Education

Northern Essex, Merrimack Health Celebrate New Surgical Tech Program Launch

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(Additional photograph gallery below.)
Yoneli Batista is excited to be studying at Northern Essex Community College and working toward a career in surgical tech that she might have overlooked. During an open house of the Surgical Technology program Wednesday in an actual operating room at Merrimack Health Haverhill, Batista explained she accidentally discovered the profession. “I stumbled on a video for surgi-tech and I think, Hey, I kind of want to do this. It looks like fun. It looks like something that I can grow in and, kind of like, let’s give it a try,” she told WHAV.

Education

Families Can Comment on Whittier Middle and Tilton Elementary School Plans

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Parents, students, and the public have opportunities to learn about, and weigh in on, the options to replace Haverhill’s John Greenleaf Whittier School and possibly John C. Tilton School as well. As WHAV reported Oct. 12, officials will brief residents and accept feedback at a Massachusetts School Building Authority gathering Thursday, Nov. 5, starting at 6 p.m., at the middle school, 256 Concord St, Haverhill. Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta told the School Committee the building project is moving into the design phase.

Education

 Methuen High Students Take Part in College and Careers Fair

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Methuen High School recently held a successful College and Careers Fair for senior students featuring more than 55 colleges, businesses, military organizations, technical schools and certification programs.

Besides being able to network and learn about local colleges and schools, students found opportunities to learn how their current classes remain important as they consider secondary education or enter the workforce. The school cited, for example, if a student is interested in plumbing, classes in geometry and physics at Methuen High School can help prepare them and create a bridge between their current classes and their future careers. “At Methuen Public Schools, we firmly believe in opportunities for all students, and by having our students participate in these programs and events, we are able to have more in-depth conversations and connect students with the right resources to further their education during their time in Methuen and after graduation,” said Methuen School Counseling Department Chair Martha Tatro. Methuen High School Counseling Department is also planning two field trips for Early College students where they will visit UMass Lowell.

Education

Haverhill High School Admin Shows Marked Student Gains

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Haverhill High School Principal Michael Downs detailed for the School Committee last week how the school has “come a long way in the last four years.”

The principal documented chronic absenteeism is down while daily attendance is up, averaging in the 90% range, compared to the 80s. He noted, however, students at the high school are in a category by themselves. “It’s a lot different at the high school than the lower levels. They have licenses and jobs, and sometimes that takes the priority, but we do the best we can,” he explained. The dropout rate before Downs took over as principal was 4% of 2,000 pupils, but recent data shows 1.3% and still improving.

Education

Schools’ Receipt of $3.2 Million Grant Offers Public Training Opportunities

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The School Committee took time Thursday to cheer the receipt of a $3.2 million state grant that also offers communitywide benefits. As WHAV reported first last week, the Career and Technical Education Annex Pilot Program will create 140 new vocational seats for Haverhill High School students. Haverhill Public Schools Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Victoria Kelley told the Committee the school system “took a leap of faith this year” and accepted all its lottery students this year using shared classroom space. The grant, however, pays for construction of dedicated classrooms and labs, accommodating current growth and allowing an additional 80 student seats. The grant pays for a dedicated Healthcare Simulation Lab to expand the school’s Health Assisting program and Advanced Technology Lab for the Information Support Services and Networking program.

Education

Gerber Joins Greater Lawrence Technical School in Workforce Development

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Tia Gerber has joined Greater Lawrence Technical School as workforce development program coordinator. Gerber, who previously worked nine years at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School as director of community partnership, will help further identify new and growing opportunities for students and the public, including students from neighboring communities who do not have direct access to vocational education and adult learners. “I am thrilled to have begun my new role at GLTS, and I want to highlight the incredible team we have here. They truly pride themselves on this type of work, and it has been a pleasure getting to learn from them and work alongside them as I have entered this role,” she said, “My focus for the Workforce Development Program is to continue highlighting our wonderful programs that strive to expand the education of our students and community.”

The school, serving Lawrence, Methuen, Andover and North Andover, offers three main outlets in the program, including After Dark, Adult Technical Training and an Apprenticeship Program. All of the technical career pathways offered through the GLTS After Dark Program align with local, regional and statewide labor market needs.

Education

State Awards Haverhill High School $50K to Continue Innovation Career Pathways

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Haverhill High School was awarded $50,000 Thursday to continue its Innovation Career Pathways programs that provide students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore careers in high-demand STEM fields and other growing industries. Last May, Haverhill High School’s Graphic Design and Visual Communications program was designated an Innovation Career Pathway by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The sum was among $4.7 million statewide in implementation and continuation grants to help schools sustain and strengthen existing programs this school year. This school year, more than 8,500 students are enrolled in 303 Innovation Career Pathways at 130 high schools, representing nearly 36% of eligible high schools across Massachusetts. Through these programs, students explore careers, take advanced coursework and gain real-world experience through internships and work-based learning.

Education

Articulation Agreement Turns Community Health Workers’ Experience into College Credit

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A new agreement between the Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers and Northern Essex Community College makes it easier for local community health workers to earn associate degrees. What is known as an articulation agreement, the pact allows health workers to receive college credit for time they’ve already spent working in the field. Students who have completed a Massachusetts Department of Public Health-approved community health worker training program could be eligible for up to 15 credits immediately, with another nine possible upon further evaluation—the equivalent of two semesters. “They already have thousands of community work hours as part of their CHW certification, so we recognize their expertise,” said Northern Essex Community College’s Public Health Program Coordinator Amanda Prophett. She expects the articulation agreement will encourage more workers to seek associate degrees in public health, which can lead to transfer opportunities, career advancement, better care for the individuals they serve and higher wages.