2/7

Principal's Weekly Update

Dear Pentucket Community,

I hope this message finds you well. It’s been another eventful week here at Pentucket, filled with resilience, adaptability, and school pride.

Athletics Highlights
Our boys’ basketball team demonstrated incredible perseverance this week, clinching a hard-earned victory in an intense triple-overtime game. Their determination and teamwork were truly inspiring!

Similarly, our wrestling team delivered outstanding results in their latest competitions. We are thrilled to share that their coach was recognized for his exceptional dedication to the sport. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff on these accomplishments!

Academic Updates - IMPORTANT
Please review the updated guidance on Pentucket’s Competency Determination(CD) requirements and graduation requirements included below. These updates are essential to ensuring all students remain on track for their future goals.

Auditorium Update
As you know, the auditorium remains closed following the recent fire. While we are awaiting additional updates, all indications point to it being unavailable for the remainder of the school year.

Despite this challenge, our theater department has shown remarkable flexibility and resilience. Students and staff have worked together to adjust the spring schedule and plan for the future. While it was disappointing to learn that this year’s performance of Mary Poppins will need to be postponed until next year, our students have been nothing short of inspiring, holding their heads high through it all.

We are so fortunate to have such amazing students at Pentucket who rise to challenges with grace and optimism.

Thank you, as always, for your support of our school and students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Brenda Erhardt

Pentucket MHS Principal

NEW INFORMATION

COMPETENCY DETERMINATION AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Due to the fact MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement, Pentucket had to determine what our Competency Requirements should be, along with realigning our Graduation Requirements. Please see below and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

IKF - Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination

Graduation and Competency Determination (CD) Requirements:

All graduates of the Pentucket Regional Middle High School will successfully use their knowledge and skills to be lifelong learners, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens.

Competency Determination

To graduate from Pentucket Regional Middle High School, a student must earn a minimum of 25 credits. All students must pass Massachusetts curriculum requirements, including a successful Competency Determination (CD) of the student meeting the minimum tenth grade Massachusetts Curriculum Framework Standards in the content areas identified below. Tenth grade standards represent a critical benchmark in students’ academic development, ensuring they possess the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in upper-level high school courses, post-secondary education, and the workforce. For the Class of 2025 and beyond, a successful CD requires passing the following coursework:

Students must demonstrate proficiency in the following core subject areas:

English Language Arts (ELA): Competence in reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, including analyzing texts, constructing evidence-based arguments, writing and producing clear coherent written and oral communication, following standard grammar and mechanics.
Mathematics: Mastery of foundational mathematical principles (algebra, geometry, statistics, etc.) as well as problem-solving and application of mathematical reasoning.
Science and Technology/Engineering: Understanding of scientific principles and the ability to apply them in real-world contexts, including critical thinking, experimentation, and data analysis.

Passing these High School courses will demonstrate Competency in the specific content areas.

Alternatively, students may also demonstrate competency in the areas above through varying means listed below, and others as determined by the High School Principal.

English 9 & 10

Passing other English classes in the program of studies, such as English 11 or 12
Completing coursework in English Department courses

Writing Lab

Demonstrating Writing performance prior to entering high school that does not require enrollment in Writing Lab
Demonstrating writing performance in other English Department Classes that is evaluated to be at or above 10th grade standards

Algebra I & Geometry

Demonstrating mathematical skills through varying math department courses that demonstrates competency in the standards through Algebra I and Geometry

Biology and 1 more lab based science such as Chemistry

Passing courses such as AP Biology, Anatomy and other course offerings typically taken in 11th and 12th grade

Please note, the principal has final say in determining whether or not a student has met Competency Determination.

Graduation Requirements:

Beginning with the graduating class of 2026

The minimum graduation requirements for Pentucket Regional Middle High School are aligned with the MassCore, a state-recommended program of study intended to structure high school coursework with college and workforce expectations. These graduation requirements, by course and credits, are the following:

The Pentucket High School Program of Studies should be followed for course sequence in order for students to plan and successfully complete their graduation requirements.

Credit Requirements:

Content/Requirement

Full Year courses

Credits (1.0 credit scale)

English

4

Mathematics

4

History & Social Studies (including US History, World History, and elective classes in Civics, Psychology, and Government)

3

Civic Studies and Action Project (completed through course work in semester Civics class, semester Genocide and Humanitarian class, or full year long AP US Government class)

.5

Science (including Biology, Chemistry and one additional lab science)

3

Global Language (same language)

2

Wellness (Physical Education/Health)

2

Fine, Performing, and Media Arts

1

Additional credits (such as courses in

Business Education, Health and/or Technology)

5.5

Community Service - 40 hours

Total Required Credits

25

While school personnel will make every effort to assist and monitor students, the final responsibility for meeting course credit and attendance requirements for promotion and graduation rests with students and parents/guardians.

Students who do not meet the required performances in the classes outlined for CD requirements, must meet and plan with their guidance counselor to ensure they reach the necessary competency levels for the CD through additional coursework. Meeting these requirements, alongside earning sufficient course credits, is essential for graduation.

In the event that a student transfers into Pentucket Regional Middle High School at any point during their high school career, a transcript review will be conducted to ensure that the coursework from the previous school is aligned with PRMHS coursework for the CD and graduation requirements. The Principal shall be the arbiter for all final decisions.

SOURCE:

The Massachusetts High School Program of Studies (MassCore)

MA Curriculum Framework Standards

Legal Refs.:

State Law Regarding Competency Determination M.G.L. Title XII Ch.69 S.1D.

Massachusetts state law requires the instruction of American history and civics (G.L. c. 71, § 2)

Massachusetts state law requires the instruction of physical education (G.L. c. 71, § 3)

IKF - Graduation Requirements & CD - Pentucket

IKF - Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination Graduation and Competency Determination (CD) Requirements: All graduates of the Pentucket Regional Middle High School will successfully use their knowledge and skills to be lifelong learners, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and respon...

docs.google.com

Exciting Track News

Boys placed 2nd at CALs Sunday night!!! Jackson Beuparlant broke the school record in the mile, Gabe Macleod broke the school record in the 300m, boys 4x400m relay broke the school record, and Sydney Trout broke the school record in the 55m dash. Woohoo!

Wresting Update

Pentucket had a great day at the CAL Championship!
As a team 7th Team won the Sportsmanship Award, Coach Puleo was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award. Individuals: Tanner Kamuda 138 lb Champion, Mason Skinner 175 lb Champion, Karsyn Otero 144 lbs 2nd, Martin DeJesus 132 lbs 2nd, Cooper Zaneski 165lbs 4th, & Tanner Kamuda CAL wrestler of the year and Outstanding Wrestler Award. Congratulations!

Pentucket Summer Programs 2025

Please click here to view Pentucket's Summer Program. In addition, there is a video.

Speech and Debate Information

The New England Qualifier tournament was held this past weekend (Feb 1st) at Concord-Carlisle High School. Only the top 3 in each category go to nationals, and my category is called Informative Speaking. Nationals will be held in Des Moines, Iowa from June 15 to June 20. There are over 6,000 competitors from around the country. It is the largest academic tournament in the world. Here is a video link from the national tournament.

STUDENT SERVICES & ATHLETICS

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLEASE! WATER ONLY!

We are asking as nicely as possible to bring ONLY WATER to school in a covered water bottle. No Dunks, Energy Drinks or Soda. Just water! Students will not be allowed to bring any other drinks besides water in the building. THANK YOU for your cooperation.

NOMINATE! NOMINATE! NOMINATE!

Please visit PRSD.org/HOF to nominate a Pentucket Employee, an Alumni or a Benefactor to help recongize those who have done tremendous work for students and our community!

Nominations are open between January 1 and April 1, 2025

Community Resource

Please check out Groveland's Community Calendar for local events.

Free Parenting Library

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce that our free Parenting Solutions Library is now available in Spanish. MPY is offering this valuable resource in partnership with Peace at Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit organization located in Mansfield, Connecticut.

Through this partnership, MPY is providing proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The Parenting Solutions Library is easily accessed using the link on MPY’s home page. No log in or passcode is needed. The Peace at Home Parenting Solutions Library is a free, valuable resource for PTOs, SEPACs, ELLPACs and other parent-oriented groups.

Pentucket Art Foundation

For 22 years Pentucket Arts Foundation has proudly served as a staunch supporter of the arts and culture in our tri-town community to enrich the lives of residents of all ages in Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury through shared arts experiences. We use community-sourced funds to continue our programs, events, scholarships and grants. With your help, the Foundation can continue to enhance the lives within our communities. Please refer to our website or QR Code to see the variety and depth of offerings. Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic