Migrant Families Staying in Seekonk

Approximately 40 migrant families are being housed at the Ramada Inn on Route 44 in Seekonk. The town received official notification from the state recently.

“The Town and the School Department have been actively working with the State and the National Guard to assist these families during their stay at the Ramada,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said Tuesday. “Superintendent (Rebecca) Kidwell has already provided a response from the schools. The School District is primarily affected by this placement.”

“While the Town is not legally obligated to provide services to the families at the Ramada, our goal is to assist in this fluid situation to the best of our abilities,” Cadime continued. “To assist these families, we are coordinating various services, including vaccinations for school-aged children, providing clothing and baby supplies through donations, and organizing transportation for medical and legal appointments.”

According to Kidwell, 19 new students have been enrolled at Martin Elementary School, five new students at Hurley Middle School, and eight new students at Seekonk High School in the last week.  Kidwell noted some of them are new to the US, and others have already been to school in this country.  Many of them speak more than one language already across Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

“We have advertised for an additional English Learner teacher at the elementary level; by locating the new students at Martin, we will be best able to support their language needs with this staff member,” Kidwell said. “We are also seeking to hire multilingual assistants for family outreach and student support, especially in the languages listed.  We will fund these positions with additional money from the state.  The administrative team has been working together, along with support staff and teachers, to share resources and best practices so that we are all able to support these students effectively.”

Kidwell said class sizes might increase by one or two students, depending upon the grade and subject. 

“We are still well below contractual class sizes, and that is the way we intend to keep it,” Kidwell noted.

The migrant children are being given a warm welcome from faculty and students.

“At the elementary level, students are meeting new friends and helping them learn about school rules and routines, finding the fun in learning and playing together,” Kidwell said. “At the middle and high school levels, we have some buddy students who speak Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese helping students adjust and get to know Seekonk while we set up the best class schedules we can to meet their needs.  We are grateful that so many students, staff, and families have shared their skills and talents in welcoming those who are new to Seekonk.”   

In addition to the schools, Cadime said the presence of the migrant families has impacted the town in other ways.

“We have also noticed an increase in medical calls to the Ramada, and our police department is working diligently to ensure security and safety on the premises,” Cadime explained. “To address issues and concerns that may arise, we have initiated weekly meetings with all stakeholders, including the state, to maintain the quality of life in Seekonk for all our residents.” “As for the Board of Selectmen, we are keeping them informed of developments,” Cadime added. “Currently, the migrant families are the responsibility of the State, and the Town is providing assistance as needed. The Board of Selectmen will take action when necessary, in line with their role and responsibility as outline by MGL and the Town Charter.”

As of Monday, there are 7,319 families in emergency shelter in Massachusetts. The state does not have enough shelter space, service providers or funding to expand beyond 7,500 families, Governor Maura Healey said previously.

Eligible families will continue to be placed into shelter until the system reaches 7,500 families, at which time a waitlist will be established, officials said.

Last August, Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts due to the influx of migrant families arriving in the Bay State. The governor has called on the federal government to act to address the issue in Massachusetts.