When... (if?) the kids ever go back to school... here's a nice feature-- Longsjo Middle School got all new Entry doors! We got new Kawneer North America Dual Double Doors at multiple entrances to replace our old rough shape entry doors Took these pics like a month ago and forgot to share!
Better thermal resistance, safer with a better ability to lock, better seal around the doors again--- and have you seen the cleaned up overhang on Pleasant St? What a difference---Looks great!
I met this morning with School and City officials for a tour of Longsjo and concurrent discussion of the recent and ongoing concerns raised by our parents and residents.
Attending was:
myself, Councilor Squailia ;-)
Councilor Van Hazinga of Ward 4
Pete Stephens and Aidan Horgan of the School Committee
Superintendent Bob Jokela
Director of Finance and Operations Craig Challifoux (who was the former Longsjo Principal for 13 years)
Current Principal Shigehito Tanaka
Athletic Director Craig Antocci
FPS Communications Director Chad Garner
Mark from the Maintenance Staff
David Semenz, Director of Nutrition Services
Board of Health Director Steve Curry
Building Commissioner Mark Barbadoro.
We met in the Library and started the tour at the Fourth Floor, where there was the most significant damage from the Roof leakages. I am told all the classrooms are now repaired from the roof leaking damage, and we looked at a couple. One ESL classroom the teacher noted that she had spent weeks scraping and sanding and repainting the room...and it looked really nice with a light blue paint and colorful drapes over the windows. Another classroom was shown with white walls and ceiling... pretty standard.
It was discussed that the Roofs, cupola, and associated gutter/fascia are now fully repaired... and it does look so much nicer approaching from the Academy Street side.
We then visited the Gym…. the place was quite warm…that started a discussion on the heat in the building… basically the problem is that it is either too HOT or too COLD… this is due to an old set of boilers that heat the school…one large boiler…one small… it is easier to keep the boilers running than to switch on and off….and less likely to incur breaking down. School officials recognize this problem, have done what they can to repair the existing boilers…but are working with the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) to replace the boilers—-with perhaps more smaller boilers that would allow for better control, greater efficiency, and more redundancy (if one were to break down—-they could fix it while the other boilers compensated without going without heat completely).
Then we discussed the general condition of the gym—- including the basketball hoops. Our new Athletic Director, Craig Antocci discussed the issues and the plans… the main problem with the basketball hoops on the sides with the wooden backboards are they are not true ‘breakaway rims’… and kids tend to jump up and grab the rim…and then they bend and break. He is working on replacing all the hoops with breakaway rims, which require new reinforcement plates added to the backboards, and then new rims… he says he is on it once the basketball season ends (which is soon) he will then be able to retrofit the new hoops on the backboards.
The padding on the walls was noted are shabby and old. Prone to rip easy and crumble as the plastic/vinyl is old. Craig says he plans to replace all the padding with a newer padding material that is less likely to rip and is more resistant to vandalism.
The ceiling tiles were noted as looking really terrible. I was told that the flat roof had been leaking for many years, even after being replaced some 10 years ago… largely it still leaked because the main roof had so many leakages and problems, that water would get under the new flat roof still and leak and cause damage. Now that the main roof has been completely repaired, and the little leaks patched on the flat roof, i am told it does not leak anymore, and should not leak. So now they could replace the ceiling tiles.
It was then suggested that there are many other needs in other schools…. as you can see that replacing all the ceiling tiles in the old 1930’s gym would be an expensive project, i requested that they please just replace the missing tiles with a like material, and remove the obviously damaged tiles and replace those with a like material.
We discussed the stairway down to the restrooms from the gym..the video taken and it looking very grimy and dirty. I was told by the Principal that he went down there last week and it looked clean. Ward 4 Councilor noted there is a difference between worn and old and filthy and dirty.
I asked how often we do deep cleaning, where we can remove the grimy look and feel—- and Mark from building maintenance noted they do that on an as needed basis generally in the Summer.
Image capture from video posted in Discussing Fitchburg Now of stairway down from Gym leading to restrooms.
We then visited the Cafeteria and discussed the protocol for pest control with David Semenza of Sodexo… he notes there are logs for every instance that a food worker sees an insect or rodent, and those sightings would then generate a protocol for pest control. He noted that there are not unusual high number of logs in the kitchens and food service areas for rodents or pests for Longsjo compared to other schools.
Longsjo Cafeteria
We then discussed the concern of the roaches and mice in the other areas of the building.
It was noted that they have an Integrated Pest Management plan for the schools: https://sites.google.com/fitchburg.k12.ma.us/fitchburg/about-us/integrated-pest-management-plan
and that they plan on doing a pest application during this school vacation week. It was then noted that they used to do applications on an ‘as-needed’ basis, but have now switched to a 4 times per year application basis from now on. They then mentioned the basement being a source of difficulty in eradicating these pests…and offered a tour of the basement (which i gladly agreed to). It was also noted the difficulty in generally eradicating pests as food are left in classrooms and lockers….and pests love our food… I asked if we could afford the best course of treatment for eradicated these pests…and was told it is not a budget issue, it’s just a difficult problem to eliminate completely in old buildings like this…
Image of cockroach in a bathroom from parent at Longsjo posted on Discussing Fitchburg Now
We then went down to the basement, looked at the large boilers, a door to the exterior parking garage area, old equipment storage…but did look rather clean and dry for a basement… it was noted however that there are many feet of crawlspaces and short tunnel areas that used to be used as ventilation and heating tunnels …which are no longer used for that—-but instead can act as rodent highways under the school! The pest control people I’m told get in all that area and crawl to apply their pesticides….
In April 2019 we appropriated $100k to remove asbestos in the basement of Longsjo to replace a Water Main Pipe.
In the basement: L t R: David Semenza (Sodexo), Superintendent Jokela, Councilor Sam Squailia, Craig Challifoux Director of Finance and operations and former Longsjo Principal, and Ward 4 Councilor Andy Van Hazinga
We then returned to the Library to conclude discussions. I noted the condition of the ceiling tiles, filthy black stains surrounding the supply air grilles—indicative of dirty ductwork or a lack of filter maintenance.
Library ceiling
Mark from building maintenance noted that he has personally cleaned the ceiling tiles before, I asked if the ductwork is being cleaned or is scheduled to be cleaned…he noted that the filters were recently replaced. It appears that the ductwork is in need of professional cleaning and a regular schedule of filter replacement needs to be enacted. The ceiling looks pretty dirty at all the supply grills and the returns are not clean either…
On the awful looking Pleasant Street Overhang…
I was told a few months ago the work would be completed by Thanksgiving…
It was noted that they tried to get an Architect or Engineer to quote the job…but could not find any that wanted the job.
They also tried to get a company to bid the job to fix the overhang …and no one wanted the job.
They then discussed doing the remedial work to test for asbestos, clean it up, and make it look presentable to be done by their own staff.
This overhang has looked like this for over 10 years.
I was not given an estimated date for fixing this.
An Indoor Air Quality Assessment report in 2010 shows the broken decrepit Academy Street Overhang
https://archives.lib.state.ma.us/bitstream/handle/2452/426388/ocn954243031-2010-08-fitchburg.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Other Concerns noted:
Auditorium area, 2nd floor hoarding junk?
Mark from maintenance noted that that area is for storage of auditorium equipment and supplies for replacement. When a seat breaks, they store the new replacement supplies to repair them up there. He noted he believed it was neatly stacked….and it was noted by the Principal that that is not junk…it is useful items.
Sinks broken in restrooms? Doors?
Mark from maintenance noted these are fixed on a regular and on going basis …when they are reported as broken, they fix them.
Same with the doors, it was noted Principal Tanaka that there was a streak of vandalism in the 5th grade bathroom, including damaging the stall doors, so he temporarily closed it, repaired the doors, and opened it back up.
Dismissal procedure
It was noted that the new procedure was working well, except when parents choose not to abide by the rules of the pickup lot, and instead attempt to pick up their student in front of the building—this causes a dangerous situation for students and should be avoided.
As to supervision, it was noted everyday is Officer Figueroa out front, and a staff person at the end of the street to ensure safe dismissal.
Reporting issues at the school
It was suggested by the principal that when they are made aware of issues, they work to remedy them. If there is a sighting of a pest, or a broken item, it is requested to report these to the principal or a staff person/teacher so the problem can be remedied.
Arthur M Longsjo Middle School
98 Academy Street
Fitchburg MA 01420
978-343-2146
tanakas@fitchburg.k12.ma.us
http://longsjo.fitchburg.k12.ma.us
Landscaping around the school
The concerns of a lack of maintenance during the summer and fall time were acknowledged, and it was noted that when requested or reported, that the grass will be mowed or leaves removed….
I hoped this summary helps address some of the concerns and questions from parents. Please contact me anytime with other questions or concerns.
What is next?
They are applying for funding to replace doors, windows and boilers at Longsjo.
Replacing the old windows on the South side especially will greatly help with the building’s ability to avoid unnecessary heat gain through old windows.
Boiler replacement will help with control and efficiency.
More background info on Longsjo:
Mass EDU School Profile
http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/general/general.aspx?orgtypecode=6&orgcode=00970315
Longsjo Middle School 2016 MSBA Summary Report:
Arthur M Longsjo Middle School
Type of School: Middle
Year built: 1940
2016/2017 enrollment: 559 students
Total gross square footage: 194,495 sf
Square footage/Student: 347.9 sf per student
Classroom count: 36 classrooms
Students/classroom: 15.5
Building condition: 4 (worst)
Capacity rating: Under capacity
General environment conditon: 1 (Best)
meets 6pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the Library
Group link on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/467996250819405/
2017 2-07
25-17. Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on February 7, 2017, the City Council of Fitchburg, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated by February 17, 2017, for the Longsjo Middle School located at 98 Academy Street, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which Fitchburg may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building.Authority in the future a Priority 5 application to upgrade the roof, windows, and boilers; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City of Fitchburg or its School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
2018 2-6
At tonight's City Council Meeting, we will be voting on a $2M loan order for 'repairs to school buildings'. With the conditions of Longsjo coming to the forefront of discussions in November 2017, a study was just completed a few weeks ago in January that outlines an estimate for the Longsjo roof repair & replacement.
___
In the details, it notes in a separate letter from FPS that the plan is for the Longsjo Roof replacement and repairs, where they plan to Replace the Original Slate Roof with Asphalt Shingles, Replace the gutters and Repair the cupola. Total estimated cost per report is $1.3M.
It's also recommended in the roof report they replace the EPDM (Rubber) roofs (not noted in School Department Letter) adding that to the total cost is $1.67M 🏫
017-18. LOAN ORDER: That $2,000,000.00 be appropriated to pay
costs of rehabilitation, improvements, and making extraordinary repairs to school buildings, as outlined in the enclosed Loan Order.
2018 05-01
122-18. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is appropriated the sum of NINETY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($95,000.00)same to be charged against AVAILABLE FUNDS and credited to SCHOOL DEPARTMENT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS for the purpose of completing the audio-video upgrade to the Fitchburg High School Auditorium($20,000.00) and of replacing the vacuum pump at the Longsjo School ($75,000.00)
2018 11-8
276-18. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($217,000.00) same to be charged against RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, CAPITAL EXPENSES and credited to CAPITAL PROJECTS, LONGSJO SCHOOL ROOF REPLACEMENT for the purpose of replacing the roof and gutters.
January 28, 2020 at the Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:00 AM. The location is at the Presidents' Hall - Mazzaferro Center, 291 Highland Avenue, Fitchburg, MA.
Swimming enthusiast, we need your support for Preserve the Pool (PtP) Committee from drowning. We have 48 hours of time left to save the pool at Fitchburg State University from being destroyed forever.
The community and students must stand united against closing the pool at Fitchburg State University. You all a have a voice - join us on January 28, 2020 at the Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:00 AM. The location is at the Presidents' Hall - Mazzaferro Center, 291 Highland Avenue, Fitchburg, MA.
Those that are unable to attend, please make your voices be heard by reaching out to the following individuals - Senator Tran, State Representatives Higgins and Hay, Mayor DiNatale, Mayor Mazzarella, President Lapidus, and Jay Bry, Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Fitchburg State University.
Speak out loud and clear that you do not agree with Fitchburg State University in closing their pool forever. The perception is that the decision has all ready been made without the facts and Aquatics Experts speaking to the Board of Trustees. Not having the facts from the experts in the field, shows the committee and community that the University is not willing to meet face-to-face to discuss these issues. Does this not sound familiar in losing your skating rink Fitchburg Community? How much more is the community going to lose before we all stand up and say this is enough Fitchburg State University?
This Committee has worked endless hours working on recommendations and solutions for Fitchburg State University to keep this valuable asset open. Once this pool is gone, it is gone forever. Our swim teams/clubs, athletic/workouts and rehabilitation, aerobic classes, lifeguard training, and lap swimmers will have no where to go.
Please do not let your hard earned tax money be mismanaged by Fitchburg State University. Destroying a million dollar pool just because they can, shows a lack of vision and future revenue stream from the potential outside sources.
Please be part of the solution, and stand up along side Preserve the Pool (PtP) Committee. Our voices in numbers can make a difference.
Thank you,
Preserve the Pool (PtP) Committee, Chair
Fitchburg State University officials have closed the pool used by local and regional schools for swim meets SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/FILE
By Daniel Monahan | dmonahan@sentinelandenterprise.com | Sentinel & Enterprise
PUBLISHED: January 22, 2020 at 6:01 pm | UPDATED: January 22, 2020 at 6:03 pm
FITCHBURG — For months, residents have been calling on Fitchburg State University officials to keep the Recreation Center Pool open. But to their dismay, mechanical issues have left the facility closed for weeks and local athletes have been forced to swim elsewhere.
Now, several state legislators are throwing their weight behind the issue, joining the chorus of voices advocating for the pool’s repair and reopening.
On Jan. 14, Sen. Dean Tran wrote a letter addressed to FSU President Richard Lapidus expressing his continued support for the reopening of the pool.
“This facility, which has been in operation for almost two decades, has provided many benefits to the local community,” Tran wrote. “Swim teams and recreational swimmers routinely made use of the pool for their weekly practices and activities. Closure of this pool has forced the relocation of these groups to other facilities, creating an overall negative impact on our community.”
Tran continued, saying that while there are significant hurdles to reopening the facility, he is committed to assisting the university in whatever way possible to get the job done.
“Providing a common gathering place for local swimming enthusiasts and teams is essential for both the university and community as a whole,” he added.
Lapidus said the pool’s closing in early December is only temporary and he hopes to find a permanent solution soon.
University officials have expressed concern about a lack of revenue and declining attendance at the facility. Their concerns extend to the price tag associated with fixing the pool that was built in 2000.
Supporters of the pool deny those assertions and instead argue the pool is a great asset to local students, clubs, and programs. They also would assert the pool has been mismanaged, under marketed, and has the potential to make additional revenue through offered programs or rentals.
Rep. Natalie Higgins also expressed her support for the pool and the residents fighting to keep it open.
“I am very proud of the advocacy efforts of the FSU community and larger Fitchburg and Leominster community coming together to save the pool,” said Higgins in a statement. “I remain hopeful that President Lapidus and the Board of Trustees will work with them to come up with a plan to repair and maintain the pool, as it is an important resource in the Twin Cities.”
Rep. Stephan Hay reportedly sent a letter to the university in support of the pool, but did not respond to a request for comment.
Nancy Foss-Yasko, chair of the Preserve the Pool Committee, said she’s happy to have the legislators’ support but her main goal is to get the pool up and running again.
However, she said, the university is making it increasingly difficult to achieve that goal.
The committee and several student athletes attended a Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 5, prior to the pool’s closing, to show their support for the facility.
At the meeting, university officials promised the issue would be formally placed on the agenda for its meeting on Jan. 28.
University Director of Public Relations Matthew Bruun said an oral report about the pool will be given by Lapidus during the board’s meeting.
Foss-Yasko said she hoped the committee would be giving the presentation and that the university was trying to silence their efforts.
“This is just not right,” she said. “We’ve been putting together our own presentation together and this is just so frustrating to be essentially shut out like this.”
“As always, there will be an opportunity for public comment at the opening of the meeting,” Bruun said. “The issue is not going to be on the agenda as an action item, as any operational decisions about the facility will be made by university administration.”
Fass-Yasko said the university has demonstrated gross incompetence in its handling of the pool issue.
“The pool has been mismanaged for years, resulting in this atrocity,” said Foss-Yasko. “I and the many taxpayers of the commonwealth are outraged at the negligence and poor administration exhibited by the university.”
In a recent Letter to the Editor, committee member Stephen Holt said the university hasn’t been cooperative during the process.
“Instead of allowing us to be part of the solution, FSU has pushed us aside,” said Holt. “We speculate that FSU has its own agenda of permanently closing the pool.”
Holt said the pump replacement costs are low when compared with the money spent on landscaping in front of the building.
According to Foss-Yasko, the committee was told by university officials that the pool needs $400,000 in additional funding for the repairs. However, she said no estimate was provided to confirm the price tag.
“We owe this to the community to uncover what the true issues are, before it is too late,” she wrote in a letter. “ Once this pool is destroyed, there is no turning back.”
January 14, 2020
Dr. Richard Lapidus
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
Dear Dr. Lapidus,
We are writing to express our continued support for reopening the Fitchburg State University pool. This facility, which has been in operation for almost two decades, has provided many benefits to the local community. Swim teams and recreational swimmers routinely made use of the pool for their weekly practices and activities. Closure of this pool has forced the relocation of these groups to other facilities, creating an overall negative impact on our community.
While significant hurdles remain in overcoming the reopening of this facility, we are committed to assisting in whatever capacity possible. Providing a common gathering place for local swimming enthusiasts and teams is essential for both the university and community as a whole.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Please do hesitate to reach out to us should we be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Senator Dean A. Tran
Assistant Minority Whip
Worcester and Middlesex District
January 27, 2020
President Richard S. Lapidus
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
President Lapidus:
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to discuss the issue of the pool closure at Fitchburg State University last
week. Over the past four months, I have met with many Leominster residents, including students and seniors, that
have found the pool to be an invaluable resource in their sports training and competition as well as promoting their
health and wellbeing. However, they have experienced a lack of communication from FSU leadership and have
struggled to discern what FSU leadership requires in a show of support to save the pool.
I am thankful that Jay Bry met with the advocates to listen to their concerns regarding the potential closure. Howeverthat meeting produced no path forward, except for an ambiguous commitment to be open minded about the pool
closure from the FSU Administration. At the end of the meeting, I asked Mr. Bry to provide the advocates from the
Preserve the Pool Committee with clear metrics so that they can show the community interest in maintaining the
pool, and as quickly as possible, the total cost of repair, so that funding could be secured through the community, or
the state delegation. We have yet to see any clear documentation that details the proposed cost of the repairs.
I understand that Fitchburg State University has a long list of capital needs to be addressed and has an ambitious planto invest in downtown Fitchburg, but maintaining this 19-year-old pool deserves to be considered a priority. Not onlyhas this impacted access for the FSU community, but also the Adult Learners of the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) and area
high school students who were members of the Leominster High School Coop Swim Team.
I hope that you will reconsider closing the pool and work with the community to maintain and grow this asset for
Fitchburg State University and the larger community.
Sincerely,
Natalie Higgins
By Daniel Monahan | dmonahan@sentinelandenterprise.com | Sentinel & Enterprise
PUBLISHED: November 4, 2019 at 6:55 pm | UPDATED: November 5, 2019 at 12:12 pm
FITCHBURG — The Fitchburg State University Recreation Center Pool, used by local and regional schools for swim meets, is reportedly in danger of closing down; but a group of concerned residents and alumni are fighting to keep it open.
Though Fitchburg State University has not officially announced that the pool will be closing, groups who frequent the facility believe the facility is heading in that direction.
The school is reportedly concerned about the price tag associated with potential repair costs, a lack of revenue and declining attendance at the pool.
Nancy Foss-Yasko, a university alumni, said she was tipped off about the potential closing after discovering that the pool’s heating system wasn’t working correctly and might need important repairs.
As a regular user of the facility, Foss-Yasko was alarmed by the news and quickly formed the Concerned User Committee for Continuing Operation Committee, made up of other alumni and regular pool attendees. She is also the sitting chairperson.
The committee’s primary goal is to understand why the pool would be closing and to offer the university suggestions for preservation and improved operation.
“We’re trying to give them solutions to the problem, but we don’t know what the problem is exactly because no one will tell us,” said Foss-Yasko. “It’s just going to be a shame if we lose this pool.”
Beverly Cronin, a university alumni who frequents the facility, said she was told the university is not committed to keeping the pool open.
“It’s just a beautiful space and I really don’t want it to shut down,” said Cronin. “It’s a good resource for the community and promotes healthy living and a healthy lifestyle.”
In the interest of preserving the pool, the committee met with university Vice President of Finance and Administration Jay Bry on Friday. State Sen. Dean Tran (R-Fitchburg), Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) and Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale were also in attendance.
According to Stephen Holt, a committee member, the group offered several solutions that would provide additional revenue to the university and help maintain the pool. Options included youth swimming classes, membership programs, exercise programs and rentals.
The committee contends the pool, built in 2000, is a valuable asset to the community and the replacement cost would run Fitchburg State about $1 million.
According to Foss-Yasko, the committee was told by university officials that the pool needs $400,000 in additional funding for the repairs. However, she said no estimate was provided to confirm the price tag.
She said the water heater appears to be broken because the water temperature is currently sitting at about 70 degrees, when it should be nearly 8 degrees higher.
Foss-Yasko said the university offered the following explanations as to why the pool might be closing in the future: poor attendance, low student interest and it does not meet the competitive collegiate standard length of 25 meters.
However, she said there is plenty of interest from both the public and external swimming teams. She said the university would benefit financially from opening the pool up to public use.
Foss-Yasko said the university could do more to promote the pool and help it bring in more revenue.
“The only way things will work out is if the university opens the pool up the community,” she said.
Several committee members said Fitchburg State University officials have not been forthcoming with details about potential pool repairs or the looming closure.
Francis Freel has been the coach for a local combined swim team for about five years and regularly schedules meets at the facility.
Freel said he wants Fitchburg State University to be transparent about its intentions for the pool and the problems it’s facing.
“It’s an asset to the community but it’s just not being promoted or marketed well,” said Freel. “I would just hate to see financial issues rob these kids of the team they’ve helped build.”
Members of the committee said they understand the pool is university property but they believe losing the pool would negatively impact the city and surrounding towns.
“It’s their choice. It’s their pool, their property, and I respect that,” said Freel. “I don’t feel there’s any maliciousness behind their intentions, we’d just like to know so we can make other plans.”
Freel’s swim team includes students from Leominster High School, Fitchburg High School, Lunenburg High School, Monty Tech, North Middlesex and Parker Charter School.
“If we had to relocate, we’re going to lose people and I’d hate for that to happen,” he said.
Jay Bry and other university officials could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2019/11/04/residents-fighting-to-save-fitchburg-state-university-pool-reportedly-on-life-support/
https://www.facebook.com/savefitchburgstatepool/
Swimming Pool
Our pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide. If you're a lap swimmer, we offer kickboards, pull buoys and fins. For aquatic fitness we also offer aquajoggers, aquatic dumbbells and noodles. Our pool hours fluctuate depending on the time of year, so be sure to check out our updated pool hours. For your safety we have lifeguards on staff whenever the pool is open.
https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices-services-directory/recreation-services/
Supported McKay Arts Academy PTO this morning at their Breakfast with Santa event! Had blueberry pancakes, hash browns, sausage, apples, donut and coffee $5 :)
I won a sweet robot lizard from the raffle and got to hear xmas carols and see Santa! Great event 🎄
Attended the Fitchburg State Athletics Falcons Football game today at beautiful Elliot Field in Fitchburg! The foliage was so gorgeous today and no wind so really comfortable fall day... Fitchburg Falcons lost to the Framingham Rams 56 to 7 so it was quite an exciting game :) FATV was there covering as always.
Joined my new friend Annika from Germany (staying at a Fitchbirurg AirBnB) who had to take her boyfriend to an Amercian football game 🇺🇸🇩🇪
🏈 Next home game is the homecoming game on Sat Oct 26th at 12pm versus Westfield State. Admission is $6.
I've gotten a few requests to repair the Pleasant St overhang at Longsjo Middle School ... in March I was told they would be looking into an Aesthetic fix as it is structurally safe... got another repair request today so asked the status and got this response from Superintendent Jokela:
Councilor
I have appointed current Finance and Operations Director, Craig Chalifoux, as the lead for this project. We will meet with a local contractor this week to create a plan and project which improves the overhangs aesthetics before Thanksgiving. An aesthetic approach is far more feasible than a replacement which would have involved engineering/architectural design plus construction. We will apprise you and the community of our progress.
...thanks to all the parents and administration that shared their concerns for this.
I was invited to visit the FPS Extended Program in partnership with Fitchburg State University this morning... I got to chat with the students and teachers and check out their amazing classroom at McKay school. What an incredible asset we have here in Fitchburg for our students with special needs.
🗓This program is for Fitchburg Public Schools students with intellectual disabilities, age 18-21. They focus on functional academics, vocational skill development, all while giving students a college experience they wouldn't otherwise have.
🖊 After the classroom visit, we walked over to Anne Howard's college classroom which had many students in Education and Special Education and Meryl Higgins, the FPS Special Education Teacher/Program Coordinator gave a presentation to the FSU students on what they do and how to get involved.
The students in the FPS extended program get to learn:
💵Money management: banking, Budgeting, How to be an employee and what the pay looks like
🧹Independent Living: How to travel, get to work, read labels, go grocery shopping, do laundry and general house duties.
🤸♂️Health and Wellness: Hygiene, Internet Safety, Fitness
they get 2 days a week to use the FSU Rec center for Fitness activities. They get a cooking class twice a month to learn how to cook for different occasions, and making healthy food.
👥 Community Service is a part of the program: making Thanksgiving Baskets, Painting kindness rocks, making baby blankets, gift wrapping, valentine's day treats and more.
⌚️Vocational Training: Internships and real jobs are very important to the students as they age out of the program and transition to living more independently. They learn job skills, get ServSafe Training, and get to do internships working real jobs to see their skills in action and help them learn to choose a job for their career. Partners in the program have included Hannaford Supermarkets (Lancaster St, Leominster, MA), The Hair Loft, 31 Hair Studio, Petco (Leominster), FPS Nutrition Services, Summer St. Cafe, The Gardener's Spot, T.J.Maxx (Leominster, MA), Fitchburg State University Police Program and more.
The program is actively seeking more businesses to partner with for their students, and advocate that these students will grow into valuable, reliable employees for many of our local businesses.
🦇Falcon Friends--- this is a program/club at FSU with the FPS Extended program which is like a best buddies organization; the college students get paired up with a student and meet up with their “Best Friend” at least once a week. They text, talk on the phone, go to movies, play sports on campus, and sometimes attend socials with one another. Secretary of the club Emma gave a moving speech about how she started thinking she was helping the FPS students, but really they ended up really helping her.
Amazing program... so honored to have been included and invited to visit <3
🎃 Thank you McKay Arts Academy PTO for inviting me to judge the costume contest at this year's McHay day with Fitchburg Fire Department Engine 4 crew!
Cutest: Crayon, Funniest: Leprechaun & Pot of Gold, Most Creative: Tank, Scariest: Pennywise.
They had make your own caramel apples, games, raffles, arts and crafts, bouncehouse and more. We had fun
🐶 The Monty Tech School in Fitchburg is opening their Veterinary Clinic on Monday September 16th.
⁉️What services are provided?
The Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic offers a much-needed service to our community. We provide high-quality, subsidized veterinary care to ensure all families have access to valuable preventative and primary care opportunities.
Services include:
• Routine preventative care visits
• Affordable medications & vaccinations
• Diagnostic services
• Stable Urgent Care
• Compassionate end of life care
• Dentistry (coming soon)
• Primary care surgical services (coming soon)
⁉️Can I bring my pet to the Monty Tech Clinic?
The Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic is proud to provide veterinary services for dogs and cats of resource limited families, within the Monty Tech district. To be eligible for services at the Monty Tech Veterinary Clinic, the owner of the pet must:
• Present a valid EBT card, issued by Mass DTA, and a matching valid ID
• Reside within the Monty Tech District
The Monty Tech District includes the following cities and towns:
Ashburnham Harvard Princeton Ashby Holden Royalston Athol Hubbardston Sterling Barre Lunenburg Templeton
Fitchburg Petersham Westminster Gardner Phillipston Winchendon
⁉️What to expect?
We are a teaching clinic within Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. Visitors will interact with high school students interested in becoming the veterinary professionals of tomorrow. A licensed veterinarian will provide
and oversee all care your pet receives. Your appointment time will be longer than a traditional clinic, as our students are learning. We thank you in advance for your patience and kindness. You are furthering the veterinary profession!
*The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance determines eligibility for food and economic assistance based on household size, income, expenses, and other nonfinancial criteria.
Fitchburg football schedule 2019!!
Home Friday night games at Historic Crocker Field!
Concession stand open with good stuff.
Come join and cheer on our Red Raiders!
Thank you Massachusetts State Police for flying your amazing AIR 3 Helicopter into Fitchburg's Historic Crocker Field for our FPD Junior Police Academy today!
This thing is a $6M machine... carries 183 Gallons of fuel and burns 1.1 Gallons per minute... 623 HP with dual engines...a spotlight with 30M candlepower! maximum travel speed is about 170 knots/220MPH
The Air Troopers answered questions from the Junior recruits....and let us check it out...but NO touching! =D
The Chief even brought in Juniper Farms Ice Cream for the occasion as you can see modeled by Lt Howe🍧 😍
💲 Attended this morning's BIG CHECK ceremony at McKay Arts Academy presented to Fitchburg for Fitchburg Public Schools by Senator Dean A. Tran!
$4,337,244 additional funding from the State of Massachusetts Chapter 70 to Fitchburg! MUCH needed.
I spoke with Superintendent Jokela and he noted that much of that was accounted for in their budget... but that there is an additional $1M or so they will be able to use for school infrastructure and other academic needs as determined by the School Committee that was in attendance as was the Mayor.
Always proud to attend our events and support Fitchburg representing the city as a City Councilor 👍
Chapter 70 Education Funding check presentation held at Mckay Arts Academy this morning!!
I joined in to Fitchburg State University tonight with fellow councilor Walsh and many other elected officials tonight for the Fitchburg Public SchoolsDiscussion on the State's Foundation Budget in the Community of Fitchburg.
I live tweeted the responses @samsquailia & I will copy the tweet/photos here and post stats below:
**349:490 Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents a gap of 141 teachers needed in Fitchburg Public Schools not able to be afforded due to high Special Ed and Health Insurance spending unaccounted for in the Foundation Budget
**384:504 Leominster has a 120 teacher gap in needed teachers per fndn budget unable to be funded due to high spending needs in health insurance and special education spending Leominster Public Schools
** Gardner Mass Superintendent "Arts & Music & Guidance Counselors often first to be cut from school programming due to limited resources req'd to be spent on Health Insurance and Special Education" "The budget should be driven by the education, but too often the education is driven by the budget" "Students that come from poverty need additional services" "Our largest issue is poverty"
** Lunenburg, MA Public Schools have a $2.3M gap in Special Ed Budget, and a $2.3M gap in Health Insurance budget, requiring cuts in teacher funding, books and other funds
** Winchendon, Massachusetts actual staffing needs for Special Education far exceeds the allotment by the Foundation Budget. Top right graphs.
**"When I see the resources wealthy communities can provide their students, I am disheartened...it's discriminatory what the State is doing" -Mother of 4 in Public Schools
**Call to action: "What emerges...is that the Commonwealth has a duty to provide an education for all its children, rich and poor, in every city and town...at the public school level, and this duty is designed...to serve the interest of the children..."
** Increase in Chapter 70 funding to our local school budgets with full funding of the FBRC: Heslth Insurance, Special Ed, ELL and Low Income subsidy. @FitchburgPS @FitchburgMass would receive $12.8M additional to our school budget
FATV recorded the event, you can watch it here:
Public Education Funding Information Update. January 8. 2019 Fitchburg State University
I discussed the Bill and the end of the session with Senator Tran a couple months ago for more background info, starts around 31:30 minutes:
At @Fitchburg_State for the @FitchburgPS Discussion on the State's Foundation Budget in @FitchburgMass pic.twitter.com/hScrL0g4oa
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
349:490 @massupt a gap of 141 teachers needed in @FitchburgPS not able to be afforded due to high Special Ed and Health Insurance spending unaccounted for in the Foundation Budget pic.twitter.com/FU0yghY0lg
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
384:504 @massupt Leominster has a 120 teacher gap in needed teachers per fndn budget unable to be funded due to high spending needs in health insurance and special education spending @LeominsterPS pic.twitter.com/Ted54FVtk5
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
Gardner Superintendent @massupt Arts & Music & Guidance Counselors often first to be cut from school programming due to limited resources req'd to be spent on Health Insurance and Special Education
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
Lunenburg Public Schools have a $2.3M gap in Special Ed Budget, and a $2.3M gap in Health Insurance budget, requiring cuts in teacher funding, books and other funds. @massupt pic.twitter.com/7HfH1F6npe
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
Winchendon actual staffing needs for Special Education far exceeds the allotment by the Foundation Budget. Top right graphs. @massupt @winchendon pic.twitter.com/TXBCC3npLj
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 8, 2019
On race and equity
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
"Students that come from poverty need additional services"
"Our largest issue is poverty" @massupt
Call to action: "What emerges...is that the Commonwealth has a duty to provide an education for all its children, rich and poor, in every city and town...at the public school level, and this duty is designed...to serve the interest of the children..." @massupt pic.twitter.com/StRVWnEbP6
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
Packed house at @Fitchburg_State for @massupt discussion on Foundation Budget Formula shortfalls in Central MA community public schools pic.twitter.com/XH70HKKM69
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
"The budget should be driven by the education, but too often the education is driven by the budget" -Gardner MA School Superintendent @massupt
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
Increase in Chapter 70 funding to our local school budgets with full funding of the FBRC: Heslth Insurance, Special Ed, ELL and Low Income subsidy. @FitchburgPS @FitchburgMass would receive $12.8M additional to our school budget @massupt pic.twitter.com/fQgtef4LjG
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
Impact on our Districts of adequate funding of Foundation Budget...Chapter 70 increases we would see. Yellow represents the model where low income subsidies are taken into account. @FitchburgMass @01453 @LeominsterPS @FitchburgPS @massupt pic.twitter.com/tfXVbq6bO4
— Sam Squailia (@SamSquailia) January 9, 2019
Central Mass. school chiefs @massupt rip 'unsustainable' funding formula https://t.co/OTl0wu4Gki @ScottOConnellTG @agreenphotog
— Telegram & Gazette (@telegramdotcom) January 9, 2019
School Committee met today at 5pm.
Voted in Bob Jokela as Superintendent of Fitchburg Public Schools in a 5-2 vote.
We won! Fitchburg’s St. Bernard’s Football Team are Division 8 Superbowl champions!! 46-35!!!
Pics from St. Bernard's Central Catholic High School Facebook Page
So excited to attend the BF Brown topping off ceremony this morning at Fitchburg Art Museum! They installed the first roof truss---ready to rebuild into the new Fitchburg Arts Community with NewVue Communities!
The Police Chief and I compared our BF Yearbooks.... & we were both on Student Council =D
Incredible showing of community support...including our outgoing Congresswoman Niki Tsongas! I'm so excited to see this project transform and yet preserve my Alma mater.
Our rivalry game was featured on WBZ | CBS Boston 11pm news :)
Here's my favorite D 'Fence' crew and I on the news!
Watch the segment here: https://boston.cbslocal.com/video/3982396-another-large-high-school-rivalry-football-game-played-wednesday-night/?fbclid=IwAR0oXIgM_5MXndp0L6sKc2Yt2WMREkS4R6DXEbdt-nx2KP9Z9PXzdBzw-8c
Congrats to Leominster on their Thanksgiving game victory 36-0...
I love this Breakfast for the Bands event so much ...getting LHS and FHS communities together ❤💙❤💙❤💙
We need more events like this!
Fitchburg Public Schools Upcoming Schedule:
👉11/12 No School
👉11/14 and 11/21 Early Release
👉11/22 and 11/23 No School
👉12/12 and 12/21 Early Release
👉12/24-1/1 No School
❄️1/16 Early Release
❄️1/21 No School
❤️2/6 Early Release
❤️2/18-2/22 No School
🌼3/6 Early Release
