At the Jan. 6 meeting the superintendent and family engagement staff showcased the district’s outreach work and community partnerships and announced nearly $30,000 in holiday donations to support students and families.

Superintendent Thompson introduced Eva Kelly, director of multilingual education and family engagement, and Luisa Fernandez, community engagement liaison, who described the Family Institute for Student Success (FISS) pilot at South Street Early Learning Center, bilingual workshop sessions, a stipend and graduation ceremony for participants, and plans to expand the program. Fernandez said the pilot focused on attendance, newcomer families, and building parent capacity; she stressed bilingual delivery and supports such as childcare and food to remove barriers to participation.

Thompson read a list of 28 donations received during November and December totaling $29,790 and named multiple donors and purposes: Rotary Club of Fitchburg East ($1,000 to Rhinegold food pantry); JJ's Helping Hands/All In Credit Union ($1,000 to Rhinegold); EL Harvey & Sons (20 bicycles and helmets, est. $2,500); Hollis Hills Farm (62 Christmas trees, est. $4,000); Elite Construction (toys, est. $5,000); and many smaller community and departmental contributions for clothing, toys, food baskets and gift cards to families in need.

Board members and public commenters praised the partnerships and expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts to provide services such as a free clinic in collaboration with the health department, summer backpack distribution (2,000 backpacks) and a family portrait program with Fitchburg State University photography students. The superintendent also reported that the district supported 387 students through family-engagement efforts this year and described plans for upcoming events and expanded ESL and parent-engagement offerings.

The committee approved a bundled consent motion that included acceptance of donations and grants later in the meeting.