Learn about recent news and upcoming events

Superintendent Bolgen Vargas has named Sarah Jacobs, to the role of Acting Communications Coordinator for the District, effective immediately. In this role, Jacobs will apply her relationship building expertise, communications and project management skills and her community focused approach to provide communications leadership for the District. “District communications, Vargas said in a statement, “is a very important function.  Ms. Jacobs expertise in this area will be tremendously valuable.”   Jacobs bring with her more than twenty years of experience in education and community engagement.  Most recently she served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at UNH Manchester, where she focused on partnership development and community initiatives. She is a graduate of Northeastern University and Fitchburg State University and is actively involved in the NH community serving on various boards of directors, advisory boards and committees. “Having partnered with ...

Manchester City Library staff and trustees and Mayor Joyce Craig announced all Manchester public libraries will eliminate overdue fines on children’s and young adult collections, starting October 1. “With this move, we can truly say any child in our community can afford to check out a book at our libraries,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “The libraries in Manchester are much more than a collection of books — they’re pivotal centers of our community. No child should be unable to engage in learning because of their family’s income level.” The decision to eliminate overdue fines is part of a growing national trend in library policies to promote reading. Manchester library staff also noticed there was an issue once they held discussions with families who said they hadn’t been to a library in years due to their inability to pay late fees. “We’ve recently begun working more closely with the Manchester School District, and we realized we needed books to be as accessible as they can be to ou...

When New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu today recognized New Hampshire Jobs for America’s Graduates (NH-JAG) for its growth and outstanding student outcomes, he was not just talking numbers.  He was talking people. While NH-JAG surpassing five of five performance outcomes, including achieving a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2017, is extremely impressive, it is the youth behind those numbers that represent the true success, according to the Governor.   NH Governor Chris Sununu, JAG President and CEO Ken  Smith and NH-JAG in school staff member Amy Darrigo  at the "5of5" awards celebration.  Juliette Gonzalez participated in the JAG program at Manchester West High School and went on to obtain her LNA before attending Southern New Hampshire University to study healthcare administration. She is currently employed at Catholic Medical Center and plans to return to school in the future to obtain her Master of Public Health degree. “Th...

Local politicians, school district officials, and educators joined Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont (ABC) and its Young Professionals Group as they delivered a $2,000 donation, in addition to commitments from local companies, to help support the Middle School at Parkside’s new careers in construction exploration program. “We are delighted to deliver this money and industry support to the school,” said Joshua Reap, President of ABC. “And the investment is more than just this check. Our contractors will invest materials to give the students projects and dozens of hours from their skilled workforce to teach the kids what a career in construction looks like.” “For ABC, this is an investment in our community to create a better tomorrow,” added Reap. According to ABC research, over 500,000 construction jobs need to be filled across the country. This need led Manchester Board of School Committee member and local construction executive Jimmy Lehoux to push ...

Communities across the country -- including Manchester -- are organizing events that bring together immigrants, refugees and native-born residents to promote cross-cultural awareness and unity.  All events below are free and open to the public. Many of our English learners are participating in various ways, including poetry readings and art displays at Jupiter Hall next Tuesday.

Good evening to our students, families and staff at Central High School: The entire Central High community is to be commended for its extraordinary cooperation and collaboration during the unfortunate incident on Friday, September 7, 2018. It is important to acknowledge that our students’ character and resilience was tested during a prolonged difficult situation, and they more than exceeded expectations. For that, I thank them, their parents and the teachers who facilitated a safe and calm response to a challenging situation.  I appreciate the exemplary dedication of our teachers, staff and the administrative team, lead by Principal Vaccarezza, in addition to the Manchester Police Department, lead by Police Chief Capano, the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), Easter Seals Special Transit Services (STS), Manchester School District Food Services, and the administrators from across our district who contributed to the efforts needed during the secure campus at Centra...

Superintendent of Schools Bolgen Vargas has named Christopher MacDonald the next principal of Hallsville Elementary School. Manchester’s Board of School Committee approved MacDonald’s nomination at this week’s meeting. MacDonald moves into his new position from Northwest Elementary School in Manchester, where he was assistant principal since 2008.  His career in education also includes eight years teaching third and fourth grades in Hooksett. “While they differ in size, Northwest and Hallsville have many similarities as neighborhood schools committed to the success of all students,” said MacDonald. “I am excited to get to know Hallsville staff, students and families and lead them in their continued efforts toward high achievement.” “Mr. MacDonald will be a terrific asset to the Hallsville community,” Dr. Vargas said. “His leadership experience and commitment to excellence will help students reach their highest potential.” MacDonald succeeds Bonnie Skogsholm, who retired a...

Manchester Proud (MP), a New Hampshire Voluntary Corporation, is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms, to perform a comprehensive assessment of the Manchester School District (MSD) and its individual schools, and to provide recommendations based upon this assessment for strategies MSD should implement to improve student outcomes and opportunities. MP will hold a webinar on  August 20 at 10:00 a.m. EST  to go over the Request for Proposals (RFP) and answer questions. Interested firms can register for the webinar at the following link:  https://zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_CHvAHZtfTjGFm3KeME B4hQ. Any and all questions regarding the RFP should be directed via email to outreach@manchesterproud.or g . Download the RFP .

The Student Accident Insurance Plan brochure for 2018- 2019 can be found online. Student insurance is essential for students who don't have their own coverage. For students who do have other insurance, student insurance can help fill gaps in coverage. This brochure contains the enrollment form and instructions for completion and submission.  A claim form in the event of injury also is available. Please direct all inquiries in regard to insurance coverage directly to the insurance provider: Lefebvre Insurance, LLC 850 Franklin Street Wrentham, MA  02093 1-800-451-9668

Bryan Belanger is the new principal of Parker-Varney Elementary School, effective next month. The Board of School Committee approved Superintendent Bolgen Vargas’s recommendation of Belanger for the position. Belanger comes to Manchester from Raymond, New Hampshire, where he was principal of Lamprey River Elementary School since 2015. Previous experience included other school- and district-level administrative roles. He was interim principal of Seabrook Elementary School, assistant principal of curriculum and integration at Seabrook Middle School for six years, and technology director for Hampton School District and School Administrative Unit 21, serving Hampton Falls, North Hampton, South Hampton, and Seabrook. “I am excited and eager to work with Parker-Varney’s learners, teachers, parents, and community,” said Belanger. “Together we will continue our school’s legacy of quality educational experiences, innovation and personalized learning.” “Mr. Belanger’s experience and enth...

The Luke Capistran Memorial 5K Run, 3K Walk & Kids Fun Run Saturday, September 29, 2018 10:00 AM Derryfield Park, Bridge Street, Manchester NH 03104 First 150 participants to register will receive a free t-shirt Awards for the 5K top 3 overall winners and age group winners All participants will be entered to win some of our great raffle prizes! Course Description :  Scenic cross-country run through Derryfield Park on grass and gravel trails, featuring rolling terrain. All proceeds go to the Luke Capistran Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships for students to attend summer camp. Adult Entry Fee: $25.00 Manchester Educator Entry Fee:  $20.00 Student Entry Fee:  $10.00 Kids Fun Run: Starts at 9:00 at Hillside Middle School, Donations welcome Individual online registration at:     http://www.lightboxreg.com/the-luke-capistran-memorial-5k-fun-walk_2018 Pre-race packet pickup on Friday, September 28th, HIllside Middle S...

Students who are trying out for fall sports can sign up with FamilyID starting Monday, July 16. All Manchester middle and high schools use FamilyID to collect student registrations in one place, such as emergency contacts, medical forms, and other important information related to student athletes. 

Manchester schools are the grateful recipients of a grant from the Children's Literacy Foundation, which will provide free books to our students. The community is invited to join CLiF for a FUN and INTERACTIVE storytelling for both children and parents. Every child in attendance will get to choose TWO NEW BOOKS to take home and keep! There will be HUNDREDS of books to choose from with MANY POPULAR TITLES. Eight sessions are scheduled, starting next week: Thursday, July 12: 9:00 at Gossler Park, 145 Parkside Avenue Thursday, July 12: 11:00  Parker-Varney, 223 James A. Pollock Drive  Monday, July 16: 9:00 Beech Street, 333 Beech Street  Monday, July 16: 11:00 Northwest, 300 Youville Street Monday, July 23: 9:00 Jewett Street, 130 South Jewett Monday, July 23: 11:00 at Weston, 1066 Hanover Street Tuesday, July 31: 9:00 at McDonough, 550 Lowell Street Tuesday, July 31: 11:00 at Bakersville, 20 Elm Street

We're excited for July 9, when the new Manchester bookmobile start its drive through the city, making stops at various public locations. To kick it off, we held an official ribbon cutting with Mayor Joyce Craig; Assistant superintendents Amy Allen and Jennifer Gillis; Manchester City Library head of children’s services Karyn Isleb; director of English learner instruction Wendy Perron; and Booked for Summer coordinator Kelly Jobel. We hope to see you this summer! Check out our full five-week schedule:

The Manchester School District, in collaboration with organizations, businesses, and supporters of education across the city, will highlight the importance of summer learning opportunities on July 12, the day designated as National Summer Learning Day. Led by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), National Summer Learning Day is an advocacy day aimed at elevating the importance of keeping all kids learning, safe and healthy during the summer. On this day each year, the country unites in advocacy efforts and celebrations hosted by hundreds of partner organizations from libraries to parks and recreation centers and civic and non-profit groups to promote awareness of the importance of keeping kids healthy and engaged during the summer. “Summer Learning Day is a reminder that summers count for success in the school year ahead, and our community should work together to ensure students get the opportunities and services necessary to continue growing and thriving over s...

The National Weather Service is forecasting an extended period of continued hot temperatures and high humidity through Friday July 6. Heat Advisories are likely during this period. These conditions may pose a health danger to the public, especially young children and elderly adults. Please pay special attention to the following information. People tend to suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Usually, the body cools itself by sweating, but in some cases sweating is not enough. When that happens, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures can damage the brain and other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that adversely affect temperature regulation include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, ...