New Bedford Schools Emerge From COVID-19 [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

It's time to check in again with the Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, Thomas Anderson. The superintendent makes periodic visits to Townsquare Sunday to update the public about what's happening in city schools.

When it comes to COVID-19 protocols, it was a landmark week for New Bedford Schools. Students and staff members were allowed to remove their masks, and Anderson said it was a welcomed change after nearly two years of remote learning, mask wearing and social distancing in the classroom.

What about the long-term impacts of COVID-19? How did all of the remote learning and later in-school protocols impact New Bedford students? Anderson said the impacts are still being assessed, but it's likely many students are still playing catch-up. He added that children in general, especially younger students, handled the crisis pretty well.

Anderson also touched on the influx of new students coming into the city from Afghanistan, saying the district and other agencies are providing the supports they need.

Anderson also announced the school department will receive a total of $74 million in one-time federal funding over the next several years to invest in priorities like curriculum and building repairs.

He also said he expects graduation rates to continue in the 80 to 90 percent range at New Bedford high School, despite the impacts of the COVID crisis.

The Townsquare Sunday with Supt. Thomas Anderson can be heard here:  

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday morning at 6 and 11 a.m. on 1420 WBSM and 99.5 FM. The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make Greater New Bedford a better place to live and work.

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