Learn about recent news and upcoming events

Student work on display at the 2014 West High School art show Student art work will be on display in the library at West High School starting Tuesday January 20.  Members of the community are invited to attend an event on Friday January 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m. with food, music and conversations with the artists.  Our young artists look forward to meeting you and sharing their creativity and hard work!

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 inaugural STEAM Ahead NH class is set to enter Manchester High School West this fall. Read about the latest developments, including very generous  grants  from our friends at the Bean Foundation. Learn more about the innovative new program for Manchester students at  www.steamaheadnh.com.

Sullivan Award 2014 2014 Manchester High School West graduate Crystalline Reynolds is the first recipient of the Joe Sullivan Creative Writing Award. The award was presented to the senior student who displayed passion and exuberance for creative writing, much like the man for whom the award is named.   Joe Sullivan was an English and creative writing teacher at West for 34 years, from 1968-2002. He passed away last September. Members of the school’s English department chose Reynolds to receive the award in part for her ability to paint a picture that expresses vivid imagery, emotion and complexity.   “She can be witty or serious, ironic or deep,” said teacher Stephanie Silver in her remarks during the award presentation.  “Her choice of words lets you hear, taste and touch every bit of each story and feel for every character she creates. I know that if she and Joe Sullivan had crossed paths here at West, he would have loved having her in his writing class.” ...

Granite State College will place an AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer at Manchester High School West's  STEAM Ahead program. The VISTA volunteer will help students shape their college and career goals and plans, and will have the opportunity to participate in an innovative education and industry collaborative effort.   AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers are passionate and committed to bringing communities out of poverty.  They serve a full-year term, receive a modest living allowance, and are eligible to receive health coverage, childcare if needed, and other benefits.  At the end of the service, a VISTA volunteer  can choose between an education award or post-service stipend.  This is not a position for employment with the Manchester School District.  Please look for application details at http://www.granite.edu/about/jobs/vista2.php Questions about AmeriCorps VISTA? Please review the Frequently Asked Questions:  http://www.nationalservice.g...

A free art exhibit will celebrate the work of students at Manchester High School West. Works will be on display on Wednesday, May 28 from 4-6pm. This event will feature music, refreshments and hundreds of original art pieces in several mediums to enjoy.  Support for the exhibit has been provided by West High School, the 104th chapter of the National Art Honor Society, and the New Hampshire Institute of Art. WHAT: Student art show WHERE: Manchester High School West, second floor               9 Notre Dame Avenue, Manchester WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2014             4:00-6:00 p.m. Contact: Aaron M. Czysz, art teacher (603) 624-6384 aczysz@mansd.org

Students at Manchester High School West gathered this morning to learn about the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) program and the opportunities that exist for their academic success. The 110 students from all four grades were invited to the breakfast event based on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) “AP Potential” tool that helps schools identify students who are likely to succeed in rigorous AP courses and exams. “We are thrilled with the fact that this number of students, all of whom have not enrolled in AP courses before, are eager to learn more about the courses and embrace the challenge they present,” said West principal Chris Motika. “The AP Potential is a valuable tool, and I am willing to bet that if all of our sophomores took the PSAT, we would have even more students seated here today.” The message for the morning was one of support, confidence and high expectations for learning. College Board senior education manager Dena Johnson was in attendance to tell stud...

Manchester, NH  -- Community leaders in Manchester, NH tonight announced a new way of helping students learn the skills that will land them jobs after graduation, including an agreement that provides up to a year or more of college credit for participating high school students. STEAM Ahead NH  is a collaboration between higher education, the Manchester School District and the local business community that – pending formal approval of the city’s Board of School Committee – will launch in the fall of 2014 at Manchester High School West. “We are very excited about the partnerships being formed through STEAM Ahead NH,” said Christopher Motika, Principal of West High School. “West is a great place with great kids and we are happy to see the Manchester business community, the higher education community, and the West side of Manchester working together to help our students succeed both in and beyond high school. Most importantly, the work that is being done focuses on finding dif...