Teacher-Parent Conference
The 14th Annual CHILD conference is a preeminent annual event offering high-quality professional development in early education, literacy and curriculum to teachers, administrators, community specialists and parents. The conference will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Northern Essex Community College Tech Center, 100 Elliot St. For more information, call Jessica Todisco at 781-929-2858.
Merrimack College plans open house
The School for Advanced Studies at Merrimack College will hold an open house on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Shine Lounge of the Sakowich Campus Center at Merrimack College, Route 114, North Andover. The School of Adavanced Studies is designed for any student who is ready to complete a degree, advance a career or engage in lifelong learning. For more information, call 978-837-5202 or visit www.merrimack.edu.
Essex Aggie Alumni BBQ
Essex Aggie Alumni Association will have its second annual Alumni Barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 12 to 5 p.m., BBQ served at 2 p.m., at Berry Hall on the Essex Aggie campus. Menu includes smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken breast, smoked brisket, veggie burgers and more. Cost is $18 per person. Checks can be made payable to Essex Aggie Alumni Association. Mail check and name, class and number of guests to Essex Agricultural Technical High School, Alumni Association, 562 Maple St., P.O. Box 362, Hathorne, MA, 01937. For more information, call Bob Gaudet at 987-462-6792.
Silver Hill school to hold Fall Festival
A Fall Festival featuring a walk-a-thon and craft fair will be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium at Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School. Last year's walk-a-thon raised money for a new playscape that is being built. The craft fair was added this year to make this event more festive. Tables are available for a $25 fee. Interested vendors should send a check made payable to the school, along with a description of items for sale as well as contact information, to Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School, 675 Washington St., Haverhill, MA, 01832, Attn: Alex Foltz. For more information, call the school at 978-374-3448.
YMCA offers before- and after-school programs
The Haverhill YMCA is accepting registrations for before- and after-school programs at the Haverhill YMCA and at Pentucket Lake Elementary School.
Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, each program serves a nutritious snack, provides homework assistance, as well as enrichment activities such as swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, kids fitness and more. The program also provides hands-on curriculum such as science activities and community service projects. The focus is on building the four YMCA character development traits of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through activities and positive reinforcement.
The program is offered during school vacations, teachers' workshops and even snow days.
Vouchers are accepted. Financial assistance available to those who qualify. Space is limited.
To register, contact Colette Farina at farinac@northshoreymca.org or by calling 978-374-0506, ext. 117.
Schools provide preschool screening
Haverhill public schools provide free preschool screening to 3- and 4-year-old children in Haverhill. Preschool screening is a brief look at a child's overall development, including the areas of language, motor skills, and thinking and reasoning skills. Screening is a brief, child-friendly, play-oriented time during which a trained preschool teacher will work with the child. The information gained from preschool screening may help answer some parents' questions and help make decisions about good learning experiences for your child. For information or to make an appointment, call the Moody School at 978-374-3459 or 978-374-3484.
Phillips Academy to interview students
Local students hoping to attend Phillips Academy during the 2010-2011 school year are encouraged to schedule a required admissions interview through Aug. 28. Applicants are required to have a personal interview as part of the admission process. Students residing in Andover and North Andover must apply as day students. Students who live in the following communities may apply as either day or boarding students: Bradford, Boxford, Dracut, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynnfield, Methuen, Middleton, North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury and Wilmington, and the southern New Hampshire communities of Atkinson, Pelham, Plaistow and Salem. To schedule an interview and tour, call the admissions office at 978-749-4050.
Contact Gazette reporter Cara Spilsbury at cspilsbury@hgazette.com or at 978-556-8525 to submit items for this column.
