Education

State Awards Grant to Pentucket Regional to add Manufacturing, Environmental and Life Sciences

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Pentucket Regional High School is one of 31 high schools across the state to receive a grant aimed at creating new Innovation Career Pathways for students. Pentucket, which was awarded a $25,000, is one of 18 schools planning to add Innovation Career Pathways for the first time. The school will use the planning grant to pursue establishing two different pathways for students—Manufacturing and Environmental and Life Sciences. “Pentucket sees this as an amazing opportunity to connect with industry partners and provide our students with advanced learning that has practical applications. We are looking forward to leveraging all of the resources from the region, the department of education, and other districts engaging in Innovative Pathways work too,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Pentucket Regional School District Brent Conway.

Cannabis

Northern Essex Community College to Host Free Cannabis Industry Insights, Career Expo Wednesday

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Northern Essex Community College is having a free career fair Wednesday for those wishing to learn more about the cannabis industry. Called, “Cannabis Industry Insights and Career Expo: Cultivating Your Future,” the event features local cannabis pioneers and executives who have shaped the industry and who will share their journey, discuss current trends and offer advice. There will also be opportunities to network and chat with local companies about their unique roles and career opportunities. Employers attending will be presenting a variety of opportunities for job seekers, including entry-level, experienced and career changers. The Insights and Career Expo takes place Wednesday, Sept.

Education

Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Honors 10 as Part of 50th Anniversary Launch

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Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School celebrates its 50th anniversary next month with the first induction class into the Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame. The Athletic Hall of Fame was established to honor the school’s 50th anniversary. The school received more than 100 nominations, but with the help of the Selection Committee, the field was narrowed to 10 honorees, including two teams—the 1979 football team and the 2005 girls’ basketball team, two coaches—Denis Cronin and Denise Woodcock, significant contributors Ed and Patricia Penny and five former student-athletes—Stephen K. Jayne ‘80, John Campbell ‘88, Scott LaValley ‘87, Alicia Cook ‘02 and Amanda Dennis ‘05. “Operating for 50 years is an outstanding accomplishment, and all of us at Whittier Tech are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with the first induction class of the Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “All of the individuals who have been inducted embody the values of Whittier Tech, and we cannot wait to celebrate with them and the members of our community at our upcoming celebration!”

An induction ceremony and celebration take place Friday, Oct.

Education

Sullivan: Increased Competition or Bringing Services In-House May Resolve Haverhill School Bus Issues

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At least one member of the Haverhill School Committee says increased competition or bringing some school transportation in-house could be the answer to late buses and a shortage of buses and drivers. Responding to parents last week, Committee member Gail M. Sullivan said the problem centers on the lack of competition. Local provider NRT Bus, for example, was purchased in recent years by national chain Beacon Mobility. Parent James Salerno said the whole ridership program is rife with problems.

“Here we are in the third week of school and bus 11 is still repeatedly 20 to 40 minutes late on a daily basis. My child does not get picked up until 8:50 to 9:05.

Education

‘Vaping 101,’ First in Haverhill Schools’ Current Health Series, Takes Place Online Tonight

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The first in a series of Haverhill school health talks, “Vaping 101,” takes place tonight to help caregivers, the community and families understand the negative effects of youth e-cigarette use. Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a Stanford University professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, conducts a webinar tonight, from 7-8:30 p.m., as part of the Haverhill Public Schools’ Wellness Committee and Wellness Department. Halpern-Felsher’s research has focused on understanding and reducing adolescent and young adult tobacco use, alcohol and marijuana use and risky sexual behavior. Her research, including about 200 publications in journals such as JAMA Network, Pediatrics and the American Journal of Public Health, as well as her committee and policy work, have helped set policy at the local, state and national levels. She has been an active member on several national campaigns to understand and reduce adolescent tobacco and e-cigarette use.

Education

Northern Essex Community College Offers Live and Virtual Info Sessions on Free College for Those Eligible

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Northern Essex Community College is having a series of information sessions for those newly eligible to complete their degrees at no cost to them. The new “MassReconnect” allows residents aged 25 or older who have not already obtained a college degree to attend the state’s community colleges for free. This last-dollar support covers tuition and fees, including books and materials stipends. Northern Essex is already offering free tuition under the program to 125 students across 31 degree and certificate programs and number is expected to increase with Fall Session II classes starting Monday, Oct. 30.

Education

Haverhill School Board Votes 6-0 to End Legal Action Against Teachers, Sidesteps Meeting Law Complaint

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Accusations, denials and general confusion were in the mix during a discussion by the Haverhill School Committee last Thursday over the legality of an earlier closed-door meeting. As previously reported by WHAV, the School Committee went into executive session late last month where they apparently voted 5-1 to end legal action against the Haverhill teachers’ union over recovery of costs related to last fall’s teachers strike. WHAV challenged the legality of the session, arguing that the Committee failed to state the specific purpose of the closed-door session beforehand, in violation of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, and privately discussed the vote with the Haverhill Education Association. Committee member Paul A. Magliocchetti began the discussion by pointing out the requirement for transparency in deliberations regarding public policy decisions. He said there are, however, 10 exceptions where the need discussion out of the public eye are acknowledged by the state.

Education

Name Calling, Cuss Word, Mayor Walking Out Highlight School Committee Meeting Tensions

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The mayor walked out and uttered a cuss word as tensions ran high at Thursday’s Haverhill School Committee meeting as the Haverhill Education Association continued its pursuit of what it calls a living wage for the city’s educational support professionals. Prior to last night’s meeting, dozens of teachers and other school personnel stood outside city hall waving banners at passing pedestrians and motorists calling for pay increases. Much of that crowd then entered the City Council chamber to express their views to School Committee members in a one-to-one setting. Among them, Patricia Shaw who had harsh words for city lawyer David M. Connelly. “He’s an anti-union lawyer.