About

Pinkerton Families and Friends,

This week, I would like to highlight the Freshman Associate Deans of Students, Ms. Kim Larkin and Mr. Jay Gagnon. With their diverse backgrounds, the two are a great team to support our freshmen as they embark on their high school careers. 

Mr. Gagnon is in his 10th year at Pinkerton, having started his career teaching English here for 7 years. Even after becoming an Associate Dean of Students 3 years ago, he still teaches a P.A.C.E. Writing class, helping students to find their path to graduation. For Mr. Gagnon, it always comes back to supporting students and helping them to succeed. Outside of his roles as teacher and administrator, he has been involved in many extracurricular activities including coaching football, starring in the faculty play, and co-advising the LGBT+ Alliance. He also works hard to coordinate Santa’s visit to Pinkerton Academy each year. In his spare time, Mr. Gagnon enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his kids’ teams. 

Ms. Kim Larkin is in her 35th year in education. She spent 27 years as a Spanish teacher before joining the Pinkerton Academy team 8 years ago as an Associate Dean of Students. In her time at Pinkerton she has worked with both the freshman and senior classes and enjoys the unique experience of working with each group. She is the advisor of the Chess Club and excels at making connections with students and staff alike. Ms. Larkin says she caught the acting bug after her debut in the faculty play last year. When she’s not at Pinkerton, she loves gardening, hiking, and volunteering.

Thank you to Mr. Gagnon and Ms. Larkin for their dedication to our school community!

Weekly Highlights:

Pick-up and Drop-off -  Please be sure to review the email sent on Wednesday, February 7th, with reminders about pick-up and drop-off procedures. 

From our Prevention Specialist, Julie Donovan

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and New Hampshire has dedicated the week of February 12th-16th as Granite State Respect Week. Research has shown that 1 in 3 youth and young adults experience some type of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in their interpersonal relationships. Dating violence happens to both males and females. Youth are new to dating and navigating romantic relationships, and they may not recognize some of the warning signs that a relationship may not be healthy. Having open communication with teens about what is healthy and unhealthy is critical in helping them identify potential issues and more importantly how to handle these situations and seek out support. The School Counseling Department will be teaching lessons in various classes throughout February. Pinkerton Academy and the School Counseling Department are dedicated to supporting youth in making healthy decisions about their interpersonal relationships and maintaining their personal safety. Below are some links to resources that specifically address this issue. 

1-866-644-3574 for free and confidential help

https://www.nhcadsv.org/teen-dating-violence-resources.html

https://www.loveisrespect.org/

English Honor Society Fundraiser - The English Honor Society (EHS) is holding a fundraiser at the Salem Barnes & Noble on Saturday, February 1oth. Stop by and participate in Lego-building competitions, trivia, games, and more from 12:00-3:00 PM. A portion of any B&N purchases will go to EHS if you use the code at checkout. The code will also work for online purchases from February 10th - 14th. 

Campus Safety Reminder -  All visitors to campus must first report to the main office, located in the Ek Science Building. The office entrance is to the right of the building’s main doors. 

NH Scholastic Art Awards - Pinkerton will once again be the Exhibit Host for the entire State of NH from January 22-February 10. The work will be on display in the Stockbridge lobby with many pieces from our talented Pinkerton Students.

Winter Weather Reminders - Winter weather is here. Please take extra care driving and walking around campus. Remember to dress for the weather, including appropriate footwear and coats. 

Weekly Shout Outs:

SHOUT OUTS TO…

Kim Larkin - Working with teachers and stepping up to assist students.

Grant Meserve, Grant Frohock, Eric Dugas, Dean Squires, Tim Powers and Coach Cole Carter - for representing in the mini Faculty/Staff vs. Student Basketball Game at the Pep Rally!  

STUDENT SHOUT OUTS:

Student Council - for a great winter pep rally and for planning Saturday’s winter dance.

The students participating in Jazz All State this weekend -  congratulations on your hard work and enjoy the weekend!

The NH Scholastic Art Winners - being honored this weekend.

The gymnastics, track, and swim teams - all competing in their  state championships this weekend. Good luck! Go, Astros!

Regards,

Mr. Michael Perez
Associate Head of School