Education

Haverhill High School to Add Early Education, Graphic Design Being Dropped by Whittier Tech

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Haverhill High School is picking up early childhood education and graphic design as Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School phases out similar programs.

Beginning in September the high school will offer a career technical education program in early childhood education with the added opportunity of exploring kindergarten through grade 12 teaching, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Victoria Kelley told WHAV. Likewise, the school will add graphic design and visual communications. “We want to fill the need in the community,” Kelley said. “We are working on a smooth transition.”

Kelley noted Haverhill High School already offers five career-oriented programs in healthcare, information technology, programming, biomedicine, and engineering. She said parents of Haverhill High School students are receiving letters this week that will outline the new course offerings.

Haverhill

Residents to Hear Haverhill Watering Update Tuesday as City Moves Down to ‘Mild Drought’

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As the state downgrades the region’s drought status from “Significant Drought” to “Mild Drought,” Haverhill Public Works Director Robert E. Ward will tell residents Tuesday night what that means in terms of future restrictions. Seven months of lower-than-anticipated rainfall prompted the city to issue a drought emergency in March and invoke several water use restrictions, including a prohibition against washing cars except at commercial car washes where water is recycled and using sprinklers to water lawns. Businesses that depend on water, such as golf course and plant nurseries, were exempted from the usage restrictions. Ward gave his rationale last month. “We are significantly lower than our average trend for our lake level.

Education

Payano: Bartlett, Nettle Schools in Haverhill Could Receive Part of $150,000 From ‘Millionaire’s Tax’

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Haverhill hopes to modernize classrooms at the Albert L. Bartlett School and make other improvements after the state Senate proposed using $150,000 in proceeds from the state’s so-called “millionaire’s tax.”

Sen. Pavel M. Payano said Friday the Senate’s passage of the $1.33 billion Fair Share supplemental budget enables the city to receive $100,000 for Bartlett School classrooms and upgrade the district’s Assessment Center with improved technology and learning tools. “Every student deserves a safe, supportive place to grow, whether that means an updated classroom or a trusted mentor after school,” said Payano in a statement. “These funds meet some of the many needs in Haverhill and reflect what families have been asking for. I’ll be advocating every step of the way to make sure these priorities are included in the final version of the bill.”

If the spending plan is ultimately approved by both legislative branches and the governor, it also includes $35,000 for after‑school programming to help young women build confidence, leadership skills and college/career readiness and $15,000 to replace aging washer and dryer units at Dr. Paul C. Nettle School used for washing uniforms.

Payano school leaders and families across the city suggested the projects. Money comes from the Fair Share Amendment, approved by voters in 2022, which created a 4% surtax on annual income over $1 million and designated the money be used for public education and transportation.

Business Bulletin

Power of Self-Education’s COCO Brown in Haverhill Receives Barr Foundation Grant

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Haverhill-based Power of Self-Education’s COCO Brown initiative was recently named as one of 55 grassroots arts organizations across the state to receive a Catalyzing Vitality grant from the Barr Foundation. COCO Brown, at 143 Essex St., is described as helping to sustain and expand “culturally vibrant, community-centered programming for artists and creative entrepreneurs north of Boston.” For more than six years, it has offered open mics, storytelling events, wellness workshops, youth and adult programming, civic and social events, entrepreneurial support and space for collective reflection, celebration and learning. “POSE Inc. is a powerful example of how community-rooted creativity can spark healing, connection and opportunity,” says Francisco Torres, program officer for arts and creativity at Barr Foundation. “We’re proud to support COCO Brown through the Catalyzing Vitality initiative as it continues to build a space that nurtures artists and fosters a deep sense of belonging in Haverhill.”

Katrina “Kat” Hobbs Everett, co-founder of POSE and director/curator of COCO Brown, adds “Here we are healing from scarcity mindsets and fear of money. We are reimagining what thriving looks like for our communities, and then pursuing what we dream up!”

Catalyzing Vitality addresses longstanding disparities in arts funding by investing in smaller, grassroots organizations that have historically lacked access to long-term, flexible resources.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill’s Woofstock and Wicked Axe Join Forces for May 24 Fundraiser for Sweet Paws Rescue

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Haverhill’s Woofstock, which plans a September celebration of dogs and local farms, is backing a “Spring into Rescue” fundraiser later this month at Wicked Axe to benefit Sweet Paws Rescue. Cyndie Morgan, organizer of Haverhill’s Woofstock, and Amanda Mann, event planner for Wicked Axe, said they are joining forces in support of Sweet Paws Rescue, which is planning a move from Groveland to a 69-acre farm in Haverhill. “It’s such a wonderful feeling when you can continue helping our community, and a collaboration like this is yet another example of how leading with heart makes anything possible,” said Morgan. “Spring into Rescue” features pet service and supply vendors, such as apparel and treats; information about adoptions; a demonstration by the Essex County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit; pay-to-play puppy sessions; and more Saturday, May 24, from 2-7 p.m., at Wicked Axe, 721 S. Main St., Haverhill. After the event, there will be live music from 8-11 p.m. There is a suggested cover of $10 with all donations going Sweet Paws Rescue.

Haverhill

Councilors Seek Haverhill Residents and Businesses to Weigh-In on Five-Year Housing Plan

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Haverhill city councilors are looking for input from residents and businesses before giving their blessings to a draft five-year Housing Production Plan. After nearly an hour of discussion, councilors voted Tuesday, May 6, to send the draft, prepared by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, to its Planning and Development Committee. Haverhill Community Development Division Director Andrew K. Herlihy, explained that while a Housing Production Plan is not required, it greatly improves the city’s chances of winning state and federal grants and makes Haverhill more attractive to developers. “This is going to be an aspirational document. It’s a guide.

Education

McGuire Family Donates $20,000 to Help Whittier Tech Install Track Timing System

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Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Wednesday honored the Richard McGuire family for its $20,000 donation of a track timing system. The FinishLynx Track Timing system was dedicated just prior to Whittier Tech’s track meet against Greater Lowell Technical High School. It was paid by the Richard McGuire Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Richard McGuire, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 21. McGuire was active in street and ice hockey during the late 1970s and early 1980s in Lawrence. The fund was established by Richard’s parents, Henry and Theresa McGuire, to honor their son’s memory by helping students pursue continued education.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Council on Aging Screens P.T. Barnum Flick May 14

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The musical period drama “The Greatest Showman” about the life and times of P.T. Barnum will be shown by the Haverhill Council on Aging. The film starring Hugh Jackman in the title role will be shown Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in Room 45 at the Haverhill Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. The showing is free. The film, which won a Golden Globe for best original song, traces Barnum’s early beginnings in entertainment. Reserve a place by calling Activities Director Paola Hussein at 978-374-2390, ext.