Congratulations North Country Scholars 2024
|
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 valedictorians, salutatorians, top honors, and outstanding CTE students honored at the North Country Scholars recognition ceremony held on May 30th. This event, sponsored by NCES and the North Country School Administrators Association, marked the 19th year that the region has celebrated the achievements of the top students in the region’s 12 high schools and 5 career and technical education centers.
(Front, l-r): Shaylah Haynes, Outstanding CTE, North Point Career & Technical Education Center; Olivia Clorite, Outstanding CTE, Berlin Regional Career & Technical Education Center; Jake Bartlett, Top Honors, Gorham Middle High School; Katryna Dube, Valedictorian, White Mountains Regional High School; Elizabeth Roberge, Top Honors, Gorham Middle High School; Kobe Toms, Co-Salutatorian, Profile School; Avery Gignac, Co-Salutatorian, Profile School. (Second row): Yonah Friedman, Salutatorian, White Mountains Regional High School; Tucker Bailey, Salutatorian, Lin-Wood Public School; Joli Lunderville, Valedictorian, Groveton High School; Aubrie Woodward, Salutatorian, Berlin Middle High School; Aaron Thompson, Valedictorian, Pittsburg School; Adelle Pettit, Salutatorian, Pittsburg School; Abishai Corey, Valedictorian, Lin-Wood Public School; Bode DiMarzio, Valedictorian, Profile School; (Third row): Ophelia Beebe, Salutatorian, Lisbon Regional High School; Aric Huter, Valedictorian, Berlin High School; Benjamin Taylor, Outstanding CTE, River Bend Career & Technical Center; Mackenzie Griswold, Valedictorian, Woodsville High School; Katherine Vasconcelos, Salutatorian, Woodsville High School; Lain Lebel, Valedictorian, Colebrook Academy; (Back row): Connor Simino, Outstanding CTE, Arthur T. Paradice Regional Career & Technical Center; Logan McCarthy, Salutatorian, Groveton High School; Ethan LaRose, Salutatorian Littleton High School & Outstanding CTE, Hugh J. Gallen Career & Technical Education Center; Claire Hennessey, Valedictorian, Littleton High School; Rylie Walker, Valedictorian, Kennett High School; Emerson Duval, Salutatorian, Kennett High School; and Ivy Zipf, Outstanding CTE, Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center.
|
|
North Country Champion for Children
|
(L-R): Kate Harrington-Segal, Superintendent SAU 35, Sam Natti, Principal Lisbon Regional, Arthur's son, Arthur's daughter, and Arthur Boutin.
Arthur "Wimp" Boutin of Lisbon was selected at the North Country School Administrators Association's regional winner for NHSAA's Champion for Children for 2024. Boutin is a retired Grafton County Sheriff; current Grafton County Public Defender Investigator; Lisbon Regional School Board Member; Lisbon Town Select Board member; Lisbon Lions Club member; Lisbon varsity Softball Coach.
In a nomination letter, SAU 35 Superintendent Kate Harrington Segal said Boutin’s personal mission is to make a difference in his community. She wrote,
He is the epitome of the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," a mentor to all of us wishing to provide a safe, healthy and trusting community where children have the security, space and supports to learn what they need to reach their hopes, dreams and potential.
Arthur was recognized on May 10th at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH along with the winners from the four other regions of the state.
|
|
Congratulations to Chef Holland, New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist
|
 Congratulations to Chef Matt Holland of White Mountains Regional High School and Arthur T. Paradice Career & Technical Center for being named one of the 15 semi-finalists for the 2025 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award. The teachers were selected from a total of 251 nominees and 76 applicants.
|
|
NH Educator Climate Survey
|
Reaching Higher NH is conducting a statewide survey of NH PK-12 public school and public charter staff. The survey should take approximately 6-8 minutes to complete. The purpose of this survey is to inform statewide conversations around educator and school staff recruitment and retention. This survey is anonymous and no information about you, your school, or your district will be identified by completing these questions. Raw data will only be shared with the survey administrator, and responses will only be shared in aggregate.
Learn more and find the survey link here.
|
|
AI for Educators: A Three-Session Workshop
|
AI encompasses a vast range of technologies, each belonging to numerous subcategories and backed by a long-standing history. Since the fall of 2022, the term has largely become synonymous with Generative AI—advanced tools capable of creating text, images, code, and more. Prominent examples include systems like ChatGPT, Bing, Claude, and Gemini.
During these three sessions, you will receive resources, participate in activities, and engage in discussions with colleagues. These elements are designed to enhance your understanding of AI, explore ways to effectively teach AI concepts, and discover how you can leverage AI tools for both your teaching and your students' learning.
Our approach is grounded in:
- Non-Negotiables: Teach AI and with AI, ensuring core competencies are met.
- AI “Healthy Diet”: Balance screen time with hands-on, collaborative learning experiences.
- Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Productivity): Navigate the benefits and costs of AI, including considerations of social impact, environmental, impact, time, money, data, accuracy, and bias.
- 21st Century Skills: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Playful and multi-modal.
Dates: Wednesdays, September 11, 2024 from 4:00-6:30 PM at NCES, September 25, 6:30-8:00 PM online, and October 9, 6:30-8:00 PM online.
Location: Session 1 will be in-person at NCES. Sessions 2 & 3 will be online.
Cost: Free for staff from NCES members schools, $75 for associate members, and $125 non-members.
Registration: Online or call 603-466-5437 M-F.
This workshop is led by Bill Church, the founder of CRCS. Bill brings a wealth of experience from diverse educational roles. A former classroom physics and robotics teacher and the founding team member and former Executive Director of White Mountain Science, Inc, he has a deep commitment to integrating STEAM into education. Currently serving as a university lecturer specializing in AI in STEAM education, Bill brings firsthand insights into the practical applications of AI, blending AI concepts with real-world educational practices.
|
|
NH Fish & Game Watershed Ecology Institute (in Bethlehem!)
|
The NH Fish and Game Watershed Education Program (WEP), in partnership with the Society for the Protection of NH Forests, is holding its annual Watershed Ecology Institute (WEI) this summer to provide educational professionals the chance to be fully immersed in the concepts of watershed education. Learn from NH Fish & Game professionals, Forest Society staff, NHEdGIS members, and other experts in the field on how to incorporate watershed education into your classroom or educational setting. There is also the opportunity to earn optional graduate level credits through Keene State College at a reduced cost.
Dates/Times: July 22nd (evening virtual session) and July 24th-26th (in person) from 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Location of in-person: Forest Society North at The Rocks, Bethlehem, NH
Register: Contact Kayla Croteau, Kayla.A.Croteau@wildlife.nh.gov
View/download flier
|
|
Reserve tickets now for children's keynote with Kate DeCamillo
|
The New Hampshire Book Festival is an annual statewide book festival with the mission to bring published authors together with readers to celebrate literacy, conversation, and community. The inaugural event will be held October 4-5, 2024 on Main Street, Concord, NH.
Two-time Newbery medal-winner Kate DiCamillo kicks off the inaugural New Hampshire Book Festival with a live presentation at the CCA! Kate’s novels include bestsellers Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, Flora and Ulysses, The Magician’s Elephant, and the Mercy Watson series. Adored by the entertainment world, Kate’s had many of her novels turned into exciting feature films.
For: Best for grades 3-6.
Cost: Tickets ($8), include first-edition hardcover copy of Kate’s fall release Hotel Balzaar!
Transportation funding assistance available for Title 1 eligible schools.
Registration: Reserve tickets and transportation support request here
More information at https://www.nhbookfestival.org/
|
|
Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) Training
|
 A free PTAN training to become a reliable TPOT (Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool) administrator will be offered on June 5th and 6th, 2024.
Participation in both days from 9:00-4:00 is required.
This training is open to everyone who works with/cares for young children in NH programs. Practitioners who seek to become an internal or external TPOT administrator are encouraged to participate.
Participants are required to have completed the Pyramid Preschool Modules 1,2 & 3 which are available free on Prosolutions.
At the completion of the training participants will complete a check-out process to receive their reliability certificate. Reliability to administer the TPOT is valid for 3-years.
Register: Online
For more information contact Joan Izen, NH DHHS Pyramid Model Coordinator
|
|
Energy Education Summer Institute
|
Registration is open for this year’s VEEP/NHEEP Summer Institute: Beyond the Standards- Solutions for Climate Change!
Have you been wondering how we can make climate learning accessible, hands-on, and solutions-focused while meeting (or exceeding!) teaching standards and expectations? Come work and play with us in the White Mountains of NH as we tackle these questions together. You will plan a curriculum that cultivates hope and brings students meaningful learning opportunities to tackle relevant climate solutions for their community. Open to all educators, any grade, any subject, anywhere in the world.
Participants will:
- Figure out how to make climate learning hands-on and accessible to all students
- Become comfortable using student-driven learning practices as modeled through the Next Generation Science Standards
- Find locally relevant, hopeful, solutions-focused learning opportunities related to climate and energy
- Practice finding a pathway to action while navigating specific standards, constraints, and circumstances
Dates: June 24-28, 2024
Location: World Fellowship Center in Albany, NH (room and board available)
Register: Online
Sign up by May 6th to receive early bird pricing and save $100 on the course fee. Here’s what some of last year’s participants had to say about the Summer Institute program, and here’s a flyer if you want to help spread the word. Scholarships are available to NH and VT teachers– contact info@veep.org for more information.
|
|
YLTA Summer Camps - Scholarships Available
|
|
BioTrek - Train the Trainer
|
BioTrek, a dynamic, project-based learning program for high school students, is a gateway to the captivating world of advanced biofabrication, career exploration, and entrepreneurship. BioTrek is a challenging, student-led, project-based learning program that introduces the science of regenerative medicine and related advanced technologies to inform students about biofabrication and tissue engineering.
Students work in teams to:
- Research a medical problem plagued by limited treatments and poor outcomes
- Discuss, debate and conceptualize a better tissue-engineered medical product
- Propose a business model with financial and manufacturing accountability
- Defend their process, product, and business model to a panel of judges in a culminating presentation!
In this professional development training, you will learn how to present BioTrek within your existing science/tech ed. curriculum or as an Extended Learning Opportunity during or after the school day. You will learn to use BioFab Explorer to teach your students about various pathways toward a career in this growing industry.
The coordinating NGSS-aligned curriculum includes: Teacher guides, Student workbooks,
Website access, and ARMI instructional support.
BioTrek is FREE to schools with teachers who successfully complete the training session.
Teacher Benefits
- Stipend is included
- Collaboration with ARMI instructors
- Full curriculum and UDL-enhanced lessons
- Certificate for 20 contact hours
Dates: Monday, June 24 – Thursday, June 27 OR Monday, July 8 – Thursday, July 11;
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: ARMI, 500 N. Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101
Register: Online
Download/view flyer
|
|
NHLI's OGAP Mathematics Summer Training
|
The Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) is an evidence-based formative assessment system that includes professional development, resources, and routines for teachers and leaders to continually adjust instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in grades K-8 mathematics. OGAP is a systematic and intentional formative assessment system in mathematics based upon the mathematics education research on how students learn specific concepts, common errors students make, or pre-conceptions or misconceptions that interfere with students learning new concepts and solving related problems.
There will 14 in-person trainings In June, July, and August at various locations throughout NH
Each training consists of:
- Four Consecutive, In-Person Days
- Three Virtual Follow-Up Sessions In the Fall
- No Cost to NH Educators
- SNHU Graduate Credit Available
View flyer for full details
|
|
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s scholarship program is now open! Here are a few important things to consider as you reach out to students who may benefit:
- The Tillotson Scholarship is offered to students from Coos County and communities sharing a border with Coos (NH, Vermont and Maine). Typically, a Tillotson scholarship follows a student for up to 4 years if they are in good standing and choose to re-apply.
- By applying through the NHCF online system, a student can complete a single application and is matched automatically with all NHCF scholarship opportunities.
Dependent bachelor’s candidates and all graduate students must apply by Friday, April 12 at 5:00 pm ET.
- All other students (independent bachelor’s candidates, associate degree candidates, certificate candidates, students in an apprenticeship or licensing program, etc.) can apply on a rolling deadline through December 13 at 5:00 pm ET.
- There is a single online application; in completing just one application a student is considered for all of the NHCF funds for which they are eligible.
- In order to qualify, a student just needs to live in NH and be pursuing some sort of post-secondary education. That’s it!
Please direct interested individuals to the student aid page on the NHCF website. The FAQ page is a helpful resource that should be able to answer many questions, but inquiries can also be directed to studentdocs@nhcf.org, (603) 225-6641 x2.
|
|
Coös Adult Education provides a learning environment that has helped countless students learn, develop, and grow.
Coös Adult Education provides FREE instruction in:
- HiSET Exam Preparation
- The basics of reading, writing, and math
- English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Northstar Computer Literacy Program
- Learn basic computer skills, how to email, use word processing/editing software, and develop your career search skills
Classes can be small group, one-to-one in-person, or remote/online. There is no cost to participate. All programs are free. Learn how to get started by visiting coosae.org or calling 603-752-1927.
|
|
Become a Certified ESOL Teacher
|
Interested in learning how someone with a bachelor’s degree, but no initial licensure, could become a certified ESOL teacher? Follow this link to learn how to become a certified ESOL at NHTI.
Already a certified teacher and interested in ESOL dual certification? For already certified teachers (in any other content area), the only required courses are:
- TECP86C: Introduction to Linguistics
TECP87C: Language, Reading, and Literacy in ESOL
TECP88C: Curriculum and Design and Assessment in ESOL
TECP91C: Practicum, Methods/Materials, and Culture in ESOL Education (No specific hour requirements; hours listed are those required for initial licensure)
TECP92C: The Teaching Portfolio
All courses offered online and in the afternoon (except for practicum)! NHTI will work with you to find an appropriate practicum placement that works with your current job schedule. English Language Arts teachers, Reading and Writing Teachers, and Special Education teachers would be able to offer English Learners ESOL services during their normal periods and areas of instruction after ESOL certification.
18 Credits ($215 a credit, approximately $3,870 which can be covered by PD and/or Title II Funds)
If you have questions can reach out to Janna Jobel from the NHED at janna.m.jobel@doe.nh.gov or Kelly Dunn from NHTI at kdunn@ccsnh.edu.
|
|
WIDA Self-Paced Leadership Workshop Offering
|
 The FREE Leadership Self-Paced Workshop package includes two self-paced workshops designed for school leaders in K–12 settings. You can complete one or both workshops depending on your needs. These are designed for you to engage with individually or with a team of colleagues.
Leading for Equity: Classroom Walkthrough (2 hours)
School Improvement Planning for Multilingual Learners (6-8 hours)
If any administrators in your district would like to participate, please reach out to your District Test Coordinator or email Janna Jobel (janna.m.jobel@doe.nh.gov) with their name and email to provide them with WIDA professional learning account access.
WIDA also offers many FREE courses for all teachers to better serve multilingual learners. Contact Janna Jobel for access.
Learn more
|
|
The New Hampshire Education Department and 321 Insight are partnering to offer the ParaSharp Professional Development Series, free of charge, to all New Hampshire paraprofessionals! ParaSharp provides brief on-demand, web-based videos and resources specifically designed to support you in the work you do every day.
To gain access to ParaSharp, please complete this form and 321 Insight will create an account for you. If you have any questions, please reach out to support@321insight.com.
Upcoming training includes:
- May 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm: Building and Sustaining Strong Relationships with Students: Supporting English Language Learners
-
May 15, 2024 at 1:30 pm: Building and Sustaining Strong Relationships with Students: Supporting English Language Learners
|
|
NH Registered Educator Apprentices
|
|
Earn an Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education for FREE!
|
The Community College System of NH (CCSNH) now provides multiple programs, that can be combined, to offset educational expenses as students complete ECE Certificates and Degrees. These include:
ECTA offers tuition assistance for one course per term to individuals working in a NH licensed preschool program as early childhood teachers or directors.
GSQ offers up to three tuition awards per term for ECE courses. Individuals working in NH licensed/licensed exempt programs, working as child care providers, elementary school paraprofessionals, and out-of-school time workers can also receive assistance for designated Education and Human Services related course work.
CCSNH ECE GAP Scholarship supports costs for students, living and/or working in NH, who are connected to one of our ECE certificate or degree programs.
Learn more about CCSNH grant and tuition assistance opportunities.
Early Childhood Grant Options through UNH College of Professional Studies
Available to NH educators, paraeducators, and childcare workers, this grant is available to individuals working in NH-licensed centers, including:
- Individuals working a minimum of 15 hours per week in an out-of-school time center
- Childcare teachers working a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Elementary school paraprofessionals working a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Childcare directors working a minimum of 30 hours per week
100% of tuition is covered for up to two ECE classes per term. Students are responsible for all materials needed for the course and the $92 academic services and registration fee. Students do not need to be enrolled in a degree program to receive the grant and take courses.
Learn more about UNH CPS Early Childhood Grant Options
|
|
UNH Tech for Teachers Institute
|
The UNH Tech for Teachers Institute is a dynamic, paid professional development program open to middle and high school teachers from across all STEM subject areas. The focus of the program is two-fold:
Building knowledge of an emerging technology—this year regenerative medicine and biofabrication—and the transformation of instructional practice through project-based learning.
The Institute will take place taking place July 15-26 on the UNH Durham campus. Upon completion, participants will receive
- $1,500 award
- CEUs
- classroom supplies
- ongoing support from UNH faculty and graduate students
Click here for more information or to apply.
View or download flier.
|
|
Nominations for NHSTE Awards
|
NHSTE is accepting nominations for two awards, the Pat Keyes Award and the Susan Janosz Award, now through September 20, 2024.
Pat Keyes Award
The NHSTE Technology Using Educator Award is named in memory of Pat Keyes; a former secondary teacher in the Keene School District who served NHSTE in many capacities including editor of the NHSTE Connections. The nominee for this award will be an educator who exemplifies the following:
- Functions as a public or private PreK-12 teacher providing direct instruction in a New Hampshire school(s).
- Developed effective units integrating educational technology.
- Demonstrated improved student performance with application of technology.
- Shared ideas/initiatives in formal and informal arenas using traditional and electronic methods.
This award honors an outstanding educator whose primary role is working directly with students in the classroom every day effectively applying technology tools to enhance student learning.
Susan Janosz Award
The NHSTE Technology Impact Award is named in memory of Susan Janosz, longtime employee of the Manchester School District who was employed as a Technology Integrator. The nominee for this award will be an educational professional who exemplifies the following:
- Provides leadership in a public or private PreK-16 New Hampshire school(s).
- The nominee's work has had a significant positive impact on technology use in education locally, statewide, regionally and/or nationally.
- The nominee has involved the community in the initiative or program to facilitate partnerships with business and/or legislative initiatives to advance the use of technology in education.
- Supported technology within the context of school reform, restructuring and improvement.
- Demonstrated a commitment to ongoing self-education by keeping abreast of emerging technologies.
- The quality of education and/or work experience has been significantly advanced in the nominee's workplace as a result of the nominee's efforts.
In the past, this award has gone to Technology Directors, Technology Coordinators, Technology Integrationists, Curriculum Coordinators, Media Specialists/Generalists, SAU Administration (i.e., Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents) and/or School District Administrators (i.e., Principals and Vice Principals).
Learn more at https://nhste.org/NHSTE-awards
|
|
NH School Resource Officer Conference
|
The 10th Annual School Resource Officer Conference will be held August 12-13. 2024 in Pembroke. The two-day event is designed for school resource officers and school safety professionals. Register here or contact NHJPOA@gmail.com for more information.
|
|
SEL Certification through Mindful Practices
|
Participants will receive:
- Effective tools to authentically connect with students of all backgrounds.
- Knowledge on HOW to implement SEL and mindfulness and the WHY behind these critical skills.
- Time for reflection, self-care and community building with peers from across the country.
- PD credits, Clock hours, or CPDUs are available upon request and per state or district requirements for each participant.
SEL Certification Overview
- 10-day training provided. Sessions are recorded, with the ability to view any missed sessions when convenient.
- Participants complete 20 hours of class time to receive a Certificate of Training from Mindful Practices.
- Sample coursework includes Q & A with licensed trauma therapist, relevant articles, topical webinars, livestream mindfulness sessions, movement and breathing techniques and online discussions.
When: Daily from July 12 to July 25, 2024 from 10:00-11:30am
Where: Online (Live and/or recorded)
Who: Educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, faculty and staff
Cost: $475/Person (check with your district about the availability of ESSER funds)
Register: https://mindfulpractices.us/sel-services/sel-certification/
Interested in learning more from a local practitioner certified in Mindful Practices? Contact Anne-Marie Gagne, School SEL Coordinator for the North Country Health Consortium, at agagne@nchcnh.org.
|
|
|
|
NCES Employment Opportunities
For the 2024-2025 school year
- TESOL (part-time)
- Speech Language Pathologist (full time or part-time)
- Speech Language Assistant (part time)
How to apply
Did you know that NCES' full-time employment opportunities include participation the NH Retirement System? That is a great benefit to becoming part of the NCES service provider team!
- Math instruction and tutoring
- Computer and digital literacy
- English Speakers of Other Languages
- Online assessments for HiSet preparation
Call 603-752-1927 or email info@coosae.org for more information.
North Country Neighbors - Stronger Together
Employment Opportunities in North Country Schools
Find education-related employment opportunities at teachnorth.org.
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.
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.
|
|
|
