January.

A special shout-out to the Fall River Public Schools Physical Education teachers for spreading the word and working the Elks Hoop Shoot into their basketball units. Your support gives students meaningful, inclusive opportunities to build skills, confidence, and a love of the game—both on and off the court.