Fitchburg Public Schools

Fitchburg Public Schools sees ‘improved results’ in 2022 MCAS results

October 4, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — On Thursday, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2022 MCAS results for public school districts and schools across the commonwealth.

The educators in Fitchburg Public Schools helped students grow and achieve in 2022 — the most challenging year in the history of public education. In 2018, five schools in Fitchburg were ranked in the bottom 10% of schools in the state.

After the 2022 MCAS results, only two of Fitchburg’s schools remain in the bottom 10%. As a result of Fitchburg teachers helping students demonstrate improved growth in English Language Arts and Math in grades 3-8 and ELA growth in all subgroups at grade 10, Memorial Middle School and Fitchburg High School both no longer require supplemental oversight and support from DESE.

Collaborating with the school department’s central office and partners (Focused Schools and Future Management Systems), the teams at these two schools helped those students make significant progress upon their return to full in-person learning.

Here are some specific Fitchburg Public Schools MCAS accomplishments:

• The average writing scores for the elementary schools were one point below the state average in Grade 3, and at the state average in Grade 4. Fitchburg did not see a decline in early literacy skills, specifically in writing, like other school districts in the state.

• There was positive student growth in ELA and Mathematics district wide. At the high school level in Mathematics, the English Language Learners and former English Language Learners increased from 33.7% in 2019 to 64.2% in 2022.

“We worked together during the most difficult time in the history of public education with our entire team and partners,” FPS Superintendent Robert Jokela said. “All of our staff adapted and continued to teach all our students, and it is reflected in the improved results.”

FPS prioritized access to high-quality instruction for all students, staff development in best practices; those efforts helped FPS achieve positive outcomes. Going forward, FPS intends to use these 2022 MCAS results and other data to help determine 2023 goals and learning targets.

FPS is expanding the teacher mentoring program, co-teaching, and creating a teacher leadership academy to further build staff skills. FPS is confident that new systems, school-based leadership and parental support will help it mutually achieve this goal.

“Our 2022 results bring us in line with many of our urban peers,” Jokela said. “When I started as superintendent, my goal was to make Fitchburg Public Schools the best urban district in the state. We remain committed to that goal. I am thankful to the Fitchburg team’s commitment to our students all growing and achieving. With continued family and community support, we will serve and support all our students with excellence in order to help them reach their full potential.”

Two Fitchburg teachers to be honored as Latino leaders in education at the State House

October 3, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Teachers make a positive impact on a daily basis.

For Fitchburg Public Schools educators Aurea Rivera and Krenlly Rodriguez, their impact is being recognized on a grand stage during the 2022 State of Latino Education event at the State House on Oct. 5.

Rodriguez and Rivera will both travel to Boston to be honored as Latino leaders in education.

Fitchburg High teacher Aurea Rivera and Memorial Middle School guidance counselor Krenlly Rodriguez will be honored during the 2022 State of Latino Education event at the State House on Oct. 5. (COURTESY FITCHBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

“Krenlly Rodriguez has been a long time valuable member of the Memorial Middle School team, and he works diligently to ensure students are in school and all their and their parents’ needs are met,” FPS Superintendent Robert Jokela said. “Aurea Rivera loves the students of Fitchburg High School and is a teacher who is both loved and respected by students, parents, and staff. Aurea fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher after working as a school-based clerical team member for several years.

“I am happy for both Krenlly and Aurea to be recognized for this award for their dedication to the students of Fitchburg.”

Former Fitchburg High Principal Jeremy Roche, now the director of finance and operations, nominated Rivera for the award.

“Aurea is one of the finest educators I have had the benefit to know, observe and work with,” Roche said. “She is the ultimate example of what we hope for in our students in the sense that she herself started her journey as an ESL student at FHS. As an alumni, she provides our students with a powerful example of hard work, dedication, positivity, and what is possible. She is a uniter and constantly seeks ways to celebrate our kids, the foreign language department, Latino heritage, and ultimately FHS and the FPS.”

“I certainly feel ‘orgulloso’ or pride in that Aurea will be recognized by this prestigious recognition. As I have said to her, she has given so much to this school and school district, and it is only fitting that she is recognized for it.”

Rivera is currently a world language Spanish teacher at Fitchburg High. She is also the world language facilitator, multicultural advisor and class of 2025 advisor at FHS.

“I have been working at FHS pretty much all my life,” said Rivera, who was also presented with a citation at school last October from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and offered and signed by state Rep. Michael Kushmerek. “I started as a substitute teacher, worked as an administrative assistant, educational talent search counselor and MCAS coordinator at FHS with a collaborative partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College, and most recently four years as a Spanish teacher.”

She graduated from FHS in 1998 and says “ it was one of the best experiences ever.”

She moved to Fitchburg in 1996 as an ELA student who didn’t know a single word of English.

“The support and guidance I received as a student gave me the motivation to be the person I am today,” Rivera said. “Not only to encourage bilingual students, but to be an inspiration and a leader in the Hispanic community.”

Rivera is humbled and honored to receive this award and is proud of her heritage and her journey, both personally and professionally.

“It’s the true definition of encouraging students and others to continue working towards their dreams because I’m an example of dreams coming true,” Rivera said. “As a Hispanic, ESL former student, world language teacher, and multicultural advisor, I am very passionate about being Latino and my roots. I am proud of our culture and I encourage my students and peers to embrace who they are regardless of where they are coming from.

“Being highlighted as a Latino leader in education is very special, some of the best mentors and support systems I have had in my life, especially in the FPS, were Latinos. I feel like, in a way, I’m paying it forward to the Latino community.”

Memorial Middle School Principal Brittney Lavoie nominated Rodriguez for the award because she says that there “is no one more deserving.”

Lavoie added: “Krenlly sets the example of school-family partnerships. The greatest gift you can give to anyone is to make them feel welcomed, like they belong, and Mr. Rodriguez has been that person for countless families, spanning generations. He has changed the meaning of school for so many in this community, giving families a trusted coach and advocate. We attribute much of our success in school attendance to his relentless commitment to our students. We’re grateful to have him on our team, and I am personally grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him.”

Rodriguez, who has been working in Fitchburg Public Schools for 25 years, admits that he’s excited to be recognized for his positive contributions to the students and families in Fitchburg during his career.

“It is refreshing and rewarding that after many years someone notices all the hard work I put into my job,” said Rodriguez, a bilingual guidance counselor at Memorial Middle School.

Rodriguez came to the U.S. 32 years ago with the idea of pursuing a career in child psychology.

He started working at Goodrich Kindergarten Center in 1990 and was told to check out Fitchburg State College. He enrolled in the master’s in Mental Health program, which he completed in 1992.

“A classmate told me that I should get a degree in school counseling,” he recalled. “They said to me, ‘You are a Hispanic male and you will find great opportunities here in Fitchburg in a growing Hispanic population.’ Who knew her words were like a prophecy?”

Rodriguez completed his certification in a master’s in School Counseling in 1995, and then completed a certification in child protective services, which gave him the opportunity to work with children in LUK Crisis Program and state Department of Children and Families. He then went on to complete a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study degree from Fitchburg State University.

“These gave me the opportunities to learn more about the Fitchburg community,” Rodriguez said. “When the job opened at Memorial Middle School for the Bilingual Guidance Counselor, I was told by a friend to apply. I was offered the job and since then I have been working in the Fitchburg Public Schools system.”

Rodriguez loves his job and says that Memorial is “an excellent place to work” and they are “definitely a family.”

The uniqueness of Rodriguez’s role is something he certainly enjoys.

“It’s never the same thing twice,” he said. “There are a lot of challenges, successes and failures that serve as experience and learning.”

The goal, for Rodriguez, is to always help students and families in need.

“I see my position as an educator as an opportunity to guide and help others that come to this country to reach their goals and dreams,” he said. “I want the parents and students to see me as someone they can talk to or bring their concerns to, and someone that will listen to them and help to resolve their situation.”

Rodriguez calls working with families in Fitchburg a “partnership.”

“My ability to speak Spanish has given me an advantage in the school to work with parents and teachers to create a bridge so we can communicate about any need that the child might have,” Rodriguez said. “After many years, I have gained parents’ trust and when they come to the building they ask for me to talk about any concerns or problems or even tell me that another child is coming to the school. I have kids come and tell me that their mom or dad or aunt or uncle remember me from when they were in school. This connection brings a sense of comfort.”

Rodriguez says he would like to see Hispanic leadership grow in the city like he’s seen in other cities across the United States.

“Getting them elected or being involved in other agencies so we can offer better services to the community,” he said. “There are other teachers and Hispanic colleagues that have done a great job in the city, and I will continue working hard at my job until it is time to retire.”

Fitchburg Art Museum hosts city teachers for arts related professional development

September 20, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Fitchburg Art Museum hosted eight social studies teachers from across the district before the start of the school year for a professional development program that aimed to help them integrate the arts into their classes.

Through a partnership with FAM, the K-12 teachers utilized works of art from the museum’s exhibitions and collection for developing world history and American history courses. During the week of professional development, teachers received in-depth content instruction from FAM staff and guest artists, learned and refined student-centered teaching methods, and worked collaboratively with their colleagues to create three lessons inspired by works of art.

At the end of the week the educators had the opportunity to share out the lessons they created and received feedback from their colleagues as well as K-12 Social Studies Director of the Fitchburg Public Schools John Marderosian and Susan Diachisin, FAM Director of Education who also organized the week.

Fitchburg Public Schools teachers were able to study items from the Fitchburg Art Museum collection that are currently not on display as part of the arts related professional development program the museum hosted prior to the start of the school year. (COURTESY FITCHBURG ART MUSEUM)

“My goal is to work collaboratively with teachers and other stakeholders to transform classroom instruction and to create a comprehensive K through 12 social studies program that is culturally responsive, challenges students to engage in inquiry, and helps them to create meaning for themselves,” Marderosian said. “Any time we can create interdisciplinary inquiry learning experiences for our students, instruction becomes more relevant and engaging, and the learning sticks.”

The participants left with extremely positive reviews, including FPS teacher Ammie Ouellette.

“The opportunity that we had as teachers at the Fitchburg Art Museum was creative and fun,” she said. “It allowed for many different perspectives on works of art and through the lens of the artist themselves, other teachers, and administrators. It is a wonderful collaboration that teachers in Fitchburg are provided.”

During the current school year, the teachers will implement the lessons they created while being observed by Marderosian along with school and district leaders with the purpose of viewing student-centered teaching strategies in action. The educators will also receive ongoing training and support from Marderosian and FAM staff and in the spring the cohort will participate in a virtual meeting where they will reflect on the implementation of their lessons and help to plan a second year of what is intended to be a multi-year partnership.

Tales from Tri-Town: The time honored tradition of going back to school

September 11, 2022 by pkzadmin

When you live in New England, September seems like another “new year,” as the children head back to school. But was it always thus? We delved into the historical record and found that this week, 236 years ago, was a significant anniversary for education in Fitchburg.

In 1895, Atherton P. Mason, M.D. wrote a paper about the early schools in Fitchburg, which he presented at the Fitchburg Historical Society His paper, and that of Mrs. Wellman can be found in “The Proceedings of the Fitchburg Historical Society, volume 2” (accessible for free on archive.org)

On Sept. 12, 1764, the town voted to have two schools. One was established in Samuel Hunt’s tavern and “the other presumably in a corn barn belonging to William Chadwick, near the present Pearl Hill school house.”

In 1770, the town of Fitchburg divided into four districts, each of which would build its own school house at their own expense (but free from town tax — an early example of tax-exemptions for educational facilities!). However, these school houses needed to be cautious with supplies: “each quarter [must] have their proportion of the Town’s Boards and Nails left after finishing the meeting house.”

What was it like to attend school? Difficult — and dangerous, at times. Mrs. Louise H. Wellman reminisced about a ghastly teacher, Miss Tainter, in her essay “A Dame School In Fitchburg Sixty Years Ago,” in the same volume. The school house was tiny — 14 feet by 18 feet, crammed with 20 children. The teacher, Miss Tainter wore a wig “curiously braided round her ears.”

At one end was a small cloakroom, “also a place of execution, so to speak, since whenever a spanking was deemed necessary, the victim was solemnly led out there to receive it; and well do I remember the dreadful suspense and terror of that slow march.”

Attending school in 1836 as a small child, Mrs. Wellman’s memories percolate with anxiety and the dread she experienced as a child is vivid more than a half-century later. Miss Tainter’s “especial horror was “a bad word.” She used to pour ashes and water down the throat of the “culprit.”

“For impertinence . . . the offender was obliged to chew southernwood, or wormwood, from bushes purposely kept growing near the door. One boy, much franker of speech than the rest of us dared to be had to eat these herbs so often he became fond of them, and his sins had to be met with a different kind of punishment.” For those idiots who still think inflicting violence on children (i.e., “corporal punishment”) is all right, a glimpse back a few centuries is sobering indeed.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we found many children thrilled about returning to school, particularly after what educators refer to as “the COVID years.”

Our question was: “How was your first week at school?”

Nora Oywech, 8, of Fitchburg, is attending a new school and loves hearing her teacher read Judy Moody books. But even more fun is that she’s “making new friends that I play with at recess and sit with at lunch. So far we’ve had pizza, popcorn chicken and salad.”

Danielle Hebert, 9, of Lunenburg, couldn’t wait for school to start. “I have no friends in my neighborhood. I was really excited to see my friends — in fact, I was counting down the days, and I had my bag packed that week for school.”

I’ve known Lanahlee Clifford, 16, of Fitchburg, for many years. She intends to be a writer and her response to the question: “How was your first week at school,” shows she already is a writer: “Going back to school was like breaching the surface back into reality. It was like being able to breath fresh air because for the first time in two years the smoke had cleared and the fire had died. It was like the world started turning once again life could resume. Going back to school felt like the beginning of a new chapter.”

Sally Cragin is an author with Llewellyn Worldwide and serves on the Fitchburg City Council.

‘PLAYscape’ to make debut at The Art on Elm Thursday

August 31, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — A new piece of contemporary art is ready to be unveiled Thursday at 5:30 p.m. just outside of The Art Place on Elm.

“PLAYscape” is a collaboration between New England sculptor Roberley Bell, who designed the piece with input from teacher Britt Waseleski and her students during the Fitchburg Art Museum’s after school program at The Art on Elm, the museum’s primary art instruction studio. The after school program is a collaboration between FAM and Fitchburg Public Schools.

Launched in fall 2021, the FAM and FPS after school program started with a total of 20 children in the program. FAM and FPS were able to create an immersive program where attendees have access to supplies, studio space, and professionals in the arts community.

Artist Roberley Bell with "PLAYscape." The new art piece will be unveiled Sept. 1, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. (COURTESY CHRISTIAN LOPEZ) — Artist Roberley Bell with “PLAYscape.” The new art piece will be unveiled Sept. 1, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. (COURTESY CHRISTIAN LOPEZ)

In a press release FAM said it believes this environment has a huge impact on how children learn, and the program reflects FAM’s mission as a catalyst for learning, creativity, and community building. The Art Place on Elm, its after school program, and “PLAYscape” are made possible through the generous support of Gale Simonds Hurd, the Clementi Family Charitable Trust, and the Cathedral Fund.

Working with the students in the after school program proved to be an impactful experience for Bell.

“As an artist working in the public realm, I try to engage the stakeholders and this includes children. They are in fact the long term stakeholder of a project in their neighborhood. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage young people on a number of projects. I find when you invite them in to participate, they are curious and keen,” Bell said in a press release. “The students in the FAM after school program were a delight. They were extremely engaged, excited, and enthusiastic — eager to achieve the goals of the project. Each child worked on drawings and clay models, taking the task seriously. At the end of the session each child spoke about their ideas for creating a shared, playful space accommodating seating for everyone.”

Bell also extended his thanks to Waseleski, who had already been working with the students, believing her work allowed them to be “open to engaging, learning and sharing in a productive manner.”

FAM’s Director of Education Susan Diachisin also saw a profound benefit of having the students involved.

“By participating in the FAM/FPS after school program, the students reap the benefits of the museum’s resources such as access to contemporary artists, inspiring exhibitions, and creative learning spaces. Through their weekly visits to the museum the students become more comfortable and realize that FAM is their museum. Our after school program is just one of many ongoing collaborative programs between FAM and the Fitchburg Public Schools that provide educational enrichment for students and faculty, and stimulate their creativity,” Diachisin said.

Fitchburg Housing Authority hosts annual back to school event

August 31, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Normandy Road was bustling with activity Saturday afternoon during the third annual Fitchburg Housing Authority back to school celebration, where children and families were gifted backpacks, school supplies, certificates for haircuts from local barber shops, and more.

Kids of all ages were seen riding bikes, happily playing outside all around the public housing development and stopping by the party to nosh on pizza, enjoy a cool ice cream treat from the Juniper Farms truck, and excitedly pick out new gear for school.

Several FHA staff members were on hand for the event including Executive Director Doug Bushman, Assistant Director of Family Housing Norma Letamendi, Director of Family Housing Genesis Ruiz, Clerk Administrator Sol Toro, Resident Service Coordinator Felix Velasquez, and maintenance team member Yaya Villar.

“I’m proud to be able to be a part of this community,” said Velasquez, who grew up in the area.

The annual tradition launched in 2020 coincides with the beginning of the school year and was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has continued with funding provided under the FHA Residential Services Program, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

Mary Reed, 8, was all smiles picking out a new Stitch backpack at the Fitchburg Housing Authority back to school celebration on Saturday. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
The Fitchburg Housing Authority collaborated with several community partners for its annual back to school celebration held on Saturday on Normandy Road, where children and families were gifted with backpacks, school supplies, gift certificates for haircuts from local barber shops, and more. (COURTESY DANA ARMSTRONG)
The Fitchburg Housing Authority collaborated with several community partners for its annual back to school celebration held on Saturday on Normandy Road, where children and families were gifted with backpacks, school supplies, gift certificates for haircuts from local barber shops, and more. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Siblings, left to right, Bryson, Mary, William, and Rozy Reed and family friend Destiny Reynolds (center) went home with new backpacks for school from the Fitchburg Housing Authority annual back to school event on Saturday (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

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Several local community partners came together in support of the day including DCU, Innovation Learning Center, Clipper & Co., Thumbs Up and Reys barber shops, Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, Making Opportunity Count, and MY CARE Initiative.

“Teamwork makes the dreamwork,” Velasquez said of the successful collaboration.

MCI was founded in 2015 with the mission of using various mediums and aspects within the arts to promote education and cultural understanding, and to connect social and humanities projects for productive engagement, success, and progress within communities. Executive Director Kenisha Coy said the Fitchburg based nonprofit is also working with housing authorities in Cambridge and other places in the state to support “people affected by abuse and trauma.”

She brought 100 backpacks to the FHA back to school event to give out to students, including a family of four siblings who live up the street.

“We live in a silo, and everything is so divisive right now,” Coy said. “People don’t realize you can change your community.”

Bushman praised the FHA staff for their hard work and all those involved in helping to organize and put on the well-attended celebration.

“He’s being modest,” Bushman said of Velasquez, who he referred to as “the architect” of the community outreach event. Bushman added they are committed to continuing programs such as this one that highlight everything the city and FHA has to offer.

“It’s a good community,” he said. “I don’t think in five years people are going to recognize Fitchburg and this is a big part of it.”

Fitchburg Public Schools

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