PRSD is fortunate to have Greg Hadden!

Greg Hadden is a topnotch employee!  He is a wealth of knowledge and extremely dedicated.  The Pentucket Regional School District is fortunate to have him as our Facilities Manager.  He cares for all six buildings and supervises the grounds and building crew.  This winter, he worked incredible hours trying to keep up with snowstorms and building maintenance issues.  Earlier this year, he coordinated applications for funding of building improvements through the 'Greens Project'.  Thanks to Mr. Hadden's hard work, several PRSD schools are now slated to have major building renovations.  Plans are underway to replace the roof and windows on the older section of the Sweetsir building.  (We certainly will not miss the leaky ceilings and drafty windows!). Structural engineers have already been by several times to review floor plan maps and tour the building.  Plans are in place to begin the repairs this summer... more details will be posted via this blog once the work begins.

As you can see in this picture, Mr. Hadden even pitches in to fill some of the gaps in staffing left by budget reductions.  He often helps the custodians mow grounds and shovel walkways.

Experiential Learning is FUN

Today was quite a day at the Sweetsir School with lots of experiential learning taking place!  Our second graders walked to the Donaghue School for a tour of their future school.  Principal Robert Harrison welcomed them and gave an overview of what to expect when they return next year as third graders.  Our first graders visited the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and participated in a workshop about the insects and plants along the shores.  This was an extension of a science unit taking place in the classroom. Preschoolers were visited by the Merrimac Firefighters and given an opportunity to ride on the fire truck!  Learning is FUN at the Sweetsir School!

Thank you to the Merrimac Firefighters!  The Preschoolers loved seeing the truck and learning more about the apparatus used to keep us safe!  The children rode in the truck as Ms. Patty pulled the horn!

Harlem Wizards vs Merrimac Monstars

The Harlem Wizards game was a huge success!  Kudos to Jen Marden and the other Board Members who organized this fun PTO event.  Despite incredible heat and tornado warnings, the H.S. gymnasium was packed with families and tickets sold out.  The crowd roared with laughter, awed by the comedic tricks and talented moves by the Wizards.  Our home team was also a force to be reckoned with- among them were teachers Kate Byrne and Martine Isabel who impressed the crowd with their scoring shots and Jessica Gilliland, Leigh Curtis-Pare and Kathy Terceiro who brought team spirit with their fancy wigs!

Staff Retirements ~ after 30 and 40+ years!

Two of our beloved staff members will be retiring at the end of this school year:

Louise Brown & Janet Fisher

Ms. Brown began as a substitute teacher in the late 70's, taught Title One for three years, and has been an art teacher at both the Donaghue and the Sweetsir School since 1983.  In recent years, she has hosted an annual 'Spring Art Show' featuring students many creative works of art.  Those who attended the event last month will agree, the high quality work and way it was displayed in the HRD foyer created the feeling of a professional 'Art Gallery'. 

Janet Fisher has worked in Merrimac Schools 45 years!!!  She began her career in the cafeteria at Donaghue and finished at Sweetsir.  Several generations of Merrimac children may remember her fabulous cookies. She has an amazing work ethic and the cleanest kitchen I have ever seen. 

Both of these women will be greatly missed.  We hope they have a joyful and fun retirement surrounded by friends and family.

Class Placement

We have started creating the lists for next year's class placement.  At this point, I've reviewed the parent input forms and met with the special education team to determine any special considerations.  Classroom teachers and I will meet during tomorrow's early release time to look at effective groupings of students. This is usually a lengthy discussion as teachers are very thoughtful about how to best balance social and academic needs to ensure each class is set up for success.  Unfortunately, until the budget is settled* we will not know which teachers will be at Sweetsir and Donaghue next year.  Therefore, teacher assignments will not be finalized until over the summer and placement notification will be mailed home to students. 

*On Monday, June 13th, there will be a special town meeting at the Sweetsir School for Merrimac citizens to vote on the 2012 school budget.  The meeting begins at 7:30pm and a quorum of 150 residents is needed.

Memorial Day

Those who attended Friday's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Sweetsir School will agree that the beautiful songs and heartfelt writings of k-2 students certainly set the tone for the significance of this patriotic holiday. 

Many of our students have family members who have served, or are currently serving, to protect our country.  Some were able to join us making the program especially meaningful.  Pictured is Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Moran with his daughters, Olivia and Megan.

Tracey McCarthy receives 2011 Trailblazer Award!

The Pentucket Education Foundation has graciously offered a $500 award for classroom supplies to an individual at each school within the district.  Recipients were nominated by parents, students and colleagues as someone whose teaching has inspired, motivated and energized others.  Tracey McCarthy, a special education teacher in the district's Preschool Communication Program, was selected to receive an award.  Those who nominated Ms. McCarthy referred to her as a role model for parents and co-workers because of her patience, skill and dedication.  One described the remarkable progress students under her guidance make by stating,"there must be magic dust in that classroom!" Congratulations to Ms. McCarthy!