“Shortly after 5:00am this morning, the NBFD responded to 90 Clark Street for a reported fire. The fire was caused by combustibles placed on top of a natural gas powered space heater. The fire was quickly extinguished and the only tenant residing in the apartment was displaced.

With the cooler weather on the way, this is a good opportunity to remind everyone to make sure their heating units, whether stationary or portable, are free of combustibles. The thermostat may still be set from last season and turn the unit on without you knowing and ignite combustibles placed on top of or nearby the heating element.

Here’s a few precautions you can take to stay safe and remember to make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in your residence.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

Tackling learning loss & achievement gaps are the focus of district plans.

“The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the 2022–2023 statewide accountability results that include achievement and growth scores from both ACCESS and MCAS testing. The accountability results also measure progress in the areas of attendance, graduation and dropout rates, and advanced coursework.

For New Bedford Public Schools, accountability measures set a new baseline compared to 2019, the last time a full accountability report was issued. District results summarize scores seen across New Bedford schools with some schools landing above the state average and some below.

Interim Superintendent Andrew O’Leary noted, “MCAS offers a consistent measure of student achievement and compared to 2019 most of our schools have either maintained or seen a decreased number of students meeting or exceeding expectations. This very clearly demands a focused plan for recovery. We’ve got work to do.”

When compared to the pre-pandemic rate of English Language Arts (ELA) achievement for students in Grades 3-8, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations has dropped from 34 to 24 percent.

Mathematics achievement has experienced a similar 10 percent drop, from 32 to 22 percent, for students taking the MCAS in Grades 3-8.

However, 10th Grade ELA performance has improved slightly during that same period, from 24 to 25 percent of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. High school mathematics is down from 20 to 16 percent.

NBPS is building goals and targets starting from these accountability results, recognizing that learning loss and achievement gaps must be overcome.

Specific district actions underway this year include:

• A dedicated Academic Achievement Subcommittee to monitor academic progress
• Strategic professional development for all staff in culturally and linguistically sustaining teaching practices
• Prioritization of specific student groups who may need more support to meet and exceed grade-level standards
• Internal accountability systems overseen by a District Instructional Leadership Team
• Progress monitoring in partnership with MADESE’s Office of the Statewide System of Support
• Strategic support and monitoring of individual School Improvement Plans.

Although New Bedford Public Schools exceeded DESE’s targets set for improvement of chronic absenteeism, the DESE targets still represent a rate of chronic absenteeism that will make recovery from learning loss difficult to improve. “We need students in school every day for the 180 days of the school year. Even when a child has perfect attendance, they are in school less days than they are out of school during the 365 days of the year,” urges Interim Deputy Superintendent, Darcie Aungst. “Attendance matters.” “Our students are amazing and they can achieve at grade-level and beyond and good attendance is the first step in doing so.”

Families will be receiving their child’s individual state report cards in October and the Interim Deputy Superintendent, Darcie Aungst encourages families to partner with their child’s teacher and schools to ensure that all New Bedford students achieve at grade-level and beyond.

MCAS, as well as all other accountability measures for NBPS and for all of Massachusetts school districts, are published on the DESE website.”

According to reporting from the Boston Globe, Massachusetts education leaders are creating a new pipeline to develop and open more charter schools across the state. In a recently released article titled “Massachusetts education leaders hope to jump start a new era of charter school growth” they noted,

“The expansion will focus on districts with room to add new charter schools under state law, which limits the amount of school spending that can go towards charter school tuition. Those districts include Brockton, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, and Worcester.”

In 2016 there was a ballot question named the “Massachusetts Charter School Expansion Initiative”. This aimed to give the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the “authority to lift the cap and allow up to 12 new charter schools or to expand existing charter schools each year”.

Over 2 million voters (60%) voted against this initiative in the 2016 election and it did not pass.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association was strongly campaigning against the idea of more charter schools in Massachusetts. After the landmark vote, MTA President Barbara Madeloni was extremely vocal,

“Our victory in Massachusetts sends a signal across the nation that public education is not for sale and that we can beat back the assault on our schools, colleges and universities.”

In the Boston Globe article they claim that “state education leaders and many policy experts have long considered charter schools a critical ingredient in helping academically struggling students”.

It is also known that Massachusetts has among the highest-performing charter schools nationwide. So the question is, should New Bedford and other Massachusetts cities look to add more charter schools to their community, or focus more on the public schools we already have in place?

From the Freetown Police Department:

Sunday, September 24, 2023, at approximately 9:00 AM, the Freetown Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting the sighting of BRANDON DEMORANVILLE, age 37, of 122 Chace Road in East Freetown. The callers reported that DEMORANVILLE was inside the Mobil Mart convenience store on Mason Road.

Freetown Police were dispatched and successfully located DEMORANVILLE inside a parked vehicle with his mother and girlfriend. He was taken into custody without incident and subsequently transported to the Freetown Police Station for booking.

This arrest comes in the wake of DEMORANVILLE’s evasion of law enforcement two days ago, which sparked a lengthy police search. DEMORANVILLE was the subject of several outstanding warrants, one of which dated back to October 2022 when Freetown Police initially arrested him on charges alleging felony breaking-and-entering and larceny.

Following his arrest, DEMORANVILLE was transported to the Bristol County House of Corrections, where he will be held without bail. His court appearance is scheduled for Monday at the Fall River District Court.

Chief Rose praises the invaluable cooperation of our community members, whose vigilant assistance led to the swift apprehension of DEMORANVILLE.

“The City’s Emergency Medical Services Department purchased 49 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for the City Buildings using federal ARPA funds.

The Department of Facilities and Fleet Management is working to get them delivered and installed in all of the buildings. AEDs are a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through defibrillation.”-City of New Bedford.

City of New Bedford photo.

“The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of September 25, 2023 – September 29, 2023, and they are as follows:

Eversource will be working on gas main relays and services on:

• Main relay on Allen St from Byron St to 606 Allen St
• Main relay on Berkley St from Commonwealth Ave to end of road
• Main relay on Church St from Tarkiln Hill Rd to Nash Rd
• Main relay on Hudson St from Brock Ave east to end of main at 32 Hudson St
• Main relay on Longwood Ave from Commonwealth Ave to end of road
• Main relay on Rockdale Ave from Grape St to Bluefield St
• Regulator work on Potter St at Rockdale Ave headed east towards Nashua St
• Services on Gaywood St from Brownell Ave to end of road
• Services on Lynwood St from Brownell Ave to end of road
• Services on Pauline St from Brownell Ave to end of road
• Services on Sheldon St from Brownell Ave to end of road

Other:

• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at varies locations throughout the city on roadway and sidewalk patches.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at MassDOT project #609201, located at the intersection of Acushnet Ave & Peckham Rd/Sassaquin Ave.
• Contractors (PA Landers and various utility companies) will be working at MassDOT’s Kings Highway project. Minor traffic impacts and lane shifts required.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Acushnet Ave from Tarkiln Hill Road to Monmouth Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Wood Street from the town line to Church Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on Braley Rd Sidewalks between Acushnet Avenue and Phillips Road.  Minor traffic impacts and lane shifts required.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Sutton Street from Shawmut Ave to Harvard Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Irvington Street from Church Street to Maywood Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at the intersection of Union Street and County Street.  Minor traffic impacts are to be expected. Police details and lane closures will be required.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future pedestrian bridge across Route 18 impacting parking along Purchase Street between Willis Street and Pearl Street and at the Division of Career Services on Acushnet Avenue. Temporary detours may be in place pending construction activities occurring.  If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Contractor (Middlesex Corp) will be working on Nash Rd between Church St and Mt. Pleasant St. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and will have police details on site to assist with traffic.
• Contractor (Newport) will be working on Nash Rd between Church St and Mt. Pleasant St. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and will have police details on site to assist with traffic.”

As part of their Right-of-Way education program, Jean Fox Director of Community Engagement at MassDOT is sharing safety reminders on specific topics each month.

This week is Rail Safety Week, an opportunity to highlight safety and remember to take it to heart every week. With school back in session, MassDOT wants to reach out to teachers and parents specifically to encourage them to speak with students and children about putting Safety First. From classroom to home, wherever kids may come across railroad tracks, it is key to make sure they have the knowledge and tools to stay safe.

The MBTA will be testing and commissioning Commuter Rail trains to and from Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River, and New Bedford for the first time in decades. The test trains will travel the corridor, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph, much faster than previous freight trains at 25 mph.

As MassDOT approaches this exciting milestone, they want to remind everyone who lives by, drives, works, or crosses railroad tracks to prepare for high-speed trains to be a frequent sight in the region. It’s important to remember that only trains should be on the right-of-way. It is illegal and life-threatening to walk on or along the tracks.

Both adults and students should take the following safety information to heart:

• The ONLY safe place to cross train tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings—obey warning signs and signals posted there.

• Trains are quieter and faster than you think, and the average train traveling 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop.

• Using the railroad ROW to walk, ride bicycles, or for any other recreational purpose is trespassing and extremely dangerous. Make sure children know how to stay safe around trains!

• Emergency Notification System sign and location at the Concord Street crossing.

It is vitally important that kids know what to do in case of an emergency, such as a vehicle getting stuck on the tracks. The following steps should be memorized so that they are prepared:

• Get Out: Leave the vehicle immediately. A school bus driver may open the emergency exit door at the back of the bus. If children are commuting to school in a van, the driver will assist and direct them safely out of the vehicle.

• Get Away: Be sure to stay at least 15 feet away from the tracks.

• Find the Blue and White Sign: Call the number on the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and share the crossing ID number with the dispatcher. If there is no ENS sign posted nearby, call 911.

The startup of SCR service represents great opportunities and benefits for the region, presenting new issues requiring education and caution. To ensure the safety message is shared effectively, MassDOT asks teachers and school staff to show their safety videos as part of classes or assemblies. You can also request a presentation by emailing them at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us with “Safety First” in the subject line.

The following resources can help put Safety First:

• South Coast Rail Safety Program – Elementary School
• South Coast Rail Safety Program – Middle School
• South Coast Rail Safety Program – High School

Operation Lifesaver’s Student Safety Guide Brochure is available in English and Spanish (Español) with an illustrated safety knowledge test.

South Coast Rail’s Safety First fact sheet with additional information and resources is excellent for downloading and sharing.

Safety First is aimed at promoting your safety throughout the railroad corridor. Presentations, brochures, videos, and conversations emphasize ROW safety for every age, occupation, and resident.

“A survey of New Bedford Police Union members was conducted on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

This climate survey was similar to the June survey, as it is meant to take stock of the opinions of employees regarding their job and work environment.

As we have previously mentioned, climate surveys may present more of a problem to administrators, as the information may result in administrators being limited in their ability to suggest they were unaware of employee issues or problems being present within the agency.

This information is being shared to give the public an idea of the current state of officer/employee opinions and perceptions. The scale is from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) for most of the questions.

Questions about morale have a scale from 1 (Extremely Low) to 5 (Extremely High).

The survey was done by in-person, anonymous ballot in an effort to limit errors or problems which may have occurred with an online platform. Those issues were discussed in the June survey response post on Facebook.

There were eighty (80) responses, and the notice of the survey was made to the union body two days prior to the event.”-New Bedford Police Union.

New Bedford Police Union photo.

New Bedford Police Union photo.

PACE Is Hiring For Their READY PROGRAM – JOB DEVELOPER
Deadline to apply: Friday, September 29, 2023

They are looking for candidates with the following qualifications and skills:

· Minimum Associates degree required, BA preferred;
· 5+ years working with chronically under and unemployed adults;
· Ability to connect with the community, training facilities, employers and unions to create partnerships, facilitate work readiness workshops;
· Must be familiar with community services available and able to connect with the population;
· Organizational skills needed and ability to inspire people;
· Must be able to pass a background check.

The PACE READY Program Job Developer works with our partners to create post-graduation training and work opportunities for program members. Will work in concert with the administration team to create training and employment pathways for READY participants. Must have the ability to teach coursework in a dynamic, thought provoking fashion. Works in collaboration with the READY team to ensure success while in the program and for a year of intense follow-up after graduation. The Job Developer will also connect with existing partners, as well as, establishing new partnerships. Candidate must have the ability to engage people in a positive manner and role model through attitude, behavior, language and dress.

SALARY: $21 – $24 per hour, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Excellent benefits include paid vacation time, personal time, sick time and holidays; low-cost health insurance, dental and vision plans; no-cost life insurance.

P.A.C.E. is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

E-mail a cover letter, resume, and the name of the position you are applying for to: hrjobapplications@paceinfo.org no later than: Friday, September 29, 2023

“As part of Student Sleep Health Week (September 17-23), two elementary schools – Pulaski and Congdon – will participate in a 10-day sleep challenge developed by Dr. Kathleen Mackenzie, Supervisor of Clinical and Behavioral Services in collaboration with New Bedford Cable Access. “With the return to school in its third week and as schedules become routine, this is a great time for students and families to focus their attention on getting quality sleep. It is critical for overall well-being, and is linked to positive outcomes in learning, development and physical/mental health,” notes Dr. Mackenzie.

Andrew O’Leary, Interim Superintendent, notes the importance of balancing screen time and sleep. “The way our students consume media is very similar to those habits, good or bad, in their nutrition and exercise. If a rested mind learns best we must all do more to encourage healthy screen-time habits and ensure our children get sufficient sleep for their age and activity level.”

Students start the challenge by taking an anonymous survey about their sleep habits and watch a brief introductory video produced by New Bedford Cable Access with Dr. Mackenzie. Each day, they look at a slide to discuss a Question of the Day and watch a short video response, which provides a suggestion they can try to improve their sleep. They record their sleep in a daily log. At the end of 10 days, they take a post-challenge survey (also anonymous). This process of discussing and self-monitoring sleep health with peers and counselors creates greater awareness and understanding of sleep as a big part of being the best one can be.

Developed two years ago, the sleep challenge seeks to educate staff, students, and families about the importance of sleep, and as a way to support student mental health. Students at the middle and high school level have participated in the sleep challenge in the past and students reported positive changes in their level of happiness, stress, and overall well-being.

This year the RISE Academy program at Pulaski School is incorporating the 10-day sleep challenge into their social-emotional learning blocks taught daily in the classroom by school adjustment counselors. RISE (Reaching Independence through Supportive Education) facilitates intensive social-emotional/behavioral and academic interventions.

Jarred Varao, Supervisor for the RISE program states, “We put social-emotional learning at the forefront of everything we do. RISE teaches skills to promote self-regulation and builds a love for learning that helps foster academic growth and success. Healthy sleep habits are a critical component.”

In preparation for the sleep challenge, RISE lead behaviorist Kevin Gifford said, “We are excited to embark on this journey and partner with Dr. Mackenzie to support our students, families and staff. Our dedicated behavioral staff will also be participating, looking at their own sleep patterns. With this knowledge we can work together to create an environment that prioritizes healthy sleep habits and ultimately enhances our learning community.”

Since not all schools are able to participate in the challenge at this time, Dr. Mackenzie will offer an informational session via Zoom on Tuesday, September 26, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. To register: https://bit.ly/NBPSSleepHealth. The session is for parents, guardians and caregivers who would like to learn about several science-based strategies to get their children and family members sleeping better now.”