Participating faculty and support staff for the 21st Century programs that operate in the William S. Greene and the John J. Doran Elementary Schools gathered at the Tradewinds Restaurant at B.M.C. Durfee High School on December 9, 2010 to share their involvement in the program. 21st Century Learning Centers provide academic enrichment opportunities 32 weeks a year during non-school hours for children at Greene, Watson, and Doran Elementary Schools and students at Durfee High School. Next summer there will be five sites, including the Resiliency Preparatory High School. Current offering include a computer club and classes in theatre and dance, Fall River history, fun with cooking and health eating. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. Click here for the draft mission/vision statement. Click here for photos of a celebration of 21st Century summer programs held last September. For more information about the program, contact Beverly Pavao at 508-491-4822 or her cell number, 508-864-1883.

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(Top row, left) 21st Century project director Beverly Pavao welcomes participants and makes a few remarks before asking each person to introduce themselves with a description of what they do. (Top row, center) Frank Duffy, director of the Fall River Y, updates the group about what the Y has been offering. (Top row, right) Ed Davis describes the computer education he offers at Durfee High School. (Middle row, left) Assistant Superintendent Meg Christ listens as Joe Thomas of Spinner Publications talks about the "History Spoken Here" project. (Middle row, right) Bill Sampaio of the New England Futsal Academy describes his popular Futsal Academy at the Doran School. (Bottom left) Deirdre Healy, Director of Service -Learning in the Center for Civic Engagement at UMass-Dartmouth, describes a new program funded by Travelers Insurance that pairs children with company volunteers. (Bottom row, center) Todd Salpeitro of TJ's Music on South Main Street talks about the enthusiasm his students have in his music classes as Bill and City grantwriter Jane Dibiasio listen. (Bottom row, right) Project bookkeeper Del Sampson and Supplemental Education Services (SES) director Maria Ferreira talk about what they enjoy about the program.