School Notes: HHS Classical Academy Entrance Exam Open to City 8th-Graders

An open house at Methuen High School (pictured) is one of several events this weekend celebrating Methuen Public Schools.

Haverhill eighth-graders who are interested in attending Haverhill High School’s Classical Academy should sit for the entrance exam on Thursday, Nov. 2, beginning at 8:45 a.m.

The test will be offered at each public middle school — J.G. Whittier, Hunking, Consentino and Nettle — as well as at Hillview Montessori and Sacred Hearts schools.

The exam runs about three hours and students should expect to complete it by noon.

Students who attend a school other than those listed may take the exam at Haverhill High School.

In order to take the exam, students must register by Oct. 13 using the online form available on the Haverhill High School website.

Parents and students with questions may contact Guidance Supervisor Jami Dion.

The Classical Academy is an admissions exam school within Haverhill High offering a challenging college preparatory curriculum.

Haverhill students will be released early on Friday, Oct. 6 and enjoy a day off on Monday, Oct. 9 for Columbus Day. Voters are asked to be especially careful on Tuesday, Oct. 10, if their Ward and Precinct polling place is located in a school. Some Haverhill voters will cast ballots Tuesday in the Democratic Primary for the 3rd Essex House seat previously held by Rep. Brian S. Dempsey.

In the Timberlane district based in Plaistow, N.H., students in the high and middle schools, Pollard, Atkinson Academy Danville Elementary, Sandown North and Sandown Central will have a two-day Columbus Day recess on Oct. 9 and 10, thanks to a professional development day for teachers on Tuesday.

Students in the Pentucket Regional School District, which serves Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury, observes Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 9 with a day off and early dismissal on Friday, Oct. 6.

In Methuen schools, Columbus Day is a one-day reprieve. Students have the day off Monday, Oct. 9.

Methuen celebrates its school district this weekend, beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, including the Homecoming football game and dance, an open house at Methuen High School and the Ranger Run 5K.

The observance of Ranger Pride begins with several athletic events Friday.

The emotional highlight of the day will be the dedication of the Methuen High School Auditorium in memory of Arthur Nicholson III (Mr. Nick). A lifelong Methuen resident, Nicholson died in 2016 after serving in multiple capacities in the Methuen school district, including teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. Even after his retirement, he continued his involvement with Methuen High School, overseeing the building renovation as special projects administrator. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

The Rangers varsity football team takes on Andover at 7 p.m. in Nicholson Stadium for the annual homecoming game.

On Saturday, students in grades 5 through 8 and their families are invited to an open house at Methuen High School from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about academic programs, extra-curricular activities and more. The afternoon will feature student performances, concessions and pumpkin painting.

The Methuen High School Homecoming Dance begins at 7 p.m. in the Klimas Memorial Field House. For current MHS students only, the dance ends at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, walkers and runners of all ages will participate in the second Annual Ranger Run. The adult run begins at 9:30 a.m. and follows the Methuen High School Cross Country route. The 5K walk steps off at 9:45 a.m. and follows the same route.

The Kids Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. at the high school baseball field and tennis court area.

Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for participants under 18. The form is available online.