Curiosity Takes Flight at CCHS Fusion Labs
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Curiosity Takes Flight at CCHS Fusion Labs
Nearly 60 middle school students spent a week in July at Central Catholic as part of this year's Summer Fusion Labs through Summer at Central.
They coded, they debated, they built robots, and they prepared for launch through programs and activities that fueled their curiosity and passion.
"We are grateful to everyone who spent a precious summer week with us here at Central Catholic High School," notes Mrs. Dawn Kelley, Director of Fusion Labs and a CCHS Faculty member.
Summer 2026 Fusion Labs
About Summer Fusion Labs
Summer Fusion Labs for Middle School Students is offered through Summer at Central to rising sixth through ninth graders.
This year's Academy was held from Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9.
Follow us on Instagram @cchsraider_fusionlabs!
Summer Fusion Labs for Middle School Students
Daily Photo Albums & Summaries
Day 1: Monday, July 6 - Opening Session
Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.
"It was wonderful to finally meet all of you in person today! Thank you for your timely arrival and for your friendly enthusiasm. This week promises to be fun, educational, and inspiring for everyone involved."
"Opening classroom activities included discussions regarding the physics of propulsion, developing an impromptu argument in 60 seconds, building a base robot with its controller, and ramping up the technology on iPads to begin programming."
Day 2: Tuesday, July 7
Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.
"The second day of Summer Fusion Labs was another success!"
"In classes today, students participated in a warm-up speech exercise using the popular game Jenga, tested robot controllers in preparation for a commands activity, created self-generated codes to solve computer puzzles, and finished water rockets and discussed altitude trigonometry in preparation for a rocket launch tomorrow."
Day 3: Wednesday, July 8
Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.
Students received their complimentary CCHS Fusion Labs t-shirts today, and we hope they love them as much as we do! Please remind students to wear them to school tomorrow. A professional photographer will be here to capture photos for the program, and we want our students to look like the great team they are!
Classrooms were bustling today with numerous activities. They included water balloon rocket launches, mini-Shark Tanks using rhetorical appeals, racing Sphero robots with self-generated coding commands, and having robots manipulate their environments through coding maneuvers.
Day 4: Thursday, July 9
Click here to view album and download photos on Raider SmugMug.
On our last day together, students were busy launching Estes Engine Rockets that they built themselves, completed two formal debates about school uniforms and the school calendar year, added optical sensors to robots to enhance their ability to sense their environment & make decisions, and programmed the Sphero BOLT robots to cruise a skateboard ramp and play freeze tag.
Thank You
Thank you to the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund (Essex County Community Foundation) and to the Catholic Schools Foundation for their support of Summer Fusion Lab.
More About the Labs
Build and Code with Robotics
Instructor: Mr. Andrew Joyal '11, CCHS Math Faculty & Business & Technology Faculty
For Rising 7th - 9th Grade Students
Great for emerging engineers!
Working in teams, students will build fully functioning robots, use motors and sensors to control them, and program them using the VEXCode programming language.
As they work with the latest in educational robotics, students will apply basic principles of algebra and geometry while learning about energy, force, speed, power, simple machines, complex mechanisms, coordinate systems, measuring, and more.
Using the VEX Robotics building system, students learn the basics of building a robot and then stretch their imaginations to design remote-controlled robots that complete a variety of engineering challenges.
Students will be actively involved in creative thinking, problem solving, and teamwork skills.
Launch Pad
Instructor: Mr. Troy Gabriele, CCHS Science Faculty
For Rising 6th - 9th Grade Students
Experience physics in this inquiry based and hands on course that focuses on the science of propulsion and aerodynamics.
Through simple modeling using balloon and water rockets, students learn the principles behind launch technology and culminate the week by building, launching, and (hopefully) recovering an Estes model rocket that can soar 1000 ft high!
Projects in Programming: Learn to Code!
Instructor: Mr. Tim Callahan, CCHS Business & Technology Faculty
For Rising 7th - 9th Grade Students
This three-level technology lab introduces students to real coding through games, apps, and robotics.
Students start by learning to code with Swift Playgrounds on their iPads, then move into Code.org's award winning 'Hour of Code' challenges focused on app development, AI, game design, and more.
In the final level, they bring their code to life by programming a Sphero BOLT robot to sense, react, and make decisions using data and logic.
No experience is needed!
This class is perfect for students who enjoy games, problem solving, and hands-on technology, and it provides a strong foundation for future high school computer science courses.
Speak Out! Persuasive Speech & Debate
Instructor Mrs. Maureen Shanahan, CCHS Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
For Rising 6th - 9th Grade Students
In this engaging and interactive course, students will unlock their potential as confident and persuasive public speakers.
Through a series of persuasive writing activities and impromptu challenges, students will develop their skills in the areas of friendly, professional debate; motivational speaking; personal and public advocacy; and persuasive advertising.
Students will learn how to craft compelling speeches, take a side in a debate, use body language to communicate, effectively engage an audience, and speak with clarity and confidence.
Upcoming Events...
Fall Open House
Join us for our Fall Open House on October 25, 2026.
There will be small group tours of the school, opportunities to meet faculty, and displays of our many school clubs, activities, and athletics to visit.
We hope to see you there!
Fall Open House: October 25, 2026
Pop-Up Fusion Labs
Join us for Central Catholic's Pop-Up Fusion Labs for 7th & 8th Graders.
These one-night discovery experiences are held throughout the year.
Seventh and eighth graders are invited to participate in exciting enrichment classes that combine learning, creativity, and fun.
Through hands-on activities and interactive experiences, students will discover new interests, make new friends, and experience all that Central Catholic has to offer.
This event is offered at no cost to families and includes a pizza dinner.
Pop-Up Fusion Labs for 2026-2027
- Friday, September 25, 2026
- Friday, December 11, 2026
- Friday, February 26, 2027
- Thursday, April 15, 2027
Sign up to be notified about upcoming opportunities for middle school students!
Raider News
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