Pentucket Regional School District Invites Community to Attend Annual Holiday Concert Series

pentucketporta on December 12, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair David Schumacher invite the community to attend the annual series of holiday concerts and support talented Pentucket Regional School District musicians.

Here are the planned concerts:

  • Elementary Band and Strings Concert: Wednesday, Dec. 14 (snow date Dec. 15), Middle High School Auditorium. The strings concert begins at 6 p.m., with the band concert following at 7:30 p.m. The Pentucket Music Boosters organization will be running its envelope fundraiser.
  • Cafe Jazz: Friday, Dec. 16 (snow date Dec. 17), 7 p.m., Middle High School Dining Commons. The event features the Pentucket Regional High School Big Band and Jazz Combo.
  • PRMHS Ensembles Concert and Arts Reception: Wednesday, Dec. 21 (snow date Dec. 22), 6 p.m., Middle High School Auditorium and Dining Commons. Student visual art and video content will be on display in the Dining Commons, as part of a reimagined Arts Festival, starting at 6 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and will feature the Middle School and High School Choirs, Orchestras, Concert Bands, Percussion Ensembles, and Middle School Jazz Band. All groups will join for a special holiday sing-along grand finale.

Pentucket Regional High School students also will take part in the annual Ensembles Tour on Thursday, Dec. 22. Each year the High School Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble visit all three elementary schools to share in a celebration of the season, and to inspire students to join the music program. The Tour is not open to the public.

For the past two years, Pentucket has been recognized as a Best Communities for Music Education award recipient by the NAMM Foundation, nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. This designation is the result of dedication by the Pentucket staff, and strong community support from the Pentucket Music Boosters.

Information on Pentucket Regional School District music programs and the Pentucket Music Boosters can be found at www.PentucketMusic.com.

Pentucket Regional School District Music Education Recognized Among Top Programs in Nation For Second Year in a Row

pentucketporta on April 26, 2022

The Pentucket Regional School District has been recognized nationally for excellence in music education for the second year in a row. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Music Director David Schumacher are pleased to announce that the Pentucket Regional School District has been recognized nationally for excellence in music education for the second year in a row.

For 23 years, The NAMM Foundation has selected public school districts for its Best Communities for Music Education award. The award honors programs that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students, and that recognize the importance of music to a well-rounded education.

“It’s exciting to be selected for this award once again,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “To be recognized two years in a row is testament to the strength of our music education, and the dedication of our faculty. Our students thrive as a result.”

The Pentucket Regional School District has a long tradition of excellence in musical programming. Instructors are specialists in their discipline: choir, jazz, percussion, strings, and woodwinds. They also remain active professionally by performing, publishing, recording, presenting, and guest conducting.

Programming supports students through individual and collaborative instruction. The District offers separate middle and high school percussion and jazz programs for credit. Students from Grade 4 on have numerous opportunities to perform publicly.

Students also receive significant support from sending communities. The Pentucket Music Boosters raise money for programming and trips throughout the year.

As a result, Pentucket students have earned top awards at Berklee College of Music, the University of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) Jazz Festivals, Students regularly qualify for and excel at District, All-State, and All-National ensembles. Pentucket graduates go on to some of the top music schools in the country.

To be considered for the award, the District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Music and the arts are also about emotional wellness, so our music program has supported our community during the past two years,” Director Schumacher said. “Applying for this designation was a massive undertaking involving the coordination of K-12 music faculty, our district principals, and our community, so we sincerely thank everyone involved with the process.”

The Pentucket Music Department wishes to recognize and thank community groups who have long supported its mission and enabled its work, including the Pentucket Music Boosters, Pentucket Arts Foundation, and the Pentucket Education Foundation. Individual members of the community have also given kind donations to support the program over the years.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music-making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information, visit www.nammfoundation.org.

Essex Tech Students Find Success at DECA State Conference

pentucketporta on March 25, 2022

HATHORNE – Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to share the success of Essex Tech DECA at the State Career Development Conference held in Boston recently.

DECA, a nonprofit business and marketing student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

More than 4,000 students from across the state participated in about 60 competitions. Two Essex Tech students finished among the top five in their disciplines, earning a spot at the International Career Development Conference on April 23-26 in Atlanta, Georgia:

  • Shaylla Fazolo, a sophomore from Peabody, Professional Selling Event
  • Gabrielle Guimaraes, a senior from Haverhill, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event

Five other Essex Tech students earned recognition for finishing in the top 12 in their discipline:

  • Ella Anderson, a junior from Gloucester, and Sophia and Alexia Luchini, juniors from Salem, Start Up Business Plan
  • Jessica Donald, a senior from Methuen, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
  • Divanni Fernandez, a junior from Salem, Professional Selling Event

“We have watched as our students have learned and grown, both individually and as a team,” DECA Advisor Joseph Giordano said. “DECA has led them to be stronger in creativity, problem-solving, and self-direction and motivation, all critical skills they will use wherever life takes them.”

“Congratulations to Shaylla and Gabrielle. It is an honor to have two students to qualify for the International Conference,” Superintendent Riccio said. “The competition was fierce, but each our students performed well and learned many valuable lessons.”

Pentucket Regional High School Senior Selected for All-State Jazz Band

pentucketporta on February 11, 2022

Pentucket Regional High School senior Spencer Magan will participate in Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) All-State Festival. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, Principal Jonathan Seymour, and Director of Jazz David Schumacher are pleased to share that a Pentucket Regional High School senior will participate in Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) All-State Concert.

Spencer Magan of Groveland was one of just five trumpet players chosen for the All-State Jazz Band from among 25 students who were selected to audition. Magan and the All-State Jazz Band will perform at Symphony Hall in Boston on March 5. The concert also features performances by the All-State Choir, Orchestra, and Concert Band.

“We could not be prouder of Spencer,” Director Schumacher said. “It has been a joy watching him grow as a musician, and see him succeed during such a competitive selection process this year.”

Magan has performed in the school’s Big Band and Concert Band for four years, and performs with the Jazz Combo this year as well. He is also heavily involved with the theatre arts program. He writes his own music and plans to major in music composition in college next year.

The Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association is a member of the National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations and the voice of music education in the United States.

“Spencer is incredibly dedicated to his music and the performing arts,” Principal Seymour said. “The All-State Concert is representative of the best high school musicians in Massachusetts, and the event pushes them to new heights. It is great to see Spencer’s many hours of hard work be recognized.”

Tickets go on sale on Feb. 14, at the Symphony Hall Box Office at www.bso.org or by calling 1-888-266-1200.

Information on Pentucket Regional School District music programs and the Pentucket Music Boosters can be found at www.PentucketMusic.com.

Three Pentucket Regional High School Art Students Selected for Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition

pentucketporta on January 19, 2022

Left to right: Pentucket High School art students Ryan Shears, Jessica Cooney, and Kylie MacKinnon with their pieces selected for the Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jonathan Seymour are pleased to share that artwork of three Pentucket Regional High School seniors will be featured in the virtual Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition.

The exhibition is hosted annually by the College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth, and features the art of New England students in grades 9 through 12.

A total of 656 pieces were submitted for consideration and 178 were selected to be featured by juror A. Lawrence Jenkens, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Students were allowed one submission. Submissions could include art of any medium, including drawings, paintings, photography, ceramics and more.

A virtual exhibition opening and reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. The reception will include a presentation of the student works, remarks from Dean Jenkens, and an awards ceremony. To attend the reception, please click here.

The student’s artwork was submitted for the exhibition by Pentucket Regional High School Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Marcia Nadeau.

Artwork selected for the exhibition includes:

  • “Doodle Dragon,” an illustration in marker and colored pencil by senior Ryan Shears of Merrimac
  • “Push and Pull,” an oil pastel drawing by senior Jessica Cooney of Groveland
  • “Huckleberry,” a colored pencil drawing by senior Kylie MacKinnon of Groveland

“Congratulations to Ryan, Jessica and Kylie for this outstanding accomplishment. This is a highly competitive exhibition, and they should be very proud to be chosen,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Each of these students has created an incredible piece of art, which will be viewed and enjoyed by many people through this exhibition.”

The chosen works will be featured online here following the reception. The exhibition will stay open until Sunday, Feb. 6.

 

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Pentucket Regional School District Invites Community to Ceremony Honoring Student Artist

pentucketporta on April 14, 2021

 

Timothy Friend, a senior at Pentucket Regional High School, seen with Lord Ballard, is one of 27 student artists to be honored by Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artists. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair Marcia Nadeau invite the public to attend a virtual ceremony honoring an award-winning artist from Pentucket Regional High School.

Senior Timothy Friend of West Newbury will be one of 27 student-artists honored during the 2021 Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artists Recognitions Exhibit on Thursday, April 15, at 6:45 p.m. Dr. James A. Welu, Director Emeritus of the Worcester Art Museum, will deliver the keynote address.

Those interested in attending must register in advance here. 

Timothy created this puppet in the fall of 2020, as part of an Independent Study under the guidance of Art Teacher Sean Bixby. Timothy’s studies combined his interest in film, character development, script writing, puppeteering, and fiber arts. Timothy continued his independent work and portfolio development under Nadeau’s guidance this spring. 

“The puppet character that I have created and designed is a very sophisticated vulture named Lord Ballard,” Friend said. “He eats only the finest foods (no roadkill for him), sleeps in the finest nests and wears a combover which he thinks makes him look very sophisticated. Lord Ballard wears a monocle that is attached by magnets; it is removable.”

Friend drew his inspiration from Adam Kreutinger, who has designed and constructed puppets for television, film, and theatrical productions internationally.

“This in an incredible accomplishment for Timothy,” Nadeau said. “I hope the community will join the Fine & Performing Arts Department and High School in congratulating him and attending the Juried Exhibit Awards Ceremony.”

Friend’s entry and other MAEA award-winners may be viewed here.

Pentucket Student Artists Nominated for Statewide Virtual Exhibit

pentucketporta on January 20, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jonathan Seymour are pleased to share that the work of five Pentucket High School students has been submitted for consideration for the Massachusetts Art Education Association’s Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artists Recognition Exhibit this March. 

Pentucket Art Department Hosts Virtual Art Exhibit for Middle and High School Students

pentucketporta on June 19, 2020

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Fine & Performing Arts Chair Marcia Nadeau are pleased to announce the virtual Pentucket Regional Middle and High School Art Festival is now live.

The virtual art gallery became available for viewing on Tuesday, June 16 and features over 280 pieces created by students in grades seven through 12. The art exhibited includes paintings, digital art, photography and 3D sculptures. To view the online gallery, click here.

Guided and self-guided virtual tours are available for those who wish to explore the student projects. The exhibit is organized by grade and class, and clicking on the art allows you to see which student the project belongs to.

“I started looking for a format to have a virtual exhibit once I realized that we would not be able to host our Annual Arts Festival at school due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nadeau said. “It’s amazing to see what these students create and we love to be able to share their incredible work with community members.”

This is the second virtual art exhibit held this June by Pentucket students. On Thursday, June 4, the Virtual Senior Art Exhibit was published and continues to remain available online. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, community members and the media can access all of the exhibit through two viewing options: via slideshow or by visiting the Pentucket TV YouTube channel.

Each senior designed their own exhibit and chose meaningful pieces from art classes taken throughout their time at Pentucket Regional High School to display. Some seniors also chose to include a short biography, information on their inspiration and artistic process, and/or their plans for the fall. 

Graduating seniors featured in the virtual art exhibit include: Lydia Baldini, of Groveland; Samantha Bellville, of Groveland, Alexa Berkley, of West Newbury, Samuel Bissitt, of Merrimac, Madeline Conover, of West Newbury, Nathan Conway, of Groveland, Brooke Daniels, of Groveland, Sasha Davis, of Merrimac, Molly Forget, of Groveland, Kayla King, of Merrimac, Grace McIntyre, of Haverhill, Maggie Peterson, of Merrimac, Katherine Rosa, of Groveland, and Mikayla Tilden, of Groveland. 

“I’m blown away by the creativity of our students when looking at the art they’ve made and am grateful all the art teachers, including Marcia, were able to create this opportunity for students to showcase their work,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “While we unfortunately aren’t able to showcase students’ projects the way we normally do, I’m grateful for the work everyone did to allow this event to be held remotely.”

Town of Groveland to Host Series of Blood Drives

pentucketporta on January 31, 2019

GROVELAND — Finance and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski is pleased to announce that the Town of Groveland will hold the first of a series of blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross this February. 

WHEN:

Thursday, Feb. 28 from 1-6 p.m.

WHERE: 

Town Hall, 183 Main St., Groveland, in the middle meeting room

WHAT:

The Town of Groveland will host a series of blood drives in 2019 in partnership with the American Red Cross. The first event will take place Thursday, Feb. 28.

Additional blood drives are scheduled for June 20, Aug. 15, and Oct. 31, all from 1-6 p.m., and the town will send alerts via email and social media as those dates come nearer.

According to the American Red Cross website, someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give. Appointments can also be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App for mobile phones.

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