Education

Whittier Tech SkillsUSA Students Celebrate Placement of River Booms They Helped to Buy

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Students, faculty and administrators at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School gathered at Clean River Project’s headquarters last week to witness the installation of two river booms paid by a student-led initiative. The booms, used to collect debris and help protect the Merrimack River, bear the Whittier Tech and Wildcat logos—symbols, school officials said, that represent the school’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship. “It feels amazing to know that something we helped raise money for is now out on the river making a difference,” said Hailey Rocker, an 11th grade student from Haverhill. “Seeing the Whittier logo on the booms made it all feel real—like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Building on this momentum, Whittier Tech SkillsUSA is planning to deepen its involvement with the Clean River Project during the next school year. The student team will shift focus to researching and raising awareness about microplastics—tiny plastic particles that pose a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

Education

Woman Who Worked as Haverhill Science Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Faking Credentials

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A 57-year-old Lowell woman, who worked as a Haverhill High School science teacher and previously worked in two other cities, was arrested Friday morning after a grand jury handed down 21 indictments alleging she falsely claimed college degrees and falsely claimed to be a retired military combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, among other charges. Haverhill school Superintendent Margaret Marotta said Lissa Lagasse was hired last September, but “concerns emerged regarding inconsistencies in her background and credentials” this past March following an incident with her service animal. She was placed on administrative leave while a “thorough investigation” took place. “At the time of hire, Ms. Lagasse held a valid teaching license, and standard reference checks were completed with her previous school districts with no concerns reported. As soon as red flags surfaced, the district acted swiftly and responsibly, prioritizing the safety and trust of our students, families and staff,” Marotta said in a statement.

Education

Pastrana, Retired from Haverhill’s Gateway Academy, Receives Honors for Service to Youth at Risk

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Sylvia Pastrana, the recently retired student support coordinator at Haverhill’s Gateway Academy, was awarded the Diruhi Mattian Memorial Award for her extraordinary service to her students during the 25th Youth at Risk Conference sponsored by Pathways for Children in Beverly. Pastrana received the award at a ceremony May 28 at Endicott College in Beverly. The Diruhi Mattian Memorial Award honors the memory of Diruhi S. Mattian, a Wilmington, social worker who was murdered by a client at his North Andover home in 2008. The award was created to recognize those who make an outstanding impact on the community and the lives of young people as Mattian did. Dianne Connolly, the Title 1 and community outreach coordinator for the Haverhill Public Schools, nominated Pastrana.

Education

Public Meetings This Week: Haverhill Schools Consider AI, Diversity Policies; Council Budget Reviews

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The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week. The Haverhill School Committee’s Policy Subcommittee meets online to decide whether to recommend to the full committee a proposed artificial intelligence policy as well as changes to a proposed “Belonging Policy.”

As WHAV reported in April, the proposed Belonging Policy was developed by the Diversity Subcommittee, headed by Ward 6 School Committee member Yonnie Collins. It would ensure student access to guidance and adjustment counselors and encourage Haverhill High School students to participate in various school programs, including the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Union and Student Council, among other provisions. The Policy Subcommittee, chaired by Richard J. Rosa, meets Monday, June 2, at 7 p.m. on Google Meet at this link.

Education

Foundation Again Names Pentucket Regional Schools Among Best Communities for Music Education

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Pentucket Regional School District was recently recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education for a fifth consecutive year. Pentucket Regional was one of 22 schools across Massachusetts to receive the honor of being included on the list. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. “Our music students are passionate about their craft, which allows this program to thrive. Thank you to all of those in our community who have supported our program and made this achievement possible,” said Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair David Schumacher.

Education

Haverhill and North Andover Green Teams Win State Recognition

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Schools in Haverhill and North Andover were recently recognized by the state for hosting Green Team classes with each participating student receiving a “Bee the Change” pollinator seed packet. They include Marigold Montessori School and Green Team leader Jennifer Khalsa Shimmel of Haverhill. North Andover prize winners were Sargent Elementary, Courtney Ahearn; Atkinson Elementary School, Mandi Imasogie; Franklin Elementary School, Hilary Alden; Kittredge Elementary School, Cheryl Means; North Andover High School, Sarah Vaudo; and North Andover Middle School, Erien Gordon. Awards came from the state Department of Environmental Protection and acknowledged students from 475 classrooms across the state, making the 2024-2025 school year the highest registration in Green Team program history. Officials said activities vary from expanding school recycling programs to promoting water conservation.

Education

Those Who Will be the New Consentino School’s First Graduates Hear Wisdom from 55 Years Ago

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Reporter’s note: Besides my brother, Joseph Coco, mentioned in the story below, I was also present with our parents that day 55 years ago when the original capsule was placed. It was a surreal experience to be present for the opening of a box that, in 1970, seemed such an event would be an eternity away. (Additional photographs below.)

A letter to future students from seventh graders at William H. Moody School was among a treasure trove of memorabilia stuffed into a copper box 55 years ago at what was then the new Dr. Albert B. Consentino School. The box was opened Tuesday—the first time since May 31, 1970, when it was soldered closed and placed behind the school’s concrete cornerstone, with the official 1969 construction date. With the new Consentino School visibly rising above and behind the original building, school Superintendent Margaret Marotta couldn’t help but acknowledge the juxtaposition.

Education

Haverhill ESPs Press School Committee for Positions on Any State Mediator Settlement Advice

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Haverhill School Committee members, repeatedly quizzed by union members during public comment last Thursday, refused to say whether they would support recommendations of a state mediator to settle contract talks. Education support professionals, knowns as ESPs for short, represented by the Haverhill Education Association, asked each School Committee member in succession whether they would follow any advice. Leading off was Lynn M. Sullivan, an ESP who is part of the union negotiating team. Sullivan noted the paraprofessionals have been working 691 days without a contract and are eager to settle. “As part of an effort to instill confidence and faith in this body we are asking each of you School Committee members to commit to honor the process of mediation and fact finding, a tool you employed to help settle a fair contract for the ESPS by honoring his recommendations,” Sullivan explained.