FALL RIVER – The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Catholic Schools Alliance are pleased to announce two transformational awards from the Flatley Foundation of Braintree, Mass. These awards will continue two key initiatives for the Diocese of Fall River’s Catholic schools under the newly formed Academy platform: personalized learning and math education, which were initially funded by a 2017 Flatley Foundation grant.

Research shows that students demonstrate the greatest growth when taught utilizing the personalized learning model of instruction. This instructional approach employing various tools such as leveraging technology allows content to be delivered in a way that each student is able to understand and at a pace that best suits each student. According to Steve Perla, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, “The implementation of personalized learning in our Catholic schools allows our teachers to be more effective at addressing each student’s needs – right down to identifying specific skills that require more attention much earlier than in a traditional classroom setting. This generous award from the Flatley Foundation allows us to expand this pedagogy to even more schools and their classrooms.”

Dr. Kate Marin, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Stonehill College and partner on the mathematics education initiative comments, “Mathematics is a great equalizer when it comes to providing opportunities for underserved populations. The Diocese of Fall River Catholic schools are committed to serving and supporting underserved populations.”
There continues to be an overwhelming local and national need for a workforce that is well equipped for the “fourth industrial revolution” which requires people with strong math and science skills. Currently, approximately 7 million jobs in the United States are unfilled as a result of the misalignment between workforce supply and industry demands* thus opening myriad opportunities for students with strong math skills, no matter their socioeconomic background.

These awards are a significant part of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts’ work in support of the Diocese’s extensive philanthropic efforts. Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., confirms that, “The Flatley Foundation has been a true partner with the Diocese of Fall River, most especially in our Catholic Schools. We are forever grateful for the Trustees continued generosity and investment.”

Pat Carney, co-Chair of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, is very encouraged as, “This award presents an opportunity for our already strong schools to raise the bar in their ability to best serve each individual student and lay the foundation for lasting instructional and academic excellence.”

For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www.catholicschoolsalliance.org.

For more information about the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, please go to www.catholicfoundationsema.org.

*https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-05-22/how-to-prepare-for-the-fourthindustrial-revolution

About the Catholic Schools Alliance
The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Our schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, we prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.
For more information, contact Sandi M. Duxbury, VP of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships, at 508-687-7301 ext. 103 or by email: sduxbury@catholicsa.org

About the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
Since its founding in 2018, the Foundation is actively growing in its service to the Catholic Schools Alliance, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), the Catholic Social Services, and the Catholic Charities Appeal. In addition, the Foundation has launched a new giving society, The Anima Christi Society, which is dedicated to celebrating the many generous individuals who have included the Diocese or their parishes in their estate plans. Interested donors may also contact the Foundation to discuss ways to support a specific mission or fund that is meaningful and dear to them.

Steering The Catholic Foundation as the service “hub” for all Diocesan fundraising efforts is an engaged and dynamic Board of Directors, who have collectively pledged more than $8 million. The Catholic Foundation’s Board of Directors are: Co-chairs Patrick Carney and Nick Christ, as well as George Agostini, Bob Long, Richard Lafrance, Maryellen Sullivan Shacoy, Spiritual Director Reverend Marcel Bouchard, Bishop da Cunha, Reverend John Murray (Moderator of the Curia) and Reverend Richard Wilson (Vicar General), as well as honorary Board member, Joseph Ciffolillo.
For more information, contact Miriam Sherman, CEO, Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, 508-985-6510, or by email: msherman@catholicfoundationsema.org 

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The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River