Education - Marblehead Current

20 Jan

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Leigh BlanderArt, Education, Environment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Recreation

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Penguin PlungeSaturday, Jan. 24, noonBundle up and dive in for a cause at Salem Coastwatch’s first Penguin Plunge at Riverhead Beach. Participants are invited to brave the cold waters, enjoy camaraderie and support efforts to protect and restore the coastal environment.To sign up or donate, visit givebutter.com/penguinplunge2026. Vivaldi and Mozart candlelight experienceSaturday, Jan. 24, 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.Experience the music of Vivaldi…

19 Jan

Headlight: Jan. 21, 2026

Kris OlsonEducation, Headlight

Check out the latest issue of Marblehead High School’s Headlight. In this edition: Sophomore reporter Anna Baughman writes about a student art installation at National Grand Bank. Sophomore reporter Jack Buckley documents the success of the undefeated junior varsity boys basketball team. Freshman reporter Sophie Li reports on the business competition in which members of DECA, a club that prepares students to practice leadership and entrepreneurship skills, recently took part. Headlight January 21, 2026Download

14 Jan

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News

The town will observe its fourth annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Friday, Jan. 30, at noon, at Abbot Hall. The Select Board has proclaimed the day and recognized the month of January as Holocaust Remembrance Month. State Rep. Jenny Armini, who represents Marblehead, lights candles at last year's Holocaust Remembrance Day. CURRENT PHOTO In 2005, the United Nations officially designated January 27th for remembrance, and it is now observed by many countries worldwide. The day commemorates the over six million Jews and millions of…

14 Jan

Headlight: Jan. 14, 2026

Kris OlsonEducation, Headlight

Check out the latest issue of Marblehead High School’s Headlight. In this edition: Luka Bornhorst writes about what student-athletes should expect from the college recruiting process. Assistant Editor Evan Eisen explores the age-old question of whether students are courting lasting harm by cracking their knuckles. Headlight January 14 - B (21 inches), 2026Download

08 Jan

Marblehead Cultural Council announces winners of 2026 grants

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Resources, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local History, Local News

The Marblehead Cultural Council has awarded grants for 2026, including funding for live music, historical performances and programming, art installations, and workshops. “Our council enjoyed reviewing 20 broad and varied applications from members of our local arts and culture community,” said MCC Chair Jeanie Stahl. “We are pleased to announce that we have awarded nine inspirational grants to enliven, enrich and deepen Marblehead’s creative arts scene throughout 2026.” The MCC places an emphasis on new, emerging and established artists and programs in local venues, as…

05 Jan

Marblehead schools look to trim $1.7M from budget

Leigh BlanderEducation, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

Marblehead Public Schools need to cut about $1.7 million to reach a level-funded budget for fiscal year 2027, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Mike Pfifferling announced at a Jan. 5 meeting. The town’s Finance Committee has directed all departments to prepare level-funded budgets for approval at Town Meeting in May. After consulting with the five school principals and other administrators, Pfifferling and Superintendent John Robidouix were able to identify “efficiencies” that will bring that budget gap down to about $879,000. Some of those efficiencies include: Not…

01 Jan

Turning the page to 2026: Resolutions from across Marblehead

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Food, Linda Bassett, Marblehead Public Schools, Public safety, Top Stories

The holiday celebrations may be over, but the spirit of renewal is just beginning in Marblehead. As 2026 unfolds, the Current spoke with town leaders, educators, artists and community members about the resolutions guiding their work, families and passions in the year ahead. Here’s a sampling of responses we received. Cynda Rohmer, Marblehead Arts Festival presidentDo you have any resolutions related to the Arts Festival? Stay organized! Advertise and talk up the new events in 2026. How about for yourself? Get back to the gym…

23 Dec

Why is Marblehead’s public school enrollment dropping? Superintendent offers more data

Leigh BlanderEducation, Top Stories

During the 2024-25 school year, 215 Marblehead students transferred out of the district — the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most, 83 students, enrolled in private schools in Massachusetts. Another 70 transferred to other public schools, including charter schools. Superintendent John Robidoux updated the School Committee with new enrollment data at a Dec. 18 meeting, addressing concerns about a steady decline over the past decade. Superintendent John Robidoux and Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira presented several slides related to enrollment data at a Dec. 18…

22 Dec

Marblehead Jewish day school fighting to survive

Leigh BlanderEducation, Religion, Top Stories

The North Shore's only Jewish day school — the Epstein Hillel School here in Marblehead — is facing a financial crisis and it's not clear whether it will survive. "After much deliberation, the board has made the difficult decision that starting in the 2026-27 academic year, our school is planning to move to a PreK through fifth-grade model," the EHS board wrote to families, announcing that it will stop offering grades six through eight. "Operating a PreK-5 school gives us the strongest chance to achieve…

17 Dec

SCHOOL COMMITTEE: December community update

Cheryl ByrneEducation, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools

Submitted By Melissa Clucas & Henry Gwazda, School Committee Communications Subcommittee MHS roof bid approvedFollowing a competitive bidding process, the School Committee unanimously approvedawarding the Marblehead High School roof and HVAC replacement contract to Homer Contracting Inc. for $8.97 million, about $2.1 million under budget. The bid includes fixed pricing for a full roof recovering along with HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. This marks a major step toward resolving longstanding building issues at MHS. Most construction is planned for the summer, with substantial completion targeted…