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Superintendent of Schools Debra Livingston conditionally named the next principals of Hallsville Elementary School and Southside Middle School, pending Board of School Committee approval at next month’s scheduled meeting. Christi Michaud, currently a principal in Windham, will assume the top administrative position at Hallsville; Jennifer Gillis comes to Southside from her role as an assistant principal in Goffstown. Michaud's is a familiar name in the Manchester School District. She was a teacher at Green Acres Elementary School for more than ten years before becoming assistant principal at Golden Brook School in Windham in 2009. She has been that school’s principal since 2012. “I am excited to return to Manchester for the chance to lead the students and staff of Hallsville in their continued efforts toward high achievement,” said Michaud. “There is so much learning to celebrate, and the commitment to success among everyone in the Hallsville community is undeniable.” ...

Parents, teachers and interested members of the public will have a chance to meet and hear from the final candidates being considered for the top posts at Hallsville Elementary School and Southside Middle School. As it did before selecting two other recently hired principals, Manchester School District will host community forums at each school to introduce the finalists and offer an opportunity for the public to ask questions. “This is a wonderful way to further involve our families and faculty in the process of choosing the best leaders for our schools,” said school superintendent Dr. Debra Livingston. “It’s also a valuable part of the interview process for the candidates to get to know our  school communities better and hear what is on their minds.” The first community forum will take place on Tuesday, July 15 at 6:00 pm at Hallsville School, 275 Jewett Street. The forum at Southside, 140 S. Jewett Street, is scheduled for Monday, July 21 at 6:00 pm. 

Some schools in Manchester have new principals and/or assistant principals on staff  after voluntary shifts for the upcoming school year. Among the changes, Rachelle Otero is moving from her post as principal of Hallsville Elementary School to become full-time assistant principal at Smyth Road. McLaughlin Middle School assistant principal Tim Otis will assume the same role at Manchester High School West. He replaces Debora Roukey, who is joining the team of assistant principals at Central. “We’re fortunate to have strong administrators at all of our schools, which makes it possible for the executive team and school board members to honor requests by those looking for new opportunities,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Livingston. “We respect their leadership and eagerness to bring new ideas to the schools where they’ll be serving.” Adjustments of school-level administrations mean a new principal will be hired for Hallsville. McLaughlin, which staffs two assistan...

The New Hampshire Department of Education will continue funding to provide a high-quality after school program for five more years in nine Manchester schools. Bakersville, Gossler Park, Hallsville, McDonough, and Parker-Varney elementary schools, along with Hillside, McLaughlin, Parkside, and Southside middle schools are included in the  21st  Century Community Learning Centers  (21st CCLC) grant award totaling about $3.2 million over five years, beginning July 1, 2014.  “The 21st Century program is just one way our schools make sure Manchester students reach their full potential academically, personally and socially,” said Mayor Ted Gatsas. “We are committed to giving as many students access to the opportunity as possible.”    In the highly competitive grant-writing process, Manchester School District applied for renewal of funding for eight existing 21st CCLC sites, and for funds that will establish a new site at Parker-Varney Elementary School. ...

In a wonderful celebration of Manchester's storied history, Hallsville School today hosted a re-dedication of the building's clock tower. For the first time in about 23 years, the clock and bell atop the school are back in working order! The bell chimed 15 times -- in honor of former superintendent of schools Dr. Tom Brennan, two previous Hallsville principals, William Shea and James Davenport, and each of the six grade levels represented at the school -- before students counted down to the clock's hands being set to the correct time.  The last time the clock worked was at Hallsville's 100th anniversary celebrati on in 1991.   On hand for today's ceremony were two of Hallsville's former principals, William Shea and James Davenport. The school also  recognized the memory of former superintendent of schools Dr. Thomas Brennan, who passed away this month and is credited with starting the project to refur bish the clock and tower. His wife and daughters attend...