School Counselor Learning Communities
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As part of NCES' regional efforts in supporting social and emotional learning, learning communities have been established for both elementary and middle/high school counselors. Each group meets on a bi-monthly basis. The sessions include professional development, clinical supervision, an opportunity to network, support one another, and share best practices. If you are a school counselor in the NCES region, it is not to late to join. Contact Lori Langlois for more information at lori@ncedservices.org or 603-466-5437.
Regional School Counselors Learning Community - Elementary Group
Pictured (l-r): Lynda True-Carter, Edward Fenn Elementary; Vicki Illes, Lin-Wood Elementary; Kristen Burke, Conway Elementary; Samantha Gross, Whitefield Elementary; Jennifer Lyon, Groveton and Stark Elementary; Karen Marks, Lafayette Elementary; JoLee Horvath, Lisbon Regional; Lisa Harold, Lakeway Elementary; Jake Topliffe, Colebrook Elementary, and Alysha Thibault-Topliffe, Lancaster Elementary School.
These sessions are part of the North Country Partnership for SEL Practices and made possible with support from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund.
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Computer Science Career Paths: Experts Panel
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 The computer science opportunities in New Hampshire are growing. This session will feature a panel of CS expertise to help participants understand and explore career opportunities around big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and other CS careers--beyond the game design and programming aspects that students are more often familiar with. We will hear from industry leaders about future vision and opportunities for these computer science fields within NH and/or New England. We will also look at next steps on how we, as educators, can evolve our classes and culture to excite and prepare students for the digital aspects of all future jobs.
Panelists:
- Jason Golden, Chief Information Security Officer at Mainstay Technologies on cybersecurity
- Ashlyn Murphy: Human Resources at Mainstay Technologies
- Ethan Golden: VLACS student interning in cybersecurity
- Jim Isaak with expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, and more
- Robert H'obbes' Zakon: Senior Fellow, ACSA cybsersecurity professionals association; Mentor, SCORE -- nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors; Senior Member, IEEE -- largest technical professional association for advancement of technology; White House Presidential Innovation Fellow (2016-2017)
For: Computer science educators, those potentially interested in becoming CS teachers, ELO/Internship coordinators, those interested in workforce development, school counselors, business/ entrepreneurial teachers, and other middle/high school content area teachers who are interested in how computer science connects to their subject area are all invited to attend.
Note: This is second of a two-part series. Session #1 is not a requirement for attending.
Date: Thursday, January 23, 2019 from 4:00 - 8:00
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Cost: Free, light dinner provided. Registration is required.
Register: Online at ncedservices.org/csnorth-fall2019 or by calling 603-466-5437, M-F 8-4.
Download flyer.
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Conscious Discipline - Save the Dates - August 6 & 7
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Conscious Discipline is a transformational social-emotional learning and classroom management approach. A two-day Conscious Discipline training will be offered in the North Country on August 6 & 7, 2020. Priority registration will be given to educators from school districts with full membership with NCES. The focus will be on prek-6 classrooms, but middle and high school educators will also be invited to attend.
Cost (highly discounted for member schools), location, and registration information will be available in the February newsletter.
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Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program Training
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The goal Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program is to reduce the incidence of suicide among adolescents. SOS is unique among suicide prevention programs as it incorporates two prominent suicide prevention strategies into a single program: a psycho-educational curriculum which aims to raise awareness of suicide and its related issues and a brief screening for depression and other risk factors associated with suicidal behavior. This four-hour training is geared towards middle and high school counselors and staff, but elementary personnel are also welcome to attend.
 Date: Friday, January 31, 2020
Time: 12:30 - 4:30
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Cost: Free
Registration: Please RSVP here
Learn more about the program
Questions about SOS and the Connor's Climb Foundation should be directed to Candice.Porter@ConnorsClimb.org or visit www.ConnorsClimb.org for more information.
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Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Regional Meeting
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The North Country Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (NCCIA) group will be hold its first meeting of 2020 on January 15th from 9:00-11:00 AM at NCES. Ashley Frame from the NHDOE will be a guest speaker to discuss both the C3 frameworks and provide updates from the NHDOE.
For: Curriculum directors, principals, and others responsible for curriculum, instruction and/or assessment are welcome to participate.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Please email NCCIA regional facilitator, Ginny Doyle, at vdoyle@lin-wood.org.
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School Counselor Learning Communities
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NCES is offering free professional development learning communities for school counselors from NCES member school districts.
Elementary Group:
- Monday, February 3, 2020, from 8:00 - 2:30 with Cassie Yackley, Psy.D.
- Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 8:00 - 3:00 with Shannon Brown on gender identity and inclusive schools (with middle/high group)
RSVP for March 18
Middle/High School Group:
- Monday, January 13, 2020, from 8:00 - 2:30 with Cassie Yackley, Psy.D.
RSVP for January 13
- Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 8:00 - 3:00 with Shannon Brown on gender identity and inclusive schools (with elementary group)
RSVP for March 18
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Cost: Free for counselors in schools in SAUs 3, 7, 9 (Jackson), 20, 35, 36, 58 (Stark/Stratford), 68, 77 & 84 and Canaan School (VT)).School counselors from non-member districts may participate for $25/session.
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Empower Coos Youth Grants Program
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The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund is accepting applications to the Empower Coos Youth Grants Program. Designed by the Empower Coos Youth Grants committee, the program focuses on strengthening communities and deepening people’s connections to one another and the region. Specifically, the program supports specific projects, operating expenses, planning, evaluation and technical assistance in Coos, Grafton, and Carroll counties, New Hampshire and Essex County, Vermont. Priorities for the Empower Coos Youth Grants Program include: environmental initiatives, extracurricular activities for youth, and community events and public gathering places that strengthen community connection. Grants are awarded up to $10,000 per year to eligible organizations.
For instructions on how to apply to the Empower Coos Youth Grants Program, click here and scroll down to "Application and Grant Process."
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Career Pathways Partnership Grants Program
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The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire have launched the Career Pathways Partnership grants program to create career pathways for New Hampshire public school students — by supporting partnerships led by local chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations or school districts that work collaboratively with area businesses and educational institutions.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to support workforce development efforts including work-based learning experiences for students, career exploration programs, dual enrollment programs, credential or certification programs and formal high school and post-secondary learning experiences.
Learn more
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A project of the Rural Schools Collaborative, the "I am a Rural Teacher!" is giving voice to rural teachers. Advocating for rural teachers by sharing their stories showcases the perspectives of rural educators. Read stories.
Teachers may join the public Facebook group called “I am a Rural Teacher!”, where they can share photos, stories, curriculum ideas, and teaching experiences.
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NHCF Scholarships for NH Students
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 Each year, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation awards more than $6 million in scholarships to help New Hampshire students with the fewest resources and most promise realize their educational goals, whether it’s a two- or four-year college degree, a certificate, or professional license.
The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting students who are beginning their college careers at two-year community colleges. The Foundation has pledged to make $500,000 in scholarships available to students attending community colleges for certificates or associate degrees for the 2020–2021 academic year.
Applications open on February 1, 2020, and are available online at www.nhcf.org/scholarships.
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Understanding Why and How Addiction is a Disease
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A free screening of the film, Pleasure Unwoven: Understanding Why and How Addiction is a Disease, will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Medallion Opera House in Gorham, NH. Doors open at 5:00. The screening begins at 5:45 with a panel discussion following at 7:00 PM.
Who should attend: Who should attend?
• Families
• Recovery Community
• Health Care Professionals
• Educators
• Students
• Law Enforcement
• First Responders
• All Community Members
Learn more
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Life Under Construction - Youth supported mental health
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Life Under Construction! is a Facebook group supported by NAMI NH that provides a place for youth whose lives are affected by mental illness to share ideas, concerns, and questions they have about planning their future. This site assists teens and youth with emotional disorders/mental illness transition successfully into adulthood. You’ll also find information about how teens and young adults can get involved and connect with leadership opportunities that can influence policies in mental health, education, and other related areas.
For more information or questions, contact Michele Watson at mwatson@NAMINH.org or 603.225-5359 x 353.
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Online Parent & Caregiver Group
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 Struggling with your child's or teen's behavior?
NAMI of NH is offering an online virtual meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
For more information, contact Carol Lemelin at 603.664.2116 or rclemelin@metrocast.net.
Flyer
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Regional Support Groups and Classes
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The Family Resource Center is offering a variety of programs to support families, caregivers, and individuals. These classes and support groups include:
- Parenting with PTSD: A Workbook-Based Support Group for Moms with PTSD, mornings starting January 14, 2020 in Berlin
- Positive Solutions for Families, parenting class, evenings beginning January 15, 2020 in Berlin
- Mommy and Me Playgroup, beginning January 16, 2020 in Berlin
- Anger Management, afternoons beginning February 4, 2020 in Berlin
- Like Skills 101, evenings beginning January 16, 2020 in Berlin
- Support Group for Relative Caregivers, 2nd/4th Thursdays, in Berlin
- Support Group for Relative Caregivers, every other Wednesday, in Lancaster
- SMART Recovery, Monday evenings beginning January 13, 2020 in Berlin
Download flyers or contact the FRC for more information or register at 603.752.2511.
The Family Resource Center serves Coos County and northern Grafton County. Childcare available with advanced request. Local transportation may be available with advanced notice. For families already connected to FRC services, out-of-town transportation may be available as well. If you are interested in a program that is not currently offered in your community, contact the FRC as satellite programs are being considered for Littleton, Lancaster, and Colebrook.
Looking for other support groups? Check here.
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NHSaves Education Challenge, for grade bands K-12
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 The NHSaves Education Challenge invites NH students to respond to topics about energy efficiency and create projects to educate and encourage their community to make sustainable energy choices. Submission format may vary as long as a written component is included with the entry and the project is shareable via local newspapers, on school websites, or other public formats. Winning entries will be selected three times per year, published through various media outlets, and awarded a prize.
Learn more
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Magnify Voices Art Contest
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Sponsored by the NH Children's Behavioral Health Collaborative, the 2nd annual film, writing, and art contest is underway for youth in middle and high school (grades 5-12). Students are invited to submit creative pieces about their experiences with mental health in New Hampshire. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges with varied expertise. All creative pieces will be showcased to help raise awareness, erase stigma, and effectuate change!
The entry deadline is March 6, 2020.
Learn more
Questions should be directed to magnifyvoices@gmail.com
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The HiSET exam is offered monthly at the Berlin office of Coos Adult Learner Services. In order to register for the exam, any person new to the program must complete a pre-assessment exam at least one week in advance.
To learn more about New Hampshire's HiSET requirements, visit the ETS HiSET website.
For information on testing dates in Coos County, visit Coos ALS or call 603-752-1927.
In addition to test preparation, for individuals 18 years of age or older, the Coos Adult Learner Services program also provides computer instruction, reading instruction, basic math instruction, and college-level math instruction. Tutoring locations are located in Berlin, Lancaster, and Colebrook. To learn more, call 603-752-1927 or email the program coordinator, Gayle Theberge at gthebergecoosals@myfairpoint.net.
For Adult Learner Services in upper Grafton County contact 603-444-6306 and for northern Carroll County contact 603-356-7242.
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NHSaves' LED Fundraiser for School
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Raise money for your school while helping students and their families save money at home by
using more energy-efficient lighting. NHSaves’ LED fundraiser starts with an entertaining and
fun school-wide assembly by a NHEEP educator on energy efficient products, the benefits
of saving energy, and the logistics of the fundraiser program. Students sell energy-efficient
light bulbs ranging in price from $2–$5 and are awarded prizes based on the number of items
sold. Schools keep 100% of the money collected.
Sign-up or learn more at NHEEP.ORG/FOR-TEACHERS/LED-FUNDRAISER-FOR-SCHOOLS
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Earn your master of education degree and teacher certification through Teacher Residency for Rural Education (TRRE). TRRE is a 15-month program for people who desire to become elementary, secondary math or science teachers for students in rural, high-need schools in NH. Live, learn, volunteer and teach in TRRE partner community schools. Put down roots in NH and launch your career in teaching!
Application Due: February 3, 2020
Cohort 4 start date: May 2020
Learn more
Free energy education workshops for educators and students and more.
2020 US Census is important
Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.
See NH's allocation of funds from federal programs based on the last census.
Earn extra income as a Census Taker
The Census Bureau is accepting applications from those interested in being Census Takers. The rate of pay is $17.50/hour, with flexible hours, paid training, and mileage reimbursement. Learn more 2020census.gov/jobs or call 855-JOB-2020
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in the New Hampshire court system.
For more information, contact speakup@casanh.org.
Want to learn more about education funding in NH?
Reaching Higher NH has a series of articles that explains different aspects of the issue.
Advancing NH Public Education has several articles on education funding as well.
Follow the Save Our Schools page on Facebook.
Sign up for email updates from the School Funding Fairness Project here.
Granite Guarantee:
Tuition-Free College
The Granite Guarantee is a financial aid program that makes college possible for qualified first-year and transfer New Hampshire students by covering the cost of tuition for up to four years.
Learn more about the Granite Guarantee process at participating schools:
or learn more about the program through the University System of New Hampshire or by calling 844-309-3855.
Foster Care: Short-term and Long-term Families Needed
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent, please act now. Did you know weekend-only care is option? If you’d like to learn more about the foster care program, visit the NH DHHS webpage on Becoming a Foster Parent.
Foster and Adoption Care Essentials (FACES)
Berlin training, Monday evenings January 27 to March 9, 2020
There is also a training series in Littleton.
Coos Adult Learner Services offers small group instruction in basic reading, writing, math, English for English Language Learners, and preparation for the HiSet exam.
Services available in Berlin, Colebrook, and Lancaster locations. The program serves all of Coos County.
Volunteer tutoring opportunities as well.
Call 603-752-1927 to get started.
For Adult Learner Services in upper Grafton County contact 603-444-6306 and for northern Carroll County contact 603-356-7242.
Protecting children is all of our responsibility. KNOW the signs of abuse and TELL responsible authorities.
NCES Online Professional Development Library & Educational Student Texts
Want to enhance your ebook collection?
Check out the hundreds of educational ebooks available to NCES member schools:
School Resources for Military Families
There are many resources available to school personnel who are working with military connected families including the NH National Guard. Visit the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State's Applied Science Research Center for more information.
Check out the K-12 computer science resources curated through the CSNorth project.
Learn more about CSNorth
Help support the mission of NCES
Your tax deductible donation will support NCES' mission of collaborating with public schools and community partners to support excellent and equitable educational opportunities throughout the North Country.
NCES seeks exceptional educational experiences and realized potential for all students.
NCES believes that thriving schools are at the heart of vibrant communities!
The core values of NCES:
- PUBLIC EDUCATION
Learning is key to a fulfilling life and protecting our democracy. Quality public schools are the core of vibrant communities and essential for strong local economies.
- COLLABORATION
Working together for efficiency and improved outcomes through convenings, sharing best practices, and partnerships.
- QUALITY
Investing in professional development for educators, pursuing innovative approaches, and providing high-quality services and programs to members.
- EQUITY
Equity and fairness are promoted in all actions and decisions—as well as advocating for equitable access and opportunity throughout the region.
- INTEGRITY
Conducting all actions, relationships, and financial transitions with transparency, trustworthiness, and good stewardship.
- RESPONSIVENESS
Anticipating and meeting the evolving needs of stakeholders for continuous improvement.
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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