Pentucket Regional School District Enters Partnerships to Provide Student Mental Health Support, Training

pentucketporta on February 7, 2023

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew is pleased to announce that the Pentucket Regional School District will partner with two non-profit organizations to increase the District’s focus on supporting students’ mental health.

The KyleCares Foundation and The Jed Foundation will provide programs and resources to help educate students, caregivers, faculty and staff, and engage students as peer mentors.

The JED Foundation will provide Pentucket with expert strategic analysis, planning, and resources to ensure the District has effective evidence-based supports in place for Pentucket Regional High School students through its JED High School program.

Funding will support a three-year program at the High School.

KyleCares works closely with high schools and colleges to help create a school culture where students and their caregivers have the confidence to seek help with mental health issues, without shame or hesitation.

“As a school community we’ve seen an increase in the number of students who need mental health support, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “In partnering with KyleCares and The Jed Foundation, we will have access to high-quality assistance and programming, and remove stigmas that will allow each student to reach their full potential.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Pentucket Regional School District and welcome Pentucket Regional High School as our 14th JED High School to join the fall 2023 Massachusetts cohort,” said Dr. Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of Academic Programs. “We salute the District’s commitment to lean into this critical work to normalize the conversation around youth mental health and suicide prevention by building sustainable systems, and to ultimately create a community of care for all students.”

Pentucket is the first school district north of Boston to partner with KyleCares. It is named for Kyle Johnson, a teenager from North Attleborough who struggled with mental health issues and made the unfortunate decision to take his own life.

“Mental illness, suicidal ideation, and completed suicides are rising at alarming rates for teens and young adults. There is no greater issue needing attention for teens in the U.S. today than supporting their mental health,” said KyleCares President/Co-Founder Jim Johnson, Kyle’s father. “It is encouraging to see the Pentucket Regional School District taking proactive measures to address their students’ needs in hopes of preventing a crisis from occurring.”

“Our KyleCares partnership with The Jed Foundation allows us to confidently lead every conversation we have with schools by first recommending JED’s evidence-based approach as a critical, impactful roadmap for high schools to follow. They are one of the most highly respected organizations in the country when it comes to supporting the social and emotional well-being of teens and young adults.”

Superintendent Bartholomew wishes to recognize Assistant Superintendent Brent Conway for his work and leadership on this initiative.

About The JED Foundation

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. JED’s signature programs, JED High School and JED Campus, have helped more than 500 high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide create a safety net for students by improving mental health and lowering suicide risk. Twenty-six Massachusetts high schools are currently part of the JED High School program.

JED partners with these high schools to assess community needs, develop a customized strategic plan to build on existing strengths, and implement tools, strategies, and techniques that lead to measurable improvements in student mental health and a more connected community.

About the KyleCares Foundation

The KyleCares Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open and honest communication about the mental health challenges teens and young adults face in today’s society. Its goal is to financially assist high schools and colleges with the implementation of mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs to better support their students.

Pentucket Regional School District Invites Community to 2023-2024 Budget Presentation

pentucketporta on January 23, 2023

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School District invite the community to a presentation devoted to an update of the current 2022-2023 school budget and the spending plan being developed for 2023-2024.

The presentation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Middle-High School. This is a joint meeting of the Boards of Selectmen and Finance Committees in the sending communities of Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury.

Superintendent Bartholomew will provide an overview of the current budget and the impact of a failed Proposition 2½ override on education this year. Superintendent Bartholomew also will review the District’s budget process, and explain the challenges expected in the 2023-2024 budget.

The meeting will begin with a public comment period. Each speaker will be limited to two minutes. Residents interested in speaking are asked to contact Marianne Naffah by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting.

“We encourage parents and anyone with an interest in education to attend and learn more,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Community feedback is important as we develop a budget that meets both students’ needs and the educational vision of our communities.”

West Newbury Fire Department Responds to Gas Leak at Pentucket Regional Middle High School

pentucketporta on January 11, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew report that the West Newbury Fire Department responded to a gas leak at Pentucket Regional Middle High School on Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, at approximately 8:50 a.m., the West Newbury Fire Department, with support from West Newbury Police, Groveland Police and Groveland Fire, responded to an active gas leak at the high school and middle school that was caused when a contractor working on the school’s new athletic fields accidentally struck a gas line.

West Newbury Fire Department, Police and mutual aid partners evacuated several homes near the site of the leak on Main Street as a precaution while the leak was active.

Students at the high school and middle school were placed in a secure hold in their classrooms to ensure they were all accounted for and that the school’s hallways remained empty. Classroom learning continued throughout the secure hold. There were no evacuations at the high school or middle school.

The contractor that struck the gas line was able to shut down gas flowing through the line, and National Grid arrived on scene a short time later. The secure hold at the high school was lifted and residents were able to return to their homes at about 9:15 a.m.

Firefighters, police and a school resource officer remained on scene to ensure there were no further issues.

“We are grateful to our mutual aid partners in Groveland for their support,” said Chief Dwyer. “A quick and professional response to this incident by first responders, schools, the contractor involved, and National Grid helped ensure there were no more serious issues this morning.”

Four Pentucket Regional High School Students Selected for Northeastern District Music Festival

pentucketporta on December 2, 2022

Pentucket Regional High School students, from left, Bella Higgins, Adam Hannula, Chaney Goldstein, and Lily Friend have been accepted into the 2022 MMEA Northeastern Senior District Music Festival. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, Principal Jonathan Seymour and Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair David Schumacher are pleased to share that four Pentucket Regional High School students have been accepted into the 2023 Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) Northeastern Senior District Music Festival.

Senior Bella Higgins of West Newbury (percussion), and juniors Lily Friend of West Newbury (horn), Chaney Goldstein of Bradford (saxophone), and Adam Hannula of Groveland (tuba) were among more than 700 high school music students from across the District who auditioned at North Andover High School on Nov. 19. Goldstein was accepted into the Jazz Band, while Friend, Hannula, and Higgins were accepted into the Concert Band. Goldstein also will be invited to audition in January for a place in the All-State Jazz Band.

“Congratulations to Adam, Bella, Chaney, Lily, and all of our students who auditioned this year,” Chair Schumacher said. “This is our largest class of acceptances in recent memory, in what is always a highly competitive process. It is a wonderful accomplishment to celebrate as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.”

All four students will participate in the Senior Festival, which takes place on Jan. 7 at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

The Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association Northeastern District encompasses school districts north and west of Boston, in the Merrimack Valley and on Cape Ann. The District is a unit 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.

Superintendent Bartholomew and Chair Schumacher also wish to invite the school community to attend public concerts that showcase the skills and talents of Pentucket music students:

  • 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 will be running their 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. 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.

For the past two years, Pentucket has been recognized as a Best Communities for Music Education award recipient by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. Superintendent Bartholomew, Principal Seymour, and Chair Schumacher wish to recognize the passion and dedication of music students, and the support of the District faculty and administration, Music Boosters, Pentucket Arts Foundation, Pentucket Education Foundation, and the Pentucket community at large.

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

Online Dictionary Accepts New Words Created by Pentucket Regional High School Latin Students

pentucketporta on November 28, 2022

From left, Latin V Seniors Jackson Neumann, Yanni Kakouris, Trevor Kamuda, Katie Drislane, Caitlin Armao, Elizabeth Murphy, Grace Pherson, Owen Tedeschi and Stratton Seymour, created new words that have been accepted in an online dictionary. Not pictured: Julia Seeley. (Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jonathan Seymour are pleased to share that 10 Pentucket Regional High School students have coined new words that have been accepted into an online dictionary.

Students in Leanne Villani’s Latin V class study the etymology of words, including engineering of new words, called neologisms. (A person who coins a new word is considered a “neologist.” The word stems from the French “néologisme.” Its French creator is unknown.)

Earlier this year students viewed a 2014 TedTalk by lexicographer Erin McKean, former editor-in-chief of American Dictionaries for Oxford University Press, who encouraged her audience to create new words to be better understood.

The students created words that were submitted to WordNik, McKean’s online dictionary:

  • Caitlin Armao, “magisenssibous,” how a teacher feels about you based on preconceived notions of their feelings towards your sibling.
  • Kate Drislane, “inexludivolous,” when an individual hates a sport/activity but would never quit since he or she has done it for too long.
  • Yanni Kakouris, “subartor,” an under-qualified person lacking in particular skills.
  • Trevor Kamuda, “dejucibimalphilial,” when you think a food is going to be gross but is actually good.
  • Elizabeth Murphy, “semiocultaction,” the act of not fully making eye contact.
  • Jackson Neumann, “inconscisultable,” Not knowing if someone is being sarcastic.
  • Grace Pherson, “posthemercras,” the day after tomorrow.
  • Julia Seeley, “infratrephobia, the fear of being seen as inferior to a sibling.
  • Stratton Seymour, “ceacosequitor,” one who blindly follows/is unable to think for themselves.
  • Owen Tedeschi, “dissesquipedusion,” the misuse of large words.

The District learned in late September that the students’ words had been accepted.

Students were thrilled and proud to be published neologists like William Shakespeare, who is credited with creating more than 1,700 words.

“Most important, this activity extended the learning outside of the classroom into the global community,” Villani said. “I also wanted students to appreciate how they can apply their knowledge of Latin to improve their use of English by becoming more empowered speakers, writers and readers.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.