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.”

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 Spotlight on Excellence: Alumni Introduces Page School Students to Service Dog

pentucketporta on December 12, 2022

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Emily Puteri wish to share that a Pentucket Regional High School graduate recently returned the Page School to teach students about service dogs.

Julia Reading, a student at Kent State University and a 2019 Pentucket graduate, visited on Nov. 23. Reading visited each classroom in grades K-6, and explained her volunteer work with Paws 4 Ability, a national non-profit organization that helps to train service dogs for children, adults, and veterans with physical challenges.

Reading visited with Lavender, a Goldendoodle puppy who traveled with Reading to Massachusetts from Ohio. Reading explained what Paws 4 Ability does, how it trains its service dogs, and proper service dog etiquette.

“The students loved having Julia in,” Principal Puteri said. “She will be coming back for a visit, hopefully this month, which the students will love. These visits have the added bonus of helping to socialize Lavender for her future partner!”

“These visits add so much to our students’ educational experiences,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Julia’s visit shows the difference one volunteer can make, and teaches students how they can be kind and compassionate to those who may have physical limitations.”

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.

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.

Statement of Pentucket Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew

pentucketporta on June 21, 2022

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew today sent the following message to Pentucket Regional School District Families:

“I am writing to you today to inform you of a deeply troubling matter. I have been informed by the Merrimac Police Department that a substitute teacher, Kenneth Niven, who has worked at the Sweetsir and Donaghue Schools has been arrested after allegations of illegal conduct.

“The Pentucket Regional School District is cooperating fully with the Merrimac Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, who are actively investigating these allegations.

“The investigation is in its early stages, and we do not have further details to release at this time. However, I can share that this individual, who had been given a pre-employment background and criminal record check prior to starting as a substitute, has been terminated from their role as an on-call sub, and we have issued a no-trespass order, baring them from all Pentucket Regional School District property.

“We are outraged and disturbed by the allegations presented, and we pledge to continue to assist in whatever way we can with the police investigation.”

Pentucket Regional School District Math Team Takes Honors in League Competition

pentucketporta on June 21, 2022

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Pentucket Regional Middle School Principal Terry Conant are pleased to report the success of the Middle School Math Team this season.

During the year, students under the direction of Teacher Dan Leonard met regularly to learn about and practice concepts in the five concentrations: Mystery, Geometry, Arithmetic, Number Theory and Algebra. Material covered during team meetings applied, enhanced, and enriched math content provided in their classrooms.

Twelve students participated: eighth-grade students AnnaRose Bissitt, Haley Bruno, Owen Cantone, Ella Gregorio, Madelyn Grimes, and Summer Welper, and seventh-grade students Holden Choma, Lily Kesner, Fiona Moore, Ian Parrott, Lyla Travers, and Devyn Walsh.

Pentucket students performed well in each of the five meets in the Intermediate Math League of Eastern Massachusetts, both as individuals and as a team:

Meet 1: Gregorio and Welper tied for first place among all eighth graders. Moore and Travers tied for second place among all seventh graders.

Meet 2: Kesner took first place among all students. Cantone and Gregorio tied for second place among all eighth graders. Cantone scored perfectly in Algebra, Gregorio scored perfectly in Mystery, and Kesner scored perfectly in both Mystery and Number Theory.

Meet 3: Welper took third place among all eighth graders.

Meet 4: Kesner took first place among all seventh graders, while Moore finished third. Cantone finished in third place among all eighth graders. Kesner scored perfectly in Mystery.

Meet 5: Kesner took first place among all seventh graders, while Parrott took second place. Cantone took third place among all eighth graders. Kesner, Cantone, and Gregorio all scored perfectly in Mystery.

Pentucket finished fourth out of nine teams in their division, competing against students from Amesbury Middle School, Triton Middle School, and other public and private schools in Eastern Massachusetts.

“I believe that all of the students had rewarding experiences and I was very pleased with their performances during the meets,” Leonard said. “Our seventh graders are looking forward to competing again next year.”

“It is exciting to see the students’ hard work and perseverance pay off,” Principal Conant said. “The teamwork and skills they practiced this year will stay with them throughout their educational careers.”

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.”