Foxborough High Expands College, Career Programs

The Foxborough Public School System was recently labeled, "world class" by town selectmen and school committee members.

On their way to becoming "world class," Foxborough schools have gathered a long list of impressive accomplishments including top notch music programs, championship sports teams and a top ranking in the state for college placement. 

Ellen Pillsbury, career specialist at Foxborough High, confirmed at a recent school committee meeting that Foxborough's "Career Exploration Programs" can be added to that long list of achievements.

Driven by Pillsbury, Foxborough's School to Career program has successfully placed 1,550 students in jobs throughout the country since 2001.

In January, Foxborough High seniors Elana Dillion, Allie Greenberg and Abbey Morrissey participated in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, one of the many career programs offered to students. 

The Certified Nursing Assistant Program requires students to attend classes twice a week for five months as well as participating in a week-long clinical internship. At the end of the program students were required to pass a written and practical test to be qualified to work in either a nursing home or hospital.

Since the nursing program began in 2004, 44 Foxborough students have participated.

Pillsbury also coordinates a magnitude of other career programs including:

• Universal Technical Institute - A trip designed for students who have a passion for cars, boats, trucks and motors.
• Career Exploration Programs - Job shadowing 
• EMT/Paramedic Program
• Construction Career Day
• Future Educators Day

Pillsbury also works hard to place students in work sites throughout the community through the PAVE Program. She currently has students working at the Boyden Library, Sunlight Farms, Showcase Cinemas Delux, and the Holiday Inn in Mansfield.

Students participating in the PAVE program complete community service programs at the Foxborough Fire Department and other locations around town.

School Committee chairwoman, Katie Adair, was impressed with Pillsbury's dedication to the program.

"It is remarkable," said Adair. "It is remarkable to look at all the lives that you touch with these programs."

Pillsbury does not view her work as a job but rather a passion.

"I just love being here with the kids," said Pillsbury.

Pillsbury noted that she is working to bring more programs to Foxborough in the future including a Career Day, which would give students the opportunity to listen to 50 different speakers.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Martes was pleased with the progress of the career to school programs in Foxborough schools.

"The evolution of this program is remarkable," said Martes. "It is a major part of putting the education experience together."