12/13

Dear Pentucket Families,

As we move deeper into December, the energy and excitement across our school are palpable. This week, we are celebrating the exceptional performance of our DECA students, who excelled at their recent competition. Their dedication and preparation paid off, and we are so proud of their achievements.

The sounds of music have been filling our hallways as students rehearse for our winter concerts, which are now in full swing. Hearing their progress and passion is truly energizing, and I encourage everyone to attend these special performances. Our talented students have been working hard, and their music is a beautiful way to embrace the season.

Meanwhile, our middle school students are busy preparing for their December PBIS assembly. Their enthusiasm and creativity in recognizing positive behaviors and fostering a supportive school culture remind us all of the importance of coming together as a community.

Finally, winter sports are underway, with our teams diving into their seasons determination. From the basketball courts to the hockey rinks our athletes continue to inspire with their teamwork and commitment.

Have a great week!

Brenda Erhardt

Pentucket MHS Principal

The speech and debate team had a tournament last weekend in Arlington, MA. Congrats to all who competed and to Sophia Nickerson who placed 3rd in dramatic performance, Gigi Parra who placed 4th in informative speaking, Grey Cummins who placed 8th in novice Lincoln-Douglas debate in speaker points, and Nina Gordon who won the costume contest! Also we would like to give a very special thank you to Mr. Bub, Mr. Parent, and Krista Wood for being judges and volunteering their time to do this.

The schoolwide DUES DRIVE begins on Friday 1/3/25 and ends on Friday 1/31/25.

Each year the classes collect “dues” in the amount of $37.50 (a four-year total $150.00). Class dues are used for class activities and events such as the senior outing, prom, senior banquet, caps and gowns, etc. In order to attend senior events (prom, banquet, graduation) the dues need to be paid in full. If you are unsure how much you have already paid for class dues, please check in with your class advisor(s).

Please see the class pages for payment information.

Pentucket Music alum Jon Hayes ('14) is the latest of four different guest artists to visit with Beat Lab, Guitar Class, and Choir students this semester to provide valuable insight into the music industry. Hayes is an alternative singer and songwriter. Since graduating, he has seen great success with his music, and has toured and performed across the Midwest and Northeast. During his visit to PRHS, Hayes gave students a workshop in songwriting and performed a set of his original songs. You can listen to his music on Spotify, AppleMusic, or www.jonhayesofficial.com

We have some exciting news to share about our FIRST LEGO League team, FLL64989 Robo Cats. On Saturday, December 7th, the Robo Cats attended the Redhawk Rumble Tournament in Melrose and won 1st place for their Innovation Project, placed 12th overall in the robot game, and qualified for the State Championship this coming Saturday.

FIRST LEGO League has multiple components, including a research project in which teams must identify a problem relevant to the season's theme (this year was oceans) and propose a technology-driven solution. Our students met with multiple experts, visited the Plum Island Museum of Lost Toys and Oddities (where they were interviewed by and featured in The Boston Globe), and received feedback from multiple teachers throughout the district. Their problem was the lack of awareness the residents in our Merrimack Valley community have about when Combined Sewage Overflow events occur in the Merrimack River, and they created a warning system that works alongside weather apps to provide warnings to affected residents.

The seven students on this team come from each of the 3 towns, and have been led by their coach, Liz Jones, since September. Liz has gone above and beyond to create a memorable experience for the students while also supporting them to great success.

Bagnall: Jhodi Coates (Grade 6),Ian Jones (Grade 5), Evan Ames (Grade 5),Sebastian Alexander (Grade 5)

Page: William Chorney (Grade 5), Henry Sutherland (Grade 5)

Donahue: Luciano DeCresenzo (Grade 5)

We are hoping that you all can help us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these students through school newsletters or however, is most appropriate.

As you may recall, this team was created by the High School robotics team as a pilot program seeking to expand access to FIRST robotics opportunities to younger students in our district. They have had an amazing first season so far, and it is our goal with continued support that we can create programs based out of the elementary schools in the district.

Lastly, I want to invite all of you to our FIRST Robotics @ Pentucket Open House on Thursday 1/2/2025 from 6PM to 8PM at PRMHS, where you can come see the robot these students have built and learn more about their Innovation Project. Please see the flyer.

Thank you all for your continued support of FIRST and STEM education in our district.

Pentucket Regional School District will introduce a Hall of Fame, which will honor alumni, athletes, educators, and community members who have made a significant contribution to the district.

The Hall of Fame is soliciting nominations beginning Jan. 1, 2025, in three categories:

• Legacy Employees. These employees – for example, teachers, coaches, custodians, administrators, etc. – must have worked for the Pentucket district for at least five years. Nominees should have made a lasting impact through leadership, innovation, mentorship, or service to the school, leaving a positive influence on students, staff, and the broader Pentucket community.
• Alumni. Nominees should embody excellence, leadership, and commitment to Pentucket's core values, whether through achievements on the field, stage, in the classroom, or in their service to the community. They should have made a lasting impact through their talents and contributions, exemplifying the qualities of integrity and dedication. To be eligible, alumni must have graduated from or attended Pentucket for at least half of their school years, ensuring a deep connection to the district. Their accomplishments should reflect a legacy of positive influence within the Pentucket community and beyond.
• Benefactors. Nominees may be alumni or community members. They should have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to advancing the Pentucket district's mission, helping to improve facilities, programs, or opportunities for students. Their generosity and dedication should have left a meaningful and lasting impact on the school community.

Nominations can be submitted through the District Hall of Fame web page and will be accepted through April 1.

A Nomination Committee will review all applications and select the inaugural Hall of Fame class, which will be announced in September 2025. Honorees will be recognized at a ceremony later that fall.

Community members interested in serving on the Nomination Committee are asked to contact Principal Brenda Erhardt at berhardt@prsd.org.

PRMS:

Please join us at the PRMS Winter Concert and Visual Arts Reception Tuesday, December 17th in the PRMHS dining commons and auditorium. This event features work from our visual art and video students on display from 6-7pm, followed by performances from all of our PRMS ensembles at 7pm, and a grand finale in which the entire program leads the audience in a sing-along of holiday classics! No tickets required. Thanks and we hope to see you there! (snow date 12/19)

PRHS:

Please join us at the PRHS Winter Concert and Visual Arts Reception Wednesday, December 18th in the PRMHS dining commons and auditorium. This event features work from our visual art and video students on display from 6-7pm, followed by performances from all of our PRHS ensembles at 7pm and a grand finale in which the entire program leads the audience in a sing-along of holiday classics! No tickets required. Thanks and we hope to see you there! (snow date 12/19)

Please click here to register!

Spread holiday cheer and earn community service hours by volunteering!

The Port Gingerbread Festival is looking for volunteers December 13-15. There are two-hour shifts available Friday through Sunday. Details and sign-up at www.portgingerbreadfestival.org

Brunch with Santa is looking for volunteers on December 15th (10 am - 12 noon) at Salvatores @ 354 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA. The contact person is: Lenard Zohn Lzohn90@comcast.net 617-680-0593

The First Congregational Church, is presenting A Christmas Carol. is looking for volunteers to help with the production. The contact person is: Rich Broch at rsbrock88@gmail.com

Senior Celebration Bake Sale

Volunteers are needed, December 14th at Long Hill Orchards, West Newbury, MA. The contact person is Nancy Parenteau at nancy.parenteau@verisonwireless.com

Celebrate the holidays with Santa! Click here for details.

As a reminder, there is a new process in place for students signing in when arriving late to school and it requires them to use their Student ID. Students should have their ID readily available when entering the building.

The Health Office will be conducting the state-mandated annual postural screenings (7th, 8th, and 9th grades only) during the month of January. If you DO NOT wish your child to participate in postural screening, please complete this opt-out form (otherwise, your child will be screened).

Upcoming School Committee Meetings:

December 17th

January 14th

February 4th

February 25th

March 4th

March 18th

April 15th

May 6th

June 3rd

*****All meetings begin at 6:00pm and are held in the middle/high school building

**A complete list of School Committee Meeting is available on the PRSD website**

Meeting Time 6:45am-7:15am

The School Council Meets the second Thursday of each month. Please see the PRMHS website for agendas