"No Such Thing As a Bad Kid" with Charlie Appelstein
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Understanding and Responding to Students with Emotional & Behavioral Challenges Using a Positive, Trauma-informed, Strength-Based Approach & Creating a Positive, Strength-Based Culture in Your School
 Strength-based practice is an emerging approach to guiding students and, in particular, those with emotional and behavioral challenges, that is exceptionally positive and inspiring. Its focus is on strength-building rather than flaw-fixing. It begins with the belief that every young person has or can develop strengths and utilize past successes to mitigate problem behavior and enhance academic and social functioning.
This series will highlight many of the key principles and techniques of this transforming modality. Areas covered include:
- What is strength-based practice & the power of a positive attitude & culture;
- the effects of trauma and positive emotions on the brain;
- changing negative mindsets and the deleterious effects of pejorative labeling;
- strength-based communication principles and techniques – including reframing, using solution-focused questions, positive predicting and inspirational metaphors;
- self-esteem building & activities for at-risk children and youth;
- how to help cognitively- inflexible students;
- the importance of being family-friendly;
- why, how, and when to use incentive plans;
- the importance of controlling personal emotions (i.e. managing number one first);
- respectful, relationship-based limit setting;
- and a host of creative cognitive behavioral strategies.
Location: Live online presentation via Zoom
Dates/Time: Tuesday evenings, October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 2022 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Cost:
- Staff from NCES Member Districts (SAUs 3, 9- Jackson only, 20, 23 - Haverhill Coop SD, 35, 36, 48 - Campton only, 58, 68, 77, and 84): Free
- Staff from NCES Associate Member Districts (SAU 7): $50 for the series
- Staff from non-members: $100 for the series
- Staff from child-serving non-profits and early childhood centers, pricing follows respective school district.
Register: Online or by calling 603-466-5437 M-F between 8-4.
About the presenter:
 Youth care specialist Charlie Appelstein, M.S.W., provides expert strength-based training, consultation, publications, CDs, and DVDs for individuals and groups who work with children and youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Described as “the best youth care trainer in America” by Robert Lieberman, former president of the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers, Charlie has devoted his entire adult career to helping children and youth struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges and those who guide them. An engaging, informative, and humorous speaker, Charlie is the author of three critically acclaimed books on youth care and the creator of two innovative CDs that helps kids and parents make better choices and lead happier lives. Charlie’s strength-based approach delivers a message of hope and possibility to our most vulnerable youth and those who shape and influence their lives.
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Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
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Join math consultant Ann Elise Record for an engaging workshop on meeting the individual math needs of all your students. It can seem like a daunting task when it seems like the spectrum of abilities in classrooms just keeps getting wider. How do we discover where students are on their learning journeys and then provide experiences in our math classrooms that provide equitable access to rigorous instruction for ALL students?
Ann Elise will share practical answers to these questions and connect you to a wealth of free resources that will help you on your journey. Topics will include Daily Routines that promote reasoning, fluency, and problem solving, and Building Thinking Classrooms, Peter Liljedahl's practices for thinking that create an ideal setting for deep mathematics learning to occur. As Chase Orton says, "We are not only teaching our students math content, but helping them author their own math stories."
For: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics applies to K-12, however, the examples in this workshop will explore multiplication, division, and fractions, and thus suited for elementary and upper elementary educators.
Date/Time: Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 8:30 to 3:00 (lunch provided)
Cost: Staff from full member schools, $175; associate member schools $225; non-members $275.
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Register: Online or calling 603.466.5437 M-F between 8:00-4:00.
Registration deadline: September 21st. A registration threshold must be reached by this date so please do not wait to register.
About the presenter:
Ann Elise Record is a Bureau of Education and Research presenter and an independent elementary math consultant. She is a contributing author, together with Dr. Alison Mello, on Dr Nicki Newton’s book Fluency Doesn’t Just Happen with Addition and Subtraction. She has presented at National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and Association of Teachers of Mathematics New England (ATMNE) conferences as well as various other state conferences. Her passion is working with educators to help them implement best practices within the three basic pillars of classroom math instruction that encourage growth mindset messages: math fact fluency, word problem structures, and understanding progressions of the standards.
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Universal Design for Learning
Online Book Discussion Fall Series
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 Educators are invited to engage in conversation on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Participants will read the book: “Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator’s Mindset” and then join the conversation (via Zoom) making connections between the text and classroom practices. This series will enhance a deeper understanding of how to create purposeful learning for all students.
Dates/time: Meetings will be held via Zoom from 6:00-8:00 PM on September 19, October 3 & 17, and November 7, 2022
Facilitator: Robin Scott, Professor of Education, White Mountains Community College; North Country Teacher Certification Program Coordinator, Plymouth State University
Cost (includes book): $75 for staff from member districts (SAUs 3, 9 - Jackson only, 20, 23 - Haverhill Coop only, 35, 36, 48 - Campton only, 58, 68, 77, & 84); $90 for staff from associate member districts (SAU 7 schools); and $105 for non-members.
Professional development hours: Those who participate in the four discussions and demonstrate they have read the book will receive a certificate for 15 hours of professional learning.
Register: Online, email lisa@ncedservices.org, or call 603-466-5437 M-F 8:00-3:00.
Registration deadline: September 7, 2022 (so we have a bit of time to get you the book to start reading!)
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NH History Teacher of the Year
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 Congratulations to Mallory Langkau, an educator at Groveton High School, for being selected as the 2022 History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
The History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories. In fall 2022, ten finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year will be announced.
In order to be considered for the award, eligible teachers must first be nominated by a colleague, parent, or student. After receiving a nomination, teachers must submit a resume, teaching materials, and a letter of recommendation to be considered for the state award. History Teacher of the Year winners are selected by a committee of educators and education professionals in their state. For more information on the award process, please review the requirements listed here.
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Conscious Discipline Fall/Winter Series
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 Conscious Discipline is a social‐emotional learning and classroom management approach. Developed by a teacher for teachers, the philosophy of Conscious Discipline emerged after years of working with children and experiencing the challenges of a broken system full of hurting children and frustrated adults. The methodology and best‐practices of Conscious Discipline offer a different – and proven – pathway to transformation.
Join colleagues for online discussions to reflect on the 10-lesson video series, Building Resilient Schools and Homes. The video series is lead by Dr. Becky Bailey, educator, author, and child development expert.
Facilitators: To be announced
Format: Watch video lessons 1-2 prior to Discussion #1,
lessons 3-5 for #2, lessons 6-8 for #3, and lessons 9-10 for #4
Dates/Time: Online via Zoom
Discussion #1: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Discussion # 2: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Discussion # 3: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Discussion #4: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Cost (includes video access, book and workbook, and online resources): Free for educators employed by school districts with an NCES full membership: SAUs 3, 9 (Jackson only), 23 (Haverhill only), 35, 36, 48 (Campton only), 58, 68, 77, & 84. Associate member districts: $50. Non-members $100 (space permitting).
For: PreK, elementary, and middle educators but please note that the video content is geared to the elementary grades. Staff from childcare and family-serving organizations are also welcome and pricing follows your local school district.
Register: Online or by calling 603.466.5437, M-F between 8:00-4:00.
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Interested in a Debate-Inspired Classrooms workshop?
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NCES would like to hear from educators who may be interested in participating in a Debate-Inspired Classroom workshop. Through the Boston Debate League, this training trains teachers to cultivate authentic student discussions driven by curiosity and problem-solving. Using non-controversial prompts, the Debate-Inspired Classrooms instructional approach creates a classroom community where students build argumentation skills. Learning to talk with others, question, and collaborate with each other, these essential skills give students power and agency.
You can view samples of Debate-Inspired Classrooms in action here:
https://www.bostondebate.org/di-classrooms/di-classrooms-in-action/
If you are potentially interested in one-day training if NCES were to host a workshop, please send an email to nces@ncedservices.org.
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School-based teams to engage with Polly Bath
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 NCES and the North Country Partnership for SEL Practices is undertaking a multi-year initiative to support school-based teams to improve the behavioral impacts of the pandemic.
Taking a SEL approach though an enhanced multi-tiered system of support for behavior, teams will participate in a three-day institute with Polly Bath followed by regular onsite support.
Team registration must be secured through a school administrator.
Learn more
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Story Preservation Initiative: K-3 Learning Lab Project
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 Early elementary educators are invited to join Mary Kuechenmeister from the Story Preservation Initiative for an online overview of the new K-3 Storytelling Learning Lab.
SPI's K-3 Learning Lab project integrates timeless and imaginative fictional stories, including folklore, fables, and contemporary stories as told by master storytellers into its online Learning Lab. The K-3 project is designed to foster English Language literacy and social and emotional learning as it sparks kids’ imaginations. Recently added: American Sign Language interpreted stories that include story-signing, captioning, and art.
SPI supplements the stories in its collection with original materials for teacher’s use. These materials include recommended and theme-related books for read-aloud story time, as well as writing, oral storytelling, and collaborative art projects.
SPI’s Learning Lab is available to educators and homeschooling parents free of charge.
Dates: Monday, September 19, 2022 or Monday, October 3, 2022 via Zoom
Time: 3:30 - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Register: Online or email lisa@ncedservices.org, or call 603-466-5437 M-F 8:00-3:00.
Learn more at www.storypreservation.org
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Story Preservation Initiative: Gr 4-12 Learning Lab Project
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 Grades 4 through 12 educators are invited to join Mary Kuechenmeister from the Story Preservation Initiative for an online overview of the Story Preservation Learning Lab.
The grades 4-12 SPI Learning Lab is a unique online collection of primary source audio stories told by extraordinary people in the fields of the arts, sciences, and humanities as well as those who have lived through significant historical events. SPI stories educate, inspire, and serve as a jumping-off point for meaningful, real-world relevant learning. SPI's contributors tell stories that inspire young people and challenge them to be their personal best.
Many of the recordings are coupled with project ideas and standards-aligned lesson plans, along with transcriptions and some never-before-seen photos.
SPI’s Learning Lab is available to educators and homeschooling parents free of charge.
Dates: Monday, September 19, 2022 or Monday, October 3, 2022 via Zoom
Time: 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Register: Online or email lisa@ncedservices.org, or call 603-466-5437 M-F 8:00-3:00.
Learn more at www.storypreservation.org
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Androscoggin Valley Farm to School Project
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 North Country Education Services has been awarded $49,173 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Androscoggin Valley Farm to School Project. The project will increase local procurement efforts in local schools, create agricultural connections through educational opportunities, and build community capacity featuring gardening networks engaging youth and adults. This project will be partnering with schools within the region which includes over 1,600 students that will be able to participate in the local food educational opportunities as well as learning the art of gardening with local 4-H Master Gardners and community partners.
“NCES, working in partnership with UNH Extension, is very excited to be working with schools in Berlin, Errol, Gorham, and Milan to bring Farm to School programs to these communities,” said Lori Langlois, Executive Director, North Country Education Services. “This funding for the Androscoggin Valley Farm to School project will help to increase access to local foods and engage youth in a variety of ways towards a healthier future.”
Farm to School increases the amount of locally produced foods served through child nutrition programs, while also educating children about how their foods are harvested and made. Various child nutrition operators can participate in farm to school, from states and tribal nations to schools and community organizations.
Learn more
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Nominations for NH Society for Technology in Education: Pat Keyes and Susan Janosz Awards
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Do you know a teacher or teacher leader in your school or district who should be acknowledged for their contributions to school, students, faculty, and school culture? Do you know a local “technology hero” who regularly goes above and beyond to help learners and other teachers with technology both in and out of the classroom? This is the perfect opportunity to let that person know their efforts are appreciated and recognize their contributions.
NHSTE is accepting nominations for the Pat Keyes Technology-Using Educator Award and for the Susan Janosz Technology Impact Award until September 30th. Award winners receive $1,000, a plaque, and a letter of congratulations from the Governor. They are also nominated to receive a NH Edies Award in the spring of the following year.
For more information on the application process and links to nomination forms, visit the NHSTE Awards page on the website at http://www.nhste.org/NHSTE-awards.
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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science (STEM) teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.
Recipients of the award receive the following:
- A certificate signed by the President of the United States.
- A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
- A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
- An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.
Nomination process
Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional individuals who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science in grades K-6 for this award year. Nominations may be submitted for more than one teacher. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves
Learn more
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Place-Based Learning Grants
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 The Rural Schools Collaborative’s Celia B. Godsil Grants-in-Place Fellows program provides grant awards to rural school teachers who engage their students in exemplary place-based learning. Each Godsil Fellow will receive a total award of up to $2,500 with $2,000 earmarked for the place-based project and $500 provided to the educator as an honorarium.
NH educators are eligible to apply. Deadline for applications is October 14.
Learn more
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Amplifying Youth Voice through Project Soapbox
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 Project Soapbox is a public speaking competition facilitated by Mikva Challenge that calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. These powerful speeches have lasting, transformative impacts on classrooms, schools, and communities. The first step to being an active and engaged citizen is to be able to stand up and speak out on an issue that you care about. Challenging the stereotype that young people are apathetic, Mikva’s Project Soapbox curriculum provides an avenue for students to identify a passion and learn effective public speaking skills. Students also develop their listening and empathy skills.
To learn more about your classroom participating in Project Soapbox, contact Amanda Maguire, NH Mikva Coordinator at amandam@mikvachallenge.org or visit:
https://www.nhcivics.org/about/what-we-do/mikva-challenge/
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Publishing Opportunity for Teens
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Under the Madness Magazine, a magazine for teen writers-by teen writers, is accepting submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction for its first issue. The magazine's editorial board is composed of students largely from the North Country, working under the mentorship of the New Hampshire Poet Laureate. Under the Madness Magazine publishes writers, ages 13-19, from around the globe.
Under the Madness is made possible with the generous support of the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The magazine began as an off-shoot of the 2021 North Country Young Writers’ Festival.
Learn more about submitting teen work
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Grants Available To Bring FIRST Robotics Programs To Your Students!
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Fueled by a multi-year grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) and from the The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, FIRST New Hampshire (FIRST NH) has launched an ambitious project to make FIRST robotics programs available to all students in grades PK-12 in every school and in every community in Coos and northern Grafton counties. This project provides resources to introduce new FIRST programs in the classroom or as after-school enrichment activities, and to strengthen and grow existing FIRST programs. FIRST NH has partnered with White Mountain Science, Inc., (WMSI) to provide training and professional development through this project. WMSI is a trusted STEM education provider to schools and communities throughout New Hampshire. Together, we will provide the support that our teachers and coaches need to build sustainable and successful programs for the students in northern New Hampshire.
For more information on this exciting opportunity for your students, please contact FIRST NH by email at info@firstnh.org or call 603-320-8262. For general information on FIRST programs, visit www.firstinspires.org.
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NH Performance Learning and Assessment Consortium for Education (NH PLACE)
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 The goal of PLACE is to support teacher development of performance learning and performance tasks to be used by teachers in the classroom. Taking the positive learning from the PACE project, PLACE additionally focuses on individual classroom assessment needs and the context of each learning community.
The project will be led by teacher leaders who will work with experts to design professional development for teachers specific to assessment and content needs. Teachers will also lead their peers in a collaborative process to develop performance learning and tasks to be shared with all NH teachers.
The PLACE project is virtual training (4:00-6:00pm) every other month for teachers. One day mid-year will be in person. There will be teams for science, ELA, math, social studies, and an interdisciplinary team.
Join a community of practice led by and for NH teachers with guidance from national experts.
- Deepen Knowledge of Assessment Literacy to Use Immediately in the Classroom
- Embed Student Agency and Competency-Based Learning into Unit Design
- Develop Teacher Agency and Leadership Capacity
- Build a State-Wide Performance Task Bank
This is a no-cost opportunity for NH Teachers.
Learn more or contact the NH Learning Initiative for details.
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Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
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 LETRS professional learning is available to New Hampshire residents engaged with young and emerging readers, including parents, caregivers, grandparents, early childhood and elementary educators, administrators and others working with children.
In partnership with Lexia® Learning, the New Hampshire Department of Education is providing the opportunity for educators of all types to be trained in one of three Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) courses:
- LETRS for Early Childhood Educators (LETRS EC-preschool to Kindergarten)
- LETRS for Elementary Educators
- LETRS for Administrators focused on District and School Leaders
Developed by Dr. Louisa Moats and leaders in the field of literacy, LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction— phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.
Learn more
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Are your 5th graders participating?
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2022 Fall Science Education Conference
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Content, Creativity & Courage:
Re-Inventing the Basics
October 27, 2022, 8:00 am -2:00pm
Pembroke, NH
Keynote Presenter:
Dr. Charles Smith
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NH Young Child System of Care Provider Conference
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For those interested in providing trauma-informed care for families and young children, the NH CPP Provider Network is hosting a free conference for information sharing, panel discussion, breakout sessions and a keynote speaker, Dr. Julie Larrieu.
 Julie Larrieu, PhD, is the Director of Clinical Psychology at Tulane University. She has focused much clinical work on infant mental health and developmental psychopathology, and recent research includes partnering with court systems. As a National and International CPP Trainer, she has been the Mentor and Trainer for the NH CPP Network since 2016.
Date: January 12, 2023 from 9O00-4:30
Cost: Free
Location: Online via Zoom
Register: Online or contact Jenn Comeau at jennifer.comeau@centerfortrpchange.com
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Support NCES when you shop at Amazon
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If you shop at Amazon, please consider selecting NCES as your charity through AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support NCES every time you shop, at no cost to you. You’ll find the exact same prices and shopping experience with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to NCES. To set NCES as your charity, visit this link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/02-0304424
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- Math instruction and tutoring
- Computer and digital literacy
- English Speakers of Other Languages
- Online assessments for HiSet preparation
Call 752-1927 or email info@coosae.org for more information.
New Hampshire Family NOW is a bi-weekly podcast with frank conversation about the ups and downs of parenting hosted by NH Children's Trust. Sometimes funny and irreverent, other times earnest and insightful, the co-hosts are joined by experts in the field to discuss the state-of-the-state of New Hampshire’s family-friendly landscape and where to turn in times of need.
Learn more
Employment Opportunities in North Country Schools
Find education-related employment opportunities at teachnorth.org.
Kinship Caregiver Resources
Step Up Parents provides financial assistance to kinship caregivers in New Hampshire who are raising the children of parents with substance use disorder.
Learn more
Coos County Early Childhood Education Director Network
The Coos County Director Network has launched a new website. The site, coosdn.org, has resources for early childhood providers as well as families. For ECE professionals, resources include career pathways and professional development opportunities. For families, there are resources for finding child care as well as other family supports.
Learn more
SmallActs North
The #SmallActs campaign is about neighbors helping neighbors and building communities where #SmallActs are a way of life.
Join in! Do something unexpected and kind for someone. Spread the word. Bring SmallActs to your classroom.
Learn more
North Country Partnership for SEL Practices
View this short video to learn more about NCP4SEL. Follow NCP4SEL on Facebook for more tips, resources, and announcements.
Bring daily movement routines to your classroom!
Move One Million (M1M) is on a mission to improve physical, mental, and social health around the world. Move One Million is a 100% free service to bring movement and togetherness to the world. The goal of M1M is to move one million people every day.
M1M is a daily broadcast that includes music, movement and mindfulness all in one video! The 2.5 minute movement routine and music are the same each day and accompanied with a mindfulness activity. The M1M routine is easy to learn and is for everyone! It is a great way to start your day with your students!
You can learn more about Move One Million at m1m.org. You may also reach out to a local Move One Million Ambassador, Susanne Styles, an educator from Berlin Elementary School, at styles@sau3.org.
Support the mission of NCES
Your tax deductible donation will support NCES' mission. NCES collaborates 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:
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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