Displaced Puerto Rican Families In Dedham May Stay

DEDHAM, MA — Some families from Puerto Rico that have come to Dedham have enjoyed their time here. In fact, they might be staying.

Superintendent Michael Welch wrote in a December 30-day update to parents that about 40 families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Since Oct., 24 students from the island have enrolled in Dedham schools.

Some of the families told the Dedham Transcript that they have lost everything in Puerto Rico and hope to make Dedham and the local are their new home. Jeanette Soto said she is hoping to find a permanent home near Boston and Katherine Morales is looking for a new job and housing.

Welch said the language barrier has been a challenge for most of the students, including some students who were doing well in Puerto Rico but are now struggling to take the MCAS exam, which is a graduation requirement.

Many families in Puerto Rico are still without power. About 63.5 percent of energy customers have had their power restored and all 78 municipalities are at least partially energized, according to the Department of Energy.

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