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Showing posts from October, 2015

Senator Shaheen visits STEAM Ahead

Freshman and sophomore students in Manchester's STEAM Ahead NH program at West High School had the chance to show U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen some of the innovative work they're doing in engineering, physical science and English classes. The senator took a tour of the classrooms where students are focused on project-based lessons and integrating technology.  "It's wonderful to see how engaged the students are," said Senator Shaheen. "Giving them these hands-on opportunities and the ability to learn in different ways are critical for success."

Speak Up about 21st Century Education and Technology

Calling all participants!  Speak Up , a national online research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow®, gives individuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues, particularly concerning 21st century education and technology. Each year, findings are summarized and shared with national and state policy makers. Let your voice be heard!   WHO TAKES THE SURVEY?  Students, Staff, Parents, Administrators and Community Members are invited to participate. LET MANCHESTER'S VOICE BE HEARD! Take the Survey! Now through December 18, 2015 http://www.speakup4schools. org/Speakup2015/ The secret word for students is:  speaknow WOULD YOU LIKE TO PREVIEW THE SURVEY? More info at:  trc.mansd.org/speakup2015 NEED HELP?  View participant tutorials here:  http://www.tomorrow.org/ speakup/speakup_tutorials.html

NOW HIRING: Substitutes

Manchester School District is looking to enhance its pool of substitute faculty and staff. Substitutes for classroom teachers, paraprofessionals and administrative assistants are needed regularly when there are unexpected absences. 
 A degree is not required, but people who have earned at least 48 college credits may qualify to be substitute teachers in the Manchester School District.
  Please call 624-6300 and dial 0 to ask Pam for an application packet.  
 

Central's Tri-M Music Honor Society is tops in NH

The Central High School chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society was named New Hampshire Chapter of the Year. The award was presented during the state conference of the New Hampshire Music Educators Association on October 15.  The Central chapter is made up of 34 students in band, chorus, and orchestra. The chapter was lauded for its various service projects in and out of school, such as hosting music department events, and producing an annual concert benefiting the New Horizons soup kitchen. The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.

PTG president recognized for parent involvement

Green Acres principal Mr. Norton and Stacy Harrison Congratulations to Green Acres Elementary School PTG president, Stacy Harrison, for her well-deserved NH Parent Involvement in Education honor from the Parent Information Center this month.  Stacy was nominated by Green Acres principal Rick Norton for her consistent efforts to enhance the school community and welcome new families through communications, fundraising and participation on various district initiatives. The NH Parent Involvement in Education event is organized by the Parent Information Center of NH in collaboration with the NH Department of Education.

MSD receives 2015 Independence Award

Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) honored Manchester School District with its Independence Award at the 35th annual celebration event. Superintendent Dr. Debra Livingston accepted the  2015 Independence Award from Granite State Independent Living board of directors chair Ken Traum and  GSIL CEO Clyde Terry, far left  The award honors Manchester schools for their dedication and support promoting economic self-sufficiency and independent living for students with disabilities in the GSIL Earn & Learn Opportunities program, which combines soft skills training and education with on-the-job training for at-risk high school students with disabilities. Through this collaboration with Manchester School District, GSIL's goal is to keep students engaged in their educations by preparing them for employment, post-secondary learning and living independently in their community.  Founded in 1980, Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is a statewide nonpro...

Manchester students among leaders in AP exam scores

Manchester School District high school students scored well above the national and global averages on last spring’s Advanced Placement exams and narrowly outpaced the mean score of their state peers. The Manchester School District mean score on all AP Exams was 3.38 (out of 5) while the New Hampshire mean was 3.23. The national and global averages were 2.82 and 2.84 respectively. “We are immensely proud of our students and their continued level of excellence on rigorous exams such as those in the Advanced Placement program, “ said Dr. Debra Livingston, superintendent.“It is clear our teachers did an outstanding job in preparing them.” Overall there were 202 students from the school district who participated in the exams, which represents 6% of the high school student body. 78.4% of those students earned a 3, 4 or 5 on their respective subject exams triggering college credit and a mark of proficiency. Many colleges and universities accept those scores as transfer credit which helps ...

Enter Governor Hassan's 2nd annual "What's So Cool About Manufacturing?" video contest

Seventh and eighth graders from across New Hampshire are invited to enter the 2nd annual STEM-focused competition hosted by Governor Maggie Hassan. Click HERE for the rules and guidelines!

Chris Martin named assistant superintendent

Superintendent Debra Livingston has named Chris Martin the new Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education in Manchester. The Board of School Committee approved the appointment at last night’s regular meeting. The position had been open since former assistant superintendent Karen Burkush retired in June. Martin is no stranger to the city and its schools, having grown up here. She attended Manchester public schools, starting at Green Acres Elementary School, and she has worked in the district for nearly three decades. Ms. Martin has been principal of Webster Elementary School since 2010. “This school district is a part of who I am,” said Ms. Martin. “I am proud of this district and have a vested interest in its success. I have a passion for doing great things on behalf of the children of Manchester.” She began her education career in 1988 as the music teacher and chorale director for what was then Hillside Junior High School. She also taught music at several other sch...

October 17: MST Fall Vendor Fair

MST Fall Vendor Fair Saturday, October 17th  10am-3pm (9am set-up time) Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund for MST's first class of graduating seniors! Crafts, Jewelry, Stained Glass, Paintings, Wood Carvings, Tasty Treats, Cosmetics, Kid’s Corner…. A great place to shop, browse and meet the artisans! What is your Specialty? There are a few spaces left to feature your business! Contact:  griffinsptsa@outlook.com

October 14: PSAT and delayed opening for high schools

All high school sophomores and test-taking juniors should arrive at school at the usual time for the PSAT on Wednesday, October 14. All high school students NOT taking the PSAT should arrive at school at 10:50 am. Buses will be doing a second pick-up 3 hours later than the normal time.   The high schools will operate on an abbreviated schedule, with the school day beginning at 11:00 am.

October 15: Special presentation about the heroin crisis

Parents from across the district are welcome to attend.

Teachers: Help Manchester win a share of $2 million worth of technology

To excite students about the possibilities of STEM education, Samsung started the Solve for Tomorrow education contest , giving schools across the U.S. the opportunity to raise interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects among students by awarding their schools with a share of more than $2 million* in technology products. The deadline is October 30!

Partnership is a win-win for college students and Manchester kids

Even before college students majoring in education look for student teaching opportunities, they’re getting real world classroom experience in a Manchester school. Nearly 60 sophomores, juniors and seniors from Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Education are working closely with students at Weston Elementary School. The result is a “working learning lab,” which gives the older students a chance to put teaching methods into action, while the younger students receive supplemental instruction. “Like most people, they learn best by doing,” Cathy Stavenger, associate professor of education at SNHU, said of her students. “There’s a real value in the field work we offer that provides the experience they can’t simply read about or role play in the college classroom.” Groups of SNHU students are divided into three education courses: Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics, Foundations of Teaching and Learning, and The Inclusive Classroom. Each week, the education students t...

Bakersville Elementary School teacher earns national honor

Lucy Canotas is the National Education Association’s New Hampshire 2015 Teaching Excellence award winner. The fifth grade teacher at Bakersville Elementary School received the recognition this morning from a representative of the NEA Foundation. The award also comes with a $650 check for the school, sponsored by the NEA's auto and home insurance carrier, California Casualty. Every year, the NEA invites its state affiliates to nominate outstanding educators for the Teaching Excellence award, which recognizes teachers who create learning environments that meet the needs of students across all abilities, cultures and backgrounds. Award recipients also must demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continually work to gain new knowledge that can be shared with their colleagues. Bakersville principal Judy Adams, left, and MEA president Sue Hannan, right were on hand to watch Lucy receive her award  “Lucy looks at the whole child, sees their strengths, and hel...

Operation Care for Troops seeking cards and letters from kids

Operation Care for Troops used to be known as MooreMart, and was started by the Moore family from NH, to ship care packages to a family member when he was stationed in Iraq. He eventually asked them to send packages to some of the guys in his platoon who never received packages from home and from there, the program blossomed and the family began sending packages to NH troops stationed in Afghanistan and all around the Middle East. While the US is no longer officially "at war" in that part of the world, we have tens of thousands of troops over there in various capacities, many of them in dangerous situations.  MooreMart has renamed itself Operation Care for Troops, and its mission continues to be a valuable service.  They will ship packages on November 12-14 to more than 1,300 service members. The single most treasured item these troops love to receive is cards and letters from folks back home - particularly from kids.  Our schools have been asked to participate in t...

Hillside field hockey donation drive this month

Do you have too much clutter at home?  The Hillside Middle School field hockey team can help! The girls are joining up with Savers to organize a donation drive to collect clothing, toys, small appliances and other household items.  The proceeds will be used to buy new equipment for the team. The donation drive starts Saturday, October 10 at Hillside Middle School, where field hockey players will accept donations from 10am to 2pm. Hillside will be open to take community contributions the following two Saturdays, on October 17 and 24.  Donations also will be collected each morning for any Hillside community member who wishes to send their donations in with a student. Items that will be accepted are: all types of clothing, shoes, jackets  hats, mittens, scarves, ties, socks purses, wallets, backpacks, and bags   toys  kitchen appliances sports equipment electronics  The team will bring those items to Savers and use the money to fund ne...

Adjusted school day hours to take effect November 30

Starting in November, the school day in Manchester will begin a bit later in the morning and end a bit later in the afternoon.  The hours for elementary, middle and high schools are being adjusted based on the recently approved teachers’ contract with the Manchester Education Association. The newly bargained schedule will take effect on Monday, November 30, 2015. An hours-based academic calendar is included in the current contract, which means longer school days and three built-in snow days that don’t have to be made up in June. The anticipated last day of school, assuming fewer than four snow days, is Thursday, June 9. The first graduating class from MST High School will hold its commencement on Friday, June 3 at 2:00 PM, while West, Memorial, and Central high schools will graduate on Saturday, June 4 at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM respectively. The Manchester Education Association and the Manchester School District have worked together to create school start and e...