Observer Department: Slider


Reintroduction of language classes sparks discussions

The reintroduction of Spanish courses at Northern Essex Community College is sparking a discussion.   These courses, taught by Arnaldo Robles-Reyes, will hopefully provide a positive linguistic learning opportunity. Students, however, have expressed a desire to add more language courses over the coming years.   At one point, the college…


NECC visits the Museum of Fine Arts

Northern Essex Community visits the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. On Feburary 20, students, staff , and extra participants joined together for an exciting and educational visit to one of the most famous muesum’s.  Coordinated by the Associate Director of Lawrence Campus and Community Relations, Giselle Peguero Grullon…

A group of students, staff and faculty in a group photo, standing and smiling at the camera.


Brightspace to replace Blackboard

Northern Essex Community College has started moving some courses from Blackboard to Brightspace, and many students are already noticing the change.  While most classes still use Blackboard, a growing number are testing Brightspace this semester, which has left some students working with both systems at the same time. Freshman business…


Spring semester anticipation blooms

NECC students’ anticipation for the spring semester is blooming.  Grappling with upcoming final projects and tests, students at NECC plug away at the remaining course load, register for new classes, and ready their plans for winter break. Even the most studious students worry about their final exams. Joe Miller, a…


Getting ready for finals

A pencil drawing of an NECC Knight with a book bag with pencils, pens, notebooks and it says NECC Commons and NECC Library on it.


Transfer Fair helps students think about next step

With the fall semester moving along, students at Northern Essex Community College had a chance to think about their next step at the annual College Transfer Fair on Nov. 4. The event took place in the El-Hefni Building on the Lawrence campus and brought many students into the lobby throughout…


Honoring veterans at NECC

On Nov. 6, a special event took place on the Haverhill campus at NECC to honor those who have served in themilitary ahead of Veterans Day. Commencement started at eight-thirty with Dean of Students Jason Arey, who made a speech about our soldiers and veterans who are active and non-active…

Four men, including two in military uniforms, stand in front of flags in the Tech Center building.


The banned book discussion

Books are a primary form of media and educational material.   They contain stories or historical information, some of which have influenced modern society as it is known today.  However, in the United States, book censorship is becoming increasingly common.  During the 2023-24 school year, over 6,500 books were banned…

The library building on the Haverhill Campus of NECC


Pumpkin Palooza

One of my favorite seasons is autumn. Autumn brings out the radiant colors of the foliage and the pumpkins. On Oct. 23, in the Spurk Building on the Haverhill Campus, for the first time, Brianna Soresen of Student Life put together a Pumpkin Palooza! It was her idea to give…

A woman standing in front of a table with pumpkins on it.


Local artist makes music debut

Northern Essex Community College freshman and Amesbury native Andrew Baker has spent months working on his first full length project, a melodic rap and R&B album titled AB8. With the unofficial release date set for Oct. 17, Baker said he’s ready to try and make his mark in the music…

Logo of music artist AB8