district, describes Haverhill’s mission simply: “to ensure that all students can learn, grow, and pursue their own dreams.” “We start early,” Dr. Marotta explains. “We focus on literacy and removing barriers—financial, transportation, or otherwise—so that every family has what they need to support their child’s learning.” From Title I programming to community partnerships, Haverhill’s approach rests on one principle: supporting the whole child.The district’s leadership team, including Assistant Superintendent Bonnie Antkowiak and Director of Title I and Community Outreach Diane Connolly, has worked to expand access to mental health services, strengthen teacher wellness initiatives, and deepen workforce connections through technology and career pathways. A FRAMEWORK OF SUPPORT: MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING In Haverhill, student success begins with well-being. The district has invested heavily in counseling and wraparound support, pairing in-school services with after-school and community-based programs designed to help children and families thrive. “We have multiple counselors in every building,” says Marotta.“But we also try to offer opportunities beyond the school day—vacation academies, afterschool programs, and partnerships that connect students to safe, structured environments yearround.” Among the most innovative initiatives is the PASS Program—a Positive Alternative to School Suspension—developed in partnership with the YMCA. Rather than sending suspended students home, Haverhill offers a full-day structured program at the YMCA that includes tutoring, counseling, group activities, and breakfast and lunch.“The offense stays off their record,” Connolly explains. “It’s a chance to reflect, catch up on classwork, and talk with a counselor about making better choices.” The district also focuses on teacher wellness— recognizing that educators need support just as much as students do. Through a comprehensive staff wellness initiative, teachers participate in yoga, walking groups, and mental health discussions, with Fitbits distributed for team-based health tracking. “We want our staff to center themselves so they can better handle the challenges of the classroom,” Antkowiak says. TECHNOLOGY WITH PURPOSE Technology in Haverhill classrooms isn’t an addon—it’s a tool for engagement, creativity, and critical thinking.The district has embedded tech instruction 261 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 HAVERHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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