Building Bridges: Atlantis Charter School Partners with DESE for Family Success Initiative
Atlantis Charter School is proud to be the first school in Fall River—and one of the first in Massachusetts—to implement the Family Institute for Student Success (FISS), an initiative by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This groundbreaking program is designed to empower families with tools and knowledge to better support their children’s education and strengthen the partnership between families and schools.
Over the course of six weeks, approximately 50 Atlantis families participated in the FISS program, engaging in interactive workshops that explored key strategies for academic and social success. What made this initiative particularly impactful was its inclusivity—sessions were delivered in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, ensuring every family could fully participate, regardless of their language background.
A Community Effort
This program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our staff and community partners. May Kapadwala, a 6th grade teacher at Atlantis, served as the first-ever FISS Coordinator. She was joined by Donalda Silva and Edymariel Cortes from the Atlantis Family Community & Resource Center, whose expertise and support were essential in ensuring the sessions were accessible and engaging for all families. Additionally, Jen DeAguiar and Samantha Borges, both active members of the Atlantis community, contributed their skills and knowledge to the program, further enriching the learning experience for participants.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mayor Paul Coogan for taking the time to address our graduates and for his unwavering support of Atlantis Charter School, as well as all Fall River Public Schools and their students.
Looking Ahead
The success of this first cohort is just the beginning. Our hopes will be to continue the FISS program, with plans to expand participation in future sessions. By fostering a strong connection between families and the school, we aim to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our gratitude to the Massachusetts DESE for developing this transformative initiative, and to all the families who participated. Your enthusiasm and dedication to your children’s education inspire us to keep building bridges between school and home. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students.
Stay tuned for updates about the next FISS session and opportunities to get involved!
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