Education

Rosa Calls Ouster Bluff, Decries Antics Involving His Disabled Son and Defends Haverhill Mediation

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The recent request for a mediator to resolve contract negotiations between the Haverhill and educational support professionals brought condemnation last night of those who would bring a School Committee member’s disabled son into the fray. As WHAV reported first, School Committee negotiators sent the request to the state Department of Labor Relations once it appeared the two sides had reached an impasse in negotiations. Haverhill Education Association President Barry Davis accused School Committee negotiators Richard J. Rosa and Gail M. Sullivan of not bringing that decision to the entire School Committee beforehand. He also charged them with having a personal agenda to beat the union. Davis continued to express his dissatisfaction with the decision at last night’s meeting.

Education

Northern Essex Community College Says Expanded Program Fills in Gaps in Student Financial Aid

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Northern Essex Community College is among state public colleges and universities hailing an expansion of student financial aid following Gov. Maura Healey administration’s Wednesday launch of the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program. Not including room and board, MASSGrant Plus Expansion will cover the total cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students, including, for the first time, the federal government-determined expected family contribution and an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies. Just shortly after the state announcement at Salem State University, Northern Essex Community College President Lane A. Glenn told members of the college’s NECC Foundation that, while “Our lowest income students are already covered. This benefits students in the next bracket up. This will fill in some of the gaps,” he said.

Education

Groveland Fire Department and Firefighters Association Plan Turkey Raffle Friday Night

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The Groveland Fire Department and the Groveland Firefighters Association are holding their annual turkey raffle Friday to benefit a scholarship for a Pentucket Regional High School or Whitter Regional Vocational Technical High School student who lives in the Pentucket region. The raffle includes 40 frozen turkeys that were donated by Fada Issa, owner of Groveland Auto Repair and Sales. Prizes, including gift cards, cash and other donations will also be distributed to raffle winners. Pizza and refreshments will also be served. Tickets for the turkey raffle are $1 and may be purchased from any Groveland firefighter.

Education

Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Haverhill’s New Consentino School Set for Monday

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A ceremonial start of construction of the new Dr. Albert B. Consentino School takes place Monday morning with the school chorus performing and talks by Massachusetts School Building Authority CEO James MacDonald and city and school officials. The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public, Monday, Nov. 20, starting at 10 a.m., behind the existing school at 685 Washington St. Last December, Mayor James J. Fiorentini gave a preview of the new school before city councilors voted unanimously to authorize about $160 million to pay for construction. “The first thing the new school will address is overcrowding.

Education

Northern Essex Community College Alumni Magazine Wins National Award for Pandemic Rebound Issue

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The Council for Advancement and Support of Education—CASE for short—is recognizing the Northern Essex Community College alumni magazine, “alumnecc,” with its “Best of District 1” award. The fall 2022 edition of the magazine won in the Alumni/General Interest category for two-year institutions. The issue focused on the theme of “Better Together,” highlighting ways the Northern Essex Community College community and its alumni rebounded from the challenges of the pandemic. “To be recognized by CASE is truly a special honor,” says college Vice President for Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson. “Not only is it a testament to the hard work of our IA team at Northern Essex, but it demonstrates to our CASE colleagues around the globe the impact of this work at the community college level.”

CASE is a global nonprofit association dedicated to supporting educational advancement professionals—in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services.

Education

Haverhill School Committee, ESPs Head to Mediation After City Declares Impasse

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The Haverhill School Committee says it has reached an impasse in contract negotiations with educational support professionals—or ESPs for short, prompting a request for a mediator to step in. Haverhill Education Association President Barry Davis said he was surprised last Thursday when he was notified by the state Department of Labor Relations of the mediation request by School Committee negotiators Richard J. Rosa and Gail M. Sullivan. “Not only did they not tell the HEA, they didn’t tell—the subcommittee of Mr. Rosa and Mrs. Sullivan—did not tell Mr. (Scott W.) Wood, Miss (Toni Sapienza-) Donais and Miss (Maura L.) Ryan-Ciardiello that they were filing as well as the superintendent,” he said. Sullivan disputed Davis’ account, saying the full School Committee voted Oct. 10 to allow a request for mediation.

Education

Amazon Selects Northern Essex Community College for Employee Career Choice Program

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Northern Essex Community College was recently selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees with access to the college’s 60 degree and certificate programs.

As a partner for the Career Choice program, Amazon covers tuition and fees for eligible employees to enroll in courses at Northern Essex. They can choose from a wide variety of educational offerings, including high school completion/GED, English as a Second Language courses, certificate programs and associate degree programs.

“We are looking forward to welcoming these Amazon employees on our campuses and into our classrooms,” says Northern Essex Dean of Enrollment Services Donna Bertolino. “Northern Essex is committed to increasing access to higher education in our communities, and partnerships like these are critical to that mission.”

Amazon offers the educational benefit to help employees learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program provides pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. “We’re looking forward to Northern Essex coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” says Amazon’s Career Choice Global Program Lead Tammy Thieman.

Education

Haverhill’s Hunking School Plans Thanksgiving Feast Thursday

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A Thanksgiving Feast, intended to bring together 1,100 students, family and staff of Haverhill’s Caleb Hunking Dustin School in celebration and gratitude, takes place this Thursday. Hunking PTO Chair Angelique Harrell Schena, said this is the second annual event. She credits Principal Tim Betty for starting the tradition at John Greenleaf Whittier School and bringing it to Hunking last year. This year, building on the past, there will also be a showcase of work by kindergarten to fourth grade students, a coloring contest and raffles including, “Pie a Staff Member in the Face.” As in the past, the event is sponsored by local businesses, including Covanta. “We are pleased to be able to help bring families together again this year for a great meal and fellowship.