New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“More than two years after the first hammer was swung, the long-anticipated opening of a state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education center for students at the Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) is a reality. Last week, while teachers and other team members were organizing classrooms and offices, students were getting their first glimpse of the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs STEAM Center for Education which stands adjacent to the school’s main campus. The building opened Monday, February 13th.
“Right when I walked in the door, I was amazed to see all of the cool features of the new building,” said Jalayziah Addison, a 6th grade student. “It made me feel good that I could still go to classes in the new building and I’ll be able to learn here.”
I give it five and a half stars,” said Wyatt Mello, a ninth grade student.
The rehabilitated former convent boasts a Think-a-Bit (or innovation lab); a biology lab; a chemistry lab with a fume hood; two math classrooms; an art classroom outfitted with a kiln; a music room with separate practice room; two world language classrooms; a media center; and the College and Career Center, as well as small rooms for students who need a quiet space to work. Middle school students take art, music and technology classes in the new building. Besides those classes, high school students also take science, math and world language courses there. Additionally, they have access to the College and Career Center.
The 18,132 square foot building was originally scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year but construction and materials issues delayed the opening.
“What I love about our One School One Campus expansion project is seeing all of the planning for this building, especially all of the teachers’ input, come to fruition. It is a building designed for learning, collaborating, experimenting and creating,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado Sr, executive director of GLCPS.
School officials also plan to invite community groups to use the building for classes or meetings.
The school will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new building at a later date.
GLCPS is a tuition-free public charter school serving 500 New Bedford students in Grades 5-12. Students are enrolled through a blind lottery. The deadline to register for the annual lottery for the 2023-2024 school year is February 28. Applications are available on the school’s website, www.glcps.org.
For more information, please contact the school at (508) 991-4105.”
