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Last week, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra kicked off its Currents & Music in Motion program with Grade 3 scholars at Alfred S. Letourneau Elementary School! This engaging program blends music and science, bringing learning to life in a fun and interactive way.

In addition to Letourneau, this year the program is also happening at Westall, Greene, and Fonseca Elementary Schools, with four FRPS schools participating annually. The musicians lead an assembly to kick off the program, visit classrooms several times throughout the year, and culminate with a special visit to the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford.

We’re excited to continue this wonderful partnership with the NBSO for another year!

Last Saturday, Durfee students had a great time celebrating the 45th annual Homecoming Dance. Each year, the dance is sponsored by the Durfee Performing Association, and this year’s theme was Viva Las Vegas! Students enjoyed a memorable night of music, dancing at White’s of Westport.

Congratulations to all the HOCO candidates, with a special shoutout to the newly crowned Homecoming King, Trevor Camara, who represented the Video Club, and Homecoming Queen, Alexianna Ortiz, who represented Chorus. Congrats as well to their Homecoming Court: Gretta Moniz (Cross Country), Giana Gordon (DECA), Joshua Almeida (National Honor Society), and Skyla Pereira (DECA).

A huge thank you to the chaperones who helped make the night fun and memorable for students.

Nine members of the Durfee DECA Leadership Board recently spent the day at the Massachusetts State House for DECA Day on the Hill!

Students had the chance to meet with Kyle Neves, Legislative Aide to Senator Michael J. Rodrigues — and a proud Durfee alumnus. Kyle shared his career journey, connected with students, and led an engaging tour of the State House.

During the visit, Durfee DECA received a citation from our state representatives recognizing the chapter’s leadership and community involvement. Students also learned about the STUDY Act, a proposed bill that would ban cell phone use in schools from bell to bell.

It was an inspiring, hands-on experience that gave students a closer look at how state government works and how legislation shapes education across Massachusetts!

When you visit Government Center this holiday season, keep an eye out for some brand-new decorations — handcrafted by juniors from Durfee’s Construction Craft Laborers program.

Nearly two dozen students have spent the past several weeks designing, cutting, and painting festive creations — from giant gingerbread men and candy canes to presents, ornaments, snowflakes, and nutcrackers. Each piece is a true labor of love that students have taken great pride in creating — they even signed their names on the backs of the plywood pieces.

All materials were donated by the City of Fall River, and the finished pieces will soon be displayed in and around Government Center for everyone to enjoy.

So, if you check out the holiday displays downtown, remember — Durfee students built it!

The young adults who attend B.M.C. Durfee High School are the driving force behind Durfee Delivery, a service that brings freshly made food and drinks from the Granite Grille to staff around the building.

We followed students Tyler, Dylan, and Andres as they spent lunch time picking up and delivering orders. Durfee Delivery is just one of the many hands-on jobs students do during the school day—they also gain experience working in the CTE areas of the school, like cosmetology, construction, and others.

These roles help students build essential skills in customer service, communication, time management, and independence. Tyler, an athlete on the school’s Unified Track Team, knows how to get to each room quickly and efficiently. He has studied the building to find the fastest and best routes to and from the restaurant.

Through these opportunities, students grow, take on responsibility, and contribute in meaningful ways—preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

Building skills, one delivery at a time.

Last month, we shared how the Henry Lord Community School’s National Junior Honor Society was hosting a sock drive for “Socktober.” Well, it was a huge success!

The students set a goal to collect 350 pairs of socks for those in need—but they didn’t just meet their goal, they more than doubled it! Thanks to their hard work and generosity, 800 pairs of socks were collected and will soon be donated to local organizations.

Way to go, Bulldogs!