Crocker Elementary School

The Anime Dragons
Crocker 21st Century after school students were extremely devoted in a Venture fundraising for the American Cancer Society in a completely original way. Many students had personal examples of ways cancer has touched their lives, or has made an impact around them. Motivated to help find a cure, they did not want to stop at just raising funds, they wanted others to feel inspired to help too. So, armed with the group talent of drawing and storytelling, this team wrote and illustrated their very own comic book to sell to the school and community! The book shared the story of a young boy who was diagnosed with cancer, and his sister's journey to find magical ingredients to create a cure, then how she shrunk down to a microscopic size to cure her brother. It ends with the boy entering remission and going on a family trip to Disney World. And these students didn't stop there. They also held a party event at Crocker, selling signed copies their comic book, snacks, and pizza, with a dance party in the gym! After weeks of book sales and their event, they presented a check of $223.50 to a representative of the American Cancer Society.

The Homeless Helpers
Inspired to help their peers in need after finding out 1 in every 14 Fitchburg students struggle with housing insecurity, this team set forth a plan to collect the most needed items for their local family shelter. They will be hosting a two week long supplies drive for twin bedding, cleaning supplies, and hygiene supplies at Crocker. All donations will be given to Opportunities For Hope, a local provisional family shelter Fitchburg Public Schools works with.

Kindness Challenge
Setting their sights on making Crocker a kinder and more positive environment, this group decided to implement a 3-week kindness challenge for their whole school of 579 students. It was so successful, teachers reported better attendance and improvement of culture because of it.

Kid Takeover Event
Crocker Elementary students in the 21st Century After School program (made possible with a United Way-DESE grant) launched a Venture taking on some of the negative behaviors they observe in their peers and teachers. Recognizing that stress often leads to kids acting out or adults having short fuses, they designed a kid takeover event for their after school community to give in to fun and joy with four enriching activities: diamond painting, rock painting, Rainbow Loom elastic band bracelet making, and a jungle-themed obstacle course. Kids and adults enjoyed the activities side-by-side with the 10 Venture team students taking on the challenge of leading more than 60 kids and 20 adults. The kid takeover was a big hit, and the Venture Team has been asked to help make kid activity take-overs a regular part of each after school cycle moving forward!

The Changemaker Creators
This group of 21st Century after school students, launched a Venture which aimed to revitalize their playground through the restoration of a picnic table. Crocker Elementary recently commenced construction on a new school situated directly behind the current building. As a result, the students lost access to their main playground, and they all began utilizing a smaller playground that was originally intended for younger grades. In their unwavering determination to enhance the space they now find themselves confined to, the students embarked on an incredible journey to rejuvenate a worn-out and neglected picnic table adjacent to the playground. With sheer dedication, the students invested multiple days in sanding the over 8-ft-long table, meticulously priming it, applying a base coat of paint, carefully planning a design, and skillfully painting it onto the surface. Their vision was to create a space where fellow students could feel inspired, loved, and connected to the larger Crocker community—a place where they truly belong. The table proudly bears the powerful message, "If you can dream it, you can achieve it," serving as a daily reminder of the students' unlimited potential. Additionally, the benches are adorned with inspiring sayings and pictures, lovingly added by the students.

Field Trip Changemakers
This group of 5th grade students have been sorely reminded that they have not gone on a field trip during the entirety of their last elementary school year and planned a Venture to solve this. However, towards the end of the year, they were informed that there would be one field trip opportunity to see a Woosox game as a class. Then they soon found out that many students still could not attend. Therefore, knowing the mental health advantages of alternative school activities that break them from daily monotony/routine, this group wanted to ensure that the students staying behind would have a day of fun and engaging activities that would allow them opportunity to still have a fun and engaging day of their own. The team planned a "takeover day" with a packed itinerary including 3 main activities, Game Time, Creativity Corner, and Scavenger Hunt, topped off with extra recess and Sherbet. Their planned day ended up being a huge success, and every student had the opportunity for fun.

Crocker Cubs Care
This Youth Venture Team wanted to help homeless animals by collecting canned food and clean towels to donate. This group of students worked throughout the year juggling both remote and in-person learning, and came up with a plan that would include all students while being Covid-safe. The students' goal was to collect 300 clean towels and canned food items to donate to the Fitchburg/Leominster Animal Control Office.

Homeless Animal Helpers
Through the 21st Century after school program at Crocker Elementary, a group of eleven 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students created the Homeless Animal Helpers. The students wanted to help the Fitchburg/Leominster Animal Control Officer with funding for much needed supplies. The Venturers had a Penny War and the winning classroom at both Crocker and St. Anthony’s got popsicles and had lunch outside. The students presented to a panel of adults who all had rescue animals and were touched by how professional and engaging the Venturers were. This team was the first in UWYV history to have 2nd grade participants.