Wow, what a month! Of course, as always, it is hard to believe the first two months of school have passed. On top of all the typical back-to-school workload, there were lots of great happenings in the past month. Here are a few of the highlights.
Young Women in Engineering
Young women from Berlin High, Whitefield, and Lisbon Regional schools went to Claremont to participate in the Young Women in Engineering conference. It was interesting to see projects that various teams were able to work on. Those boats were made from plastic corrugated sheets and duck tape. And yes, the were functional, I saw it with my own eyes! More pictures from this day can be found on the NCES homepage. Kudos to our STEM Resource Partners who took advantage of this opportunity, Lucie Kinney, Erv Connary, and Leslie Houghton.
North Country STEMFEST
Okay, so this one actually took place in September, but the video about the event came out in October. It was too good not to share. Check out the highlight video from the event that drew in more than 200 students. Word is that the UNH College of Physical Sciences and Engineering plans to return next fall.
Meaning from Messages
Truth be told, it does not always feel like a blessing that my job includes participating in a lot of meetings and events. This past month, however, I felt like I hit the lottery for great keynote presentations. In many ways the messages were all connected. Collectively seeing these efforts gives me hope. I believe if we can pull "the dots" of our efforts closer together, we can experience success and prosperity in the region.
I will not go into detail, but nonprofits in NH are fortunate to have the NH Center for Nonprofits to bring in speakers like Kim Fields and Steve Zimmerman. Their presentations at the Leadership Summit on re-imagining sustainability were certainly relevant to our work and efforts of many organizations who are faced with doing more with fewer resources.
Another great event was Transforming Tomorrow's Workforce Today: A First in the Early Learning Nation. The line up of speakers was impressive and the data shared spoke to urgency of early learning, birth-to-age-3 in addition to pre-school, as a national priority. Several of the presentations are available on the SparkNH site.
Fall being annual meeting season for many organizations, I was fortunate to attend those of North Country Council and North Country Investment Corporation. Each featured outstanding speakers who spoke to demographic trends and ways the North Country can respond to those shifts for the sake of our economic and community vitality.
Ed Vilandrie, co-founder of a strategy consulting business that advise telecom, media and high tech business across the country who resides in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, shared an exciting vision to integrate and diversify our economy, especially with technology based businesses using the attractive assets we enjoy. He urged the 300+ attendees at NCIC's event to do their part in making a difference for the region.
NCC's keynote was futurist John Martin, co-founder and CEO of Generations Matter. He presented compelling evidence on America's coming age shift and why rural areas need to work diligently to attract and retain Millennials.
The last from the highlight reel that I wanted to touch on this month was the presentation that NCES, along with the North Country Principals Association, hosted on the topic drug trends. Attorney Corey MacDonald, a former deputy police chief, spoke to a group of nearly 40 principals, school nurses, guidance, and other school personnel. While no one wants to see substance abuse on a highlight reel, I bring it to your attention because the turn out speaks to the commitment to not "hide our heads in the sand" and ignore the growing problem.
There is no doubt that we face many challenges. Schools and communities will have to work together on many issues. Based upon the energy and messages of many organizations, groups, and individuals in the region and state, I do believe we can mobilize for a stronger future.
Lori Langlois
Executive Director
lori@ncedservices.org
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North of the 44th is a movement designed to shift the way we think about the region, to celebrate what is right, and to build from our strengths. The more people who pledge to be placemakers, to do their part and take action to shape the future of the region, the sooner we will see that progress. Join today and take the placemaker pledge to:
Share resources and passion to strengthen the region.
Highlight what is inspiring and right in the region while recognizing that challenges exist.
Attend to relationships and networks to build trust, optimism and a common sense of purpose across the region.
Practice Asset-Based Thinking and building from strength in daily work and life.
Emphasize inclusion, reaching beyond traditional barriers of age, class and education.
Learn more about North of the 44th
See who has already pledged
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2016 North Country Middle School Film Festival
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 NCES is excited to announce that the six annual "Celebrate What's Right" film festival for grades 6, 7 & 8 will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Rialto Theatre in Lancaster.
Let's celebrate what is right in our lives by highlighting what has a positive influence in or on the North Country. Films must celebrate an asset that impacts those living or visiting the North Country. Assets may include, but are not limited to, people, places (natural or man-made), businesses, organizations, events, new or unique solutions to problems, community groups, activities, natural resources, a way of life, an attraction, or something that strengthens the community.
For rules and guidelines visit http://www.ncedservices.org/film/
Interested in sponsoring this event? 
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Over 60% of principals and assistant principals in North Country schools will have completed the National Institute of School Leadership’s Executive Development Program once the current cohort graduates. The current cohort is supported through a mix of local dollars, Title IIA Redistribution funds, and State Agencies for High Education grant in partnership with Plymouth State University (granted through NHDOE).
The group convenes for two days a month at NCES in Gorham, NH. The curriculum includes the topics of strategic thinking for world-class schooling, leadership for excellence in the content areas, coaching for high quality teaching, promoting the learning organization, and driving and sustaining school transformation.
Front row: Todd Lamarque - Lancaster School, Shelley Koehler - Lafayette, Erica Sieberg - Lafayette, Danielle Whitcomb - Lakeway, Katherine Landry - Stark School, Tammy Fauteux - Berlin Middle School, Sue Greenlaw - Bethlehem School, Lorna Holcombe - Groveton Elementary, Michelle Fox - Groveton High, Stephanie Antonucci - Stratford, Janet Strauss (facilitator), Jackie Daniels - Lisbon, Daniel Mackin - Stratford, Mark Fiorentino - Colebrook Academy, and Elaine Sherry - Pittsburg. Back row: Sherri Gregory - Jefferson, Michael Berry - WMRHS, Greg Fillion - Littleton High, Eric Daffinrud - Lakeway, Kevin Carpenter - Berlin High School, Peggy Bromley - Lakeway, Christopher Blair - Edward Fenn, Shelli Roberts (Facilitator Intern), Roland Pinette - Berlin High, Bridget Gagne (Facilitator Intern), Kerry Sheehan - Profile, David Backler (Facilitator), Lisa Perras - Groveton High, and Martha Miller - SAU 3. Missing from photo: Paul Bousquet (Facilitator).
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 A few seats remain in the elementary and middle school focused portion of the Transforming STEM Instruction in North Country Classrooms project. This component of the project is called Novel Engineering and was developed at Tufts University's Center for Engineering Education and Outreach. Inspired by kids and grounded in research, Novel Engineering is an innovative approach to integrate engineering and literacy in elementary and middle school.
Students use classroom literature—stories, novels, and expository texts- as basis for engineering design challenges to:
- Identify engineering problems
- Impose constraints by using details from the text
- Design functional, realistic solutions for characters
- Engage in the Engineering Design Process while reinforcing their literacy skills
Learn more about Novel Engineering
Dates/Time: Mondays, 12:00 - 5:00 (working lunch) on Nov 16, Dec 14, Jan 11, Feb 8, March 7, April 11 and May 9 (7 afternoon sessions) at NCES, Gorham, NH.
Registration: This series is open to educators in NCES member schools at no charge. A commitment to attend all sessions is required to register. Contact Lori Langlois at lori@ncedservices.org if you are interested.
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Returning to Learn after Concussion:
What Educators Need to Know about Brain Injury
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New and existing research has brought Head Injury in children and adults to the attention of medical practitioners, coaches, educators and parents whose children actively participate in sports. Questions result in speculation about participation in educational activities after an injury, effects of repeat injuries, behavioral concerns that affect life and learning.
This conference is designed to inform educators about impact of head injury, including concussion, on learning processes, including social/emotional well-being as it relates to the injured student’s reintegration into the learning environment. It will also help to answer questions such as:
- When, how, and to what degree to encourage a student to “get back in the game”?
- What practices in returning to learn and play are considered best practices?
For a full description and outcomes, visit: http://www.ncedservices.org/profdev/
Speakers:
- Dr. William Storo, MD
- Dr. Jonathan Lichtenstein, PsyD
Who Should Attend:
This event is to benefit educators, including teachers, school administrators, school nurses, school based clinicians, and coaches. Parents are also welcome.
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015
Time: Check-in 12:00, Start-time 12:10, End-time 3:30
Location: Video conferenced* to NCES, Gorham, NH (from SERESC, Bedford, NH)
Cost for video conference at NCES for staff from:
- Full member schools: $75
- Associate member schools: $85
- Others: $95
Light refreshments provided.
Registration: To register for the video conference at the Gorham location, register with NCES:
- Online
- Call 603-466-5437 (between 8:00 - 4:00)
*Note about video conferencing: This workshop will be a two-way interactive live stream between SERESC and NCES. As such, participants in Gorham will be able to ask questions directly to the presenters. For more information about attending the in-person event at SERESC, visit: https://www.smore.com/xtyez.
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Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
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CALM is a 2-hour training that is available free of charge to schools with an audience size of at least 4 and no more than 40. It has 2 Continuing Education Units from the NH Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. This training is suited for guidance counselors, school nurses, athletic coaches, extracurricular advisors, or anyone who may be in a position to talk with families when there may be concern of a child's well-being. Contact Elizabeth Fenner-Lukaitis, LICSW, Acute Care Services Coordinator, NH Bureau of Behavioral Health, 105 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301. (603) 271-5028. ElizabethFL@dhhs.state.nh.us
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Support the work of
North Country Education Services
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Your tax deductible gift helps support the mission of the organization and provide opportunities for educators and students throughout the North Country.
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Look Who Showed Up!
The North of the Notches Young Professionals Network held a Stories of the North event at the Mountain View Grand in October. Several North Country educators participated. To learn more about NNYPN, visit their Facebook page or email northofthenotchypn@gmail.com.
(L to R) Rosa Van View, Drew Amabile, Kat Van Horn, Aaron Giragosian, Jessica Williams, Ashley Guilbreault, Lauren Hepburn, and Jessica Davis.
Premieres at 8:30 p.m. November 5 on NHPTV PRIME.
Raising New Hampshire: The Early Years is a co-production of NH Public Television and the Endowment for Health. This 30-minute film examines the importance of health, early learning, and family support—all necessary components of a comprehensive early childhood system. Inspired by the national documentary series, The Raising of America, the New Hampshire program provides the local angle on systemic gaps and innovative solutions that could, if we work together and take action, create a better future for all New Hampshire children.
Substance Abuse Prevention in Schools
Did you know there is an Office of Student Wellness in NH? The Office of Student Wellness is committed to the development of the whole child. They work, in collaboration with local communities, school districts, and individuals, to support students as they become fully productive members of society. The approach allows for affecting real, meaningful change in the lives of all Granite Staters while remaining fiscally responsible, culturally competent, and youth guided.
Visit the NH Office of Student Wellness site.
Tillotson Fund Grant Seeker Information Session
Organizations providing services in Coos County, NH and bordering communities are encouraged to apply for funding from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Beecher Falls, Vermont
To register contact Jean Clarke at 603-225-6641 ext. 20238 or email jc@nhcf.org.
Brain Building Moments
Every parent has what it takes to be a brain builder. Share the Vroom website and app with all the parents and caregivers of children under age 5.
Join Vroom today
A new initiative launched in support of public education in New Hampshire.
Learn more
Understand the connections between the standards for CCSS in math?
Standards relate to one another, both within and across grades. The Coherence Map, developed by achievethecore.org, illustrates the coherent structure of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Mental Health First Aid
NAMI NH is offering a free 8 hour training course designed to teach members of the public basic first aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. The evidence behind Mental Health First Aid demonstrates that it makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy — helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.
- Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH)
To register, contact Sandy Alonzo at 603-915-1801 or Salonzo.naminh@gmail.com. Registration is required.
Inspiring Girls to Explore STEM Careers
The NH High Tech Council’s TechWomen/
TechGirls committee is hosting TechWomen Ambassadors Week for 9th grade girls for the North Country Schools. The theme is “Inspiring Girls to Explore STEM Careers”. This one-day, two-hour event will take place on November 20th in Berlin from 10:00 - 12:30.
TechWomen Ambassadors representing various high tech industry sectors including aerospace, robotics, biotech, computing, engineering, green tech and more will participate in the events offering their expertise and demonstrations.
If your high school has an interest in participating, please contact Carol Miller, committee chair at 603-271-2591 or email Carol at carol.miller@dred.nh.gov
Learn more
Most Likely to Succeed Screening
Ted Dintersmith, Executive Producer of Most Likely to Succeed, will be in NH as part of a 50 State Tour on the Future of Education. The NH screening is on November 3rd at 7:00 PM at Bow High School.
Watch trailer
Learn more about Nov 3rd event
North Country Jobs in Education
Visit TeachNorth.org for education related jobs in the North Country.
Coos Networks
Coös NetWorks supports people of the region, the cultural and natural resources, future community and economic development of the region. This network is comprised of people who share a common passion for the greater Coös Region. If you're one of those people, join today.
Stay Informed with NHDOE Key Messages
Did you know that the New Hampshire Department of Education publishes key messages each month? You can find them online here:
http://education.nh.gov/key/index.htm
Odysseyware provides online curriculum for grades 3-12, with customizable core, elective and CTE courses, assessment & remediation tools and much more. Odysseyware is ideal as a stand-alone curriculum or for blended learning, credit recovery, RTI, alternative and special education, ESOL, 1:1 and more.
Contact Information
North Country Education Services
300 Gorham Hill Road
Gorham, NH 03581
ncedservices.org
603-466-5437
nces@ncedservices.org
NCES is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
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