New Bedford Charter School Celebrates 20 Years

The Global Learning Charter Public School is in its 20th year serving both middle and high school students in the city of New Bedford.

The school, located in the former St. Anthony's school building on Ashley Boulevard, will soon open its new STEAM Education Center in a former convent building adjacent to the school.

Global Learning's Executive Director Dr. Steven Furtado and Technology Director Derek Stevens joined Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the anniversary, the school's history, and plans for the future.

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With the opening of the new Education Center scheduled for early in 2023, Dr. Furtado said he's hoping to expand student enrollment.

"I have reached out to DESE, and we hope to apply again for an additional 100 students, and we'll know where that goes in the next three or four months," Furtado said.

Global Learning currently serves 500 students and has a waiting list of around 200.

Derek Stevens has been at Global Learning for all 20 years of its existence, and like everyone else, he's excited about the Education Center.

"Kids will get hands-on experience with some of the newest technology, and thanks to our partnership with the Jacobs Foundation, we'll have technology that previously we had only dreamed about," he said.

Dr. Furtado praised the financial support provided by Dr. Irwin Jacobs and his wife Joan Jacobs, saying "they've been with us all the way."

There will be at least two public events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the school. The first is the evening of October 22, where all former board members, teachers, staff, contributors and community members will be invited to a celebration at Merrill's on the Waterfront.

The second will be a ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of the Education Center at a date to be determined.

The complete interview with Dr. Furtado and Stevens can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard Sunday mornings at 6 on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to improve the quality of life in Greater New Bedford.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

SouthCoast Kids Celebrate the 100th Day of School

The trend for the last few years has been for kids at the elementary school level to dress up as if they themselves were 100 years old on the 100th day of school. It always brings a smile to my face to see the photos blow up my Facebook newsfeed. The kids and their families get so creative. It's even funnier when the kiddos channel their own avo's when it comes to costume and makeup. We asked our listeners to share their 100th day of school photos with us and we cannot stop laughing over these pictures.

Source: New Bedford Charter School Celebrates 20 Years [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]