$16,000 Gift Boosts Gardner School Music Programs Amid Successful Initiatives
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Gardner School Committee meeting, the announcement of a $16,000 donation from the Steve Chickalini Music and Education Fund emerged as the standout development. The fund, created in memory of local musician Steve Chickalini, aims to support music education for younger generations in central Massachusetts. This generous contribution will be allocated among Gardner Elementary, Middle, and High Schools to enhance their music programs, providing new instruments, storage systems, and sound equipment.
In addition to the funding announcement, the meeting recognized Gardner High School senior Aiden Losanado for his involvement in the Best Buddies program, as well as on the soccer and basketball teams. Losanado, who is contemplating a career in architectural engineering, also delivered a report highlighting several school initiatives. He noted the success of the early college program, which now involves 99 juniors and seniors, and the collaboration with Monty Techch, benefiting students in vocational education. Also mentioned was the reopening of the Rise and Shine coffee shop, a student-led venture providing practical work experience.
The meeting further addressed the district’s curriculum and special education updates, with no major changes reported. The superintendent expressed enthusiasm for the new school year, highlighting the strong start of athletic programs, including the golf team’s clinching of the district playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
Mark Pellegrino
School Board Officials:
Michael J. Nicholson, Jennifer Zlotnik. Pelavin (Vice Chair), Robert Swartz (Member), Ann Hurst (Member), Rachel Cormier (Member), John M. LaFreniere (Member), Shannon M. Ward-Leighton (Member), Terri Hillman (Recording Secretary)
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
10/14/2025
-
Recording Published:
10/15/2025
-
Duration:
13 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Massachusetts
-
County:
Worcester County
-
Towns:
Gardner
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/08/2025
- 12/08/2025
- 66 Minutes
- 12/08/2025
- 12/08/2025
- 125 Minutes
- 12/06/2025
- 12/06/2025
- 50 Minutes