Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift
|
This series is intended for educators who have participated in the Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Homes and School series.
There’s a fundamental flaw in many discipline approaches: The expectation that adults can teach skills we struggle with ourselves. Curriculums that provide words and actions for children without providing the words and actions for adults will always fall flat. We cannot effectively teach skills we do not practice ourselves! Empower yourself to change the “do as I say, not as I do” dynamic with Handling Upset: The Adult-first Mindset Shift.
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Jill Molli’s uniquely conversational approach to the content creates a delightful exploration of:
- The adult-first mindset shift: What it is and why it’s essential for children’s growth and our own
- The foundation of upset: Where upset comes from and how to handle it
- The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model: The key that unlocks an understanding of children’s behavior and our own
- Active calming and wishing well: Two core strategies for regaining composure and bringing the best of ourselves to each moment
- Noticing: A simple technique for replacing brain-depleting judgment with brain-building language
- Brain integration strategies: An integrated brain is wired for learning, problem solving and achievement
- Strategies for naming and claiming our feelings: Managing our upset improves every relationship in our lives, and models and teaches the skills we want children to use
How it will work: You will watch each of the 8 video lessons on your own. For the Tuesday evening group, there will be an online facilitated discussion for each video lesson. For the Sunday morning group, you will tackle two video lesson for each discussion session.
NCES is offering two options to participate. Please note that the Tuesday evening series has 8 sessions (16 hours of professional development awarded) and the Sunday morning series has 4 session (14 hours of professional development awarded):
Prerequisite: This series is intended for educators who have participated in the Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Homes and School series.
Cost: Free for staff with full or associate membership with NCES ($149 for others). Most North Country schools are members, click here to check.
Register for educator series (select which group on the form): Online or call NCES, M-F, 8-4 at 603-466-5437.
|
|
SEL Certification through NCHS
|
 The North Country Health Consortium is sponsoring free SEL certification through Mindful Practices.
Whether you are an administrator, teacher, paraprofessional, or teaching assistant, you may be wondering what skills will be needed in your school to support student and staff well-being.
Mindful Practices is here to help! Not only is this an opportunity to explore trauma-informed practices, mindfulness, and well-being, it is also a window to build a supportive community to manage educator stress and burnout.
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
When: Every Thursday from January 9th – March 13th, 2025 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Where: Online (Live and/or recorded)
Who: Educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, faculty and staff
Cost: FREE ($475 value) limited seats available
Register: Contact Anne-Marie Gagne at agagne@nchcnh.org
|
|
Dr. Marion Anastasia, 2025 Superintendent of the Year
|
The New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) has announced Dr. Marion Anastasia, Superintendent of the White Mountains Regional School District, as its 2025 Superintendent of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Anastasia was nominated by peer superintendents, with their entry judged by a panel of former honorees. She has led the White Mountains district as Superintendent since 2015.
Her award was announced at an NHSAA meeting of superintendents statewide on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.
Superintendent Dr. Anastasia's award was announced by 10-year-old Jade Adams
of Wells Memorial School in Harrisville, New Hampshire's Kid Governor-elect for
2025.
Read the full press release.
|
|
CCYCF Announces New Executive Director
|
 In December, the Leadership Team for Coos Coalition for Young Children and Families announced that Kelly Dussault will serve as the new, full-time, Executive Director effective January 6, 2025!
Kelly brings over two decades of experience in education, behavioral health, and organizational leadership. Her impressive background includes work as an Occupational Therapist and extensive expertise in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), grant management, and coalition building. Most recently, Kelly has served as a provider of occupational therapy services and a leadership team member at Strafford Learning Center. She has also held pivotal roles such as NH System of Care Grant Manager and SEL and Wellness Coordinator for the White Mountains Regional School District.
As a long-time advocate for children, youth, and families, Kelly's career has been defined by her commitment to creating equitable opportunities. She co-created the North Country Partnership for SEL Practices, a regional guide supporting social-emotional learning across all ages. Kelly was also instrumental in creating and piloting an Early Childhood Enhanced Care Coordination (ECC) wraparound model, partnering with area agencies to support the most vulnerable needs of children ages 3-7 and their family systems. Her vision aligns closely with the Coös Coalition's mission to foster a coordinated system of support for children from birth through age 8.
Outgoing Executive Director, Mollie White, leaves a remarkable legacy. Under her leadership, the Coalition achieved significant milestones, including the "We Are the North Country" video campaign and championing closed-loop referral systems to improve access to services. This year, Mollie’s efforts were honored with the Dr. Robert Chamberlain Award from the New Hampshire Children’s Trust.
Kelly expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "I am honored to continue the Coös Coalition's incredible work and lead this vital organization into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team and partners who share a vision of thriving children, families, and communities."
The Coalition looks forward to Kelly’s leadership in advancing the 2024-2027 Early Childhood System Plan, which emphasizes innovation, data-driven strategies, and community engagement. Her expertise in fostering collaborative relationships and implementing systemic change will ensure continued progress toward optimal child development and family support.
Please join us in welcoming Kelly Dussault to the Coös Coalition for Young Children & Families. Kelly can be reached at kellydussault@investincooskids.org.
|
|
Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit in Jefferson from March-May
|
The Jefferson Historical Society (JHS) is very pleased to announce that they will be hosting (in conjunction with the New Hampshire Humanities Council and local partners the Town of Jefferson, the Marc A Hurzerler M.D. Library, and the Heartwood Public Charter School) a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution: " Crossroads: Change in Rural America".
JHS is very interested in having school groups visit the exhibit, which highlights the evolving landscape of rural America. Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, "Crossroads" will serve as a community meeting place for conversations about how rural America has changed. The focus of the exhibit is to raise people's understanding about their own history, the joys and challenges of a living rural life, how change has impacted their community, and to prompt discussion of goals for the future. This interactive exhibit is most appropriate for 4th grade and higher but all are welcome to attend.
The exhibit will be at the Jefferson Community Center (former elementary school), 178 Meadows Rd., Jefferson, NH 03583 from Saturday, March 29th through Saturday, May 11, 2025. They plan to be open 40 hours per week (closed Sundays) and are willing to work with schools on whatever hours are convenient for them for a visit. Admission is free to the exhibit.
Since the JHS is an all volunteer organization the best way for schools to arrange a visit is to call Adele Woods at (603)723-5540.
|
|
Now in its twentieth year, Poetry Out Loud is a dynamic national recitation contest (it’s free!) that encourages high school students to explore and embrace poetry. If your school is interested in joining POL this year, please register. Once registered, the NH State Council on the Arts will reach out with a wide array of free resources, including a teacher’s guide, lesson plans, and a comprehensive anthology of poems.
Not convinced? Here’s a few reasons why you should consider POL:
- Engage Students with Literature: Poetry Out Loud brings poetry to life, helping students connect with the material in a personal and meaningful way.
- Boost Confidence: The act of reciting poetry in front of an audience builds students’ self-assurance and enhances their public speaking abilities.
- Foster Critical Thinking: Students learn to analyze and interpret complex texts, deepening their understanding and appreciation of language.
- Encourage Creative Expression: The program offers a platform for students to express themselves creatively, finding their unique voice through the art of poetry.
- Build a Sense of Community: Participating in Poetry Out Loud contests at the local, state, and national level fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among students.
This is a wonderful chance to inspire your students and encourage them to step into the world of poetry in a fun and engaging way. The NH POL state coordinators are available to make the program as easy as possible for you to integrate and are happy to answer questions anytime.
Learn more at https://www.poetryoutloud.org/
|
|
Drinking Water Festival & Science Fair
|
The NH Drinking Water Festival and State Water Science Fair Finals is now open to both 4th and 5th graders! The Water Poetry Contest is open to 3rd through 5th graders!
Learn more at https://nhwaterfestival.org/
|
|
Maple Sugaring Teacher Professional Development
|
 Join NH 4-H Agsploration to explore New Hampshire’s (NH) natural resource the Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) and the tradition of maple sugaring. These iconic trees have a story to tell, and we will explore that through the hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum “Maple Tales”. NH 4-H Educator AGsploration is a professional development experience for elementary teachers (3rd-5th grade). With support from 4-H educators, teachers will experience a real world lens into climate change, forest ecology, and more building the knowledge and understanding of how incorporating food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment (FARNE) in the classroom increases agricultural literacy and ignites a student’s curiosity. Visit the website for a full list of teacher benefits, NGSS standards covered, and a sample lesson. Contact megan.glenn@unh.edu with questions and inquiries.
Teacher Benefits
Receive yearlong professional development and mentoring
Receive a $1,200 stipend
Earn a classroom curriculum kit valued at $875
Collaborate with 4-H program and field specialists
Teach a locally relevant science curriculum
Connect with other teachers
Receive a $1,800 stipend to attend Ag In The Classroom Conference June 23 – 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN
Successful applicants must be able to attend the following workshop dates
- March 11, 2025, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Society for the Protection of NH Forests, Concord, NH
- March 18, 2025, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Society for the Protection of NH Forests, Concord, NH
- July 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Society for the Protection of NH Forests, Concord, NH
- September 23, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Zoom)
- December 9, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Zoom)
- February 10, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Learn more at https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h/pathways/environmental-science/educator-agsploration
|
|
Mikva Challenge for Civic Engagement
|
Mikva’s four main program areas involve young people in civic engagement through hands-on, project-based learning that deeply transforms students’ civic attitudes, skills, and sense of agency. Mikva's four programs are:
- Project Soapbox, public speaking for K-12
- Issues to Action
- Elections in Action
- Student Voice Committees
Learn more about the Mikva Challenge in NH at https://www.nhcivics.org/our-work/teachers-students/mikva-challenge/
The NH Partner Site Director is Amanda Maguire, amandam@mikvachallenge.org
|
|
Nominations open for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
|
The PAEMST is the Nation's Highest Honors for Teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM, including Computer Science). Do you know an excellent 7-12 STEM teacher deserving of recognition from the White House? Nominate them for the PAEMST Award for this school year. K-6 teachers will be recognized in the 2025-26 school year.
Learn more at https://paemst.nsf.gov/nomination/nominate?awardYear=2025
|
|
There has never been a better time to enter the public discourse and focus Granite Staters on what’s possible in our state. NH Possible envisions a state where individuals, families, communities, and businesses all have what they need to thrive, including a sense of belonging, opportunities for civic engagement, optimal health, and access to educational and financial opportunity.
NH Possible is working to provide a unifying space for people who don’t usually work together to find a common cause.
Learn more at https://www.nhpossible.org/
|
|
Math competition for students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing
|
The NTID National Math Competition is an event open to all middle school deaf and hard-of-hearing students who enjoy mathematics. Each year, the event begins with four regional competitions leading up to a national competition at RIT/NTID. Up to 25 teams per region gather and face off in a fast-paced competition and answer a variety of challenging math questions! All deaf and hard-of-hearing middle school students, 15 years or younger as of April 4, 2025, are welcome to form a team and compete. Each team must have a coach from the school in order to be eligible for the competition.
Learn more at https://www.rit.edu/ntid/mathcompetition
|
|
Leaders in Prevention: Middle School Student Retreat
|
|
Youth Mental Health First Aid: March 15th in Lancaster
|
|
The DCN works with the University of New Hampshire to offer the Community Changemaker Challenge, a program open and adaptable to any high school classroom in New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts, southern Maine, and eastern Vermont. This competition has been running for six years and involves students identifying a local, national, or global problem; creating an innovative solution; submitting a paper and video; and participating in a defense of their work in front of a panel of judges at UNH. There is no cost to the school or the students to enter and projects can be completed anywhere from 3-6 weeks. We offer teachers a curriculum, training, and coaching to ensure their existing classroom goals are enhanced by the experience.
They also work with schools and teachers to create school-based design challenges that take place within a few different classes, across a grade level, or within the whole school. We know every school is different so we work with you to co-design the program, including lesson plans, student expectations, and the judging rubric. These school-based design challenges allow many students to be involved in this type of learning and provide a unique opportunity for a school to showcase student work to their community. If you are interested in learning more about this offering, please email Brent Powell (brent@designchallengenetwork.org).
Learn more at https://www.designchallengenetwork.org/
|
|
UNH Extension Master Wellness Volunteer
|
The UNH Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Program is an opportunity for adults to engage in learning sessions focused on creating community change for health. This unique program allows participants to connect with others as they build their toolbox for impacting individual and community health factors, environments, and systems. The program helps build diverse, multigenerational, cross-sector coalitions that can recognize and address systemic health inequities. If you are interested in creating Healthy Communities in NH this program is for you!
Participants will have to complete 20 hours of core training, followed by 10 -20 hours of specialized pathway training that they can choose to participate in. After training, participants will become official Master Wellness Volunteers and asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer work per year during the first year.
2025 Training Dates
- 6-week core VIRTUAL training: Tuesdays, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 from 6:00 - 7:15 PM
- Followed by 10-20 hours of specialized Pathway training in April & May 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Learn more
|
|
NCES has 1 seven foot Da-Lite screen and 2 six foot screens to donate to any school or interested educator. Screens must be picked up at NCES. No mounting hardware. The screens are in excellent condition. Contact nces@ncedservices.org.
|
|
Conscious Discipline Series for Parents & Caregivers
|
|
|
|
NCES Employment Opportunities
For the 2025-2026 school year
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!
North Country Neighbors - Stronger Together
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.
|
|
|
