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)
Greg Dole with daughters Sapphire Dole, Grade 2, and Sienna Dole, Grade 4, as they ride their bikes to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Grade 4 students Avery Judkins and Mackenzie George walk to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Grade 6 students Doug Bettencourt and Sammy Colangelo ride their bikes to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Grade 5 students Ayva Abate and Mya Delossantos walk to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Parker Roehr, Grade 5, rides a scooter to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
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.
Page School community members gather at last year’s Harvest Dinner. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Students work in the Page School garden. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Students work in the Page School garden. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Students work in the Page School garden. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Students work in the Page School garden. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
A pumpkin grows in the Page School garden. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
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.”
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!”
Students cool down with popsicles at Page School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Grade 6 teachers John Benvenuti, left, and Trina Forrest, right, look through the items in the cooling cart. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Physical Education teacher Amy Wilson poses with the cooling cart. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Page School Principal Emily Puteri helps administrators distribute cold items to students and teachers from a cooling cart. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Students enjoy popsicles from the cooling cart. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri are pleased to announce that Page School has welcomed multiple new hires.
Page School has welcomed eightnew 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!”
Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jim Day are pleased to welcome multiple new hires and two new members of the leadership team at Bagnall School.
The Pentucket Regional School District has hired five new teachers at Bagnall School. Hannah Gohr has been hired to the role of kindergarten teacher, Madi Codair to the role of Grade 4 teacher, Korri Finn to the role of Grade 6 teacher, Laurel Chabib to the role of life skills teacher, and Camille Torres to the Therapeutic Intervention Program (Grades 3-6).
Bagnall School also welcomes four more staff members who have been hired for a variety of roles including Library and Media Staff Member Lisa Pitella, and Paraprofessionals Oliver Bucco, Molly Casey, and Nicole Freeman.
There are also two new members to Bagnall’s leadership team.
Jennifer Barreto will join the District as Bagnall’s new Assistant Principal. Caitlin Guilfoil, who has been Bagnall’s Special Education Coordinator for four years, will expand her role as an official administrator within the school’s leadership team.
“We are thrilled to have these qualified individuals join our team,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “They each bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to Bagnall School, and I am confident they will be valuable assets within our District. Welcome to you all!”
The Pentucket Regional School District’s elementary schools all are named after local historical figures: Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall in Groveland, Dr. John C. Page in West Newbury, and Helen R. Donaghue and Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir in Merrimac.
Pentucket Regional High School German Instructor Stephen Petersen, who has some interest in the history of the District, noticed that all of the elementary schools displayed a portrait of their namesake except for Sweetsir School.
And the search for the missing portrait began.
The District contacted the Merrimac Historical Museum in hopes it might have one. With the help of Historical Museum members, the portrait was found within the Museum archives.
Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir was born in Merrimac in 1911, and after attending Bowdoin College and Tufts Medical School, became a local doctor who served Merrimac residents. Soon after Dr. Sweetsir started his general practice in Merrimac, he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Force and served from 1942 to 1946. He was discharged as a Major. Sweetsir went on to serve in the medical service of the U.S. Army Air Force until his return to Merrimac in 1946, where he would engage in general practice until 1977.
He was an Executive Councilor of the Massachusetts Medical Society and numerous medical committees in northern Essex County. He was also a member of the committee that built the Helen R. Donaghue School. Overall, Dr. Sweetsir was known for his altruism and amiable care of his patients.
The former Red Oak School was renamed in his honor.
Like the Museum members today, Dr. Sweetsir was dedicated to preserving the Town’s history. He was chairman of the Merrimac Historical Museum, and around 1974, Sweetsir formed a historical commission that was dedicated to the preservation of town history.
“Dr. Sweetsir was best known as an advocate for the schools and Town of Merrimac,” said Museum Board Chair Larry Fisher. “He personally paid to have the old school landing next to the fire station moved in order to preserve the last standing schoolhouse in Merrimac. He also passed on a large amount of his personal historical collection to the Merrimac Historical Museum.”
The District’s close ties to town history have a deep impact on its students, who are greatly interested in the history of their schools. Sweetsir School, which educates students in Pre-K through Grade 2, is next door to Helen R. Donaghue School, which teaches students in Grades 3-6. Sweetsir students start by learning the facets that make up historical thinking – geography, civics, unity, and diversity – within their history classes.
Upon arriving at Donaghue, history lessons shift to focus on applying these elements to the history of Massachusetts and local communities. At the beginning of the year, Grade 3 students learn about town government, local geographic features and historical landmarks, and the demographic origins of Groveland, West Newbury, and Merrimac.
This year, Grade 3 teacher Kathleen Tercerio reached out to the Historical Museum about doing tours with students. Each class walked from Donaghue School to the Museum to take a tour with Fisher, where they learned about the history of Merrimac, as well as about the individuals for whom their schools were named.
“The students loved it so much that they brought their parents back to the Museum the following weekend and regurgitated the tour. They’re like sponges; they soak up all of the information. It was very exciting to see,” said Sweetsir and Donaghue School Principal Stephanie Dembro.
Fisher, who loves to add one-of-a-kind pieces of town history to his personal collection, has a deep passion for the preservation of local history and noted that students will be crucial in that effort moving forward.
“The kids were very engaged with the history and trying to preserve it. They say that you can win the hearts of people through the kids, and it’s true,” he said. “Our kids are our future because they place a different value on our history.”
“We’re doing this to make sure the town retains some of its history,” said Fisher. “This puts a spotlight on the school, but also on the role of the Museum in the town’s preservation.”
“The Pentucket Regional School District prides itself on getting our students involved in the greater community. Our students at all of our schools, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, have shown great interest in the history of their towns and schools,” said Superintendent Justin Bartholomew. “It’s amazing to see them go out into the world and exhibit an appreciation for where they come from.”
Fisher presented the portrait to Superintendent Bartholomew and Principal Dembro at the school on Tuesday, June 6. They hung the portrait in the lobby, where students will finally be able to put a face to the name of the man for whom Sweetsir School was named.
“The kids are going to be so excited to see this,” said Principal Dembro. “I know that when they come out (to the lobby) at dismissal, the portrait will be the first thing they notice.”
Pentucket students involved in the Pentucket Profile, “the voice of Pentucket students,” wrote an article that uncovers the history behind the namesakes of Pentucket’s elementary schools. The article can be found here.
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The portrait of Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir, created by Paula Dow, now hangs in the lobby of Sweetsir School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
From left, Museum Board Chair Larry Fisher, Principal Stephanie Dembro, and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew hang the portrait of Dr. Sweetsir in Sweetsir school. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
The portrait of Helen R. Donaghue hangs in Donaghue School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
The portrait of Dr. John C. Page hangs in Page School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
The portrait of Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall hangs in Bagnall School. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
MERRIMAC — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro are pleased to share thattheSweetsir and Donaghue Elementary Schoolsrecently participated in a successful Memorial Day Program.
The program, held on Friday, May 26, recognized active service members and veterans who are a part of the Merrimac community, including staff at the Sweetsir and the Donaghueschools.
Students in kindergarten through Grade 6, directed by Music Teacher Johanna Dickson, performed patriotic songs and read reflections on what Memorial Day means to them.
Members of the American Legion Post 134 attended, led by Commander Roger Clark.
“It was so great to see the Merrimac community come together for this event,” said Dickson. “I was very proud to see our students ‘give back’ to the service members and veterans in attendance.”
“This program is a great way for students to learn about the importance of Memorial Day and recognize thesacrifices of veterans and service members,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “Thank you to all who attended, and to veterans and active service members for their contributions to the Merrimac community.”
GROVELAND – Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham, Police Chief Jeffery Gillen, and Pentucket Regional School District Superintendent Justin Bartholomew would like to invite residents to the sixth grade D.A.R.E Program Pay It Forward Car Wash.
WHEN
Saturday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE
Front of the Bagnall Elementary School, 253 School St.
WHAT
Sixth graders from the Bagnall Elementary D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) Programwill be holding a car wash to help support and fund next year’s program.
The D.A.R.E. program is run by School Resource Officer Sgt.Josh Sindoni and is supported by the Groveland Police Department.
More than 50 sixth-grade students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program in March and will be participating in the car wash to help support next year’s program for a new group of students.
Through the program, students learn about drug and alcohol resistance, empathy, respect, responsibility, anti-bullying techniques, and the importance of making good decisions.
The car wash is free, and donations are encouraged.
MERRIMAC — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembroare pleased to share that the Sweetsir and Donaghue Elementary Schools recently celebrated Unique Week.
Teachers, faculty, and PTO members collaborated to create a week, held from March 27-31, which was dedicated to celebrating each student’s uniqueness.
During Unique Week students participated in activities including breathing exercises during Monday’s mindfulness theme, creating music notes, designing infinity symbols, coloring and more.Students were encouraged to wear fun outfits that correspondedwith that day’sunique theme.
Additionally, students created posters and worked with their peers to create an overall poster featuring individual creations. The PTO sponsored the inclusive poster project.
“As counselors, we are excited to celebrate We are Unique Week. It gives our students and staff the opportunity to reflect on what makes us amazing,” said School Psychologist Amy Brennan. “We are all incredible individuals and together we create an incredible community.”
Unique Week gives students the opportunity to foster relationships with peers and celebrate their unique qualities through fun activities and engagement.
“Unique Week is important to me as a Special Education teacher in the Horizons Program, because it provides an opportunity for the school community to celebrate each and every student’s strengths, passions, and love that they spread each and every day both in and outside of the classroom,” said Special Education teacher Margaret Ford.
“The Merrimac students have continuously demonstrated their abilities to show care, compassion, kindness and inclusion to our students who access the District Program,” said Special Education Teacher Abbie Glynn. “Unique Week is just another way that our little community can come together to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, while also showing students that they share similarities to some of their peers that may look or act differently than them.As a teacher of the district program for many years, I am so proud to share in this special week to not only honor my students, but every student in the Merrimac schools who are special and unique.”
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Bulletin board created by Sweetsir students and PTO members during Unique Week celebration. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
Bulletin board created by Donaghue students and PTO members during Unique Week celebration. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
