About

Hello Pinkerton Community,

I hope you all had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break and that you spent quality time with loved ones creating lasting memories. I was glad to welcome everyone back this week; as we return to our daily routines, let's carry the spirit of gratitude and togetherness into the rest of the school year and into the Holiday Break coming up in 2 weeks.

This week, the Pinkerton Academy AFJROTC program was visited by the National Air Force JROTC program and successfully completed its annual inspection. I’m pleased to announce that the program once again received an “Exceptional Rating” in all areas. The program's mission is to develop well-rounded citizens dedicated to serving their nation and community. While not a recruitment program for the USAF, AFJROTC is a federally mandated citizenship training program that focuses on educating and training high school cadets in citizenship, community service, personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. The program combines classroom instruction in air and space fundamentals with hands-on experiences in various extracurricular activities.

The program offers five after-school clubs and activities:

• Drill Team: Cadets practice marching, drill movements, and rifle handling, competing against other schools in drill meets.
• Color Guard: A non-competitive club that presents the colors at school and community events.
• Flight Sim: Cadets learn the fundamentals of flight, including reading instruments and performing takeoffs, landings, and in-flight maneuvers on flight simulators.
• Model Rocket and Drone: Cadets build and launch model rockets and learn to fly and race drones, both in simulation and real-world settings.
• Raiders: A competitive team that participates in obstacle courses, physical challenges, and rope bridge events.

Currently, the program has roughly 155 cadets and is staffed by two certified instructors. Our tenured member and the rock of the AFJOTC program is Ted Hebert. He is originally from Florida and served in the Air Force for 29 years. He has been an ROTC instructor for 11 years with the past 9 years here at the Academy.  Our newest member to the PA team is Robert McNulty.  He is originally from Buffalo, NY, served in the Air Force for 30 years, and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be extremely beneficial to our program. Additionally, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Bailee Freeman, who has been instrumental in the program's success over the past year and a half. Despite taking on an unfamiliar role, Bailee has consistently gone above and beyond, making a significant contribution to our cadets' achievements.  

Weekly Highlights:

Art Shows: This Friday, December 6th at 5 pm, Tom & Chickpea in Derry is hosting an art show where some of our student work will be showcased and available for purchase. Next week, our Winter Art Show will open on Wednesday, December 11th in the Stockbridge Theatre lobby at 5:30 pm.

Pinkerton Players Present Eurydice: The Pinkerton Players will present Eurydice on December 6th - 8th. Get your tickets here!

Holiday Concerts:  The Choral & Bell Concert will be held on Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm, and the Instrumental Concert will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. Both concerts are in the Stockbridge Theatre with free admission. 

Weather Conditions and Roads: It’s that time of year! We urge everyone coming to campus to be aware of potential icy conditions. Our Buildings & Grounds crew does an amazing job, but there are places where we cannot use salt. Please take care to keep to cleared paths and wear appropriate footwear for the weather conditions. Thank you!

Course Showcase for Sophomores: Sophomores and families, check your email for information about the Course Showcase, an opportunity for sophomores to preview possible electives for next year and beyond.  It will be running during Flex December 10th, 12th, 17th, 18th and 19th.  Students are encouraged to sign up and participate as many days as they would like.  

Children’s Collection Drive: NHS is hosting a Children's Collection Drive, collecting new or gently used (still in good condition) books, toys, and/or clothing. Please no stuffed animals or soft dolls.  Donations will be going towards a variety of community areas including libraries, learning centers, fire departments, and community closets.

We are collecting from 11/25-12/13 and there are bins in each attendance office or donations can be brought to Mrs. Lemire in Room 430.

Warm Clothing Drive: The World Language Honor Society is collecting gently used coats, boots, hats, gloves, and hoodies in all sizes. Donations can be brought to Ms. Mitchell in room 200 or 60 in the Shepard Building. Email [email protected] with any questions. 

Weekly Shout Outs

SHOUT OUTS TO…

Kassidy Snair for remaining calm during a stressful situation.

STUDENT SHOUT OUTS:

Bella Brown - Bella volunteers to help out in ACT (and NECC) unified classes, as well as JLU and any other events. She is amazing with all of our students and is a great role model for all of the students in our programs. She is understanding, always happy to have conversations, and is incredibly respectful to everyone. She is an asset to our community!

Respectfully,

Michael Perez
Associate Head of School

 @mrperez_pa

@MPerezAHOS