Pentucket Spotlight on Excellence: Award-Winning Author Holly DiBella-McCarthy Visits Sweetsir School

pentucketporta on November 17, 2023

MERRIMAC — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro are pleased to share that award-winning author Holly DiBella-McCarthy recently visited students at Sweetsir School.

DiBella-McCarthy visited Sweetsir School on Oct. 16. During her visit, she read her books “Dilly Duck Plays All Day” and “Dilly Duck Plans a Parade” to pre-school and kindergarten students.

“Dilly Duck Plays All Day” is a counting, friendship, and rhyming picture book written to expand pre-reading skills, math skills, and emotional vocabulary for children ages 3-6. In “Dilly Duck Plans a Parade” children learn about compassion, color and creativity as Billy Beaver – who has color-blindness – learns to use his senses to find color for the big parade; children learn about empathy and the true meaning of friendship with Dilly and her crew.

“‘Dilly Duck Plans a Parade’ is a great way to talk to students about inclusivity and working as a team,” Special Education Teacher Mikayla Philips said. “Billy Beaver is color-blind but that doesn’t stop Dilly from including him in her parade fun! The kids at Sweetsir enjoyed connecting this to our core value of being inclusive!”

“Students enjoyed having a special reader and were engaged during the story. Several follow up activities were available that offered practice with skills we have been working on, including counting out ducks to match a numeral and rhyming,” said Pre-school Teacher Tracey McCarthy. “They also enjoyed acting out a related song and have been singing that song in class during play time the remainder of the week!”

After reading her books, DiBella-McCarthy engaged students in hands-on learning activities.

“My picture books are written to make learning fun for children and the adults who read to them,” said DiBella-McCarthy. “At Sweetsir School, the staff and teachers welcomed me warmly, and the students were engaged while practicing grade level concepts. It was a fabulous experience.”

DiBella-McCarthy is a former special education teacher and public-school administrator specializing in pre-reading skill development. To learn more about DiBella-McCarthy and her award-winning work, visit her website at hollydibellamccarthy.com.

“We were delighted to have Holly come to Sweetsir and read to our students,” said Principal Dembro. “She is a wonderful and talented author, and her books bring so much joy to our school community.”

Award-winning author Holly DiBella-McCarthy reads one of her children’s books to Sweetsir School students. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Pentucket Regional Middle High School to Host First Annual Turkey Toss

pentucketporta on November 16, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt are pleased to share that Pentucket Middle High School will be hosting the school’s first annual Turkey Toss.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

WHERE: 

Pentucket Stadium, 24 Main St., West Newbury

WHAT: 

Pentucket Regional Middle High School will be hosting a Turkey Toss on Tuesday. The event will feature three rounds of toss and catch with a 10-pound turkey. Participants will then be scored on the farthest throw and a successful catch.

There will be three event divisions: students, staff, and public safety.

In the student division, students in grades 9-12 will participate. Each grade will be represented by three teams and each grade will compete against one another.

In the staff division, faculty and teachers will compete against one another while representing a certain grade. The points collected in this division will be given to the grade the winning staff members represent.

The public safety division will include West Newbury police officers who will be competing against one another.

Winning teams within each division will receive a First Annual Turkey Toss Trophy and bragging rights.

All turkeys will be donated to a local food pantry following the event.

Community members are encouraged to attend. Music and concessions will be provided.

This event will conclude Pentucket Regional Middle High School’s Spirit Week which takes place Monday Nov. 13 through Friday, Nov. 17.

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PHOTOS: Pentucket Regional High School Stadium Opening Celebrated, Student Athletes Recognized

pentucketporta on November 2, 2023

The Pentucket Regional High School varsity football team takes the field at the opening game of the school’s new football stadium against Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School on Sept. 8. On Friday, Oct. 27, the school celebrated the opening of the new stadium by recognizing the School Building Committee, School Committee, and all of the school’s fall athletes and band members. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt are pleased to share that Pentucket Regional High School celebrated the opening of its new football stadium during a halftime ceremony on Friday, recognizing fall athletes and those who made the new stadium possible.

The Pentucket Regional School Committee, the Building Committee, and all fall athletes and band members were recognized at halftime of the Pentucket Regional High School varsity football team’s 27 to 20 victory over Northeast Metro Tech.

Fall athletes dressed up in their uniforms or Halloween costumes as they took the field at halftime to be recognized, and community members in the stands were asked to recognize the band and committee members who made the new stadium possible.

The stadium was built as part of the $146.3 million project that also saw a new middle high school built.

“We are blessed to be able to enjoy a new middle high school and all new athletic complex, and that blessing is the result of the hard work of members of our School Committee and Building Committee,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “It was also a pleasure to recognize all of our hard working fall athletes and band members in this new and wonderful stadium.”

The stands were full during the game against Northeast Metro Tech on Friday evening, when Pentucket Regional High School recognized all those involved in the construction and planning off the new football stadium. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

Members of the girls soccer team took the field in Halloween costumes as they were recognized during a ceremony celebrating the opening of Pentucket Regional High School’s new football stadium. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

Members of the girls volleyball team pose for a photo after taking the field to be recognized during a ceremony celebrating the opening of Pentucket Regional High School’s new football stadium. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

From left, School Committee Members Wayne Adams, Chris Reading, and Marie Felzani were recognized during a halftime ceremony celebrating the opening of Pentucket Regional High School’s new football stadium. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

Students attended the game wearing Halloween costumes, cheering on their fellow students as the Pentucket Regional High School varsity football team defeated Northeast Metro Tech 27 to 20. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

Senior cheerleaders take the field as student athletes are recognized during halftime of the Pentucket Regional High School football game on Friday, Oct. 27. Pentucket recognized all those involved in the stadium’s construction, as well as all fall athletes, during a ceremony at halftime of the game. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional High School)

Pentucket Spotlight on Excellence: Donaghue, Sweetsir Schools Partner with MassDOT Safe Routes to School Program

pentucketporta on October 26, 2023

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro share that the Merrimac Schools have partnered with Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program to promote safe, active transportation methods to students.

MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program is a free, federally funded program administered by the MassDOT that works to increase safe walking, biking, and rolling among public elementary, middle, and high school students. The program centers its services around the “6 E’s” – Education, Encouragement, Engagement, Evaluation, Engineering, and Equity.

As part of the partnership, Merrimac schools will participate in three flagship days to promote sustainable transportation and safety practices.

The first flagship day – International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day – was held on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Students were encouraged to use active forms of transportation to travel to and from school.

Students arrived by walking, riding bicycles and scooters, and rollerblading.

“I decided to ride my electric scooter to school because I have had it for a long time and it’s been something I have wanted to ride to school,” said Grade 5 student Parker. “It felt good to get fresh air on the nice morning.”

Grade 4 student Alana said, “I walked to school with my friend Emma instead of riding the bus because it was a beautiful and nice day.”

“I got a new bike so I decided to test it out today and ride it to school,” Grade 5 student Peyton said.

The Merrimac Schools will participate in two more flagships days during the school year. A Winter Walk will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Massachusetts Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 1.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program,” said Principal Dembro. “We wish to promote safety and sustainability at Merrimac schools, and our students are very excited to be participating. Our first flagship day was a major success, and we are looking forward to continuing this effort!”

From left, Grade 6 students Dennis Clark and Logan Reiter, and Grade 4 students Nathan Gordon and Peyton Reiter ride their bikes to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day, the first flagship day the Merrimac Schools will participate in as part of their partnership with the Safe Routes to School Program. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Page School Invites Community Members to Seventh Annual Harvest Dinner

pentucketporta on October 23, 2023

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri would like to invite the community to Page School’s seventh annual Harvest Dinner, held in partnership with the Laurel Grange.

WHEN:

Saturday, Oct. 28. Seatings are available at 5 p.m.

WHERE:

Page School cafeteria, 694 Main St., West Newbury

WHAT:

The garden at Page School, which is sponsored by the Laurel Grange #161 of West Newbury, was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from the Whole Kids Foundation to support the school’s edible garden. Page School’s application was selected from over 1,300 received across the United States and Canada.

Community member Ted Stedman and Page School teacher Jennifer Tierney submitted the grant to support the existing edible garden, founded by former Page School teachers Krystelle Griskiewicz and Kate Wood and the Laurel Grange over ten years ago.

The garden has expanded over the years and currently consists of 21 raised beds cared for by students, staff, and families.

The Laurel Grange will host the seventh annual Harvest Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 28, in the Page School cafeteria, with seatings at 5 p.m. The meal will feature a variety of soups made from vegetables from Page School’s garden, fruits and vegetables from Long Hill Farm, bread from local bakeries, and homemade apple crisp.

The Pentucket Jazz Ensemble will perform throughout the evening.

Tickets can be purchased at $10 for adults, $5 for children, and children three years old and under are free. All ticket sales will benefit the Page School garden. Tickets can be reserved here.

“The Harvest Dinner is a beloved annual event that allows our community to come together to celebrate the efforts of our students and community partners with the Page School garden,” said Principal Puteri. “Thank you to the Laurel Grange for their continued partnership and support and we look forward to seeing members of our school community gather for a delicious meal!”

Continued plans for the garden include curriculum connections where Page School students can participate in hands-on learning experiences, classroom management of beds for planting and harvesting, and tasting experiences in the Page School cafeteria.

Pentucket Regional School District Invites the Community to Stadium Celebration

pentucketporta on October 18, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt would like to invite the community to the official celebration of the new stadium built at the Pentucket Regional Middle High School.

WHEN:

Friday, October 27, starting at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

PRSD Stadium, Pentucket Regional Middle High School, 24 Main St.

WHAT:

The Pentucket Regional School District invites community members to attend a celebration to recognize those involved in the planning and construction of the new stadium at the Pentucket Regional Middle High School.

The celebration will take place during the Pentucket varsity football game versus Northeast Metro Tech. Residents, community members and others are encouraged to attend to show their support and spirit at the game.

Recognitions of the Pentucket Regional School Committee, Building Committee, athletic teams and band members will take place at half-time.

“We hope to see members of the school community come out to cheer on our football team and recognize those who played a part in the creation of this beautiful stadium,” said Superintendent Bartholomew.

Merrimac Fire Department to Host Haunted House Halloween Event During Fire Prevention Week

pentucketporta on September 26, 2023

MERRIMAC — Chief Larry S. Fisher is pleased to announce that the Merrimac Fire Department will be hosting a Haunted House Halloween event in accordance with fire prevention week.

WHEN:  

Friday, Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m.  

WHERE:  

Merrimac Fire Station, 16 East Main St. 

WHO:

  • Merrimac Fire Department 
  • Merrimac Council on Aging 
  • Merrimac Public Library  
  • Pentucket Middle High School Theater Arts Students 
  • Pentucket Girls Volleyball Players
  • Merrimac Police 
  • Merrimac PTO 
  • Old Home Days Committee 
  • Merrimac Daisy Troop 
  • Merrimac Fire Couplings
  • Merrimac Historical Museum
  • John Guilfoil Public Relations

WHAT:

The Merrimac Fire Department will be hosting a Haunted House Halloween event as part of their fire prevention week initiative, which is observed this year from Oct. 8- Oct. 14. The Merrimac Fire Department will be handing out fire prevention, home, and Halloween safety tips during the event. 

The event is free and will include crafts, pumpkin decorating, age-appropriate haunted houses, a Whoopie Wagon food truck (at the Sweetsir School), cotton candy and more. A limited amount of event t-shirts with a custom patch will be available for purchase.  

The Merrimac Public Library will be holding a Spooky Story time during the event from 6:15-6:30 pm. and 6:45-7 p.m., and the Merrimac Council on Aging will be handing out allergy free candy.  The Merrimac Old Home Days Committee will be displaying and selling scarecrows, which can be displayed at homes or businesses around town. 

Pentucket Regional Middle High School theater arts students and the girls’ volleyball team will be volunteering during the event.  

The event will be held in place of the annual open house and is meant to bring the community town departments, and community groups together for a family fun event.  

Parking near the fire station is limited. Additional parking will be located at the Sweetsir School, 104 Church St., and a shuttle bus, provided by Salter Transportation, will be available to transport community members to and from the fire station. J &A Audio and Lighting, LLC is donating their expertise, services, and equipment to bring the event to life. Local artist, Breanna Noone, designed the specialty patch and is contributing to some of the displays. 

“We encourage our community members to attend and participate in what is sure to be a fun event for all ages,” said Chief Fisher. “We as a department and as a town are committed to community engagement and this event is a wonderful way to show that by working together, we can create a large community event. We would like to thank our town partners for collaborating with us and volunteering their time to create a community event where everyone can participate.”  

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Merrimac Schools Welcome New Hires

pentucketporta on September 25, 2023

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro wish to share that the Merrimac Schools have welcomed new hires.

Three new teachers have been hired at Sweetsir Elementary School. Barbara Kyle has been hired as a Special Education teacher, and Sarah Peterson and Mollie Watson as Grade 2 teachers.

Cecelia Burke has been hired as a Special Education teacher at Donaghue Elementary School.

Kathleen Sullivan, who has been the Merrimac School’s special education coordinator for years, will expand upon her current role as an administrator on the leadership team.

Sarah Peterson

Sarah Peterson has been hired as a Grade 2 teacher at Sweetsir School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Peterson is a Newburyport native and an Endicott College graduate, holding a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy. She has spent the past four years working in Methuen as a Grade 2 teacher. Peterson enjoys working with second graders and is excited to continue her tenure within Pentucket.

 

Mollie Watson

Mollie Watson has been hired as a Grade 2 teacher at Sweetsir School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Watson is a Rockport native and an Endicott College graduate, licensed in elementary education, early childhood education, and special education. Her previous experience includes working with kindergarten and second-grade students. Watson is excited to be a part of the Pentucket school district on account of its small-town community feel and emphasis on putting students first.

 

Barbara Kyle

Barbara Kyle has been hired as a Special Education teacher at Sweetsir School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Kyle is a Hampton, N.H. native. She received degrees in elementary education and psychology from Regis College. Kyle has her Master’s in Intensive Special Education and Board Certified Behavior Analysis from Simmons College. She has worked in other districts in intensive special education classrooms and as a district BCBA. She loves Pentucket’s amazing, supportive staff.

 

Cecelia Burke

Cecelia Burke has been hired as a Special Education teacher at Donaghue School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Burke is a Haverhill native and a UMASS Amherst graduate, licensed in special education. She has served as a substitute in Merrimac Schools and a teacher in Extended Year Summer Programming. Burke is excited to join the Merrimac School Community, which has always felt like a family.

 

Kathleen Sullivan

Kathleen Sullivan, who has been the Merrimac School’s special education coordinator for years, will expand upon her current role as an administrator on the leadership team. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

Sullivan has lived in Merrimac for more than 20 years and her children are proud graduates of the Pentucket Regional School District. She has worked at the Merrimac Schools as a special education teacher and coordinator for more than 25 years and is excited to continue her time working with Merrimac students in her expanded role. Her undergraduate work was completed at the University of Vermont, and she received her master’s degree from Boston University. Sullivan enjoys all aspects of her job and loves when she gets to meet the children of her former students.

 

“We are thrilled to have these dedicated individuals join our tight-knit community at Pentucket,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “We believe that their experience and passion will make a great impact, and I’d like to personally welcome each of the new teachers to the Merrimac Schools and congratulate Ms. Sullivan on the expansion of her role.”

*PHOTOS* Pentucket’s Page School Beats the Heat with Cooling Cart

pentucketporta on September 25, 2023

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri would like to share that Page School administrators helped students and staff beat the heat with a “cooling cart” that carried a variety of items to help cool down.

Pentucket Regional School District students, teachers, and staff experienced high temperatures throughout the first week of school. Page School administrators decided to put together a “cooling cart” that would offer students and teachers relief from the heat, as well as some fun, during the school day on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The cooling cart featured a variety of treats and items that were delivered to the classrooms throughout the day. Students were treated with ice water and popsicles, and staff had access to an array of items including cold face wipes, beverages, ice cream, frozen peppermint patties, seltzer, and more.

“The cooling cart was a way for all of us at Page School to have a little fun and beat the heat,” said Principal Puteri. “The students’ faces lit up when we rolled the cart to each classroom and our staff members were so appreciative!”

Pentucket’s Page School Welcomes Multiple New Staff Members

pentucketporta on September 12, 2023

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri are pleased to announce that Page School has welcomed multiple new hires.

Page School has welcomed eight new hires to the team.

Alex Cordeiro joins the District as Page’s new Assistant Principal and Special Education Coordinator.

Staff changes include Amanda Huberdeau to the role of pre-k teacher, Suzanne Sutherland to the role of library/media aide, Natalie Rowe, Heidi Coyne, and Kathrine Phillips have all been hired as paraeducators, Jessica Fox as a speech/language pathologist, and Emily Wood as a special education teacher for Grade 5.

“These qualified, caring individuals will make great additions to the team at Page School,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “We are excited to see them bring their expertise and skill to their roles, and we cannot wait to see what the school year brings!”