Pathways Program Enrollment Soars at Pembroke High School

School Committee Addresses Concerns Over Music Program Decline

PEMBROKE, MA - November 19 - Pembroke High School's Pathways Program has seen a significant increase in enrollment, with 38% of students now participating across four grades. The program offers eight different pathways, including new additions like music and global learning.

Maryellen Gates, the Pathway Coordinator, presented the enrollment figures to the school committee Tuesday night. "We have a total of 266 students enrolled in the Pathway across the four grades," Gates said. "For freshmen alone, we have about 113 students, and that was 61% of the students enrolled."

The program, now in its third year, includes pathways in business, computer science, digital arts, manufacturing and engineering, bio-med, music, global learning and citizenship, and information technology.

Despite the program's success, concerns were raised about a decline in participation in the high school's Performing Arts Program. Parents and students addressed the committee, urging action to preserve the music program.

Patty Hoban, speaking on behalf of the Parents Association for the Performing Arts (PAPA), highlighted several factors contributing to the decline. These include the introduction of the Pathway program in ninth grade, removal of orchestra and choir from middle school course offerings, and the freshman PE requirement.

"We are advocating for students to do both if they want to," Hoban said. "Students should not have to make a choice in eighth grade whether to continue with music or choose a pathway."

Marley Knox, a senior and drum major at Pembroke High School, also addressed the committee. "The music department has made a tremendous impact on my life and the lives of many others," Knox said. "If not for the music department here at Pembroke, my life would look totally different."

Superintendent Erin Obey acknowledged the concerns and outlined potential solutions being explored. These include adjusting the ninth-grade schedule to allow more flexibility for students to participate in both Pathways and music programs.

"Can we figure out a way to keep kids engaged in both pieces in ninth grade, and then they're making a more informed decision," Obey said. "So that's kind of how we're thinking about it."

The committee also discussed improving communication with students and parents about course selection and Pathway options. Suggestions included hosting an eighth-grade parent night and requiring parental sign-off on course selections.

Committee Chair Patrick Chilcott emphasized the importance of finding a balance. "I'm not going to pit one program against another," Chilcott said. "I think the idea here is, how do you make both work a bit?"

Gates outlined challenges facing the Pathways Program, including scheduling conflicts for AP students during internships and safety concerns for engineering and biomedical internships. She suggested exploring a block schedule to alleviate some logistical issues.

The committee also heard school improvement plans from principals across the district. These plans focused on academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and facility improvements.

Marc Talbot, Pembroke High School principal, highlighted efforts to implement skill-building sessions led by adjustment counselors. Topics include anxiety reduction, stress management, and substance use prevention.

Donna McGarrigle, Pembroke Community Middle School principal, discussed initiatives to promote disability awareness and improve the transition to middle school for students.

The committee expressed support for these initiatives and requested to be more involved in school events and activities.

As the meeting concluded, Chilcott acknowledged a student, Lorcán Finnigan, whose letter prompted the discussion about the music program. "You wrote one letter. You stood up and advocated for a belief," Chilcott said. "This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for your letter."

The school committee will continue to explore solutions to balance the Pathways Program with other educational offerings, including the performing arts, in future meetings.