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Weekly Update 2/16/2024

February 16th, 2024 by Mike Perez


Pinkerton Families and Friends,

Last week we ended the week with our Winter Pep Rally / Spirit Week. A huge thank you to the Student Council for their efforts in bringing this tradition back to PA!  Seeing the packed gym and the enthusiastic participation from various groups was awesome. Moving forward, our goal is to keep this tradition going and expand involvement from even more individuals and groups in the years ahead.

Over the past week, I have witnessed countless acts of kindness, both big and small, around campus.  From students reaching out to include their peers in activities to teachers going above and beyond to support their students, each gesture has reinforced the values of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity that lie at the heart of our school.

Kindness Week has reminded us that kindness is not merely a one-time event, but rather a way of life—a choice we make every day to uplift and support one another. It has shown us the power of simple acts of kindness in fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our school community.  My goal is for our community to prioritize empathy and understanding, to celebrate our differences, and to cultivate a culture of kindness that extends far beyond this week.  I am continually inspired by your dedication to making our school a more compassionate and inclusive place.

This week, I'd like to also highlight the two Resource Officers serving here at PA. Thursday was National SRO Appreciation Day, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to honor and appreciate our School Resource Officers. This week holds particular significance as it aligns with the values we've celebrated during Kindness Week. Sr. Master Patrol Officer Brian Landry and Master Patrolman Kevin Davies exemplify kindness and are integral members of our school community, embodying professionalism and dedication in their roles.  

Senior Master Patrol Officer Landry brings a wealth of experience with his 22-year tenure in law enforcement, including roles in the Domestic Violence Unit and the Detective Unit. For the past 7 years, he has served as a School Resource Officer (SRO), spending the last 4 years at Pinkerton Academy. During his time at PA, he has contributed as Assistant Coach for Unified Basketball and has actively participated in community events like the Mental Health Awareness Fashion Show, Volleyball fundraisers, and Science Week presentations.

Master Patrolman Davies also brings a wealth of experience in his 7th year as a police officer and his second year serving as an SRO at Pinkerton. Additionally, he serves as a Field Training Officer for the Derry Police Department, where he mentors new recruits in preparing for solo patrol duties. A proud Pinkerton Academy Alumnus, Davies has been coaching football at PA since 2013.

Both have proven to be invaluable "Trusted Adults" for numerous students on campus. Whether they're engaging with students in the cafeteria, participating enthusiastically in Pep Rallies, coaching student-athletes, or even racing the track team in full gear at the winter pep rally, they consistently strive to enhance the high school experience for so many students. Personally, I see every day how they are excelling in their roles, making a positive impact on the lives of our students while helping to keep our campus safe.

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/

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. 

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. 

Message to Parents from the Class of 2027:

Parents & Guardians, 

We would like to officially announce that the class of 2027 Apparel Fundraiser is open and available for purchase. The class logo was designed by a student and is proudly displayed on each item.  Items available for purchase are a black T-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, and a crew neck Sweatshirt. Please use the following link to make purchases: CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASE SITE .  The fundraiser will remain open until Wednesday, March 6th. Items are available to ship to your home or the school. Information regarding the distribution of items shipped to the school will be sent out at a later date. The class of 2027 kindly thanks you for your continued support and dedication. If there are any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out. 

On behalf of the class of 2027, 
Katie Page
Erin Johnston  


Weekly Shout Outs:

SHOUT OUTS TO…

Rob Raczkowski (Security Staff) - Making sure our students are safe and taking the time to make connections and working to be that “One Trusted Adult.”

STUDENT SHOUT OUTS:

Kayla Kight, Brenna Nasr, Ainsley Paplaskas, Zara Piper, Nora Stafford, Hailey Roberts, Bella Bolduc, Abby Bold, Calvin Plante, Michael Fox, Ari Roberts - Chester Middle School Alumni - for answering questions for the Chester eighth graders about transitioning to Pinkerton.


Regards,

Mr. Michael Perez
Associate Head of School