Select Fall River Public Schools to be beneficiary of Verizon Innovation grant including free chrome books, data plans

Several Fall River Public Schools will benefit from a special grant to aid and increase student learning.

According to Superintendent Matthew Malone, today, Fall River Public Schools has been selected to join Verizon Innovative Learning Schools; Verizon’s education initiative targeting under-resourced middle schools across the country. As part of the program, the Matthew J. Kuss, James M. Morton, Edmond P. Talbot middle schools as well as, Henry Lord and John J. Doran Community schools will be provided with a comprehensive education package that includes a Chromebook for every middle school student and instructional staff member including a data plan on each device, that allows constant access to technology-rich curricula, while keeping students safe with onsite/offsite firewall wellness safeguards. The grant provides equitable access to instructional resources and offers training and support to teachers so that they can plan and implement more personalized lessons for students. This grant will also assist with funding a technology coach and technology support in each school.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to be part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Program,” exclaimed Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew Malone. “A third of our lower income households with children don’t have access to a device or high-speed internet at home. This inequality only furthers the homework gap and can put low-income students at a learning disadvantage. By giving students devices and access, this grant would help underserved students develop the tools and confidence they need to become tomorrow’s innovators. More specifically, we hope we can ignite these students’ interest in STEM careers and give them the opportunity to become lifelong learners, creators, and problem solvers.”

Since 2014, Verizon, in partnership with Digital Promise, has launched this initiative in 152 middle schools nationwide. Matthew J. Kuss, James M. Morton, Edmond P. Talbot middle schools as well as Henry Lord and John J. Doran Community schools are among 100 new schools expected to join Verizon Innovative Learning for the 2020-2021 school year. Verizon Innovative Learning aims to enhance student engagement and improve student academic performance. Over the course of the initiative, Verizon Innovative Learning intends to also provide the opportunity for students to learn emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D design and the Internet of Things. The grant is for two years with an option to renew in the out years. This grant is fully aligned with the Fall River Public Schools School Committee strategic goals to expand the use of technology in schools and extend learning for students.