Groveland Police Department Identifies and Charges Juvenile Suspect in Pellet Gun Incident

pentucketporta on June 30, 2023

GROVELAND 一 Chief Jeffrey Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department has identified a suspect following an investigation into an incident involving a pellet gun last weekend. 

A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 16, OF DRACUT, will be charged with Assault and Battery With a Dangerous Weapon.

On Saturday, June 17, at approximately 8:19 p.m., Groveland Police responded to the area of Main Street and Elm Park for a report of someone allegedly shooting pellets at pedestrians.  

Upon arrival, officers spoke to the calling party who explained that, while out walking with his wife, he observed a red Honda Civic with four occupants drive by, and that a passenger who was wearing a mask hung out the window and pointed what appeared to be a pellet gun and began shooting at him and his wife. The reporting party told responding officers his jacket was struck with a projectile and his wife’s umbrella also was struck.

No injuries were reported.

Through a subsequent investigation, Detective Adam Sanborn was able to identify the JUVENILE, whose name is not being released due to his age. Detective Sanborn collaborated with colleagues from the Haverhill Police Department to conduct the investigation.

As part of the investigation, Detective Sanborn determined that the JUVENILE used a “splatter ball gun,” which shoots gel balls, pellets or beads. Groveland Police believe the incident is related to a social media trend.

The suspect will appear at Lawrence Juvenile Court at a later date.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Merrimac Police Cruiser Crashes into Granite Curb During Emergency Response, Officer Treated and Released

pentucketporta on June 21, 2023

MERRIMAC — Chief Eric Shears reports that a Merrimac Police Officer was treated and released at an area hospital and a Merrimac Police cruiser was damaged when it struck a curb during an emergency response on Tuesday.

Shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, a Merrimac Police Officer was responded in a marked cruiser for a report of a motor vehicle crash on I-495. As the officer turned from East Main Street onto Broad Street, the cruiser struck a granite curb.

The officer was transported to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport by ambulance where he was evaluated and released later in the day.

The cruiser sustained damage to the front passenger wheel and chassis in the same area. It will be taken out of service for repairs. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The roadway was reported to be wet from recent rains at the time of the crash. The crash will be investigated by Merrimac Police.

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Road Construction Will Limit Access to Pentucket Middle-High School Campus

pentucketporta on June 15, 2023

WEST NEWBURY – The Pentucket Regional School District announces that there will be limited access to the Middle-High School campus in the coming weeks due to planned roadwork.

Crews will begin tearing up roads on campus on Friday, June 16. Visitors will have access to only the Middle-High School building. Anyone with business at the Middle High School is asked to enter the property via Farm Lane. Entry remains through the front doors. For departure, visitors will loop around the building to reconnect to Farm Lane.

Further, the site of the former Middle School will be closed off. There will be no public access to the track or tennis courts through the campus during construction.

Crews will then resurface and line all roads on campus.

Work was scheduled to begin following the final day of classes on Thursday, June 15. Work will be completed by Aug. 1, well before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the District thank the Pentucket community in advance for its patience during construction.

A map of the traffic pattern may be found here: PRSD – Site Logistics after 6.15.2023

A Truly Special Addams Family Musical Production Takes Place at Pentucket Regional Middle School after Actor Returns to Stage Following Knee Injury

pentucketporta on June 11, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — A stacked cast of Pentucket Regional Middle School students took the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday for the third and final performance of “The Addams Family Young@Part,” a 60-minute version of the hit Broadway musical.

But when 7th grader Paige Souliotis was rolled onto the stage in a wheelchair and breathed life into the wonderfully macabre Wednesday Addams, the crowd suddenly knew that they were part of a special moment in the storied arts and theater history at Pentucket.

Matinee Suspended

Forty minutes into the 2 p.m. matinee performance Saturday, Wednesday Addams was to turn around and snap a retort to her father, Gomez (Played by Brooke Pipan). When Paige went to pivot, her shoe got stuck and she twisted her knee, dislocating her patella and falling painfully to the stage floor.

“Gomez asks Wednesday ‘Where are you going?’ and I was supposed to twist to Gomez, holding a crossbow, and shout ‘Away!'” Paige said. “But my shoe got stuck and down I went. I knew right away that I could not stand up.”

The all-student cast and crew acted immediately. The curtain fell, and the performance was suspended. Paige was taken to Lawrence General Hospital. She was already nursing the same right knee from a spring lacrosse injury.

It was a devastating moment for Paige, 13, of Merrimac, who has been acting since grade 3, appearing in shows for Pentucket and for the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. It was not the first time she stared down disappointment. She was cast as Dorothy in 2020, but Pentucket elementary schools never held their “Wizard of Oz” performances, as the COVID-19 pandemic upended the school year.

The Show Must Go On

The 35-student cast and crew went into crisis mode. Director Brooke Snow, an 8th-grade teacher and the middle and high schools’ after-school theater director, watched with amazement as the students remained poised and in charge.

While the matinee was over, the 7 p.m. finale was still looming. Quickly, it was decided that another actor would step in for Paige if her injury kept her sidelined. But middle school plays generally don’t have understudies. Charlotte Walton, a 7th grader playing a pirate ancestor of the Addams Family, learned Wednesday’s lines, and other students, including 8th grader Abby McIntyre (playing an Addams ancestral cowgirl) helped Charlotte learn Wednesday’s dance steps.

“It was like watching a group of professionals, not middle school kids,” Snow said. “When Paige got hurt, of course the kids were spooked and concerned, but they immediately came to her rescue, they closed curtain and ran to her aide. Then, after all that, they started to address the 7 p.m. show. I’ve never seen such a reaction from an entire cast and crew.”

But Paige was determined.

“My mom drove me to the hospital, and all I kept saying was ‘Will I be back? Will I be back? Will I be back?” she said. “The whole car ride I was texting my friends, apologizing. I thought I ruined the show.”

At 4:45 p.m., the text came from Paige’s mom, Julie, to Snow. “She’s coming back.”

And at 7 p.m. on the button, with a brief introduction from Snow explaining the circumstances, 8th grader Thomas Carrozo, playing an Uncle Fester that would make Christopher Lloyd proud, smiled a crooked smile with a cocked neck as he rolled Paige’s Wednesday in for the opening number.

It was a moment that not many parents and aunts and uncles attending a middle school musical were prepared for.

Energy

With Snow perched just off stage on the stairs instead of her usual place in the seats, the students gave the performance of their young lives.

With Paige nimbly navigating her wheelchair, with some help from Nella Snyder (Addams ancestor Marilyn Addams), the usually nimble trained dancer was forced to rely on her voice to make up for the loss of body language from being seated. Her voice boomed, Snow said. The cast, seemingly buoyed by their shared crisis response, rose to the occasion.

And in the end, the effect of Wednesday Addams playfully electrocuting her brother Pugsley was not diminished by the wheelchair’s presence one bit.

“There was an energy,” Snow said. “I thought it was some of the best acting I’ve ever seen out of this group. They were forced to get out of their own way because they were forced to think differently. I knew the moment Thomas rolled Paige out there that the show would be special.”

The crowd was uproarious during the finale and for each group of cast members taking their bows. Paige received a standing ovation.

“I’m just so happy for my friends,” Paige said. “This is all about the group. We worked so hard, and I am so glad we gave a strong closing show. Everyone wants to close strong and go out with a bang.”

“When I saw the dress rehearsal on Thursday, I was absolutely blown away.  I was shocked to learn about Paige’s injury, but it doesn’t surprise me the way the group rallied around to support her,” said Sabrina Simone, Pentucket’s Assistant Principal for  Grades 7-9. “I’m in awe of Paige’s determination and perseverance–people will not forget this last performance, and I am so proud of this entire group. I have no doubt that this show will go down in history as one of the most special and outstanding performances at Pentucket.”

The musical theater program is a staple of the Pentucket Regional School District’s arts program. Every year, the elementary, middle and high schools each put on an assortment of plays and musicals. Some elementary students also have the chance to step up and perform with the older grades, as Paige did in 2019 when she played Young Elsa as a fourth grader in the middle school’s Frozen Jr. production.

“The theater program has been exceptional for students like Paige, and Brooke Snow is a gift to our communities,” Julie Souliotis said.

Added Superintendent Justin Bartholomew: “Showing so much grit in overcoming incredible adversity as Paige did is remarkable. And, as she points out, her peers rallying around her to support her and adapting to the situation in the production is a fabulous testament to the exceptional character of these young performers and their director.”

“The cast and crew displayed all of the characteristics that we strive for in all of our students,” said Pentucket Regional Middle School Principal Terrence Conant. “Pivoting and making the needed adjustments in under four hours is a tribute to their determination and teamwork. Paige’s commitment to her peers is an extension of her character that we see each day. Thank you to Ms. Snow for her leadership and commitment to our Pentucket students.”

For students like Paige, performing has helped her grow and prepare for what comes next in life.

“Theater has changed me as a person. I have gained support systems and worked in extremely close teams, and learned that there are things I can do that I didn’t know I could do,” Paige said. “I learned more about myself.”

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE

“The Addams Family Young@Part” is the authorized 60-minute edition of the Broadway musical created for elementary and middle schools, and youth theater groups. The performance was directed by Brooke Snow, who has served as

Cast:

  • Brooke Pipan as Gomez Addams
  • Fiona Moore as Morticia Addams
  • Paige Souliotis as Wednesday Addams
  • Thomas Carrozo as Uncle Fester
  • Bryce Couture as Puglsey Addams
  • Ava DePaolo as Grandma Addams
  • Aiden Johnson as Lurch
  • Gavin Prince as Lucas Bienecke
  • Astrid Laidlaw as Alice Bienecke
  • Tyler Stone as Mal Bienecke
  • Conor Price as Cousin Itt
  • Kayla Dinan as the Moon
  • Charlotte Walton and Griffin McFadden (Pirates/Soloists)
  • Ava Lucius (Nurse/Soloist)
  • Abby McIntyre (Cowgirl/Soloist)
  • Mikayla Trombly (Victorian/Soloist)
  • Zoe Power (Grim Reaper/Soloist)
  • Aubrey Flynn (Waiter)
  • Maddie Damacio (50’s girl ancestor)
  • Holly Cushing (80s girl ancestor)
  • CJ Aylward (Edgar Allan Addams)
  • Gabriella Albano (Knight/Soloist)
  • Agatha Quinlan (Bride)
  • Logan Rich (Groom)
  • Isabelle Engel (Creepy Child/Soloist)
  • Hannah Lovely (Sophisticated Lady)
  • Ava Murray (Pilgrim)
  • Nella Snyder (Marilyn Addams/Soloist)
  • Emma Niepp (Surfer)
  • Jada Languirand (Sailor/Soloist)
  • Tia Fahey (Prom Queen)
  • Jordan Basque (Clown)
  • Camden LeBlanc (Jester)
  • Kaya Dinan (Ballerina Ancestor)

Production Team/Crew

  • Director: Brooke Snow (staff member)
  • Assistant Directors: Lauren Rivers and Hailey Bruno
  • Stage Manager: Laken Graham
  • Technical Director: Kevin Berube (staff member)
  • Lighting Designer: Adam Hannula
  • Sound Engineer: Chaney Goldstein
  • Tech Crew: Jonah Brien, Zach Hannula, Zach Atwood
  • Choreographers: Fiona Moore, Nayana Carvalho, Lauren Rivers, Hailey Bruno

THE ADDAMS FAMILY A NEW MUSICAL

Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA

Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams

Young@Part® Edition Adapted by Marc Tumminelli

Young@Part® Edition originally produced at Broadway Workshop in New York City

 

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Pentucket Regional School District Announces Administrative Restructuring for 2023-2024 School Year

pentucketporta on June 6, 2023

Brenda Erhardt

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew announces that the Pentucket Regional School District will restructure administrative services to strengthen core educational operations throughout the District in the 2023-2024 school year.

The changes are:

  • Brenda Erhardt, Assistant Principal at the Bagnall Elementary School in Groveland, has been named Interim Principal of the Middle High School.

This represents an operational change, with a single building principal who will be supported by three assistant principals in the building. This change will increase coordination between the schools’ staffs on educational matters, and increase smooth transitions between the Middle and High School.

Though in one building, the Middle School and High School will remain separate entities each with their own school councils, and will develop their own identities.

Erhardt is a Groveland native and Pentucket Regional High School graduate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Lesley University, and a Master’s in Education from Salem State University.

Erhardt started her professional career as an engineer supervisor in the private sector, becoming a teacher at the Page School in West Newbury in 2004. While at Page she took on roles of increasing responsibility, and served as Interim Principal at Bagnall earlier this year.

“Brenda is an exceptional educator,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Having grown up in the District and attended our schools, she knows the high expectations of our school community and understands the high quality of instruction every student deserves. We are fortunate to have her leading this new administrative model.”

  • High School Principal Jonathan Seymour has been named Executive Director of Operations.

“Jonathan has been High School Principal for 15 years, and we really appreciate his hard work during that time,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “He was an integral part of the new school project, and in this new role will be able use his experience and operational skills to benefit the entire District.”

  • Middle School Principal Terrence Conant has been named Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction.

Conant will succeed Robin Doherty, who left the District earlier this year.

“The Middle School has made incredible progress in student achievement due to Terry’s high level of curriculum and instructional focus,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “We are excited to see Terry in this new role supporting teaching staff at the secondary level and expanding the successes we have seen.”

Donaghue, Sweetsir Elementary Schools Participate in Successful Memorial Day Program

pentucketporta on June 6, 2023

MERRIMAC — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro are pleased to share that the Sweetsir and Donaghue Elementary Schools recently 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 Donaghue schools.

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 the sacrifices 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.”

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*MEDIA ADVISORY* Town of Groveland, Groveland Police & Pentucket Regional School District Invite Community Members to Sixth Grade D.A.R.E. Car Wash

pentucketporta on May 30, 2023

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) Program will 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.  

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Pentucket Regional School District Announces Leadership Team Changes

pentucketporta on May 30, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School District announce the following changes to the District’s leadership team for the 2023-2024 school year:

  • Sabrina Simone, current Assistant Principal at the Middle School, has been named Coordinator of Human Resources.

“Throughout her career Sabrina has shown an incredible understanding of human interaction, attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and incredible dedication to the education profession,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Her experiences as an administrator and having to negotiate some very challenging issues will be of great benefit to the entire District.”

Simone began her career in education as a School Counselor in Chelmsford, joining the Pentucket District in that role in 2012. She was named Middle School Assistant Principal in 2021.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Boston College.

  • Alexandra Cordeiro has been named Assistant Principal/Special Education Coordinator at the Dr. John C. Page School.

“We are extremely excited to have Alexandra coming to Page,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Her commitment and enthusiasm will make her a great asset to the Page community.”

Cordeiro began her educational career as a teacher in the Tri-Town School Union in Topsfield. She most recently worked as a Chapter 504 School-Based Coordinator at Steward Elementary School in Topsfield.

Cordeiro has received a Bachelor’s degree from Framingham State in Liberal Studies, a Master’s degree in Education from Lesley College, and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Gordon College.

  • Samuel “Sam” Kwong has been named Database Manager. He will succeed Amy Funk, who is retiring after 10 years with the District.

“We are so incredibly thankful for Amy’s brilliance working with the various student information systems, her strong communication skills, and flexibility,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “While this is a big loss for our District, Sam and Amy have collaborated for many years so we feel so fortunate to be able to bring in an incredible talent who understands our systems.”

Kwong brings extensive private sector data management experience to the Pentucket District. He most recently worked as a Data Manager for Weston Public Schools.

Kwong has received a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Northeastern University, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Superintendent Bartholomew wishes to thank Amy Funk for her service and dedication to the District.

West Newbury and Groveland Fire Departments Respond to Brief Evacuation at Pentucket Regional Middle High School

pentucketporta on May 18, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine report that the Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building was briefly evacuated after an alarm was triggered by smoke drifting from a large house fire in nearby Haverhill.

West Newbury and Groveland police and fire responded to the school complex at about 9:30 a.m. for a report of an activated fire/smoke alarm. It was quickly determined on-scene that there was no active danger at Pentucket, however the building was searched and cleared by first responders out of an abundance of caution.

The building was ventilated, and students and staff were cleared to return within about 45 minutes.

A number of students were evaluated on-scene by EMS, but no serious smoke inhalation was reported.

Mutual aid was provided by Atlantic Ambulance, Action Ambulance and Seabrook NH Fire Department.

The two alarm fire, located in a multi-unit home on East Broadway in Haverhill, was reported to have extremely dense, drifting smoke.

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Pentucket Regional School District Provides Update on Air Quality Testing at Middle High School Campus

pentucketporta on May 15, 2023

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew wishes to provide an update regarding air quality testing at Pentucket Regional Middle High School after reports of a strong odor in a science lab.

Vertex Companies of Norwood tested air quality in the building from Friday, May 5, through Monday, May 8. Test results show zero levels of any concerning substances, including hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Tests also detected naturally occurring carbon dioxide at levels well within state and federal guidelines.

Vertex inspected the air handling unit leading to the science lab. No breeches were observed.

Some wet and dirty air filters were removed from a rooftop air handler unit after the emergency response. The district’s HVAC contractor inspected the unit and performed maintenance to seal the unit from future water penetration.

Vertex is continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. The District expects to receive a final report in the coming days.

On May 1, Pentucket Middle High School students and staff were evacuated from the building because of an unknown odor in the science labs located on the third floor. Four students received medical attention at a local hospital. The state Department of Fire Services and state hazmat team also responded to assist with the investigation. The West Newbury Fire Department and West Newbury Inspectional Services continue to support the school district.