School Notes: Gov. Baker to Visit Whittier Tech to Open New Machine Shop

Whittier Tech students work quickly to finish the school's new machine shop in time for Gov. Charlie Baker's visit on Thursday.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will visit Whittier Technical High School on Thursday to see how school administrators spent the $500,000 grant he delivered in March.

Whittier used the Workforce Skills Capital Grant to transform its Machine and Tool program into an advanced manufacturing program. Students in Whittier’s carpentry, electrical, metal fabrication and machine technology have provided a lot of the labor, (pictured) allowing the school to maximize its machinery purchases.

Baker will attend a ribbon cutting for the school’s new Machine Tech shop. The entire student body and staff will gather in the auditorium to welcome Baker to the school.

“Gov. Baker clearly supports what we do here,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “And we are excited to show our gratitude and Wildcat pride to him and his staff.”

In all, 32 vocational schools, traditional public high schools and community colleges shared $11.8 million to upgrade resources for workforce training in 2017.

Whittier plans to partner with the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium for evening adult programs using the new machinery.

The Baker-Polito administration created the grant program last year to help educational institutions demonstrate partnerships with industry and align curriculum and credentials with local business demands, creating job and internship opportunities based on regional needs.

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Elementary and Middle School students in Haverhill are invited to audition for youth parts in the annual Haverhill High School holiday production of “A Christmas Carol.”

The HHS Drama Club will audition young performers interested in the roles of Tiny Tim, Young Scrooge, the Cratchit children and the street urchins.

Auditions are Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

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The Hillie Nation Band has begun weekly practices on Tuesdays after school, from 2:15 to 3:30 in the band room. These practices are for all HHS band members enrolled in band class as well as band members who were unable to fit band into their schedules.

Hillie Nation Band has begun preparing for performances at Hillies football games, including the exciting “Long Live Queen” halftime field show.

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On Monday, Sept. 11  and Tuesday, Sept. 12, Timberlane Regional High School hosts its fifth annual college fair in the TRHS gymnasium for students in the junior and senior classes.

junior and senior students. The program will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on both days.

More than 100 colleges and universities are expected to send representatives to participate during the two-day period. College admissions officers and representatives as well as branches of the United States Military will be available to meet with students. Parents of junior and senior students are invited to attend, although parking will be limited.

This is an opportunity for students to interact one-on-one with admissions representatives to discuss admissions requirements, program offerings, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

For more information including an updated list of participants, visit:

http://www.timberlane.net/hs/guidance/timberlane-college-fair/