SCHOOL MATTERS: Students at Trenton’s Foundation Academies will be ushered into the school’s two locations on February 2, the 100th day of school, by a cheering section of positive male role models.

By Anne Levin

In what has become an annual Trenton tradition, the capital city’s Foundation Academies will mark the 100th day of school, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with a cheering section of male role models.

At the charter school’s two locations, members of the business, arts, military, and law enforcement communities, as well as alumni and their fathers, will assemble in the early hours to urge the students on in their academic careers. The parade, known as the “100 Man Welcome,” precedes a 7 a.m. breakfast for the men.

“This is a great way to show children that our community values their hard work in the classroom,” said Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae, in a press release. “To see positive role models, caring men from our community celebrating education, motivates our scholars to stay focused and finish the school year strong.”

John Paxton Jr., the schools’ senior director of external strategic partnerships and K-12 athletics, said the annual event “looks to honor men in the community who stand up and show up for our students. It’s a way of providing recognition to both. The students are rewarded for going to school every day, every year — like the men in their lives who show up for them in any way they possibly can.”

Opened in 2007 with 87 middle school students, Foundation Academies now serves more than 1,100 children across two sites and plans to open a new high school this coming summer. According to the NJ Education Report, the school ranks in the top third of New Jersey schools and boasts a college acceptance rate that is near 100 percent. More than 90 percent of the students, who are selected via lottery, receive free and reduced-price school meals.

Among the men who have participated in past “110 Man Welcome” events are Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, donors to the school, local police officers and firefighters, and members of fraternities.

“Today we battle for the souls of America and for our children,” Gusciora said in an article by Raheem Veal about last year’s event. “That begins with showing up for them. Foundation Academies is such a haven for kids because of how their educators show up in and outside of the classroom. As a Trentonian, I am proud to be a part of days like this and the transformative work they do.”

Among those on the scene last year was Chris Benson, managing director of workforce development for Isles. “I had to show up to be part of the great work Foundation is doing,” he said in the story by Veal. “The only way we can improve our society is through building for the future, which centers around education.”

Paxton said the crowd of supporters often includes fathers, uncles, brothers, and cousins of the students.

“It starts at 7 a.m. with all hands on deck,” he said. “We line up. As the doors open up, students are flanked on each side. There are high-fives, optional hugs, and a lot of cheering and clapping, just to congratulate the journey. Breakfast follows, and then most of the individuals are running off to work.”

Also participating are the Trenton Thunder mascot, Boomer; Foundation Academies’ Knight mascot, and school leaders. Balloons and music will add to the festive atmosphere.

“The more days you’re in school, the more successful your outcome will be,” said Paxton. “Our kids run to school. And they do succeed.”

Men who would like to participate in the February 2 event are asked to register in advance at bit.ly/44nBxvz.