Pentucket Regional School District Cuts Ribbon on New Junior-Senior High School

pentucketporta on September 16, 2022

WEST NEWBURY – The Pentucket Regional School District cut the ribbon on the new Pentucket Regional Junior-Senior High School on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in an eight-year effort to build a state-of the art building.

More than 200 people, including District, state, and local officials, community members, parents, and future students, celebrated during a ceremony in the courtyard of the new school. About 970 students and 160 staff members began classes in the new building on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, a 1994 Pentucket graduate, explained that District leaders had proposed building a new school more than 20 years ago, but could not muster enough community support.

The idea was revived in 2014 under then-Superintendent Jeffrey Mulqueen. A School Building Committee was launched in 2016. The We Are Pentucket Municipal Ballot Question Committee formed in 2018 to generate support in the sending communities of Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury.

In 2019, voters in all three communities overwhelmingly approved a $146.3 million building for grades 7-12. The Massachusetts School Building Authority is providing up to $52.7 million in support of the project.

“This is the work of all the people who raised me, who raised all these students through the years,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “They taught us not to give up. When you see adversity, how do you get around it? When you see an obstacle, how do you break through? And, ensure you’re speaking the truth.”

High School Principal Jonathan Seymour, who chaired the School Building Committee, and School Committee Chair Christopher Markuns thanked the more than two dozen people who served on the Building Committee. “When we embarked on this project, we knew it was a commitment and a statement of our values,” Chair Markuns said. “You feel the weight of that commitment, and you feel urgency to meet it. That means putting the people, staff, resources and programming inside it to meet its full potential.”

MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy praised the Building Committee for the selection of the construction team, which has delivered the building on time and within its budget.

McCarthy quoted Salt Lake City Tribune columnist Dan Valentine, who wrote, “A school is four walls, with tomorrow inside.” McCarthy added: “We are proud to be part of Pentucket’s tomorrow.”

State Sen. Bruce Tarr, state Rep. Lenny Mirra, and Calee Merenda, representing state Sen. Diana DiZoglio, presented proclamations congratulating the District.

Rep. Mirra praised Superintendent Bartholomew for opening the former Junior High and Senior High for community tours. The former Junior High School was opened in 1967, while the former High School opened in 1958. “When we walked through and saw the infrastructure, it became apparent we couldn’t just slap another coat of paint on it,” Rep. Mirra said.

Sen. Tarr said the new building embodied the passion, persistence, and collaboration that are the hallmarks of the District.

“The doors of opportunity are about to open wide and through those doors you will find something that isn’t new to the Pentucket communities: Passionate and committed educators, who have always given it their best regardless of what the building looked like,” Sen. Tarr said. “They will get the building they deserve. The students will get the building they deserve.”

Senior Dominic Karatzas led the Pledge of Allegiance. Kyla Dolan, Paige Nottingham, Keira Milliken, Madelyn Shikes, and Leslianis Weinburg, members of the award-winning Pentucket Regional High School Choir, performed the Star-Spangled Banner. Paul and Denise Pouliot, representatives of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People, opened the program with a traditional blessing. The Pentucket region is the ancestral home of the Abenaki and Wabanaki.

Members of the We Are Pentucket committee — Julie Torrisi, Julie Wisniewski, Chris Manning, Dena Trotter, and Lindsay Goff — led the ribbon-cutting. Student ambassadors conducted tours of the building.

About Pentucket Junior-Senior High School

A two-story wing houses students in Grades 7 and 8. A separate three-story wing houses students in Grades 9-12. The two wings are joined by a large foyer and dining commons.

Key features of the school include:

  • A state-of-the-art HVAC system and solar roof panels. It is estimated these measures will save $2 million in energy costs during the next 20 years, by reducing the building’s energy footprint and lessening carbon emissions. The new school is on path to receive the coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold designation.
  • A 610-seat Performing Arts Center. The Center supports the District’s award-winning arts and music programs, and will serve as a gathering place for community programs and activities. The building also includes a drama studio to allow for smaller group work and performances.
  • Flexible spaces. Chair and table designs vary, so teachers have limitless design options to allow them to maximize educational options.
  • Teacher planning spaces. Each floor has dedicated space for that grade’s teachers, allowing teachers to collaborate across disciplines.
  • Dedicated student entrance. Students are dropped off at the rear of the building, via a bus-only access road. From there, students walk through the arts wing to their class area.
  • Day lockers. Each floor has a small number of lockers that students may use for the day, and program in their own passcode. This removes lockers from the main hallways, improving access and student flow.
  • Breakout areas. Each grade area has an open area to facilitate small-group work by students, either independently or with teacher support.

Dore and Whittier designed the new school. Vertex served as owner’s project manager, and W.T. Rich served as construction manager.

The old High School has been demolished, while the old Middle School is in the process of removal. Construction of a front courtyard and permanent parking area continue. Playing fields will be added on the site of the current temporary parking lot. A stadium will be built on the site of the former Junior High School.

Pentucket Regional School District Invites Community to Ribbon-Cutting for New Middle-High School 

pentucketporta on September 8, 2022

The Pentucket Regional School District will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Pentucket Regional Middle-High School on Wednesday, Sept. 14. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School District would like to invite the community to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Pentucket Regional Middle-High School.

WHEN: 

Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 4-6 p.m.

WHERE: 

Pentucket Regional Middle-High School, 24 Main St.

WHAT: 

The Pentucket Regional School District is holding a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Middle-High School.

The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in the school’s rear courtyard. Following the ceremony, student ambassadors will lead tours.

Parking is limited. Attendees may park in the lot located off Main Street, or in the lot next to the former Middle School site.

The new school officially opened on Tuesday, Sept. 6, with about 970 students. The 211,700-square-foot facility has two wings, one that houses students in Grades 7 and 8 and another that houses Grades 9-12. The wings are joined by a large foyer and dining commons.

The $146.3 million building offers advanced features designed to improve the school’s energy efficiency and learning environment.

A cutting-edge HVAC system and solar roof panels are estimated to save $2 million in energy costs during the next 20 years by reducing the building’s carbon footprint and energy emissions. Students have a dedicated entrance and access to day lockers that will improve student flow. Teachers can utilize flexible learning and planning spaces, as well as breakout areas designated to each grade area, to facilitate and maximize learning opportunities.

The new school also features a 610-seat Performing Arts Center that will support the District’s award-winning arts and music programs as well as community activities.

The new school was designed by Dore and Whittier. Vertex served as owner’s project manager, and W.T. Rich served as construction manager.

Merrimac Police Department Offers Back-to-School Roadway Safety Tips for Students and Motorists

pentucketporta on September 2, 2022

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric M. Shears and the Merrimac Police Department would like to offer students, parents and motorists several important back-to-school safety tips as students prepare to return to school.

The Pentucket Regional School District returns to school on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Motorists should expect increased traffic volume around all district schools next week as students are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon.

Merrimac Police would like to share the following tips to help facilitate a safe start to the school year, from the National Safety Council (NSC).

Traveling to and from School

Walking to school:

  • Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted walking. Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street.

Riding a bike to school:

  • Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and in single file.
  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk bikes across the street.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.
  • Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.

Riding the bus to school:

  • Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.

Safety Tips for Motorists

It is important that motorists be alert while driving, especially in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in residential areas.

  • Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.
  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
  • The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
  • Drivers who are dropping students off at school should obey school zone speed limits and follow the school’s drop-off procedures.
  • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you, which could put them in the path of moving traffic. 
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street.
  • Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
  • If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car.
  • When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
  • A common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist. Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling – children especially have a tendency to do this.
  • Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

Teen Drivers

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, over 40% of U.S. high school students did not always wear a seat belt when riding in a car driven by someone else. Ensure your teen understands that every person in a vehicle should be buckled up, no matter where they are sitting or how long the trip. 
  • Teens often crash because they are inexperienced. Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving practices and laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road.
  • Set a good example by driving the way you want your teen to drive. 
  • Learn more about keeping teen drivers safe here.

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Pentucket Regional School District Announces Leadership Appointments for 2022-2023 School Year

pentucketporta on June 15, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2022-2023 school year.

  • Stephanie Dembro will become Principal at the Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools. She has served as Assistant Principal at both schools. She replaces Ken Kelley, who has served as a principal in the Pentucket District for more than a decade and is leaving for a position in another district. “Mr. Kelley has been absolutely fabulous as a school leader,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Ms. Dembro and Mr. Kelley have been an incredible tandem. We are very excited to continue the stability in leadership that the Donaghue and Sweetsir communities deserve.” A search committee will be put together to find a replacement for a new Assistant Principal.
  • Tara Ellis, currently Special Education Coordinator, will assume the position of Assistant Principal/Special Education Coordinator at Page School.
  • Brandon Bates will become Assistant Principal at the Middle-High School. Bates comes to the District from the Lawrence Public Schools, where he worked as Ninth Grade Dean of Students at Lawrence High School.

“These changes will help us better provide quality education and support for all of our students,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “They are passionate about education and improving our District, and I look forward to seeing what our new leadership team will achieve.”

Merrimac Police Department Commemorating National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day

pentucketporta on May 13, 2022

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears and the Merrimac Police Department are honoring law enforcement officers across the country during National Police Week. 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. It was established by a joint resolution of Congress in the same year and honors law enforcement officers across the country, paying special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Sunday, May 15, Merrimac Police will join agencies nationwide in flying its flags at half-staff to honor officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.

“I want to recognize the members of our department and the great work they do each and every day,” said Chief Shears. “Their effort and commitment to upholding the best policing practices does not go unnoticed. I also want to extend my deepest condolences to families who have lost an officer in the line of duty, we as a department salute their service.”

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, there were 617 law enforcement line of duty deaths in the U.S. in 2021, 439 of which are attributed to COVID-19. So far in 2022, 105 line of duty deaths have been recorded. 

Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the names are read aloud during a Candlelight Vigil. This year, the names of 619 fallen officers were added to the Memorial, including 472 officers who died in 2021 and an additional 147 officers who died in years before 2021. The 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil will take place on Friday, May 13.

Thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world gather in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week to pay their respects to fallen officers through a number of scheduled events. The week also honors the family members, friends and fellow officers of fallen officers.

Pentucket Regional School Committee Approves 2022-2023 Budget, Shares Information About Cuts, Additional Fees

pentucketporta on May 11, 2022

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School Committee wish to share an update about the District’s 2022-2023 budget, and the impact it will have on students, staff, and faculty.

The School Committee unanimously approved a budget of $47,846,000 for the coming school year on Tuesday, May 9. The Committee had requested an additional $1.34 million in spending to cover an ongoing structural deficit between state funding and the actual cost of services.

The District sought increased funding through a Proposition 2 ½ override, which voters in Groveland and Merrimac did not approve.

To close a $1.34 million gap, the School Committee approved Superintendent Bartholomew’s recommended cuts:

General expenses ($528,364)

  • Reduce HS/MS supplies, $45,864
  • Stop paying for field trips in Grades 6 and 7, $28,000
  • Reduce Paraeducators positions by two, $40,000
  • Reduce athletic teams to two male and two female teams per sport, $25,000
  • Discontinue a percussion contract, $24,500
  • Do not hire a human resources manager, $115,000
  • Reduced the number of special education teachers from six to four, $120,000
  • Do not hire Tech Repair or Tech Theater support, $85,000
  • Eliminate special education coordinator days during the summer, $45,000

Increased fees ($325,950)

  • Increase before-school and after-school program fees by $50 per session, or $110 for both sessions, $160,000 (estimate)
  • Double athletic fees in effect in the 2020-2021 school year, and eliminate family cap, in the 2022-2023 school year only, $105,950 (Students who have an economic hardship would still be eligible for a waiver.)
  • Eliminate one bus route, $60,000

Staff reductions ($485,686)

  • Eliminate one nurse position
  • Eliminate 1.2 English Language Arts positions (Middle-High School)
  • Eliminate one Math teaching position (Middle-High School)
  • Eliminate one Science teaching position (Middle-High School)
  • Eliminate one Visual Arts teaching position (Middle-High School)
  • Eliminate a .7 Performing Arts teaching position (Middle-High School)
  • Eliminate one Physical Education/Wellness teaching position (Middle-High School)
  • Reduce Art teaching position at Page Elementary School from 1.0 to 0.6
  • No Library/Media Aide at Bagnall Elementary School
  • Eliminate one elementary teaching position each at Bagnall Elementary School and Sweetsir Elementary School

“None of this is fair. None of this is good, but it’s where we are,” Superintendent Bartholomew said.

Increased fees and staffing cuts were spread across the District, while attempting to protect elementary grades where development of health, wellness and interpersonal skills are especially critical.

Committee members concurred with the recommendation to not seek a smaller override. A second override would mean a larger number of teachers would receive notification of possible non-renewal on Friday, and create great uncertainty across the District into July.

The spending gap is being driven by a series of factors, including a significant decrease in state funding:

  • Student transportation costs will increase by more than $500,000 next year. The state does not follow its obligation to fully funding regional school transportation, and actually is cutting Pentucket’s allocation by $144,000 next year.
  • Pentucket will receive just $67,500 in additional Chapter 70 funding.
  • While the state promotes its $1.5 billion Student Opportunity Act, the District will receive only $58,000 from the Act next year.

Superintendent Bartholomew and Committee Chair Christopher Markuns of Merrimac recommended that residents and town officials begin working together immediately to find funding solutions for the 2023-2024 budget.

“The state is swimming in extra money, and we’re cutting $1.34 million,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “The funding formula does not work.”

To see Superintendent Bartholomew’s presentation to the School Committee, click here.

Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Share Tips During National 911 Education Month

pentucketporta on April 19, 2022

MERRIMAC — The Merrimac Police Department and the Merrimac Fire Department would like to share guidelines and recommendations to best access help in the midst of an emergency during National 911 Education Month.

According to the National Emergency Number Association, around 240 million 911 calls are made annually. National 911 Education Month is recognized across the country to conduct outreach and inform community members on emergency protocols and resources.

In order to make sure residents are able to receive help in an emergency, Merrimac Police and Fire are providing the following safety tips from the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) and the Federal Communications Commission:

Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

Text-to-911 is only currently available in certain locations. The FCC encourages emergency call centers to begin accepting texts, but it is up to each call center to decide the particular method in which to implement and deploy text-to-911 technology.

For more information on Text-to-911, click here.

Know Your Location

With wireless calls, 911 operators can locate callers, but more information may be needed in order for emergency services to find exact locations. Be prepared to provide detailed information on your location to assist the 911 operator.

Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up

Unless instructed to do otherwise, you should stay on the line when calling 9-1-1 in order to provide necessary information to the operator. Even if you accidentally dial 9-1-1, you should stay on the line and inform the operator that there is no emergency and that you did not mean to call. While on the phone, please answer the telecommunicator’s questions. They are trying to determine whether or not there is an emergency or if someone is in need of assistance.

In order to learn more about NASNA and its efforts to improve emergency response through supporting 911 education and awareness, click here.

About National 911 Education Month

April is designated as National 911 Education Month, recognized by the United States Congress in 2008. According to NASNA, it aims to support the efforts of the National 911 Education Coalition through the promotion of resources and materials that help to educate about the optimal use of 911 services across the country. 

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Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Invite Community to Easter Bunny Ride

pentucketporta on April 15, 2022

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher are pleased to share that Merrimac Police, Fire and the Santa Committee will escort the Easter Bunny around town on Saturday.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 16, starting at noon

WHERE:

The Easter Bunny will begin and end the tour at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts.

The tour will follow the route of the 2021 Merrimac Santa Parade, subject to weather and road conditions. A list of the streets that the Easter Bunny will visit can be found here.

A GPS tracking device will track the Easter Bunny’s path across town. Community members can follow the route here.

WHAT:

The Easter Bunny, joined by first responders, will tour Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents.

“This is a great way to celebrate the Easter season,” Chief Fisher said. “We encourage residents to come out on Saturday to wave or take a photo of the Easter Bunny as the parade passes by.”

The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

“Please join us as we welcome the Easter Bunny back to the streets of Merrimac this year,” Chief Shears said. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our first responders and the Merrimac Santa Committee. We thank them all for organizing this festive event.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or Merrimac Santa Committee, P.O. Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

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Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative Announces Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in January

pentucketporta on January 8, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative is pleased to announce that it will host additional community COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all eligible age groups this month with first, second and booster doses available.

WHEN:

Monday, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 5 to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:

West Newbury Town Office Building Annex, 381 Main St., West Newbury, MA

WHAT:

Clinics will administer first, second and booster doses of all vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) to all eligible age groups.

First and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Pediatric Vaccine — the same vaccine administered to adults but at a lower dosage — will be administered to those ages five to 11 with a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.

The CDC recommends anyone age five and older get the vaccine in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to rise following the Omicron variant.

The CDC recommends that those over the age of 18 who have completed a full Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna regimen seek out a booster shot five months after their second dose, and that those who received a Janssen dose seek a booster shot two months after their initial vaccination. Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster by using the eligibility tool at  mass.gov/BoosterCheck.

Individuals ages 12 to 17 should seek out a booster shot five months after completing their primary Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. Additionally, immunocompromised children ages five to 11 are eligible to receive an additional Pfizer-BioNTech dose 28 days after their second shot.

Vaccines are free. Insurance is not required. Attendees will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distance in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines regarding clinics.

To make an appointment at the clinic, click here.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative comprises Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. 

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Pentucket Regional School District Distributes COVID-19 Rapid Tests to Staff

pentucketporta on January 3, 2022

Pentucket Superintendent Justin Bartholomew hands a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit to a staff member during distribution at Bagnall Elementary School on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew reports that more than 200 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests were passed out Pentucket Regional School District employees on Sunday, allowing staff to self-test before returning to work.

Tests were made available for any staff member who wanted one. Staff members were not required to take a COVID-19 test before classes resumed on Monday, Jan. 3.

District employees and volunteers coordinated check-in and distribution for two hours on Sunday morning at Bagnall Elementary School in Groveland.

“Our staff and students are our first priority. We want them to feel as safe as possible when classes are in session, and the tests are one more level of protection,” said School Committee Chair Dena Trotta, who volunteered at the distribution.

Test kits were provided to all Massachusetts public school districts by Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and Massachusetts National Guard.

“I’m certainly grateful to the Baker Administration and the state,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “With the Omicron variant, it has become difficult to find a rapid test on the shelves. What we heard from our staff is a lot of ‘thank yous’.”

 

Krista Niles, a first-grade teacher at Page Elementary School, checks in a staff member at a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit distribution at Bagnall Elementary School on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)