Fall River public school receives national recognition; 1 of only 8 in the country

Fall River Public Schools has announced that Edmond P. Talbot Middle School has been selected as one of just eight schools nationwide to participate in the Smithsonian Science Education Center‘s 2026 Strategic Planning Institute, the first step in a three-year journey toward becoming a Smithsonian STEAM School of Distinction.

FRPS states that The Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program recognizes middle and high school schools that take a comprehensive, school-wide approach to integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to create innovative, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. The program is a first-of-its-kind in the Smithsonian’s nearly 180-year history.

As part of this prestigious opportunity, a team from Talbot Middle School has traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in a five-day Strategic Planning Institute. Representing Fall River Public Schools are Dr. Kimberly Laliberte, Director of Science; Lisa Zagarella Coutu, Principal of Talbot Middle School; Yvone Rego, Talbot’s Math-Science Department Head; Aidan Shane, a Talbot Project Lead The Way science teacher; along with Daniela Munoz and Marquis Taylor, two representatives from Coaching4Change, Talbot’s community partner, who will help support the school’s STEAM planning process.

During this week’s institute, the team will develop a five-year strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap for expanding and strengthening STEAM education throughout the school. The team will also collaborate with Smithsonian educators and fellow school leaders from across the country while gaining access to Smithsonian resources, programs, and educational opportunities. Following the institute, and over the next three years, the Talbot team will continue working with the Smithsonian Science Education Center as it implements the plan and works toward earning recognition as a Smithsonian STEAM School of Distinction.

“We are honored that Talbot Middle School has been selected for this national opportunity,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “Talbot was not only the only school selected in Massachusetts, but also the only school in New England chosen for this prestigious opportunity. The recognition reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to providing students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.”

Talbot Middle School was selected alongside seven other schools from across the United States, representing communities in Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, California, and Alabama.

For more information about the Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program, visit https://ssec.si.edu/steam-schools