Health Sciences is third Academy to Receive Distinguished Designation.

“New Bedford High School Academy of Health Sciences, affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), has been officially designated as a distinguished national high school program. Announced in July at the NAF national conference in Phoenix, Arizona, the designation is the highest level of achievement for a NAF Academy.

The Health Sciences Academy, one of several programs part of New Bedford High School Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) offerings, joins Finance and Information Technology as the third NBHS NAF academy now recognized as distinguished. The designation was determined based in part on a site visit to NBHS to assess program quality by NAF officials. Their evaluation included interviews with school stakeholders, documentation review, class observations and discussions with a cross section of teachers, students, health sciences industry advisory committee members and school administrators.

Interim Superintendent Andrew O’ Leary stated, “Studies show that Massachusetts offers less exposure to career technical education than other states. CVTE programs embedded in comprehensive high schools are the solution this disparity. The New Bedford & National Academy Foundation partnership is a pathway to prosperity for students and a model for other districts to follow.”

“We are honored to have been awarded a third distinguished academy designation, this latest for our Health Sciences program,” said Principal Bernadette Coelho. “I want to thank the National Academy Foundation for its continued confidence in our school and Academies and for recognizing the amazing work of our students, staff and advisory committee members.”

“This third distinguished academy award shows that career tech education is a hallmark program at NBHS,” said Christopher Cummings, Manager of Career Vocational Technical Education. Noting that NBHS had earned two additional NAF distinguished awards, the CVTE program has also celebrated successes at Skills USA, and won a $500,000 grant award from the Massachusetts Skills Cabinet to construct a simulated patient lab. “CVTE is thriving here at NBHS, and we look forward to sustaining these accomplishments as we continue our vibrant growth.”

One of the criteria in determination of a distinguished NAF program is an active advisory committee comprised of industry representatives and post-secondary faculty. The committee is comprised of members representing a broad range of health care employers and post-secondary partners, notably Southcoast Health, UMass Dartmouth School of Nursing, and Greater New Bedford Community Health Care. They shared with NAF officials how they engage with NBHS staff and students, providing curriculum guidance and internship opportunities.

“We are fortunate to have highly engaged advisory committee partners to support our Health Science Academy,” said Cummings. “Their active participation and support were key in our receiving this most prestigious recognition, and is an essential component of building program capacity,” he added.

NBHS Health Sciences Academy is affiliated with the National Academy Foundation, part of the school’s offerings of CVTE programming. In addition to Health Sciences, NBHS offers career pathway programs in Hospitality, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Early Childhood Education, as well as two Chapter 74 vocational programs in Business Technology and Radio and Television Broadcasting.

For more information about Career and Technical Education at New Bedford High School, please contact Christopher Cummings, Manager of CVTE at 508 997 4511, ext. 20799.”

“Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently services 500 students in grades 5-12, has been awarded $17,500 through the Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards to improve public school safety.

GLCPS was one of 42 Massachusetts school districts to receive grant funds for priority safety upgrades. The school will use the funds to purchase additional cameras for the building and also invest in a school pass program which will digitally monitor traffic throughout the building and track guests.

The administration awarded $2,910,000 in federal grant funds through the Safer Schools and Communities Initiative. The federal funds are managed in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The funding will be used to make school safety infrastructure improvements, including security enhancements at building entrances, installation of new interior doors and the addition or upgrading of central communication systems to support staff communication in cases of emergency.

“These grants will provide schools with the resources necessary to foster safe learning environments for students and educators. Our administration is committed to collaborating across federal, state and local governments and leveraging every possible tool to enhance safety across Massachusetts and within our schools,” said Governor Maura Healey.

“This grant program is designed to provide school officials with the resources needed to address strengthen security infrastructure and enhance school safety. When students have confidence in the safety of their schools, they’re better able to learn, grow and thrive,” said Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll.

“We are pleased to have been chosen to receive this grant money to purchase state of the art security systems and training for our staff,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. “Safety and security are part of creating a great learning environment for our students.”

GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery. Additional information is available on the school’s website, www.glcps.org. For more information, please contact the school at (508) 991-4105.”

“New Bedford High School has been designated an International Baccalaureate World School by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), authorizing the school to offer the renowned IB Diploma Program, beginning September 2023.

Respected by leading universities across the globe, the IB Diploma Program gives students distinct advantages to thrive in a rapidly changing world by building their critical thinking skills, nurturing their curiosity and their ability to solve complex problems.

In a letter to NBHS Principal Bernadette Coelho, IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen, wrote “As an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme, you are part of a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions resulting in a more harmonious and peaceful world.”

NBHS photo.

The path to authorization culminated a 2-year collaborative effort that involved a team of NBHS and district staff, including Donna Guay, Manager of Educator Quality/DP Coordinator at NBHS and Magaly Sanchez, Curriculum Data & Assessment Manager for Accelerated and Enrichment Programs who led the work on behalf of the district.

In commending the team, Andrew O’Leary, Interim Superintendent stated, “With the addition of the IB Diploma Program, families have more options than ever for advanced pathways that will lead to college and career success. A broad spectrum of offerings like Career & Technical Education, Honors Academy, and Advanced Placement demonstrate that New Bedford High is a comprehensive high school that can offer success to all its students.”

Principal Coelho noted, “Earning the IB World School designation is another significant milestone for New Bedford High School as we continue to develop opportunities for rigorous learning, propelling students to some of the most competitive colleges and universities around the world.”

Team members engaged in IB content reviews, professional development and collaborative student-centered curriculum design. Ms. Sanchez noted, “While leading this work, one of the brightest moments I recall was hearing the IB teachers talk about their participation in the IB professional development, their excitement about IB pedagogy and their commitment to developing a robust IB community at NBHS.”

Authorization involved a rigorous application and review process, including detailed submissions of curricula, and consultancy and verification visits. The IB Verification Team toured the NBHS campus and engaged school community focus groups inclusive of multiple stakeholders including students, families, educators, school committee members, and district and NBHS staff. The IB team noted students’ strong sense of belonging and recognized NBHS’ commitment to offering students increased advanced, standards-based learning opportunities.

NBHS student Sadie Viveiros, who was involved in the process remarked, “I am very thankful for the opportunity to lead the tour, I think it is a wonderful idea to make New Bedford High an IB school. I am currently attending Early College Classes at BCC and that pathway is taking me to my future/dream career.”

New Bedford High School is one of two urban high schools in the region offering the program and one of 943 IB World Schools in the United States.

NBHS will host a Family Information Night on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for families with students entering Grade 11 to learn about the IB Diploma Program, its benefits, the enrollment process, and how students can earn the IB Diploma starting in their junior year this September. Location: New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium, 245 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02740.

New Bedford Public Schools is committed to developing a community of learners who are academically proficient; demonstrate strong character and exhibit self-confidence.”

“Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently services 500 students in grades 5-12, is honoring the outstanding commitment and distinguished service of Dr. Anthony Garro by dedicating their plaza in his name.

GLCPS board members, staff and friends gathered to dedicate the Dr. Anthony Garro Plaza at the entrance of the school’s new the state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Education Center.

Dr. Garro is the former Provost of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and served three terms as a board member for GLCPS. During his terms he advocated for science education with college level laboratories and equipment for the students at GLCPS. He was also responsible for implementing the dual enrollment program for students with Bristol Community College.

“Tony’s support and dedication to the students at GLCPS is so important to the success of our school,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. “His knowledge, passion and vision for our children and his advocacy for science education will continue to shape the future of our school and our students for many years to come. We are so fortunate and grateful for Tony’s dedicated service.”

GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery. Additional information is available on the school’s website, www.glcps.org. For more information, please contact the school at (508) 991-4105.”

“Father Stephen Banjare, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fairhaven, is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Kuliga as the new principal of St. Joseph School. Mrs. Kuliga is well known to the New Bedford Catholic school community as a former principal and teacher within the Diocese of Fall River.

Most recently, Mrs. Kuliga worked as the Community Business Director for Atria Senior Living in Fairhaven. Previously, Mrs. Kuliga lived in California where she was the principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School, a Pre-K to grade 8 Catholic school in the relatively rural and diverse community of Patterson, CA. Prior to moving to California, Mrs. Kuliga was the vice principal at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, where she was the lead administrator for the middle school annex building, mentored PACT teachers, trained school ambassadors, and provided guidance and support for middle school students. Mrs. Kuliga was also the principal at Espirito Santo Parochial School in Fall River.

Mrs. Kuliga began her teaching career as a teacher at Holy Family Holy Name School in New Bedford, teaching multiple subjects at many grade levels from preschool to grade 8, as well as acting as the extended care coordinator.

“While I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me while working with senior citizens, I miss the relationships with students and their families, as well as the rewards that only a faith-filled, educational environment can uniquely bring to my soul,” indicates Mrs. Kuliga. “I am excited to once again leverage my expertise in school administration, middle school education and elementary education as I lead St. Joseph School to the next level of success. The Catholic identity and close knit community one expects from a Catholic school is clearly evident and I look forward to executing on the vision imparted by Father Stephen and the school’s board.”

Father Banjare adds, “Finding the right school leader in a tight labor market can be a challenge; thus, we are so blessed that Mrs. Kuliga has said ‘YES’ to leading St. Joseph School. Our school is positioned well to serve students from many surrounding communities whose families seek a more traditional, faith-based environment for their children. I am confident that under Mrs. Kuliga’s leadership, St. Joseph School will continue to be that beacon of hope for families.”

“Our Catholic schools partner with families to foster the culture of virtue expected of our schools and school leadership. It has been proven that a Catholic education allows each student to flourish as they learn our Catholic faith as it is integrated with foundational subjects such as reading, writing, math and social studies,” explains Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Fall River. “Mrs. Kuliga’s extensive career in Catholic education is an outward expression of her firm commitment to all that Catholic education affords children and their families.

Heidi Kuliga has a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from the American International College. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State College. Heidi and her husband, Bob, have three adult children and are active members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. They reside in New Bedford, MA.”

“The Ware Police Department would like to bring an important matter to your attention: the proposed anti-gun Bill currently under consideration (HD 4420, An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws). We understand that this state-level legislation has raised concerns among law-abiding citizens who value their Second Amendment rights.

We recognize that the right to bear arms is a fundamental aspect of our nation’s history and an essential component of personal and collective security. As members of the police force, we are committed to upholding the law and defending the rights of our community members.

A plethora of blatantly unconstitutional proposals litter this travesty of a Bill, too many to mention here; however, of particular egregiousness is the criminalization of carrying firearms in certain so-called “prohibited locations”, including businesses and private properties, EVEN WHILE HOLDING A VALID LICENSE TO CARRY. Not even off-duty police officers will be exempted from this appalling mandate.

Gun Free zones have been proven to have no effect on stopping crime, in fact they embolden criminals to seek out these areas as soft targets of opportunity, where their chances of meeting resistance will be minimal.

This Bill does not address criminals. Rather it focuses on making criminals out of law-abiding citizens and further hampers police agencies from combating true crime.

We believe that public input and engagement are crucial in shaping legislation that reflects the diverse perspectives and concerns of our citizens. Therefore, we encourage you, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who have a long and storied history of throwing off the chains of our oppressors (let not this tradition die in the hands of our generation), to actively participate in the democratic process by voicing your opinions and taking appropriate actions to safeguard your rights.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the details of the proposed anti-gun Bill. Read the legislation, study its potential impact, and understand its implications for your rights as a responsible gun owner.
2. Communicate with your elected representatives: Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives to express your concerns about the Bill. Write letters, and make phone calls to ensure your voice is heard.
3. Encourage open dialogue: Foster constructive conversations about gun ownership, emphasizing responsible practices and the importance of preserving individual liberties. Engage in respectful discussions with friends, family, and neighbors to promote understanding and awareness.
4. Stay informed and mobilize: Keep yourself updated on the progress of the bill and its potential impact on your rights. Stay connected with local gun rights organizations and be prepared to mobilize if necessary.

Remember, your involvement in shaping legislation that impacts your rights is vital. By actively participating and voicing your concerns, you contribute to the democratic process and help ensure that legislation is fair, balanced, and respects the rights of responsible citizens.

The Ware Police Department encourages respectful and law-abiding civic engagement on this matter. We are committed to maintaining the safety and security of our community while upholding the rights enshrined in our Constitution..

Thank you for your attention and active participation.-Ware PD”

“Governor Maura T. Healey announced that she is appointing Ericka Fisher, Ed.D. to the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Dr. Fisher is a leading expert in multicultural education and currently serves as an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Education at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. This is the first appointment to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education by the Healey-Driscoll administration, besides Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.

Dr. Fisher’s scholarly research focuses on social and education issues, particularly multicultural education and the intersection of social justice and education. At Holy Cross, colleagues and community members have lauded Dr. Fisher’s leadership and commitment to students, as well as her dedication to creating positive change, particularly for students of color and other historically marginalized students. Dr. Fisher is the author of “Educating the Urban Race: The Evolution of an American High School,” in which she uses historical and quantitative data, interviews, and observations to capture the many factors at play in an urban high school like Burncoat High School in Worcester.

Governor Healey is appointing Dr. Fisher to the seat previously held by Springfield business leader Tricia Canavan, whose position was coterminous with the Baker-Polito administration. Following her appointment, Dr. Fisher will join current BESE member Michael Moriarty in representing Massachusetts residents, students, and educators from Central and Western Massachusetts.

“Dr. Ericka Fisher has demonstrated a life-long commitment to advancing education in her home of Worcester, and it’s clear she will bring that same dedication to expanding opportunities across Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “With her expertise in multicultural education, Dr. Fisher will bring a necessary perspective to the Board as they seek to deliver a high-quality education to all of our students, especially students of color, English learners, and students with disabilities.”

“Our students benefit when we have experts at the decision-making table. We’re grateful to Dr. Fisher for accepting this leadership position and serving the people of Massachusetts with the goal of advancing access and closing achievement gaps in public education across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

“I am thrilled that Governor Healey is appointing Dr. Ericka Fisher to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Fisher is a seasoned expert on urban schooling and education through the lens of equity and social justice, which is experience that will serve the Board well as we seek to improve educational opportunities for all students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented. She will bring a valued new perspective to the Board,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.

“The process of education, when done correctly, affords students agency and contributes to healthy students and ultimately a healthy society. As an educator and parent, engaging in conversation and decision-making regarding education in the Commonwealth is an honor,” said Dr. Ericka Fisher. “I look forward to working with the Commissioner, Secretary, and fellow board members in ensuring a quality and equitable education for all of our students, regardless of location or demographic. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

In her native town of Worcester, Dr. Fisher is a well-known community leader serving on the Board of Directors of the Joy of Music program, as well as a Board of Trustee Associate at the Nativity School of Worcester. As an expert in the field, Dr. Fisher has also served on the Worcester Public Schools Principal Search Committee and on the Worcester Mayor’s Committee on the Creation of an Exam School.

Dr. Fisher has a bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross, and master’s and doctoral degrees in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As a multicultural education expert, Dr. Fisher currently serves as a reviewer of the Current Issues in Education, Teachers College Press, and Child Abuse & Neglect academic journals. Dr. Fisher is also the mother of two school-age children in Worcester.

Dr. Fisher was sworn into BESE on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. As such, she will participate as a full voting member at BESE’s normal meeting scheduled for today, June 27, 2023. Today’s BESE meeting will be held at 9:00 am at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The meeting will also be streamed live at https://livestream.com/accounts/22459134. The agenda is posted at https://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/docs/fy2023/2023-06/.”-Mass.gov.

“Governor Maura T. Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and DESE Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley today announced that their administration is proposing an updated draft of the comprehensive health and physical education curriculum framework to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) this month.

The LGBTQ+ inclusive, medically accurate and developmentally- and age-appropriate framework outlines guidelines for health and physical education for preK-12 public school students in Massachusetts and would revise DESE’s existing Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework, which was last updated in 1999.

“As the proud daughter of a school nurse and health and sex education teacher, I believe strongly that all students deserve inclusive, medically accurate, and age-appropriate health guidelines,” said Governor Healey. “All of our students benefit when they learn from up-to-date, evidence-based material grounded in science. These new guidelines will empower students with the skills they need to build healthy lives in school and beyond.”

“I am grateful to the health experts, educators, and DESE team members for all the work they have put into this draft framework to ensure guidelines are scientifically accurate, reflective of best practices according to experts in the field, and age-appropriate for each grade span.” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “By providing our students with cutting-edge best practices around health and wellness, we can better prepare the next generation for lifelong health.”

“This is exactly the right time to move this framework forward. Our education system is still recovering from the lasting impacts of the pandemic, and this new framework will provide students and educators access to modern, scientifically-backed practices for achieving mental and physical health,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “I’m proud of DESE and the effort of all the students, educators, administrators, health experts, and other stakeholders who collaborated to deliver such high-quality guidelines for our students.”

The draft updated Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework incorporates modern understanding of the importance of health and wellness to outline appropriate expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each stage of their education, with strategies to enhance their own mental, emotional and physical health along the way. The framework includes mental and emotional health; personal safety, including safety from gun violence; physical health and hygiene; healthy relationships, including safety from dating violence, nutrition and balanced eating; physical activity and fitness; substance use and misuse; gender, sexual orientation, and sexual health; and public, community, and environmental health.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, at its regular meeting on June 27, will hear a presentation on the draft framework and vote on whether to send it out for public comment. If the Board votes to do so, educators, parents, advocates and members of the public will have 60 days to comment on the draft framework. After the public comment period, DESE will consider the feedback and bring the draft back to the Board for a vote on adoption.

“I’m pleased to bring this draft to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for their consideration, and I’m recommending that they send the draft out for public comment,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey C. Riley. “School districts have discretion to determine how the standards will be implemented at the local level. We hope the framework will be a resource of lasting value for schools and districts.”

The draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework is just the latest of DESE’s curriculum frameworks to be updated. (In 2021, DESE went through a similar process updating the World Language Framework.) As with all frameworks, school districts will decide at the local level which curriculum and materials educators will use to teach the skills included in the voluntary health framework. Additionally, under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71 Section 32A, parents have the right to opt out their children from lessons related to sex education, a small portion of the knowledge covered in the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework.

The Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework draft can be accessed here.” Mass.gov.

Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently serves 500 students in grades 5-12, recently announced that graduating senior Maddox Merrey has been awarded the Jacobs Family Scholarship.

The Jacobs Family Scholarship award is for $35,000 over four years and is awarded each year to five New Bedford students, including one GLCPS student, who are pursuing a STEAM education. Merrey will be attending the University of New Haven majoring in biology with a minor in marine biology. She aspires to be a veterinarian.

Merrey is the daughter of Heather and Eric Chew of New Bedford. She is Salutatorian of the class of 2023. She has been a Teacher’s Assistant for two years and is a member of the National Honor Society. Merrey is the Senior Class President and has been a Student Ambassador. She holds a red/blue belt in the martial art of Tang Soo Do and was a member of the Photography Club, the Volleyball Club and the Yearbook Committee.

“We congratulate Maddox on earning this prestigious scholarship,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. “She has succeeded academically and given back to the community outside of the classroom. We know that she will continue to accomplish great things as she carries on with her academic journey at the University of New Haven.”

The Jacobs Scholarship was established in 2000 by New Bedford native Dr. Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm, and his wife, Joan.

GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery.

For more information, please contact the school at (508) 991-4105 or visit the school’s website, www.glcps.org.

“Mayor Jon Mitchell honored this year’s Mayor’s List, the top 10 academically ranked seniors at New Bedford High School. (New Bedford Public Schools) He was joined by Deputy Superintendent Karen Treadup Principal Bernadette Coelho.

Today’s ceremony was the 11th annual Mayor’s List ceremony, in celebration of the City’s highest-achieving students. The ceremony also highlighted their extracurricular activities, the colleges they will attend, their potential fields of study, and their career goals.

“The Mayor’s List is an emblem of academic excellence, and it reflects the commitment of the City and School District to exalt high achievement,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “I congratulate this year’s members, and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in their careers.”

The graduates and their higher education destinations are:

Hannah Pereira, Johnson & Wales University.
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Elizabeth Edminster, UMass Amherst.
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Tatum Reis, Harvard College.
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Cynthia Torres, Princeton University.
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Gabriela Tsaliagos, University of Connecticut.
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Connor Silva, Stonehill College.
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Kailey Sousa, UMass Dartmouth.
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Edelmis Calderon Mercado.
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Jake Gioiosa, Syracuse University.
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Tess Tarpey, University of Connecticut. City of New Bedford photo.
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All photos by the City of New Bedford.