Manchester Essex Regional School District Awarded Grant to Support Inquiry-Based Learning

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Director of Curriculum and Instructional Technology Heather Leonard are pleased to announce that Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD) has received a grant from the One8 Foundation. $34,900 will be awarded to MERSD over three years to benefit the district's history/social science programming. The grant will strengthen and expand MERSD's inquiry-based history and social science programming across multiple grade levels. Funding will support the strengthening of the Investigating History curriculum in grades 5-7 and introduce the program in grades 3-4 at both elementary schools.

The grant enables the district to continue its commitment to applied learning in history and social sciences by investing in high-quality instructional materials and professional development for educators. This initiative aims to create a cohesive and engaging learning experience, encouraging students to think critically, analyze perspectives, and connect historical concepts to present-day issues. The Investigating History curriculum, developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, emphasizes student-led learning and the exploration of historical questions. Through this approach, students gain a deeper understanding of history while developing the skills to participate thoughtfully in a diverse society. “This grant funding will allow us to continue building our capacity in grades 5-7 to effectively teach this rich curriculum while expanding the curriculum resource to grades 3 and 4, providing a coherent learning experience for all our students in History/Social Sciences," says Leonard.

In addition to classroom resources and training, the grant provides access to a statewide network of educators and leaders implementing the curriculum. Teachers and students will get to participate in collaborative events, connect with other professionals, and receive feedback through showcases. Since 2024, the One8 Foundation has supported districts across Massachusetts in expanding applied learning opportunities. Through this partnership, MERSD aims to enrich its history and social science programming, giving students the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. 

"This investment represents an important step in ensuring MERSD students have access to learning experiences that will benefit them for a lifetime," said Superintendent Beaudoin. "By expanding this program into earlier grades and strengthening it in our middle school, we are building a strong foundation that supports curiosity, critical thinking and civic engagement."

About the One8 Foundation The One8 education team identifies, supports and scales high-impact programs and approaches that help schools and teachers prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. One8 imagines a future where high-quality applied learning opportunities that make learning relevant, stimulating and rewarding are a regular part of the student experience, driving impact for all students. The One8 Applied Learning Hub helps Massachusetts schools get the most out of Applied Learning programs by providing implementation support, educator community building, and student opportunities that bring learning to life. Visit www.one8.org to learn more.

Manchester Essex Regional School District to Host Essex School Building Committee Community Meeting

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA —Superintendent Pam Beaudoin invites community members to attend an upcoming community meeting on the Essex Elementary School Building Project on April 16 at 6 p.m. at Essex Elementary School.

This meeting will provide important updates on the project's progress, including the latest cost information, and offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as in-person building tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. Childcare will be available.

Community participation is a critical part of the planning process, and district leaders encourage residents to attend, learn more and be part of the conversation about Essex Elementary School.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option will be available via Zoom.

"Essex Elementary has served generations of students. We now have the opportunity to thoughtfully plan for a modern learning environment that will meet our students' needs for decades to come," said Superintendent Beaudoin.

“Community input has been an important part of this process, and I encourage residents to attend, share their perspectives, and see firsthand the progress we are making through a tour of the school.”

Manchester Essex Middle School Hires New Principal

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA– Superintendent Pam Beaudoin is pleased to announce that Matthew Roy has been named the Manchester Essex Middle School Principal. 

Before coming to MERSD, Roy served as the Principal of the Thomas Fleming School in Vermont since July 2020.

The district began its search for a new middle school principal in December. After interviewing multiple candidates and conducting site visits with three finalists, Roy was selected as the best candidate.

Roy will lead the middle school, drawing on his own knowledge of how to support students and staff.

Having extensive experience in schools, Roy was a history teacher at Berkshire Elementary School, where he went on to serve as Assistant Principal. Roy also served as Main Street Middle School's Athletic Director from 2016-2017 and Assistant Principal from 2016-2020 in Montpelier, VT.

Roy holds a Master's in Education from Saint Michael's College and a Bachelor's degree in History from Western New England University. Committed to professional development, he recently completed the Sheltered English Immersion Course and is currently engaged in UDL Implementation Training with Katie Novak. 

In his current role at Thomas Fleming School, he has focused on strengthening instructional practice, implementing multi-tiered support systems supporting all learners, and supporting teacher growth through professional development.

Throughout the hiring process, Roy demonstrated a thoughtful, student-centered approach as a leader, along with strong communication skills.

Bringing a collaborative leadership style to the role, Roy will be a strong addition to the district.

To ease the transition, Principal Roy will formulate and share an entry plan with the school community. The plan will include opportunities for Roy to meet parents, community partners, and other community stakeholders this summer and fall. 

“Mr. Roy stood out during the search process for his leadership and proven ability to support both students and staff,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “We are confident that his collaborative approach, communication skills, and commitment will make him an excellent fit for our middle school community.”

Matthew Roy, Manchester Essex Middle School's new principal. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

 

 

Manchester Essex High School Student Wins Third Place in Congressional Art Competition

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Manchester Essex High School Principal Julie Sgroi are pleased to announce that student Greyson Brooks took third place in the 6th Congressional District High School Art Competition.

The exhibition, held March 10-14 at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, featured more than 100 students from 25 schools. This year marked Montserrat’s 26th anniversary of hosting the competition.

Students in grades 8-12 submitted paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs.

Brooks' piece, titled "Between Two Worlds," depicted a landscape divided by a set of eyes separating the upper and lower halves, creating a striking visual contrast. It earned him third place in the competition.

His original work will be recognized with a citation from Congressman Seth Moulton. Montserrat also provides scholarship opportunities for award winners to attend its Summer Pre-College Art program. A ceremony honoring all participants was held Saturday, March 14.

"I was hoping that I would win an award, but I thought it was very unlikely with so many other applicants. I had seen what other people were entering into the competition and their work was very good and also just very different from mine," said Brooks. "Winning this award was a shocking surprise that I was very grateful to accept. I would like to thank Mr. Lucas for nominating me, and I’d like to thank the Congressional Art Competition for choosing my piece to win an award."

"We are incredibly proud to have Greyson represent Manchester Essex High School,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “In addition to academics, MERSD emphasizes the importance of the arts and fostering creativity among students."

District Newsletter: March 2026

Manchester Essex Regional School District Celebrates Read Across America Week

 

Essex Elementary School celebrating Read Across America Week. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — During Read Across America Week, Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School transformed into scenes straight out of a children's book, with costumes, read-alouds, special guests, and more, to celebrate reading across the district.    Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School kicked off Read Across America Week with celebrations bringing together students and staff.   Read Across America Week focuses on Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers to ensure all students see themselves reflected in literature, which is an ongoing theme throughout the school year at both Essex Elementary and Manchester Memorial Elementary Schools.   Kicking off with a Dr. Seuss theme was an easy choice since Monday, March 2, was Dr. Seuss's birthday. Students and staff had fun dressing in Seuss-inspired outfits and participated in themed activities.   Students were encouraged to sign a Reader’s Pledge, committing to lifelong reading. Those who took the pledge were entered into a raffle, and two students were selected from each school and given a gift bag and a gift card to a local bookstore.   Throughout the week, students and staff donned colorful attire inspired by classic children’s book characters. Grade 5 students shared their love of reading by visiting Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms to read their favorite books aloud to younger students.    Additionally, School Resource Officer Andrea Locke and comfort dog, Daisy, made a special appearance to share their favorite Dr. Seuss books with Pre-K students.   Both schools also launched a schoolwide Book Drive to benefit The REAL Program, a nonprofit providing children in the area with access to books.   Older students in the schools are writing book recommendations for younger students, where each classroom will then vote on its favorite book.    Additionally, classrooms competed in a door-decorating contest centered on books and reading. Student leaders in each school selected one winning classroom, which will be rewarded with an extended recess period.   As the week continued, students participated in themed spirit days, including mismatched socks day, crazy hair day, dress as your favorite character day, and pajama day.    "It's been a busy, successful week!" said MERSD Elementary Library Teacher Samantha Silag, who coordinated the festivities. "Seeing students and staff at both EES and MMES celebrate the joy of reading in such creative ways definitely made the extra work worthwhile."   “These activities reflect our district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and building connections among students,” said Superintendent Pam Beaudoin. “Read Across America Week has been a wonderful celebration of community and literacy.”   ###

Essex Elementary School students and staff wearing Dr. Seuss inspired attire for Read Across America Week. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Manchester Memorial Elementary School students and staff celebrating Read Across America. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex School District)

Manchester Memorial Elementary School students and staff celebrating Read Across America. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex School District)

 

'Why Character Matters' Empowering Students of All Ages

Mark Leinweaver, a Major League Baseball agent, spoke with students from Manchester Essex Regional School District about his program, "Why Character Matters". (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester Essex Regional School District recently welcomed guest speaker Mark Leinweaver to present his program, “Why Character Matters,” to students across multiple grade levels.    Leinweaver met with four groups of students during his visit: Grades 9 and 10, Grades 11 and 12, student leaders in grades 6 through 8 who were nominated by staff, and the high school’s peer mentors. Each session was divided to meet students' needs and where they are developmentally, all reinforcing the message of the power of character, integrity and responsibility.   The program is part of Leinweaver’s nationwide “Why Character Matters” initiative, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate challenges such as social media pressures, bullying and future responsibilities.   Leinweaver, a Major League Baseball agent, represents over 75 active professional players and has over 20 years of experience as an agent, TV and radio broadcaster, writer and educator. His mission is to lead by example, and he spreads his message by visiting various schools across the country to teach students and athletes why character matters.    Through his use of storytelling and real-life examples, Leinweaver encourages students to take ownership of their actions and recognize their long-term impact.   “At Manchester Essex, we believe that developing strong character goes hand-in-hand with academic achievement,” said Superintendent Pam Beaudoin. “Opportunities like this encourage our students to reflect on their choices and lead with integrity. We are grateful to be able to provide experiences that reinforce the values of our school.”   Throughout the presentations, students were challenged to view themselves as leaders in their school community. Leinweaver’s message showed students firsthand what it means to be a strong leader and how strong character can be displayed in everyday choices.