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Among the changes in various school administrations this summer, the last two open positions have been filled. Superintendent Debra Livingston has named Jane Clayton assistant principal of Hillside Middle School and Kelly Bilodeau assistant principal of McLaughlin Middle School. Both women come to their new posts from previous positions within Manchester School District. Clayton served as athletic coordinator for Central High School since 2003 and has previous experience as interim assistant principal at Central and West high schools. She replaces the vacancy left by outgoing assistant principal Julie Machakos and joins assistant principal Shawn Baskerville under Hillside principal Brendan McCafferty. Bilodeau was a special education case manager for nine years at Southside Middle School, where she collaborated with teachers on curriculum and instruction for students with diverse learning styles. She replaces Tim Otis, who moved to West High School as assistant principal. Bilodeau ...

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. ...

Boston Celtics Forward Jared Sullinger joined students of McLaughlin Middle School as the team and Southern New Hampshire University revealed a state-of-the-art computer lab. The lab, completely subsidized by the Boston Celtics and SNHU education partnership, marks one in a series of labs of its kind. “ People around the world are keeping up with advances in technology, but so many of our schools right here in the U.S. don't have the resources to help kids stay current and be successful as they move on in their educational careers,” Sullinger said. “Through the SNHU partnership, we can find ways to change that, and thecomputer labs are a great start.” In renovating the computer lab, the Celtics and SNHU purchased 30 new Chromebooks. A seldom-used classroom was repainted and decorated with new furniture as well as Celtics wall graphics. The room is now a modern, bright and inviting environment for the sixth, seventh and eighth graders to work and study. “We’re grateful for...

Tim Harris's unique approach to customer service has earned him national attention. He can now add motivational speaker to his resume. He  shared his story  with students at McLaughlin Middle School on Tuesday.

  The sixth, seventh and eighth graders who heard Tony Collins speak at McLaughlin Middle School were born well after his career with the New England Patriots ended. But 30 years ago, Collins was a powerful running back for the Pats, and helped the team make its first Super Bowl appearance in 1986. Not long after that, drug use cut short Collins’ time in the NFL. Now Collins wants the students and athletes in Manchester to know how the decisions he made back then affected every aspect of his life – from career to personal relationships. He’s educating kids across the country on the importance of making positive choices. McLaughlin brought all of its students together on Tuesday morning for a school-wide assembly to hear Collins’ story. Collins talked about growing up wanting to be in the NFL. . .how excited he was when his dream became reality while he was in college. . .and the spiral into despair he fell into because of his choices to abuse drugs. He told the students a...