Daily Announcements

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families: 

Please take a moment to read the letter below and complete the survey within the letter. 

The letter and survey contain information around the graduation location for this May. 

Fitchburg High School Graduation is on May 31, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. 

English: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IZiAsqLtspHcGFEGPoNnLnou8C3nuCKXZQCQ2YFDaqc/edit

Spanish: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x1P7A1vMfJ2zUNfJEQaVguD0P0pOwSzPuvINqILvFLU/edit

Portuguese: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mVgjpk0o6UG4R1h2Nl9SpFbglOqWJ5eRkR7zu7aC3pw/edit

Thank you, 

Dr. Braga 

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday (April 22, 2024). 

We will be holding a second opportunity for the Seal of Biliteracy exam on Wednesday (April 24, 2024). Students who are interested in taking the exam should check their student email that contains further details. Families are also welcome to email Carol Robison with any questions around the Seal of Biliteracy exam (robisonc@fitchburg.k12.ma.us).  

Students will receive their report cards for the third academic quarter on Friday (April 26, 2024) during the advisory period.

Grade 12 Assembly (Monday, April 22, 2024): 

During the last period on Monday, we will hold an assembly for Grade 12 students to discuss updates to the graduation ceremony. We will send a communication to families around the updates at the end of the school day on Monday (April 22, 2024). 

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• April 24 (second opportunity): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

  • Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

  • Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Our cast and crew can't wait to see all of you in Bikini Bottom!  It's going to be the best day ever!

"Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau." - Concord Theatricals

Tickets are $10.  You can purchase them from any cast or crew member next week, at the door, or online https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14571 

You've got 4 chances to see our students in performance (with some special guest appearances too):

Thursday April 11th at 7:00PM

Friday April 12th at 7:00PM

Saturday April 13th 2:00PM

Saturday April 13th 7:30PM

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

This past Friday was the last day of the third academic quarter. Tomorrow begins the first day of the fourth academic quarter. We maintained strong daily attendance during the third academic quarter. Let’s continue to maintain this daily attendance for the fourth quarter. As always, thank you for partnering with Fitchburg High School to support the school in reaching its goals.

This week is the last full week until April Vacation. April Vacation is from April 15, 2024 to April 19, 2024. Students return from April Vacation on April 22, 2024.

The school’s Health Fair will take place this Thursday from 7:30am to 11:30am. Students will attend the Health Fair by their grade. All students will have the opportunity to attend the Health Fair.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• April 9: Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

  • Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

  • Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

School Committee Meetings are concurrently live streamed on FATV at https://www.fatv.org/live-streaming 

(choose "Government Live Stream"), and on cable access Comcast/Xfinity Channel 9 and Verizon Channel 36.

Register in advance for the virtual Public Comments portion of the agenda by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TUbCArbBRnqSoBvrWD47YA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about logging in to join the meeting.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

Happy Easter to all families that celebrate the holiday.

This past week we completed the ELA MCAS. We had great attendance for the ELA MCAS. Thank you to all families for your help with supporting the attendance efforts.

Grades for the third academic quarter close on Friday, April 5, 2024. As we move into the fourth academic quarter, it will be important to maintain great daily attendance. 

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

  • Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

  • Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

Thank you to everyone who attended our conferences this past week.

This week we will have the ELA MCAS, as well as a visit from AIR (American Institutes for Research) and DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education).

ELA MCAS (March 26, 2024 and March 27, 2024):

At Fitchburg High School, we will have the ELA MCAS on Tuesday March 26, 2024 and Wednesday March 27, 2024. Students in Grade 10 will arrive at the regular start time to take the test. There will be regular morning buses for Grade 10 students. 

Non-test takers (Grades 9, 11, and 12) will have a later start time to allow for MCAS testing to be completed. 

Non-test takers should arrive at school by 10:15am. Please see the attached schedule. There will be later buses running for non-test takers. Please see the attached bus routes for the non-test takers. 

Students in Grade 10 should take the regular morning buses to school to take the ELA MCAS test on Tuesday March 26, 2024 and Wednesday March 27, 2024. 

Students in the Guided Learning and Pathways programs should report to school at the regular start time during MCAS testing. 

Students in the Learning Perspectives program who take specialized transportation should report to school at the regular start time during MCAS testing. 

MCAS Schedule (English):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RJROt9_gZkl7q-lCtwEGaVeIKB-eLGu1Iv2TCf73z-8/edit

MCAS Schedule (Spanish):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aHyZklLFRmo4kuzkTR_WcizbB25SuPneUNw9V83dPnY/edit

MCAS Schedule (Portuguese): 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RwlXxilYEiDLCljts2JkbQRTyVukquOKfmouJQg6PBk/edit

MCAS Schedule (Haitian Creole): 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XsKpB0G88Cx7GWrHwcywg7RrIs4lm13McZ1KJA9NhhE/edit

MCAS Schedule (Hmong): 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q2Ql0VJJd8s3GY6L6Ttu4XFIa3rmyGzTFKN6twYyCZ8/edit

AIR (American Institutes for Reach) and DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) Progress Monitoring Visit: 

On March 28, 2024, AIR and DESE will be visiting Fitchburg High School to conduct a school progress monitoring data collection to provide FHS with formative feedback in support of excellence and equity in education for all students. AIR & DESE will be at FHS for the full day to conduct classroom visits. FHS will receive a summary of the visit in approximately one week. There are no additional requirements for students during the visit. This is a great opportunity for us to show the great work we are doing at FHS.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

  • Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

  • Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon: 

At Fitchburg High School, we will have the ELA MCAS on Tuesday March 26, 2024 and Wednesday March 27, 2024. Students in Grade 10 will arrive at the regular start time to take the test. There will be regular morning buses for Grade 10 students. 

Non-test takers (Grades 9, 11, and 12) will have a later start time to allow for MCAS testing to be completed. 

Non-test takers should arrive at school by 10:15am. Please see the attached schedule. There will be later buses running for non-test takers. Please see the attached bus routes for the non-test takers. 

Students in Grade 10 should take the regular morning buses to school to take the ELA MCAS test on Tuesday March 26, 2024 and Wednesday March 27, 2024. 

Students in the Guided Learning and Pathways programs should report to school at the regular start time during MCAS testing. 

Students in the Learning Perspectives program who take specialized transportation should report to school at the regular start time during MCAS testing.  

School Committee Meetings are concurrently live streamed on FATV at https://www.fatv.org/live-streaming 

(choose "Government Live Stream"), and on cable access Comcast/Xfinity Channel 9 and Verizon Channel 36.

Register in advance for the virtual Public Comments portion of the agenda by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TUbCArbBRnqSoBvrWD47YA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about logging in to join the meeting.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a nice weekend. 

Parent/Guardian Teacher conferences at Fitchburg High School will be on March 20, 2024. This will also be a half-day, and students will be dismissed at 11:30am on March 20, 2024. 

Conferences are in two sessions: Afternoon (12:00pm to 2:00pm) and Evening (4:00pm to 6:00pm). Each teacher conference is 10 minutes in length. 

Afternoon Conferences:

• 12:00pm to 1:00pm (Online conferences) 

• 1:00pm to 2:00pm (In-Person Conferences at Fitchburg High School) 

Evening Conferences: 

• 4:00pm to 5:00pm (Online conferences) 

• 5:00pm to 6:00pm (In-Person Conferences at Fitchburg High School) 

Please use the link below to schedule conferences with your student's teachers.

https://pickatime.com/client?ven=11611019&event=392765

Follow the directions below to get to the Parent Teacher Conference Scheduler.

Sign In

• Enter your email address and push the "Next" button. A prompt will pop up to click to register. Enter your name and create a password.

• Once you login you should see an event titled 2023 Spring FHS Parent/Teacher Conferences and click on the title. Enter your child’s name and birthdate following the two digit mm/dd/yy format. If you need to add another student, click on the Manage Students icon. For each student enter in the two prompts that your school requires and click Add Student. Continue this step for as many students you need to schedule for. 

Select Students

• Once you have your student(s) listed in the Students section, check the box next to each student's name and press the "Next Step" button. 

Select Teachers

• Check the box next to the names of the teacher(s) you'd like to book appointments with. Once you have finished, select "Filter Slots".

Scheduling

• Each square with a plus sign represents an available meeting time. 

• Click on a square to book that time. 

• Click "Create Appointment".

• After booking you will see a green bar that says "RETURN TO BOOKING". Click on it to continue booking. 

Repeat until you have a time with each teacher you'd like to visit with.

You can click on the "Printable Schedule" link located on the left-hand side to print a copy of your schedule.

If you want to make appointment changes or cancel your appointment click on the "My Appointments" link on the left hand side. On the right side of each appointment you will see three dots. Hover your mouse to see available change options. 

Virtual Appointments

• When choosing a virtual appointment, before your allotted time an email will be sent with a link to a Google Meets room.

• There are directions attached for language translation support for virtual appointments. 

For in-person appointments, we will have translators at Fitchburg High School. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at conferences. 

If you have any questions, please email our SIMS Secretary Ms. Loepere-Smith (loepereg@fitchburg.k12.ma.us), or please call Fitchburg High School. 

Information about the conferences is also posted on the daily announcements section of the Fitchburg High School website. 

Reminder, FHS Honors Academy (application for current FHS students):

If your student is currently in Grade 9 at FHS, and you are interested in your student being a part of the Honors Academy next school year, please have your student complete the application below.

This application is for existing FHS students applying for the Honors Academy at Fitchburg High School. Please note that this application is open to existing 9th grade students only. There is a separate application for incoming Grade 9 students. The application for the Class of 2028 (incoming Grade 9 students) is available on the FHS website under the Academics sidetab. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvnrNVTbJ4AU5PisAO6RXteAB6yLchfXUUUVClp-vwPNz1-A/viewform

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon FHS Families: 

We hope everyone is having a great weekend. 

Today is Daylight Savings Time. The clocks will go forward one hour today. This means that springtime is quickly approaching! 

Students will receive their Progress Reports for Quarter 3 this Friday during the advisory period. 

As a reminder, March 20, 2024 is a half-day. Students will be dismissed at 11:30am. This day will also be Parent/Guardian teacher conferences. We will send a detailed email about the conferences this week. 

If you missed our Early College Academy Parent/Guardian information session this past Tuesday, the presentation is on the FHS website. 

Reminder, Spring Sports:

Registration is now open for any student who is interested in participating in a Spring Sport. Spring sports include: Baseball, Softball, Girls Lacrosse, Girls Tennis, Girls Flag Football, Boys & Girls Outdoor Track & Field, and Boys Volleyball. 

All interested student-athletes must complete the online registration form on FamilyID, the link was sent to all students' email accounts, @FitchburgAD social media accounts, and on the athletic department website. Students must also have a current physical (within the last 13-months) on file with the nurse prior to tryouts. 

The season begins Monday March 18th, coaches will reach out with tryout/practice information for all registered student-athletes ahead of that date. 

Any questions please see email Mr. Robbins (robbinst@fitchburg.k12.ma.us). 

Reminder, FHS Honors Academy (application for current FHS students):

If your student is currently in Grade 9 at FHS, and you are interested in your student being a part of the Honors Academy next school year, please have your student complete the application below.

This application is for existing FHS students applying for the Honors Academy at Fitchburg High School. Please note that this application is open to existing 9th grade students only. There is a separate application for incoming Grade 9 students. The application for the Class of 2028 (incoming Grade 9 students) is available on the FHS website under the Academics sidetab. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvnrNVTbJ4AU5PisAO6RXteAB6yLchfXUUUVClp-vwPNz1-A/viewform

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

School Committee Meetings are concurrently live streamed on FATV at https://www.fatv.org/live-streaming 

(choose "Government Live Stream"), and on cable access Comcast/Xfinity Channel 9 and Verizon Channel 36.

Register in advance for the virtual Public Comments portion of the agenda by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TUbCArbBRnqSoBvrWD47YA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about logging in to join the meeting.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

This week will be an MCAS retest day for ELA and Math. Students who are taking the ELA and/or Math MCAS retest were notified this past week.

Additionally, this Wednesday (March 6, 2024) is a half-day for staff professional development. All students will be dismissed at 11:30am.

Please save the date for our next Parent/Guardian Teacher conferences on March 20, 2024. This will also be a half-day of school. In the upcoming days, we will be sending out more details around conferences.

Spring Sports:

Registration is now open for any student who is interested in participating in a Spring Sport. Spring sports include: Baseball, Softball, Girls Lacrosse, Girls Tennis, Girls Flag Football, Boys & Girls Outdoor Track & Field, and Boys Volleyball. 

All interested student-athletes must complete the online registration form on FamilyID, the link was sent to all students' email accounts, @FitchburgAD social media accounts, and on the athletic department website. Students must also have a current physical (within the last 13-months) on file with the nurse prior to tryouts. 

The season begins Monday March 18th, coaches will reach out with tryout/practice information for all registered student-athletes ahead of that date. 

Any questions please see email Mr. Robbins (robbinst@fitchburg.k12.ma.us). 

Early College Academy Parent Info Session:

Family Virtual Info Session (evening): we will hold a virtual info session for any students, parents, or guardians interested in learning more about the ECA. All Grade 10 and Grade 11 students and guardians received this information via email. The information can also be found on the FPS Facebook page.

Information to the online meeting is below:

Tuesday, March 5 · 6:00 – 6:30pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fef-rsgk-bva
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-684-3622 PIN: ‪156 907 686#

FHS Honors Academy (application for current FHS students):

If your student is currently in Grade 9 at FHS, and you are interested in your student being a part of the Honors Academy next school year, please have your student complete the application below.

This application is for existing FHS students applying for the Honors Academy at Fitchburg High School. Please note that this application is open to existing 9th grade students only. There is a separate application for incoming Grade 9 students. The application for the Class of 2028 (incoming Grade 9 students) is available on the FHS website under the Academics sidetab. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvnrNVTbJ4AU5PisAO6RXteAB6yLchfXUUUVClp-vwPNz1-A/viewform

Reminder (MVP Program Application):

The application for the MVP Program for next school year is on the Fitchburg High School homepage. The program is a great opportunity for students who will be in the 11th or 12th Grade next school year, and are interested in studying Carpentry or Electrical. 

https://fhs.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone had a great February Vacation.

We look forward to welcoming students back tomorrow morning.

We would like to thank the Black Student Union for the annual showcase on Friday (02-16-2024). The showcase included a fashion show, dances, poetry, and a musical performance.

School Council and the School Year 2024-2025 Budget (Draft):

I will be presenting the draft school budget proposal to the School Council at FHS on Tuesday afternoon. If the School Council approves of the budget, we will do a final review with our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) at FHS. From there, the budget proposal will be submitted to the district for their review.

Once it becomes available, I will send out a review of the finalized and approved budget to the FHS school community.

Instruction and Curriculum Updates: 

We added a new side tab to our website, Instruction and Curriculum Updates. The side tab will have weekly updates around our instruction and curriculum at FHS, as well as an overview of our core content curriculum. 

Reminder (MVP Program Application):

The application for the MVP Program for next school year is on the Fitchburg High School homepage. The program is a great opportunity for students who will be in the 11th or 12th Grade next school year, and are interested in studying Carpentry or Electrical. 

https://fhs.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families: 

We hope everyone is having a great start to February Vacation. 

The application for the MVP Program for next school year is on the Fitchburg High School homepage. The program is a great opportunity for students who will be in the 11th or 12th Grade next school year, and are interested in studying Carpentry or Electrical. 

https://fhs.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/

Have a great week and thank you, 

Dr. Braga 

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend. 

This is the last full week before February Vacation. We are looking forward to a great and productive week of school. 

Student Course Selection for Next School Year:

On Friday, Report Cards were provided to students during the advisory period. Additionally, during the advisory period, students in Grades 9-11 began to choose their courses for next school year. The deadline for students to choose their courses for next school year is February 26, 2024. Our Guidance Team is available to support students through the course selection process. Below are the presentations to support students in choosing classes for next school year. Students can access the links within the presentations by using their Fitchburg Public Schools email. 

English Presentation: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1unwNTZFBjtqAYuOjS2YWNAWmve06t20YLG8qtHnoMv0/edit#slide=id.g4e4a9cadb8_0_0

Spanish Presentation: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HY4rgCurY7MU5rPP5_fDQQ6gSThGksyWzM0ValxBUPE/edit#slide=id.g4e4a9cadb8_0_0

MVP Parent Information Session:

Please see the attachments and information below. The areas of study for the MVP program are Carpentry and Electrical. 

When: Tuesday, February 13th at 6:00pm

Where: Google Meets - meet.google.com/guh-fcgs-iob

Who should attend? While anyone is welcome to attend this information session, we will only be accepting applications this Spring from students in the Class of 2025 and Class of 2026. We encourage all interested students and families from those classes to attend. 

Attendance Policy Update: The school committee voted to approve Fitchburg High School's updated attendance policy. Please review the updated attendance policy below. Attendance is an essential factor to academic success. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR FITCHBURG HIGH SCHOOL

INTRODUCTION

One of the keys to academic achievement is good attendance. Consistent participation in school and school-based activities is important for making a successful transition from youth to adulthood. Parents and guardians, as well as students themselves, have the legal responsibility to ensure that attendance at school is regular and timely. Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Every child between the ages of 7 and 16 is compelled to attend school". At Fitchburg High School, students 16 years of age or older are also expected to conform to the same rules of attendance. If a school identifies a student who is exhibiting an attendance problem, which includes tardiness, the school is required by law to address that problem. This could be as simple as notifying the parent or guardian and working together to improve that student's attendance. In extreme instances, however, it may require the school to solicit assistance from the Court or the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”).

Regular attendance and punctuality are absolute necessities in attaining an education.  The following attendance policy is recorded which provides the maximum opportunity for students to acquire a meaningful education.

Attendance Incentives:  FHS will employ a series of quarterly attendance incentives to promote positive school wide attendance.  Activities could include raffles, breakfasts, certificates, t-shirts, and other ideas initiated by students and faculty.  Quarterly Pep Rallies and other events will be announced throughout the year to promote positive attendance.  

Attendance Rule:  The requirements for the receipt of a Fitchburg High School diploma include an acceptable level of attendance in a Fitchburg Public School secondary level educational program.  Exceptions to attendance criteria can be made only by the Assistant Principal pursuant to a transcript review. This attendance policy is in conjunction with a student successfully passing all necessary academic subjects and achieving the minimum credits needed for a diploma.  Students and parents may file appeals with the Principal in a timely manner.   

Tardiness to School:  All students must report to their first period class for attendance every day. Students arriving after the official start time of 7:30 will need to report to the appropriate office to get a tardy pass.  If a student arrives 20 minutes late to class with an unexcused tardy pass will result in an unexcused absence for that class.  A pattern of tardiness will result in disciplinary action.  Five unexcused tardies will equal 1 unexcused absence.  (Detention, Raider Saturday School, Loss of parking privileges, In-house intervention, Suspension, Loss of credits, other appropriate consequences as deemed necessary by members of administration).

Attendance Waiver:  A student may apply directly to administration for a waiver for one or more absences.

Excused absence days may be for any of the following reasons:

• Death in the family

• Religious holidays

• Authorized school sponsored activities and related activities

• Illness - A doctor's note must verify that the doctor saw the student in the office on the day(s) absent from school or specify the dates the student needed to remain at home for a medical issue.

All documentation for waivers, including doctor's notes, must be on file in the Housemaster's

Office within five school days after the student returns to school. -

• In the event of a pandemic, such as the H1N1 influenza, other credible evidence may, at the discretion of the building administrator or one's designee, be accepted in lieu of a doctor’s note in support of a waiver of unexcused absence from School.

• Court appearances

• College visits (approved by administration)

• Military obligations

• Other reasons as deemed appropriate by administration

Attendance at School Functions: Students who are absent from school during the day are not eligible to attend school functions in the afternoon or evening unless specifically approved by administration.  For the purpose of participation in school-sponsored events, a student is recorded absent from school if arriving after 10:55 a.m. or dismissed prior to 10:55 a.m. If the student is absent on the last day of school prior to a weekend event, this rule will be enforced. This applies to practices, competitions, meetings, games, and interscholastic events. Administration can excuse absences for purposes of participation.

Class Cut Procedure:  In order to address class cuts in a timely and immediate manner, the following process will be in effect.  As noted, class cuts disqualify students from the ability to participate in credit recovery activities and may result in a zero (0) grade for that class period’s assessments. First Cut: Teacher conference with student; Second Cut: Teacher Consequence + documented parent/guardian communication; Third Cut: Referral to Administration. 

Tardiness to Class:  Tardiness to class, without permission, is prohibited. The teacher is responsible for the enforcement of this rule and for determining an appropriate disciplinary action: teacher sessions/detention, parent meeting, calls home, etc. The student may be referred to the Assistant Principal.

Signing Out of Class/Passes:  All students must have a teacher assigned pass when in the corridor during non-passing time. Students must report to their regularly assigned class first before signing out to go anywhere. Students using the library or computer lab must first report to the teacher assigning the project and receive a research pass. Upon arrival in the library or computer lab, students must clearly sign the attendance sheet. No student may leave the library or computer lab during a period without getting approval, signing out, and having a FHS hall pass.

Dismissal from School:  Parental contact by telephone and/or note is necessary for every dismissal.

Dismissal slips will be issued from the Assistant Principal's or Nurse's office at the beginning of school. Office or public telephones are not to be used for the purpose of "last minute" dismissals, unless there is an emergency.  A reason for dismissal must always be given, and will be limited to the following:

• Illness

• Family emergency

• Legal or medical appointment that cannot be made outside school hours (you should bring a note back from the person that you saw.)

Students’ age 18 or older and living independently may vouch for their own dismissal. The Administration will make the final determination on all dismissals.

CONSECUTIVE ABSENCE/SIXTEEN YEARS OR OLDER  

Consecutive Absence/Sixteen (16) years or older:  In Section 18 of Chapter 7 (G.L.c.76,§18),  

No student who has not graduated from high school shall be considered to have permanently left public school unless an administrator of the school which the student last attended has sent notice within a period of 5 days from the student's tenth consecutive absence to the student and the parent or guardian of that student in both the primary language of the parent or guardian, to the extent practicable, and English. The notice shall initially offer at least 2 dates and times for an exit interview between the superintendent, or a designee, and the student and the parent or guardian of the student to occur prior to the student permanently leaving school and shall include contact information for scheduling the exit interview. The notice shall indicate that the parties shall agree upon a date and time for the exit interview, and that interview shall occur within 10 days after the sending of the notice. The time for the exit interview may be extended at the request of the parent or guardian and no extension shall be for longer than 14 days. The superintendent, or a designee, may proceed with any such interview without a parent or guardian if the superintendent, or a designee, makes a good faith effort to include the parent or guardian. The exit interview shall be for the purpose of discussing the reasons for the student permanently leaving school and to consider alternative education or other placements.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

At Fitchburg High School we celebrate Black History Month (02/01/2024 to 02/29/2024). Black History Month honors the contributions and achievements that Black people have made throughout the history of the United States. Please join FHS in honoring the past and present brilliance and innovation of the Black community. 

We have two more full weeks before February Vacation. February Vacation is from 02/19/2024 to 02/23/2024. Students return from February Vacation on Monday, 02/26/2024.

Report Cards: Second Academic Quarter

Report cards for the second academic quarter will be provided to students on Friday (02/09/2024) during the advisory period.

Biology MCAS Retake Exam (02/06/2024 and 02/07/2024): 

The Biology MCAS retake exam will take place on 02/06/2024 and 02/07/2024. The school schedule will run normally. Students who are taking the exam will be informed of their testing location.

NAEP Testing (02/08/2024):

A selection of Grade 12 students will take the NAEP test on 02/08/2024. All students taking the NAEP test will be informed of their testing location. The national assessment provides results on student performance in multiple areas and demographics.

School Committee Vote: Attendance Policy:

Tomorrow (02/05/2024), the School Committee will vote to approve Fitchburg High School’s updated attendance policy. If approved, the updated attendance policy will remove the No Credit policy for attendance at Fitchburg High School. On Tuesday, (02/06/2024), I will send a message to families around the outcome of the School Committee vote. If approved, I will send along the full updated Attendance Policy.

Peer-Mediation Training at FHS:

FHS will have a peer-mediation training on February 12, 2024 (9:00am to 12:00pm) for students who are interested in becoming peer-mediators. If your student is interested in becoming a peer-mediator, please send me an email (bragaj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us). Peer-Mediators are youth who have completed Peer-Mediation training and are prepared to facilitate conversations between other youth who are in a conflict. Peer-Mediators will ask questions to uncover the root cause of the conflict and will encourage the parties to brainstorm ideas and consider options for a resolution that is agreeable to both parties. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential conversation with the assistance of trained neutral mediators.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• January 2024 ACCESS Testing (starting the week of January 8, 2024) (test for English Language Proficiency, for English Language Learner students).

• February 6-7: Biology MCAS Retest

• February 8: NAEP (selection of 12th Grade students)

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon FHS Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Monday (01/29/2024), starts the second semester and the third grading period. Students should check their X2/Aspen account for any changes to their schedule.

Report cards will be provided to students on 02/09/2024 for the second marking period.

MVP Partnership (starts School Year 2024-2025):

This past Friday during the advisory period, students learned about our MVP program in partnership with local districts and Monty Tech. The program is set to begin next school year, 2024-2025. The program will have an alternating schedule where students will be at Fitchburg High School for academics for one week, and then be at Monty Tech for the vocational trade for another week. For this first year (2024-2025), the vocational trade areas will be carpentry and electrical. The program will have a limited number of spots. Please review the presentations, English and Spanish, with more information about the MVP program. At the end of the presentation there is a brief survey to complete, if your student is interested in the program. There will be more information to come around the MVP program, as well as recruitment events and informational sessions for students and families.

MVP English Presentation:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1M3Boty7_7skOjImjinOe6ylw5CC0KcepKflyjvAEg0I/edit#slide=id.p1

MVP Spanish Presentation:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xs8SxrsermSefP2rObiTeTgcNHs5zoJehE1rsf9XNIY/edit#slide=id.p1

MVP Website:

https://www.montytech.net/MVP

School Newspaper (The Red and Gray):

The newest edition of the school newspaper is on the FHS Website.

https://fhs.fitchburg.k12.ma.us/the-red-and-gray

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• January 2024 ACCESS Testing (starting the week of January 8, 2024) (test for English Language Proficiency, for English Language Learner students).

• February 6-7: Biology MCAS Retest

• February 8: NAEP (selection of 12th Grade students)

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 9

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• Students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

The second academic quarter closes on Friday January 26, 2024.

Report cards for the second academic quarter will be provided to students on February 9, 2024.

Participation in interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities:

From the previous School Committee Meeting in January 2024, the Fitchburg Public Schools and Fitchburg High School Athletics have updated the policy to determine a potential student athlete’s academic eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics.

We are using Rule 58 from the MIAA Handbook, most recently updated for 2023-2025. The guidance below provides clarity around Rule 58.

Students Must:

• Be enrolled in a minimum of (4) “major” full-year courses at all times.

• Students must achieve a passing grade in a minimum of (4) “major” full-year courses during the term before and during the competition season.

• Fall Athletic Eligibility is determined by the final grades of the previous school year.

• Initial Winter Athletic Eligibility is determined by Quarter 1 Report Card Grades.

• Winter Athletic Eligibility is reevaluated with Quarter 2 Report Card Grades.

• Initial Spring Athletic Eligibility is determined by Quarter 2 Report Card Grades.

• Spring Athletic Eligibility is reevaluated with Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 Report Card Grades.

Eligibility Determinations Become Official:

• When the report card is issued to the students and families.

• 12th grade student athlete Eligibility for Spring Athletics closes with Quarter 3 Report Cards.

What constitutes a “major” full-year course?

• MIAA example of a “major” full-year course is a traditional Math class or a comparable class from another subject.

Notes:

• Incomplete Grades cannot be counted toward eligibility. An Incomplete Grade is read as a failing grade until the replacement grade is posted.

• A student repeating a subject cannot use that course for eligibility a second time. 

• Summer school courses can only be used for eligibility if the courses were failed during the immediate prior school year.

Middle School Students Participating on High School Teams: 

• Must comply with MIAA Rule 58 academic requirements when playing on high school teams with a waiver.

• Once a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader participates on a high school team they must comply with Rule 58.

• Those matriculating middle school students who participate in high school athletics for the first time in 9th grade are given a fresh start by Rule 58 and therefore final grades from 8th Grade do not apply.

Transfer Students and Co-Op Student-Athletes: 

• Must meet academic eligibility standards both at Fitchburg High School and the school they attended previously.

• Exception: if the transfer was necessary because a family moved. Then the student only needs to comply with the Fitchburg Public Schools standard.

• Co-Op students must meet the academic eligibility of both their school and the host school in the Co-Op.

Please email Athletic Director, Todd Robbins (robbinst@fitchburg.k12.ma.us), if you have any questions about the updates to the policy.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule): 

• January 2024 ACCESS Testing (starting the week of January 8, 2024) (test for English Language Proficiency, for English Language Learner students).

• February 6-7: Biology MCAS Retest

• February 8: NAEP (selection of 12th Grade students)

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 10

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• This is a reminder that students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Reminder (Being Tardy to School):

• It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Fitchburg High School sends text messages home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

There is no school on Monday (January 15, 2024) or Tuesday (January 16, 2024). Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Tuesday is a teacher professional development day. Students will return to school on Wednesday (January 17, 2024).

Tomorrow, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader in activism who helped to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King wanted everyone to do things in a righteous and peaceful manner. Please take a moment tomorrow to reflect on the importance of Dr. King in American history.

School Committee Student Representatives:

Selina Moua and James Cannon are our 2024 School Committee Student Representatives. A special thank you to Zoe and Journie for their service as Student Representatives in 2023.

Food and Clothing Pantry at FHS:  

The Fitchburg High School Red Raider Pantry currently has socks and winter jackets available for students and families. Please reach out to Roberta McMaster at mcmasterr@fitchburg.k12.ma.us if you would like us to send some items home with students or arrange a time for families to pick them up.

Grade 12 Photos:

The last opportunity for Grade 12 photos will be on 01/19/24.

Being Tardy to School:

It is important for all students to be on time to school. Being on time to school allows students to take full advantage of their education. Additionally, being on time helps students access content and pass their courses. Starting on Wednesday January 17, 2024, Fitchburg High School will send texts home for students who are late to school. With your support, we can decrease tardiness and increase time on learning.

Reminder (Standardized Assessment Schedule) (change made for Math MCAS Date):

• January 2024 ACCESS Testing (starting the week of January 8, 2024) (test for English Language Proficiency, for English Language Learner students).

• February 6-7: Biology MCAS Retest

• February 8: NAEP (selection of 12th Grade students)

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 21-22: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 10

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• This is a reminder that students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.

Good Afternoon Fitchburg High School Families:

We hope everyone is having a great weekend.

As a reminder, there is no school for students on Monday January 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Tuesday January 16, 2024 (Teacher Professional Development Day).

Grade 12 Photos:

The last opportunity for Grade 12 photos will be 01/08/24 to 01/11/24, and 01/19/24.

ACCESS Testing:

Families of English Language Learner Students: Beginning the week of January 8, 2024 all ELL students will begin the ACCESS test. ACCESS testing determines the growth that a student has made in English language proficiency. ELL students are tested in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Testing for most ELL students will take place in their ESL class.

Standardized Assessment Schedule:

• January 2024 ACCESS Testing (starting the week of January 8, 2024) (test for English Language Proficiency, for English Language Learner students).

• February 6-7: Biology MCAS Retest

• February 8: NAEP (selection of 12th Grade students)

• March 4-8: ELA MCAS and Math MCAS Retest

• March 26-27: ELA MCAS for grade 10

• April 2024 (Date to be Determined): Seal of Biliteracy.

• May 13-15: Math MCAS for grade 10

• June 4-5: Biology MCAS for grade 10

• May 6-17: AP (Advanced Placement) testing.

Reminder (Cell-Phones):

• Students are expected to place their cell phone in their backpack or cell phone pocket during class time.

• The teacher will determine the specific procedure for the class. Students have access to their cell phones during transitions to the next classes and during breakfast and lunch.

• Backpacks remain in the classroom during class time, unless needed for a health item, 504 Plan, IEP. Backpacks travel with students during transitions to the next classes.

Reminders (Absent and Tardy Notes):

• Notes are required to excuse absences or tardies.

• In case of an absence or excused tardy, please have your student bring their note to their Assistant Principal's office.

• You may also email the note or reason for the absence to your student's Assistant Principal's secretary:

• Alicia Membrino (Grades 11 & 12): membrinoa@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Hector Surillo (Grades 9 & 10): surilloh@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminders (Dismissal):

• Please call or email the front office prior to dismissing your student from school.

• Julie Membrino (Front Office Secretary): membrinoj@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

• Deborah Champagne (Front Office Secretary): champagned@fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Reminder, Student Drop-Off (Arrival):

• This is a reminder that students cannot be dropped off on the road for safety reasons. Students must exit vehicles in the parking lot. Thank you for your attention to this safety routine.