2/6

Dear Pentucket Families and Community,

The transition into second semester has been off to a strong start. Students have settled quickly into new routines, classrooms are focused, and it has been encouraging to see the level of engagement across grade levels. Thank you to our staff and families for helping reinforce high expectations as we begin this next stretch of the school year.

We are also continuing to brave some very cold weather — at times it feels more like Alaska than Massachusetts — but students and staff have done a great job staying on track despite the frigid mornings.

Congratulations to Senan Lucey, who was named Conference Diver of the Year, and Jenna Whitaker, who earned Conference Swimmer of the Year honors. These accomplishments reflect a high level of commitment and performance, and we are proud of their achievements.

Happy SuperBowl weekend - LET'S GO PATS!!!

Have a great week!

Brenda Erhardt
Principal, Pentucket Regional Middle High School

Dear Families:

I would like to provide clarification on a few important points related to attendance, excused absences, and academic credit. We have received several questions, and we want to ensure expectations are clear and consistent for everyone.

Please note the following:

• Student illness (no doctor visit required):
  If your child is sick with a fever, vomiting, or a respiratory illness that does not require a doctor’s visit, please contact the school nurse directly. When the nurse is notified, she is able to document and excuse the absence appropriately.

• The “5 freebies” referenced earlier:
  These apply to attendance monitoring only and relate to when families receive formal communication from the school regarding a student being at risk for chronic absenteeism. The school does not send a letter for anything up to 5 unexcused absences. These are not related to academic credit.

• Three unexcused absences and academic credit:
  The three unexcused absences apply specifically to earning full credit for missed schoolwork. After three unexcused absences, students may earn reduced credit for work missed on those days, in accordance with our attendance guidelines.

Our goal is to support student health while also maintaining consistent academic expectations and attendance accountability. If you have questions about a specific situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school nurse or your child’s administrator.

If you need further clarification, please reach out to me directly so misinformation is minimized.

Thank you for your patience as we work through the rollout of these updates. As with any new process, questions and adjustments are part of the learning curve. We truly appreciate your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Brenda Erhardt
Principal
Pentucket Regional Middle High School

Please click on the image for a visual

When dropping off or picking up students, ONLY use the two designated traffic lanes:

✅ Lane 1: The lane closest to the school (driver’s side drop-off lane)
✅ Lane 2: The lane directly next to it that runs parallel (exit from driver's side)

🚫 Do NOT drive through the second lane
🚫 Do NOT cut through parking rows to pass other cars

All vehicles must follow the same traffic pattern. This is critical for student safety and to keep traffic moving smoothly.

Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe.

Paws-itively proud of our Middle School Community Service Club! Students handcrafted over 30 cat toys to donate to the Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue Society, spreading kindness—one purr at a time!

Please join me in congratulating Pentucket music students Madison LeBlanc (8th grade - vocalist) and Sofia DeGrenier (7th grade - vocalist) for their acceptance into the MMEA Northeastern District Junior Festival Choir! They competed against over 100 7th-9th grade students from across the northeast corner of Massachusetts to earn their spots. Props to Madison, Sofia, and all our students who auditioned this year for a job well done!

The Pentucket Regional School Committee is accepting applications from Merrimac, MA residents to fill an opening on the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School District's School Committee. Interested candidates should email atedeschi@prsd.org or call 978-363-2280.

Senior Celebration

Class of 2026

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

How to Sign Up?

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

Payments: Submit Checks to Main Office (make sure the student’s full name is noted)

*Venmo info will be posted on the website soon

Questions: pentucketparentalliance1974@gmail.com

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe every senior should be able to attend. The PPA offers "event scholarships" to ensure financial constraints never prevent a student from participating in this milestone event.

Bake Sale

(to support Senior Celebration)

We will be having bake sales on February 3rd at Pentucket and 7th at West Newbury Food Mart. Please consider baking or volunteering.

SignUp Genius Link

Yard Signs

We will be posting information about senior yard signs soon.

The Pentucket Regional School District's Hall of Fame is open to Nominees. Please visit PRSD.org/HOF to nominate someone. The nomination window closes April 1, 2026.

Our student who experienced a house fire is back in school and safe. Her home was a total loss and the family is scrambling to find housing. If you are able to help, please click the link to GOFUNDME and donate what you can. Thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jpx6th-support-a-family-starting-over-after-devastating-fire

Upcoming School Committee Meetings:

February 24th

March 3rd - newly added

March 10th

March 24th

April 14th

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