MERHS Community Celebrates International Week

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Julie Sgroi share that Manchester Essex Regional High School students recently celebrated and honored world languages during International Week.

MERHS’ International Week was inspired by Massachusetts’ World Languages Week, which began 68 years ago to celebrate and honor the study of world languages. It is also an opportunity to develop respect for diversity, explore cultural differences and draw connections between cultures. 

It has been a long-standing tradition in the Manchester Essex Regional School District to invite parents, community members, students and staff to share their experiences about their travels abroad during International Week.

From March 12-14, MERHS World Language classes were joined by parents, teachers, community members and fellow students who presented their unique experiences. Students learned about Japan, Turkey, France, Grenada, Germany, Costa Rica, Israel, the Philippines and the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain. 

“Our World Language Department Chair Michelle Magana consistently curates an International Week schedule that is both educational and inspiring, offering a diverse and global perspective,” said Principal Sgroi. “This year was no exception, with well-executed presentations that engaged students and prompted insightful questions.”

The World Language Department sincerely thanks all of the presenters who took part in International Week for volunteering their time and sharing their stories.

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MERHS senior Jenelle Ford presented on her family trip to the Philippines. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Parent David Nicastro presented on his travels throughout the world as a U.S. Marine. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

District Newsletter February/March 2025

MERHS students in the DECA chapter achieved strong results at the State Competition

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Julie Sgroi are pleased to share that Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) students in the DECA chapter achieved strong results at the State Competition. 

On Feb. 27 and March 1, MERHS’ Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter competed in the Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference in Boston. 

DECA is a nonprofit that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management and now has more than 260,000 members in 4,000 high school and college chapters in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Germany.

Seven students were named state champion in their respective division, earning them a bid to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla. 

State Champions are: 

• Charlotte Crocker and Ella Arntsen — Innovation Plan
• Connor Dickson — Restaraunt and Food Service Management
• Jack McCavanaugh and Jake Zschau — Sports and Entertainment Marketing 
• Alex Hatfield and Ben Reubens — Finanical Services 

Five students were also named finalists in their categories and have a chance to be selected to compete at the International Conference. Those students are: 

• Alex Montaresi — Principles of Entrepreneurship 
• Rachel Gallant — Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
• Leigha Akerley and Talya Erdogan — Buying and Merchandising
• Adam Macleod — Automotive Services Marketing

The chapter is advised by MERHS business educator Barrett Alston. 

“The state conference was an amazing opportunity for our students to demonstrate their talents,” said Allston. “These students have so much to be proud of, and I am excited for them to continue to flourish.”

Alston would like to thank volunteer chaperones Alicen Shaw, Lauren Woodcock, Sam Pindara, Matt Tangney, and Robbie Bilsbury for their support in making sure the conference went well for students. 

“The achievements of our DECA chapter is a culmination of the efforts of our students and educators, who have invested themselves in this valuable experience and pushed themselves and their peers to succeed,” said Principal Sgroi. “I congratulate our DECA chapter on their accomplishments. We are proud to have them represent MERHS at the international conference.”

“DECA is a respected international program that allows students to develop a sense of business education and entrepreneurship and grow significantly in those fields at an early age,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “We are proud to see our students be rewarded for pushing themselves academically, and we are excited to continue to watch our DECA chapter flourish.”

Charlotte Crocker (left) and Ella Arnsten (right) were named state champions in the Innovation Plan division at the Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Connor Dickson will now compete at the International Career Development Conference after being named state champion in the  Restaurant and Food Service Management category. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Alex Hatfield (left) and Ben Reubens (right) were state champions in the category of Financial Services. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Jack McCavanaugh (left) and Jake Zschau (right) were named state champions in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing category at the Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Athletic Director Cameron Molinare was selected for the Theodore “Ted” Damko District 5 Award.

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Julie Sgroi proudly share that Athletic Director Cameron Molinare was selected for the Theodore “Ted” Damko District 5 Award. 

The award is given to an athletic administrator in each of Massachusetts’ nine districts who has three to five years of experience, has exemplified the highest standards of their profession and has made significant contributions to their school and community. 

Molinare has worked in Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD) for more than three years, first acting as the Interim Athletic Director before being appointed to the full-time Athletic Director position in 2022. 

Molinare has prior experience working in managing and coaching athletics at Endicott and Merrimack College.

“We are incredibly grateful to have Cameron guiding our student-athletes and athletic department,” said Principal Sgroi. “She has demonstrated consistent leadership, respect, and integrity that has encouraged student-athletes to be the best versions of themselves.”

Molinare will be recognized at the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 27th.  

“Congratulations to Cameron on this outstanding achievement,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “Cameron is a great role model for our student-athletes. She has created an environment where student-athletes feel supported and protected, and we are fortunate for her leadership.”

Essex Elementary School students participate in Global School Play Day

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Kimberly Provost are pleased to share that Essex Elementary School students participated in Global School Play Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5, immersing themselves in creative free play without screens, structured games and adult direction.

Instead of participating in a regular structured school day, Essex Elementary students of all ages and grades spent the day playing freely. Students participated in activities that included board games, arts and crafts, puzzles, imaginative play and fort-building. 

Essex Elementary students joined hundreds of thousands of others from more than 75 nations in celebrating the 10th annual Global School Play Day. The initiative promotes unstructured and spontaneous play, allowing children to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and navigate social interactions independently.

“Students at Essex Elementary School had a fantastic time participating in Global Play Day, embracing the power of unstructured play to foster imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and collaboration in action,” said Principal Provost. “This day was a wonderful reminder that play isn’t just fun, it’s an essential part of learning and growth. Our students embraced the day with excitement and creativity.”

Global School Play Day was founded to counteract the increasing loss of unstructured playtime in children’s lives. It encourages schools worldwide to dedicate time for students to experience the benefits of free play, such as cultivating creative abilities and developing social skills. 

For more information about Global School Play Day, visit www.globalschoolplayday.com.

“Manchester Essex Regional School District is proud to support the Global School Play Day, which encourages students to engage in creativity, social interaction and logical thinking,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “Not only is unstructured play important in the social, emotional and cognitive development of our students, but it also allows students to disconnect from structure and have a day where they can learn and interact in the ways that bring them the most comfort and joy.”

Students in grade 5 and Kindergarten students playing with stuffed animals. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District).

Grade 1 students playing a game of “Battleship,” while embracing creative play during Global Play Day. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Grade 3 students spent the day building and playing in forts in the classroom. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

Grade 2 students strategize during a game of chess on Global School Play Day. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District). 

The MERSD Library Task Force is working to enhance our school libraries, and your input is essential in shaping their future. Please take a few minutes to complete our Community Survey and share your thoughts on how our libraries can better serve students, educators, and the community. Your feedback will help guide improvements in resources, technology, and programming.

 

Join us on March 27th at 8:45AM for Superintendent's Coffee at the Central Office. Please click HERE or scan the QR code below to RSVP by March 21st.