2nd Annual High School Penguin Plunge

Nearly 300 high school students took the Penguin Plunge Saturday, February 6, 2010. The event benefits Special Olympics New Hampshire, which provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental challenges. This was the second time the High School Plunge has been held as a precursor to the annual Penguin Plunge. Special Olympics Director of Development Carol Cray said there were about 140 additional participants in this year's High School Plunge. Cray said the event has not only sparked good-natured rivalries between high schools in the state, but it has also served as an effective way to educate teenagers about those with special needs. More information about the HS Plunge can be found at www.firstgiving.com/sonh.

Connecting the Generations

As part of Denise Dunlap’s 2009-2010 Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical project: ‘Connecting the Generations’ students from Inter-Lakes Middle Tier have been visiting with local senior citizens to share stories about life experiences and perspectives of various events in history. Students from both the Inter-Lakes Middle Tier and Inter-Lakes High School have interviewed and videotaped senior citizens.

Pictured above is Patti Quinn, Inter-Lakes Elementary School Art teacher, and her father who is a World War II Veteran. On November 10, forty-nine veterans attended a Veterans’ Day Assembly at Inter-Lakes, which was planned by music teacher, Julie Krisak. Following the assembly several veterans then visited with students in their classrooms to describe some of their experiences and roles in the military. The students (and the senior citizens) have been gaining a great deal of knowledge, insight and respect as they participate in these cross generational activities. More information about Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical Fellows and some of their projects can be found on the NH Charitable Foundation Web site (www.nhcf.org/Page.aspx?pid=629).

Student Leadership Summit

The Annual Student Leadership Summit sponsored by Main Street Academix included over 160 student leaders, teachers, and school community members committed to improving school climate and helping to design 21st century learning opportunities. Throughout the day, participants engaged in workshops and activities which promoted thoughtful planning and engagement on school issues such as bullying, utilizing technology to improve teaching and learning; and creating safe school environments for all students. more...

Wentworth Elementary School is one of 42 schools nationwide, and the only school in New England, in National Staff Development Councils (NSCDs) Learning School Alliance. The LSA is a network of model schools committed to professional development practices that promote student achievement. The educators from these schools will support one another in applying the principles and standards of professional development grounded in NSDC’s definition of professional learning, standards for staff development, and principles for professional learning identified in The Learning Educator: A New Era for Professional Learning.

Foster Grandparent Program

Volunteers with the Federal Foster Grandparent Program work with children of all ages mentoring, tutoring, keeping on task, and providing emotional support and caring encouragement. The Program pays a small stipend to volunteers for at least 15 hours per week, resulting in high quality, consistency, and meaningful relationships with needy children. Foster Grandparent Program staff recruit, assess, acquire background checks, train and provide ongoing support to volunteers and teachers. This unique program has brought together tens of thousands of needy children and loving retired adults who have all been deeply enriched by new relationships. more...

New Hampshire Jobs for America's Graduates (NH-JAG)

NH-JAG is a statewide program for youth who seek to overcome obstacles in attaining a high school education and in pursuing career and postsecondary educational interests. Through three distinct Programs, NH-JAG facilitates learning, skill development, and community involvement. By participating in the NH-JAG program, young people across the state are building leadership skills, exploring career opportunities, discovering personal strengths, gaining confidence and taking pride in their personal achievements. more...

Granite State High School Graduation Ceremony Recognizes Seven more...

Grafton County Department of Correction GED Graduation

North Country Charter Academy (NCCA)

Graduations are truly memorable moments that not only elicit emotional responses but are a time to reflect and thank people for making a difference. With this years graduating class of 37, NCCA has graduated a total of 153 students since its establishment back in 2004. For more information about NCCA go to www.northcountrycharteracademy.com

Mascenic School District

On September 29, 2009 voters overwhelmingly approved school construction and renovation plans totaling $24M.

NH Department of Education

On November 2, more than 40 employees of the Department of Education were recognized for their service to the state. Those recognized have contributed a total of 735 years.

Campbell High School

Students in the Economics of Recycling class at Campbell High School pose with bales of plastic bottles created at Campbell. In the past three years, Campbell students have gathered and baled over 3,200 pounds of plastic bottles, eight tons of paper, and three hundred pounds of aluminum resulting in a substantial savings to the school district. Campbell High is the proud owner of its own baling machine; a purchase made possible by the town matching a grant of an anonymous community member.

Lin-Wood Courage to Teach participants

The Lincoln-Woodstock School District Courage to Teach Journey

The Lin-Wood School District began its journey for creating a new model of school climate in 2007 with a two-year series of retreats based on the principles and practices of Courage to Teach®. The focus was to develop a new emphasis on individual teacher responsibility for each student's learning in an effort to change the culture within the school district. Michael Cosgriff, Superintendent of Lincoln-Woodstock School Administrative Unit, has stated that this has had an impact on student performance.

• More information about the Courage to Teach program and reflections of The Lin-Wood I participants.