Education

Bradford Christian Academy to Close Grades 6-12, Citing ‘Uncertainty,’ ‘Finances’

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Bradford Christian Academy said Thursday it will close its Upper School, comprised of grades six through 12, at the end of the school year. The faith-based school said the action came in response to a long-term decline in Upper School enrollment, building uncertainty and resulting financial pressures. The upper grades have been located since 2024 at what is now Northpoint School of the Bible, on the former Bradford College campus. “After carefully considering enrollment, finances, facilities and a range of alternatives, we concluded that continuing the school’s current model is no longer sustainable,” said board Chair Jonathan Tymann. The future of building owner Northpoint Bible College came into question in February 2024 when the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education said it could not confirm the college had sufficient resources to sustain operations.

Education

Northern Essex Community College Names Jackowski STEM Dean

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Jennifer Jackowski last month joined Northern Essex Community College as dean of STEM. She says the path she took to becoming a dean, a job she described as “beyond her wildest imagination,” may be familiar for other community college graduates. “I never thought I’d be a college student, let alone an instructor, let alone a dean. I can relate to community college students because I have some of the same lived experiences. I can set a really high standard and help give them the support to get to that level,” says Jackowski.

Education

Haverhill Ponders Two Options for Combining Whittier Middle and Tilton Elementary Schools

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The Haverhill school department is forging ahead with plans for a new John Greenleaf Whittier School with two options that would also replace the John C. Tilton School. Now that the new Dr. Albert B. Consentino School is mostly in the rear window, Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta told the School Committee last week the new Whittier middle school building project is moving into the design phase. There are three enrollment options—a 745-student middle school, which she described as a similar to today’s school with more space and room for students; a grades four through eight school of 1,045 students that would replace both the Whittier middle and Tilton elementary schools; and a larger school of 1,325 students that would encompass grades three to eight and also close Tilton School. The superintendent acknowledged additional considerations required to combine the two schools. “I realize those are not in the same section of the city, and it requires some shifting of lines,” Marotta said.

Education

Whittier Tech Plans Open House Nov. 1

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Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School is having its annual open house Nov. 1. It is aimed at prospective students, families and the public. The open house offers tours, overviews of 21 career and technical programs and opportunities to learn about student life through meetings with staff and information about academic pathways, athletics, clubs, activities and the many ways students can get involved beyond their technical program. Applications for the 2027-28 school year are now open, and prospective students also have an opportunity to apply on-site during the open house.

Education

Northern Essex Commences $6.7M Athletic Complex in Haverhill

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Northern Essex Community College has formally commenced construction on a new, modern baseball field, soccer and multi-purpose field and an eight-lane track at its Haverhill campus. Officials said Wednesday, the new $6.7 million outdoor complex will give college teams that currently practice and compete at off-campus locations dedicated athletic spaces on campus. “Northern Essex has become a nationally recognized athletics program thanks in large part to the dedication of our coaches, staff and student athletes. By ensuring they have access to safe, modern and convenient facilities for practices and games, we’re investing in our students’ continued success on and off the field,” said Northern Essex President Lane A. Glenn. As WHAV reported first last spring, the college told the Haverhill Conservation Commission site improvements include a new track and field, baseball field, tennis courts, bathrooms and associated sidewalks and utilities at the 12.1 acre parcel overlooking Kenoza Lake.

Education

Rwandan Peace Leader Gives Forgiveness, Violence Prevention Lessons at HHS

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Marc J. Gwamaka, chief of staff of the Aegis Trust and the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda, is leading student-centered lessons on forgiveness and violence prevention for all eighth-grade classes in Haverhill this week. Lessons began Monday morning and continue through Thursday at Dr, Albert B. Consentino, Dr. Paul C. Nettle, Caleb Dustin Hunking and John Greenleaf Whittier Schools. State Rep. Andy X. Vargas will be in attendance Thursday at Consentino. Other legislators, including sponsors of the Massachusetts Genocide Education Act and members of Haverhill’s state delegation, were also invited. “Genocide begins with ordinary choices: the words we use, who we exclude and when we stay silent.

Education

Northern Essex’s McCarthy Joins New Small Business Advisory Council

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Michael McCarthy, executive vice president and chief financial and operating officer at Northern Essex Community College, was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center statewide Advisory Council, a new group of business, government, economic development and community leaders helping guide the future of small business support in the state. The Advisory Council was established as part of the Council’s five-year strategic plan, which is focused on strengthening the organization’s ability to help entrepreneurs build and grow sustainable businesses that drive economic growth and innovation across Massachusetts. “I’m honored to have been asked to join this amazing group of leaders to help our small businesses and local economies while creating opportunities for students,” said McCarthy. As a member of the Advisory Council, McCarthy will bring his experience in higher education, budgeting and workforce development to discussions surrounding emerging issues affecting small businesses, opportunities for statewide collaboration and initiatives designed to strengthen Massachusetts’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Community colleges are an integral part of economic development at all levels,” said Northern Essex Community College President Lane A. Glenn.

Education

AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 Awards 8 Scholarships

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AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 of Haverhill recently awarded a total of $10,000 in 2026 scholarships, divided among eight graduating students. Each recipient was given a check $1,250 for towards college. Students were Ellie Dimopoulos of Haverhill, attending Endicott College, majoring in Exercise Science; Victoria Syniotis of Methuen, attending San Diego University, majoring in Business and Marketing; Lila Tzitzon of Andover, attending Boston College, majoring in Nursing; Mikayla Tzortizs of Haverhill, attending Merrimack College, majoring in Nursing; Nektarios Tzortzis of Haverhill, attending UMasss Lowell, majoring in Accounting; Melina Panagiotakopoulos of Haverhill, attending UMass, majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management; Amalia Panagiotakopoulos of Haverhill, attending George Washington University, majoring in Political Science; and Angelica Pricone-Mallous of Manchester, N.H., attending Manchester School of Technology, majoring in Design Communication. Since 2004, AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 has awarded scholarships totaling more than $106,000. Those wishing to learn more may email to [email protected].