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Good Afternoon,

It’s hard to believe we are already into the second week of May—this time of year always seems to accelerate as the calendar fills up with so many important events and milestones.

This past week was full of testing across the building. Our middle school students worked through Math MCAS, while many of our high school students have been engaged in Advanced Placement Exams. I want to commend our students for the effort, focus, and perseverance they have shown—it has been impressive to see them rise to the occasion.

With that in mind, this is also a good time to check in at home. These weeks can be demanding, and ensuring that students are getting enough rest, eating well, and taking care of themselves can make a real difference in how they feel and perform.

At the same time, the energy in the building is shifting as we head into the final stretch of the school year. We are entering a season filled with end-of-year showcases, dances, awards ceremonies, and celebrations of student growth and achievement. It’s one of the busiest—and most rewarding—times of the year.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We’re looking forward to a strong finish together.

Brenda Erhardt
Principal, Pentucket Middle High School

AP Exams

May 4, 2026- May 15, 2026

Below please find the Advanced Placement Exam schedule.

It is very important that students are present and on time for their scheduled exams. Students will not be permitted to enter the testing room after testing begins.

Please note, if your student is taking an afternoon exam they may not finish before 2:15pm and may need transportation home.

**Students must arrive in their testing room by the following times:
For an 8:00am exam- 7:35am
For a 12:00pm exam- 11:31am

If you have any questions please contact Janna Millard, AP Coordinator.

The district will be streaming the following spring events for families and the community to enjoy:

May 12 - 7pm District Band Jamboree

May 14 - 7pm District Strings Jamboree

May 18 - 6:30pm National Honor Society Induction

May 19 - 7:15pm MS/HS Band & Percussion Concert

May 22 - 4:15pm Promenade

June 2 - 6pm Senior Awards Night

June 5 - 5:30pm (5pm Preshow Stream) Graduation

June 15 - 12:45pm Underclassmen Awards Ceremony

Four students from the Pentucket Regional High School's Changemakers Student Leadership team attended the Essex County ADL Law and Education Breakfast which was held at the Danversport Yacht Club.

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Brent Conway, attended with the students, as did West Newbury Police Chief, Mike Dwyer. Photographed are Pentucket and Newburyport students, Newburport Superintendent Sean Gallagher and the Newburyport Student Leadership Advisor Brandon Sturma.

The event honored educators and members of law enforcement for their ongoing work to combat incidents of hate and bias in schools and in the communities, and focuses on building schools where everyone feels they belong.

The four Pentucket students are Juniors Abigail McIntyre, Harrison Gesing, Grayson Shikes and Sophomore Beneth Pelaez.

The Leadership group undergoes extensive annual training to then provide leadership sessions to middle school students and peers at the high school. They are supported by faculty advisors, Mark Dziedziak and Keith Sherman.

Dear Parent/Guardian,
In the next few weeks, the Middle/High School counseling and health staff will begin a health screening for 7th and 9th graders called SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment). SBIRT is used to screen for alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and other drug use. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law. Please see this link for more information or to opt your child out.

This April Break, students from the Global Languages Department had the incredible opportunity to travel to Spain with Carlos V Education, accompanied by teacher Linda Hackett.

For many students, this was their first time in Europe and their first experience being fully immersed in Spanish language and culture. From exploring the breathtaking Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba to experiencing the colorful and unforgettable Feria de Abril, students created memories they will never forget.

Throughout the trip, students practiced Spanish every day in authentic real-life situations and also participated in two hours of daily Spanish classes. They explored beautiful cities, relaxed at the beach, tasted traditional Spanish food, and enjoyed unforgettable cultural excursions and activities together. Most importantly, they gained confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.

The trip was an incredible success, and we are excited to begin planning next year’s Spain experience during April Break once again!

Families interested in learning more about next year’s trip are welcome to contact:

Montserrat Caracuel
mmontserratcaracuel@prsd.org

Please note: This is not a school-sponsored trip through Pentucket Regional High School. It is an independent cultural and educational experience organized by the Global Languages Department in collaboration with Carlos V Education.

Dear families,

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to Italy, France, Spain's Mediterranean Coast in April 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective. We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited:

Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/ncgcewk

Why attend? - Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment. - Get first access to limited spots. - Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.

In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably. I hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life! Best, Matthew Jacques & Luana Cavallaro

Please note that this is a non-school sponsored trip, and Pentucket Regional High School does not have affiliation.

Please congratulate Amelia Crowe and Jackson Miller, who were awarded Cape Ann League Athletes of the year!

The Pentucket Music Program is thrilled to announce that for the sixth year in a row, Pentucket Regional School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education! We were one of only 1008 school districts in the entire country (24 in MA) to earn the distinction for 2026! Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Applying for this designation was a massive undertaking involving the coordination of k-12 music faculty, all our district principals, and the Pentucket Music Boosters, so we sincerely thank everyone involved with the process!

The Stephen Sondheim Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater, honoring outstanding student performers, productions, and educators. Named for legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, the program encourages artistic growth, creativity, and collaboration among young theater artists. The awards also serve as a regional pathway to the Jimmy Awards, with top student performers advancing to the national competition that recognizes the best in high school musical theater across the country. Award winners will be announced on May 9th.

Congratulations to the Pentucket Theatre Department for nominations in FIVE categories!

Best Supporting Actress - Brooke Pipan (11)
Achievement in Lighting Design - Fiona Moore (11)
Achievement in Costume Design - Hailey Bruno (12)
Achievement in Sound Design - Thomas Carrozo (11), Zack Hannula (12)

Best Scenic Design - Pentucket Tech Crew

Sign up here!

Please click here for the 2026 end of year events.

Senior Celebration Information:

How to Sign Up and Pay? Click this link: SENIOR CELEBRATION

Sign up deadline: April 17th

Payment deadline: May 1st

What is the Pentucket Senior Celebration?

The PPA hosts an annual, substance-free, all-night celebration for graduating seniors. This beloved tradition—typically attended by over 85% of the class—keeps our graduates safe while they celebrate together one last time.

Students are bussed to surprise venues throughout the night. Past highlights include:

• Harbor cruises and comedy shows

• Dances and restaurant stops

• Hypnotist shows, prizes, and keepsakes

Website for more info: https://www.prsd.org/families/pentucket-parent-alliance

Questions: pentucketparentalliance1974@gmail.com

Upcoming School Committee Meetings:

May 12th

June 9th

All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held in the Middle-High School.

Please check the PRSD website for Agendas and further information.

School Council Meetings: Meeting Time 6:45am-7:15am

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