Former Highlander Head Football Coach Hired as new Housemaster for SHS Highland House

Somerville High School Headmaster John Oteri announced earlier this month that Mr. Harry Marchetti  will return to Somerville in a new capacity, joining the SHS leadership staff as Housemaster/Assistant Principal for Highland House.  Mr. Marchetti will be filling the position vacated by Mr. Joe Burke, who retired at the end of the 2012-2013 school year after 7 years as an SHS Housemaster and 32 years working in the Somerville Public Schools (SPS). Mr. Marchetti comes to Somerville after serving as Assistant Principal for eight years at the Greater Lawrence Technical School.

“Harry Marchetti’s experience as an Assistant Principal in diverse urban and vocational schools will be invaluable,” stated Mr. Oteri.  “He is the ultimate team player and brings a wealth of knowledge as a school administrator to his new position.  Harry has demonstrated outstanding relationship-building skills in every school setting he has worked, connecting well with students, parents/guardians and staff.  We are thrilled to welcome him as the newest member of the SHS administrative team.”

Mr. Marchetti was Assistant Principal at the Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) in Andover from 2005 through 2013 where his responsibilities included school safety oversight, supervision and evaluation of school faculty, oversight of the school’s Mediation program and the discipline office, and management of the Saturday MCAS Enhancement and School Attendance programs.  Mr. Marchetti also managed the GLTS Summer School program as well as the annual school graduation ceremony.  A regional technical high school serving the communities of Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover, GLTS serves approximately 1,300 students.

A familiar face on the Somerville High School football sideline, Mr. Marchetti returns to SHS after a two-year absence.  He was the Head Varsity Football Coach for the Somerville High School Highlanders in 2004 and again from 2006 to 2011.  Prior to his most recent position at GLTS, Mr. Marchetti was Superintendent of Recreation for the City of Somerville for 2 years (2003-2005).  Before that, he was Student Liaison at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School from 1992 to 2003, where he implemented a highly successful mediation program, liaised between students and the Whittier Dean of Students in matters of discipline, and directed summer school program, scheduling and student orientation.

“I’m excited to once again have the opportunity to work with students at Somerville High School,” stated Mr. Marchetti.  “This is a great opportunity for me.  I’m looking forward to getting started, and to working with the leadership team.  I am impressed by the professionalism and commitment to student achievement, as well as the genuine caring for the whole student that I have observed.  I believe I’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to the team, and look forward to contributing to the success of Somerville High School students as a member of this team.”

“Mr. Marchetti has served as an Assistant Principal at the Greater Lawrence Technical School for 8 years, has been the SHS Head Varsity Football Coach, and has also taught in Haverhill and Medford. His experience with urban students and his ability to build relationships with students, parents/guardians and staff are noted strengths,” commented SPS Superintendent of Schools, Tony Pierantozzi.  “I am confident that Mr. Marchetti will continue to demonstrate outstanding communication skills in his position as Housemaster, as he did when he was our Head Varsity Football Coach.”