Fall River Public Schools

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/28/2026

Recognized for having Durfee P.R.I.D.E.

Hilltoppers know what it means to have Durfee pride, but this morning, 19 members of the Class of 2026 at B.M.C. Durfee High School were honored for demonstrating Durfee P.R.I.D.E.

The acronym stands for Purpose, Responsibility, Innovation, Diligence, and Empowerment. For the fourth consecutive year, soon-to-be Durfee graduates were recognized for consistently demonstrating these values through their actions, character, leadership, or personal growth.

During today’s awards, Durfee Principal Dr. Jessica Stephens reminded students that the recognition is centered on growth and making a conscious effort to become better each day. The honored seniors were celebrated for the positive example they set within the Durfee community and for embodying what Durfee P.R.I.D.E. represents every day.

Thank you to the Durfee staff who nominated students, and to those who organized the event, which is now a proud Durfee tradition!

**Photos are the property of Fall River Public Schools and cannot be reused without written permission.**

05/28/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/28/2026

What an awesome recap of Fonseca's Multicultural Night. Thanks, FRED-TV!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/28/2026

45 B.M.C. Durfee High School Students Earn the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy

Fall River Public Schools is proud to announce that 45 B.M.C. Durfee High School students from the Class of 2026 have earned the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. This marks the district’s highest number of recipients to date and reflects extraordinary growth from just 14 students in 2022.

Among this year’s honorees, eight students earned the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, the program’s highest honor.

Durfee students earned the Seal in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Filipino/Tagalog.

In 2026, Durfee administered Seal of Biliteracy assessments across 10 different languages, with several students demonstrating proficiency in more than one language.

This year’s recipients reflect the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of Fall River:
• 11 former English Learners
• 10 current English Learners
• 24 native English speakers

The graduating seniors received Seal of Biliteracy honor cords to wear at commencement, distinguishing them at graduation for their multilingual achievement.

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English and at least one additional language. The Seal appears on students’ diplomas and transcripts, signaling to colleges and employers that graduates are prepared to thrive in a multilingual and interconnected world.

Massachusetts adopted the Seal of Biliteracy in 2017 to recognize the value of multilingualism, encourage students to pursue advanced language study, and celebrate linguistic achievement.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith praised the students, saying, “We are incredibly proud of these bilingual scholars who have demonstrated the dedication and intellectual agility required to master multiple languages. The number of Fall River students earning the Seal of Biliteracy this year is a testament to the district’s commitment to preparing our graduates for college, career, and life.”

“This accomplishment highlights the district’s commitment to academic excellence, language development, and celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity,” said Dr. Shelly Silvia, World Languages Department Head at Durfee.

To learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy, visit: https://durfee.fallriverschools.org/school-counseling/seal-of-biliteracy

**Photos are the property of Fall River Public Schools and can not be reused without written permission.**

05/28/2026

Fall River Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith is proud to announce the appointment of Kevin Bates as the next principal of the Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School.

Mr. Bates brings more than 15 years of experience in education. He has served the Fall River Public Schools community in multiple leadership and instructional roles since first joining the district in 2012 as a special education teacher at B.M.C. Durfee High School through Teach For America.

Since 2024, Bates has served as vice principal at Matthew J. Kuss Middle School, where he helped strengthen instructional practices, student support systems, and school culture. His leadership included the creation of transition-focused student academies, the development of a Restorative Justice Center, and initiatives focused on student engagement, accountability, and achievement.

The appointment marks a meaningful return for Mr. Bates, who previously served as vice principal at Viveiros Elementary School from 2019 to 2023. During his time at Viveiros, he played a key role in strengthening instructional systems, social-emotional learning initiatives, and the school’s positive culture framework.

“Kevin is a collaborative and student-centered leader who understands the needs of our students, families, and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “His previous experience at Viveiros, combined with his strong leadership at Kuss, makes him an excellent fit to lead one of our district’s largest elementary schools. We are excited to welcome him back to the Viveiros community.”

Although his new role moves him just up the street from Kuss Middle School, Bates said the transition feels especially meaningful because of the strong connections he has already built within the South End community.

“Many of our students at Kuss came to us from Viveiros, so I am already familiar with so many of the students, families, and staff,” Bates said. “Fall River has truly become my professional home, and I am honored to continue serving this community as principal of Viveiros Elementary School. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and continuing to support the success of every student.”

Originally from Windsor, New York, Bates said he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, family and friends, especially by the pool or ocean, and proudly remains a loyal New York sports fan.
As principal, Bates will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Viveiros Elementary School while continuing to focus on high expectations, strong instructional leadership, and building a positive and supportive school culture for students and staff.

Mr. Bates will assume his new role on July 1, 2026.

05/28/2026

Proving that showing up matters. This year, one Durfee High School senior was recognized for not missing one single day of high school!

Congratulations to Yahir Romero Rosario, recipient of the Perfect Attendance Award at Tuesday’s National Honor Society and Senior Awards Ceremony.

Over the last four years at B.M.C. Durfee High School, Yahir did not miss a single day of school. That’s 720 consecutive school days of commitment, consistency, and perseverance.

Dr. Aimee Bronhard, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Strategic Integration, presented the award to Yahir earlier this week.

Way to go, Yahir!


**Photos are the property of Fall River Public Schools and may not be reused without written permission.**

05/28/2026

Celebrating multiculturalism at the Fonseca Elementary School

Students, staff, and families came together yesterday for the school’s Multicultural Night, where the entire school was transformed into a celebration of cultures from around the world.

Each class created projects representing different countries, while families enjoyed student displays, international food, music, and cultural clothing. This year’s event even included a fashion show.

What a great night of celebrating diversity, learning, and community.

A big thanks to the FRED-TV staff and students for taking these photos! Check out their video: https://youtu.be/YCll0iwuiBg?si=dYYt_bniWZ8RfsYO

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Durfee Hilltoppers

Are you interested in running for Durfee Student Government? Pick up a form in Room 3712 and attend an info meeting!