FHS Boys’ Indoor Track at the MSTCA Boston Holiday Challenge

The Fitchburg High School boys’ indoor track team had an impressive day the MSTCA Boston Holiday Challenge at the Reggie Lewis Center in West Roxbury.

The 4×200-meter relay team comprised of seniors Landon Tucker, Kobe Saddler, Eli Ashmore and Angel Figueroa teamed up for a first-place finish with a time of 1:31.53, which also broke the FHS school record.

Figueroa completed his day with a first in the 300 (35.96) and a fourth in the long jump (20′ 4.75″). Other Red Raider finishes were: Ashmore sixth in the 55-meter dash (6.70); Charlie Jackson 15th in the long jump with a PR performance of 18′ 6.75″; Sage Bray 15th in the 55-meter hurdles (8.83); Saddler 15th in the 300 (38.03) and Tucker 22nd in the 55-meter dash with a PR of 6.93.

The Red Raiders will next compete against Nashoba Regional on Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Doug Grutchfield Field House.

School using a different kind of sandbox

“The augmented reality (AR) sandbox allows users to create topography models by shaping real sand, which is then augmented in real time by an elevation color map, topographic contour lines, and simulated water. The system teaches geographic, geologic, and hydrologic concepts such as how to read a topography map, the meaning of contour lines, watersheds, catchment areas, levees, etc.”

Read more: School using a different kind of sandbox

At Memorial Middle School, CAP cadets learning core values

There’s no substitute for possessing strong life skills like responsibility, discipline, organization and community service.

At Memorial Middle School in Fitchburg, students who are members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program — an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force — are learning core values that they can use for the rest of their lives.

“They get exposed to a lot of experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise get,” Memorial psychologist Beth Foley said. “That’s more what I’m looking for is them to broaden their horizons and show them what others things are out there. There’s a whole wide world out there of things to do and be.”

Read more: At Memorial Middle School, CAP cadets learning core values

Crocker Elementary School keeps demonstrating caring, support

When Mia Reynolds lost everything in a massive house fire shortly after Christmas 15 years ago, her second-grade teacher at Crocker Elementary School made sure she and her mother knew how much the school cared.

The teacher, Robin Pierce, told her class to bring in wrapped presents so Reynolds could have a second Christmas holiday. That experience meant the world to Reynolds and her mother, Tammie, who this year decided to pay it forward.

“The love and support our family received from Crocker after this incident was something that turned a terrifying experience into a memory of how much love people have to give, and a beautiful example to me of the good left in this world and community,” wrote Mia Reynolds in a letter she sent to her former teacher after deciding to make sure more than 30 current Crocker students have presents of their own this holiday season.

Read more: Crocker Elementary School keeps demonstrating caring, support

Crocker Elementary School math coach Robin Pierce, on left, and Mia Reynolds, 22, pose with Kira Andreucci, center, as they met for the first time at Crocker Elementary School on Thursday afternoon. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Tammie Reynolds and her daughter Mia, 22, talk with Mia’s former Crocker Elementary School second grade teacher Robin Pierce, on right, when they meet for the first time in 15 years at the school on Thursday afternoon. SENTIENL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Athletic legacy over a century in the making

Second-year Fitchburg boys’ track coach — and FHS Hall of Famer — Cindy Donelan must feel like the luckiest woman in track and field, especially with all the talent at her disposal inside The Grutch.

During her first year, she had the venerable quartet of CAKE — Charlie Jackson, Angel Figueroa, Kobe Saddler, and Eli Ashmore — running the 4×200 to great success. This year, the first leg is pretty interchangeable, with Landon Tucker (LAKE?), Sal Figueroa (SAKE?), and Jackson available.

Last Sunday, Donelan had Tucker run the 4×200 first leg, and the quartet set a new school standard. Friendly competition on a team makes everyone better. I expect that record to fall numerous times this winter, regardless of who starts…

Read more: Athletic legacy over a century in the making

Fitchburg Public Schools Receives Very Generous Donation of Gifts from Local Businesses

Fitchburg High boys open track season with thrilling victory

The Fitchburg High School boys’ indoor track team opened its dual meet schedule on Wednesday with a 46-45 victory over Marlboro in a thrilling meet that came down to the final events, the relay races.

The Red Raiders were led with first-place finishes by senior Eli Ashmore (55-meter dash, 6.7 seconds), senior Angel Figueroa (330 meters, 38.2 seconds), senior Sage Bray (55-meter hurdles, 9.0 seconds), senior Enrico Colon (shot put, 40 feet, 9.5 inches), the 4×220-yard relay team of senior Landon Tucker, senior Kobe Saddler, Ashmore and Figueroa (1:39.0) and the 4×440-yard relay team of Bray, sophomore Cristian Ardunio-Caballero, junior William Carrizo and senior Charlie Jackson (4:08.8).

Read more: Fitchburg High boys open track season with thrilling victory

Students at Fitchburg’s Goodrich Academy share cheer (and prizes!)

While not all planned to celebrate Christmas at home, every Goodrich Academy
student was guaranteed at least one holiday meal this year.

Students at the alternative school gathered Tuesday afternoon to dine with peers and teachers, or — as several students described it — their Goodrich family.

“It might seem a little corny, bingo and eating together, but it actually brings us together,” said Na’rya George, a senior.

Read more: Students at Fitchburg’s Goodrich Academy share cheer (and prizes!)

Students at Goodrich Academy played some bingo after a Christmas diner at the school on Tuesday afternoon. Waiting for her numbers to be called was senior Rachel Cormier, 17 on right. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Students at Goodrich Academy played some bingo after a Christmas diner at the school on Tuesday afternoon. One of the bingo winners was junior Kayleigh Salvi, 16. She won a gift card. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Students at Goodrich Academy played some bingo after a Christmas diner at the school on Tuesday afternoon. Calling the bingo numbers pulled by English teacher Christina Smith is Career Councilor Anthony Wlison. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Crocker parents wowed by 21st Century program after school in Fitchburg

Crocker Elementary School was filled with excitement Thursday night during the
“Bring Your Parent” to the 21st Century After-School Program.

Parents flocked to the school — 25 families to be exact — to watch their children participate in four different enrichment activities. The fun-filled evening ended with a dinner prepared by the “Our Kids in the Kitchen” class.

“The 21st Century funding is to supplement and add on to the things that are going on during the school day,” said Crocker Elementary School 21st Century Site Coordinator Kim Bellio. “Our goal is to provide academic enrichment through project-based learning, to also promote community service through service-learning activities and to provide positive social growth. All activities are connected to the standards that we teach throughout the school year, as well as activities that they just like to do.”

Read more: Crocker parents wowed by 21st Century program after school in Fitchburg

Adrianna Kwapien shares a moment with her son, Caleb, during ÒCrazy 8s Math ClubÓ at Crocker Elementary School on Thursday evening.

Andrew Van Hazinga joins his son, David, and daughter, Adeline, while the students make lava lamps at the after-school program at Crocker Elementary School in Fitchburg. COURTESY PHOTOs

Crocker Elementary School second-grader, Scarlett Brooks, hugs her father, Matt, during ÒCrazy 8s Math Club.Ó

Fitchburg High senior earns scholarship to prestigious Union College

Landon Tucker’s dream is now a reality.

Tucker, a Fitchburg High School senior and Honors Academy student, is beaming with pride after recently being selected as a Posse Scholar and receiving a four-year scholarship to Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.

“It’s definitely exciting,” said Tucker, who is ranked second academically in his class. “Throughout the whole process they were always showing videos of people getting it. They were excited, cheering and crying and things like that.

“I definitely felt a lot of emotions. I called my dad right after and teared up a little bit. It was definitely exciting that all the hard work paid off.”

Over 1,000 students from the state were considered for the Boston Posse Scholar, and Tucker was one of only 10 to be selected.

Read more: Fitchburg High senior earns scholarship to prestigious Union College

Fitchburg High School Landon Tucker earned a full academic scholarship to Union College worth over $200,000. COURTESY PHOTO

Fitchburg High senior Landon Tucker, who recently was selected as a Boston Posse Scholar and will be attending Union College, is joined by his friend, Sage Bray, and his parents, Karen and Randy. COURTESY PHOTO