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Fitchburg Public Schools

With snow in Friday’s forecast, Fitchburg and Leominster cancel school

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With a Winter Weather Advisory in effect and snow in the forecast, the Twin Cities are making preparations.

Thursday evening, Fitchburg and Leominster Public Schools both announced schools would be closed Friday. Additionally, both Fitchburg and Leominster will have parking bans in effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Friday. The end of the parking bans concurs with the end of the Winter Weather Advisory which is in place for parts of the state including northern Middlesex, northern Worcester, central Middlesex, and southern Worcester counties.

On Thursday, the NWS forecast predicted snow, sleet and freezing rain before 2 a.m. Friday, with the possibility for 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation. Throughout the day Friday, up to 3 inches of snow is possible and gusty winds could reach upward of 20 mph.

The NWS is forecasting inclement weather will taper down Friday night with a 30% chance of precipitation and less than 1 inch of snow possible.

For the parking ban in Fitchburg, Mayor Stephen DiNatale and Commissioner of Public Works Nicholas Erickson cited section 169-35 of City Code, which reads, “It shall be unlawful for the owner, operator or person in charge of any vehicle (other than one acting in an emergency) to park such vehicle on any public street in the City of Fitchburg for the duration of the Winter Parking Ban. Vehicles that violate the parking ban are subject to ticketing, fines, and/or removal at the owner’s expense.”

Under Fitchburg’s guidelines, the winter parking ban does not apply to handicapped parking areas located within residential zones.

According to Ordinance 13-26 in Leominster, “It shall be unlawful for the owner, operator or person in charge of any vehicle (other than one acting in an emergency) to park such vehicle or permit or suffer the same to be parked on any public street in this city for the duration of the emergency. A snow emergency so declared shall continue for a forty-eight-hour period which may be extended by the mayor or his or her designee as circumstances require. During said snow emergency, the director of public works shall conduct snow plowing, removal, and sand and salt operations.”

During the parking ban in Fitchburg, public parking is available at seven locations throughout the city. These locations include: The Hastings Lot at Pleasant and High Streets, the Coolidge Park Lot at the Townsend Street entrance, the ground floor of the Putnam Street Garage, the upper deck center section of the Main Street Municipal Lot, Park Hill Park at the Pratt Street entrance, and Park Hill Park at the Beech Street entrance. Additionally, parking is available at the metered spaces on the ground floor of the Fitchburg Intermodal Garage.

A map shows seven available public parking locations in Fitchburg while the city has a parking ban in place Friday. (COURTESY CITY OF FITCHBURG)
A map shows seven available public parking locations in Fitchburg while the city has a parking ban in place Friday. (COURTESY CITY OF FITCHBURG)

A heartwarming mission at Fitchburg’s Reingold Elementary School

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FITCHBURG — There’s no greater gift than the gift of giving back.

Helping others in need is a mission for students at Reingold Elementary School.

The fifth-grade Student Council at Reingold — comprised of 14 students — have made it their mission to keep kids warm during these frigid winter months by conducting a student-led clothing drive through Friday, Jan. 20.

“We’re developing leaders,” said Reingold student council advisor and assistant principal, Anna Hill. “The best leaders are the leaders who serve and work together with their communities. We want to make our school a place everyone wants to come to every single day. We’re bringing the whole school together and giving them a sense of belonging. This is empowering for them.”

Reingold’s student council is comprised of: Ethan Acevedo, Deb Barbosa, Ellen Cooper, Nathan Earley, Bruce Knight, Julian Maldonado, Inti Mendez, Jacob Mercedes, Zarianys Rentero Santiago, Casey Rice, Genesis Torres-Lebron, Juliet Valentin, Alejandro Yang and Adiel Torres.

There are donation bins located in the entrance of school and outside the cafeteria where students can drop off new warm-weather gear, including hats, gloves, mittens, socks and scarves.

“It’s really important because people that don’t have (winter items) will be cold,” Earley said. “When you’re cold … it’s not good to be cold.”

Helping those in need is what truly matters to these students.

“It feels really good to know that we’re helping a lot of people out there,” Maldonado said. “Especially knowing that the people that we’re helping are people that don’t have that much.”

“It’s important because some people can’t afford it or don’t have it and it’s important to help them,” Cooper said. “I feel good because I have a lot of stuff that we don’t use and I can give it to other people and it helps them.”

“It’s a good thing to help people in need who can’t afford it,” Mendez said.

“People need socks and everything,” he said. “It really helps them because it’s really cold outside sometimes and you don’t want to freeze outside. It’s really helpful to them.”

In the end, it’s all about being kind.

“It’s important for me because it shows how we all can be kind to each other,” Rice said. “It’s being kind in a giant community. It’s wintertime, so people can stay warm because other people are donating this stuff. A lot of people can be kind to each other and spend time with each other and be warm.”

The group is also accepting community donations that can be dropped off at the school during normal school hours. The student council has already received outside donations from Karl Edmands and the Charles W. Moore Lodge of Masons, and from Richard Noll of the Pike School in North Andover — the father of Reingold teacher, Matt Noll.

Fitchburg City Council tackles appropriations and appointments

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FITCHBURG — Appropriations and appointments topped the City Council agenda during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening held at the city’s Legislative Building.

Councilors quickly acted upon several requests and all of the pending requests were approved unanimously. These requests included funding for the city’s portion of repairs to the Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School in the amount of $100,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of two boilers. This cost would include a feasibility study.

Councilor Marcus DiNatale, chair of the Finance Committee, said the Fitchburg Public Schools Director of Finance and Operations Jeremy Roche told members of the Council’s Finance Committee at its Jan. 11 meeting that this work will take place in the summer of 2024.

A separate project involving the replacement of windows and doors that was already approved will take place in the summer of 2023.

DiNatale said this project is part of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Program, of which Fitchburg was one of 16 communities to qualify.

According to the MSBA website, school districts are required to appropriate funding quickly in order to adhere to an accelerated project schedule. The program is primarily for the repair and/or replacement of roofs, windows, doors and boilers. Information from the MSBA program website shows the school was built in 1937 and houses grades 6-8 with approximately 648 students.

A transfer of $350,000 from available funds credited to the city’s stabilization fund was among the other items approved. DiNatale noted that this brings the total in stabilization funds to $8.4 million and that amount represents 5.5% of the current operating budget.

The Council also approved the expenditure of funds from the MEMA Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $20,150 to purchase two hazmat suits, two gas meters and two battery powered generators and expenditure of funds from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Firefighter Safety Equipment grant, in the amount of $24,999 for the purpose of updating communication base stations located at each of the city’s three fire stations.

Several other orders were referred to the Finance Committee for review and recommendation.

During the meeting, the council also accepted communications from Mayor Stephen DiNatale noting promotions for the following members of the Fitchburg Fire Department: Capt. Dante Suarez to deputy chief, to replace retiring Deputy Chief Greg Normandin; Lt. Patrick Haverty to captain to fill the opening left by Suarez; and Pvt. Yona Vaughan to lieutenant to fill the opening left by Haverty.

Prior to the meeting, Zarrella noted that as regards changes in rank, the mayor needs to only inform the City Council of the changes, and this information is filed with the city clerk. Individual departments have the discretion to hold ceremonies for these promotions and they can occur at anyplace and at any time.

“No further action is required from the council, but I think I can say that we are very happy to see these individuals continue to grow their careers with our Fire Department,” Zarrella said

Other appointments that were referred to the City Council by the mayor will be taken up by the council’s Committee on Appointments. Before these items could be moved, Ward 2 Councilor Paul Beauchemin noted, “Somebody asked me that was going to be reappointed, why do they have to fill out a resume when they’ve been on this board for about 20 years?”

Zarrella stated that the resume is a current requirement of the appointment process and that if any members of the City Council wanted to, they could seek to amend the rules.

No amendments were offered up and the following re-appointments and appointments were moved on for further considerations:  Alex Lopez, Planning Board (expires Jan. 1, 2026); Tracy McGrath, Planning Board (expires Jan. 1, 2026); Paul Fontaine Jr., Planning Board (expires Jan. 1, 2028); and Charles Caron, Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (expires July 1, 2024).

Appointments referred include: Fitchburg State University Officers transitioning to Fitchburg Special Police Officers, Sgt. Michael Turner and Officer Elijah Weiss; Sabrina Holley-Williams, as a member of the Trustees of Public Library (expires Jan. 12, 2026); and Tracy McGrath as a full member of the Planning Board as an “emergency measure” for 60 days. McGrath is currently an associate member of the board and will be filling a vacancy created on Jan. 1.

After the meeting adjourned, City Council President Anthony Zarrella said the council was coming off of a busy year.

“Last year, we were able to bring together a lot of the items that we had outstanding,” Zarella said. These include the enactment of a Vacant Property Registration Ordinance. The ordinance creates a list of vacant properties, either abandoned, foreclosing or foreclosed.

“We have many excellent property owners and landlords in our city, but there are some properties that cause problems in their neighborhoods and for their neighbors. Having this list in hand helps us to work with those property owners to get issues resolved quickly,” Zarrella said.

He said looking forward to the new year. The City Council has many items that members have expressed they would be interested in working on.

“I think the challenge is going to be getting to everything that our members want to address,” Zarrella said. “But I am confident that we will move forward. We have a great group of people who are willing to work together for our city.”

The next meeting of the council will be Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., Fitchburg Legislative Building, 700 Main St.

Two Fitchburg students named Project 351 ambassadors

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FITCHBURG — Two eighth grade students attending Fitchburg Public Schools were recently selected as Project 351 ambassadors from Fitchburg for the Class of 2023.

Hadley McGovern, an eighth grader enrolled at Memorial Middle School, was selected by her educators because, “She is always concerned with making her classmates feel welcome. She is a quiet leader who constantly seeks to make her environment better. Hadley has consistently welcomed and supported many of the new students to Memorial as they transferred from other schools in the district this year.”

Hunter Raboin, an eighth grader enrolled at Longsjo Middle School, was selected by his educators because, “He is kind and compassionate. He is quick to help other classmates when they are struggling and offers encouragement and support. Hunter has a positive attitude when approached with a challenging situation.”

The Class of 2023 begins the 13th year for Project 351. Project 351 is a nonprofit youth-led movement for positive change and the only model of its kind in the nation. Annually, they unite an ambassador class of eighth grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders — representing Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns — for a year of leadership development, service learning, and civic engagement. Youth are selected by hometown educators for their kindness, compassion, and aspirations as change makers and bridge builders. Over a 12-month term, the ambassadors hone their skills and knowledge required of bold leadership, forge friendships across diverse communities, and scale impact for innovative nonprofit organizations.

In the first 12 years, 4,492 eighth graders have positively impacted more than one million of our most vulnerable neighbors through service. As they lead, ambassadors advance the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community and their generation’s aspirations for unity, inclusion and social justice.

Ambassadors from the 351 cities and towns will gather on January 14, 2023, at Faneuil Hall to begin their 12-month Leadership Journey. Ambassadors join a community where they will learn from the diverse perspectives and ideas of their peers, deepen their knowledge of critical issues; and lead service that creates a transformative impact for ten of thousands of neighbors across the Commonwealth. Ambassadors build skills critical to classroom and community success including communication, project management, leadership of diverse teams, collaboration, impact evaluation, and the values of gratitude, inclusion, and generosity.

For more information, visit project351.org or email Mary Cringan at mcringan@gmail.com

Fitchburg City Councilors Sam Squailia, Amy Green ‘inspire’ students

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FITCHBURG — Fitchburg High School senior Skyleigh LaRose sat in the front row of the auditorium and listened intently, as City Councilors Amy Green and Samantha Squailia talked to students in teacher K. Courtney Franklin’s Women and Gender Studies class.

“They are very inspirational and very well-spoken,” LaRose said.

Green and Squailia — Women in Politics guest speakers on Wednesday morning — were open and honest when fielding a plethora of questions, ranging from why they got into politics to juggling a work-life balance and how they can better serve the youth in the city.

“My goal was for the students to see who is involved in making the decisions that affect their town,” Franklin said, “and how they could get involved in bringing about the change they would like to see in Fitchburg. I think the candid response of both Amy and Sam that they need input from the students on what ideas they have was an opportunity to get involved in their community.”

All in all, it was a tremendous success, said Fitchburg Public Schools K-12 Social Studies Director, John Maderosian.

“I’d like to congratulate K. Courtney Franklin and thank her for her efforts to single-handedly plan and facilitate this panel discussion,” Maderosian said. “Students were engaged and asked some really important questions to the two city councilors, who gave their time to come and speak with our students. Although K. Courtney Franklin is new to the Fitchburg Public Schools, she has been willing to jump right in with both feet and work to create more educational opportunities for students, which includes developing a Women and Gender Studies elective course from scratch. I’m so thankful that she accepted a position and is now part of the FPS family.

“Any time we can bring the field into the classroom or vice versa, we create authentic learning experiences that transcend the classroom and whose impact is longer term, and we certainly saw this (Wednesday). As we continue to work collaboratively to build an authentic, rigorous, engaging and culturally-responsive social studies program for our students, we will do our best to continue to make these learning experiences available to all our students.”

Green, who was elected to the city council in 2013, says her goal is to move Fitchburg forward in every aspect.

“I got tired of yelling at my TV because there was no change happening,” Green said of why she got into local politics. “This was my way to give back and have a seat at the table. You have to be the change if you want change. We should take pride that Fitchburg welcomes any and all to our community.”

Squailia, elected in 2017, fielded a question about work-life balance and how the councilors play that daily juggling act.

“The city council is not a full-time job, and many of us are retired or work other jobs,” said Squailia, crediting her husband for helping more at home and watching their daughter, who attends Longsjo Middle School, when she’s at various events or meetings in the city. “I wake up and go to work, then I work more. I’m always working. I still don’t know how I have the time.”

The topic of working in a male-dominated industry also surfaced.

“We have to work harder — 30 to 50% more and overcome gender stereotypes,” Squailia said.

How to better serve the youth of the city was a hot topic.

“We have struggled with what to do with our youth,” Green said.

Squailia said voicing concerns or offering ideas will help greatly.

“We need to hear from the youth,” Squailia said. “The city does a lot, but we could do more … we need to do more.”

She added: “We need ideas, but we need leaders – leaders and advocating. There are a number of ways to advocate. Reach out.”

Fitchburg High freshman Iyanna Louis is inspired to make a difference in her hometown.

“I want to help my community,” Louis said. “I want to start some programs here. There are so many abandoned buildings, and we could make great use of the space.”

LaRose added: “It was nice to hear that they want to help the youth in Fitchburg.”

Louis and LaRose both briefly stayed after the event to introduce themselves and chat up Green and Squailia.

FHS awarded continued accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

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FITCHBURG — On Nov. 30 interim Fitchburg High School Principal Tonya Jarrett was notified that the Commission on Public Schools reviewed the First Report of Progress and Planning of Fitchburg High School at its Oct. 23-24 meeting, and voted to award FHS continued Accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

“This is great news for students and staff at Fitchburg High School,” Jarrett said. “It affirms the strategic work that staff have been working so hard to implement even during a global pandemic. We want to ensure that all students have a quality education, so that they are college or career ready when they leave Fitchburg High School.”

The Commission stated that it was pleased that all of the Foundational Elements in the Standards for Accreditation have been met by FHS as well as the following:

• The work with all of the district schools to create an aligned mission with core values, beliefs about learning, and vision of the graduate

• The theory of action to ensure that every student will be ready to learn and access high quality core instruction and social-emotional supports

• The work with Focused Schools to develop a school-wide instructional focus

• The ongoing development of a walkthrough tool to enhance work on areas of school improvement

“Staff across content areas are collaborating so that all students can think critically and communicate effectively, which are two key components that are so crucial to success in any career,” Jarrett said. “Teachers are participating in weekly professional development and are receiving consistent feedback from administrators through a walkthrough tool to improve their instruction.”

FHS now has to submit a Three-Year Report of Progress and Planning, which is due on Oct. 1, 2024.

In that report, according to the Commission of Public Schools, FHS will indicate any changes to the ratings of the Foundational Elements, progress on the Priority Areas for Growth from the Decennial Accreditation Report, any additional Priority Areas for Growth it is working on, changes in the 4Cs, and progress toward the additional recommendations listed in the Decennial Accreditation Report. Also, FHS will submit a revised School Growth/Improvement Plan.

FHS’s accreditation status will be reviewed when the commission considers the Three-Year Report of Progress and Planning, which should be submitted by the principal through the Accreditation Portal.

“The effects of instructional improvement efforts are not only in the news of this accreditation, but also in the improvement of our last year’s MCAS results,” Jarrett said. “Fitchburg High School moved from the 9th percentile to the 16th percentile accountability ranking for the 2021-2022 school year. Out of seventeen schools in the urban high school cohort, Fitchburg High had the greatest PPI gain from the previous year. While we are excited about this news, we know there is more work to do. We will continue to improve teaching craft and student opportunities, so that all students can be successful after high school.”