Taunton Public Schools Awarded $400,000 Barr Foundation Grant to Reimagine High School Experience

TAUNTON, Mass. — Taunton Public Schools Superintendent John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Taunton High School has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the Barr Foundation as part of Phase II of the Meeting the Moment (MtM) Cohort. This two-year grant will support Taunton High School in its ongoing efforts to transform the high school experience, focusing on creating a more inclusive, supportive, and rigorous environment for all students.


“This grant from the Barr Foundation presents an extraordinary opportunity for us to innovate and elevate the high school experience,” Cabral said. “It allows us to deepen our commitment to equity, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure that all students are equipped with the skills and support they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”


Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning Carolyn Blennau will lead the implementation of this transformative work. “This grant is a tremendous opportunity for us to reimagine high school in a way that truly meets the needs of all our students,” Blennau said. “Our goal is to create a learning environment where every student feels connected, cared for, and challenged to reach their full potential.”


The collaborative nature of this work is a key element of the initiative, enabling Taunton High School to involve the entire school community in the process. “This grant enables us to co-create this transformation with our teachers, families, and students,” Principal John Harrison said. “By listening to our students and incorporating their voices into our decision-making, we are building a school that truly reflects their needs and aspirations.”


The collaborative approach ensures that the changes are deeply rooted in the actual experiences and needs of the students. “An essential part of ‘doing high school differently’ is listening to our students,” Peter Gillen, social studies curriculum supervisor, said.


As part of the grant, Taunton High School is committed to holding student summits, conducting empathy interviews, and shadowing students to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. “This work will drive the changes needed to support the whole student, ensuring that every aspect of their high school journey is meaningful and impactful,” Gillen said.


By prioritizing student voices, Taunton Public Schools aims to create a high school experience that is both responsive and relevant. Last year, several students participated in school visits through the Barr Foundation. “It was an eye-opening experience to visit other schools and think about how we could bring those ideas to Taunton,” rising senior Sophie Pawlowski said. “I felt heard, and it was exciting to imagine what our school could become. This grant gives us the chance to make those ideas a reality.”


The high school will focus on several key areas of improvement. Strengthening instructional practices through targeted coaching and leadership support will be a priority, as will exploring initiatives to build a stronger sense of community. Additionally, the grant will support a review of discipline practices to ensure they are equitable and restorative, aligning with the district’s broader commitment to equity.


“We are excited to continue our work with Taunton Public Schools as they transform their high school into a place where all students—particularly those who have felt marginalized—feel a deep sense of belonging and engage in rigorous, relevant learning that propels them forward in life,” Jessica Rose, senior program officer at the Barr Foundation, said. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this important work over the next two years.”


With the continued support of the Barr Foundation, Taunton Public Schools is poised to redefine the high school experience and ensure that every student succeeds, thrives, and fulfills the district’s mission: academic excellence for every student in every classroom in every school.

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