Fall River Elementary School Honored by the Boston Celtics

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Hard work always gets recognized, a statement that holds true for the students at Tansey Elementary School in Fall River.

The elementary school was recently named an Attendance All-Star School by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The recognition is due to its efforts in reducing chronic absenteeism among students.

Tansey Elementary School is also among the top 10 schools in terms of improvement throughout Massachusetts.

Although that recognition is enough for the students and staff to be proud of, their efforts have also caught the attention of the NBA World Champions.

What better way to celebrate than being recognized by the Boston Celtics team?

The 18-time champs have agreed to donate a signed basketball to the school to honor its hard work and efforts in reducing absenteeism, a prize only bestowed by the top 10 schools in the Commonwealth.

Schools worldwide have experienced an increase in chronic absenteeism, meaning students miss at least 15 school days in a year. This problem could lead to serious academic issues such as falling behind and failing classes.

Tansey is among the few schools that have helped reduce that number statewide.

The school community will accept the signed basketball during the annual back-to-school ice cream social on August 27 at 2 p.m.

Cool Liks Ice Cream will provide sweet treats thanks to the generosity of Senator Michael Rodrigues and Representative Carole Fiola.

As schools head back into session, this will be a time for students, staff and the community to celebrate their success.