- Caring, compassionate, dedicated teachers who work with their students as though they are in a palace!
- Happy students
- Snowshoeing
- Fruits and vegetable program- a chance to try new foods
- Administrators who keep our students first
- A great playground
- A well maintained building- in spite of all its flaws
- A robust 21st Century After School Program
- Small class sizes
- Mentors for new staff
- 2 computer labs, Smartboards in the classrooms, computers on carts to sign out for a class
- Literacy Committee
- Opportunities for students to help younger peers
- End 68 Hours of Hunger Program
- School Resource Officer
- Title 1
- Wonderful displays of student work
- Dedicated times for math and reading
- Pre-school and Kindergarten offerings
- Lego teams
- Lessons and units relevant to our culture and history
- Many opportunities to take part in music
- Keyboarding lessons
- On-line programs for students to use at home
- "Bring Your Own Device" for 4th grade students
Thursday, October 22, 2015
From Polliwogs to Frogs- Our Lamprey River Elementary School
We all know that our elementary school has serious issues: portable classrooms,overcrowding, not enough room for special education needs, too small a library, portables, no walls in the media center, portables, lack of a gym for physical education and on and on. Yes, I mentioned the portables several times- our students should not have to be in these "temporary" rooms. Some of these rooms have actually been added on to the building (they are "attached") while others are out in the parking lot- obvious in their existence. These temporary rooms have been at LRES for over 29 years (the attached ones that we own) and 13 years for the detached portables ($36,000 in rent each year for the opportunity to use these buildings)! I don't, however, want to dwell on what needs to be fixed at the elementary school, but want instead to tell you about all the wonderful things that happen every day at this school in spite of any shortcomings. So here are some of the many fabulous sights at LRES:
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Celebration Time
It is getting close to that time of year where it can appear that it is one school party or celebration after another! First, for the little ones (and sometimes bigger ones, too), there is Halloween. Then comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, assorted birthdays dances, and other celebrations. One of our missions is to keep our kids safe- and to me that means more than physical safety- we want them to be happy and healthy, too. The expectations for fun and celebrating can become overwhelming and even a little overpowering. I remember one year walking into a classroom where each student had a pile of candy on his/her desk that was at least 8 inches high- there was an additional pile of candy that completely covered a desk top- this pile was to be used for prizes!
Of course, there are federal guidelines about nutrition and what kinds of foods should be served in schools- and this includes classroom parties and celebrations. I was so proud as the principal of the middle school when I saw our teachers embrace this more healthy option for our students. Instead of cupcakes and candy being the sole form of refreshments available, popcorn, fruit salad, vegetable sticks with dip, and juice were available. I noticed that the vegetable sticks and fruit were some of the most popular choices and that the kids weren't really filling up on the available cupcakes.
Its been 10 years since the School Board Policy JLCG was written and it is based on some of those federal guidelines. A section of that policy follows:
The School District shall use the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA School Meal Program requirements and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs when deciding what foods and beverages will be available to students. These nutrition guidelines apply to the school lunch and breakfast program, foods and beverages sold in vending machines, snack bars, concession stands, school dance/parties/celebrations/meetings, fundraising activities or any school sponsored activities on school grounds.
Foods available during school and at school sponsored activities will meet or exceed the district’s nutrition standard. A recommended list of healthy foods will be available to assist with planning fundraisers and celebrations.
•Schools may sell water throughout the entire school day.
•Items in the vending machines will follow recommended nutritional standards.
•Parents and teachers will be encouraged to model healthy eating habits while on school property.
•All foods and/or physical activity will not be used as a reward or punishment.
Does this mean that all sweets are banned from our schools? No, of course not: it is just a reminder that we are all responsible for ensuring a healthy environment for our students that allows and helps our children succeed academically.
For more information on this topic, the John C. Stalker Institute in Framingham has a very informative web site at http://johnstalkerinstitute.org.
This organization lists foods that are considered to have nutritional value and have a tab for analyzing recipes and ingredients, as well as, compiling an "A-List" of foods that meet nutritional guidelines. Monique Gauthier recently shared some common items from the list that includes general items along with some brand-name foods (pared down from 68 pages):
A-List: "A-cceptable" Items (It was so large, I cut it down even more!)
Snackables (summary)
This is just a short list of food items (again, 68 pages of items on the John Stalker Institute web site!) that have enough nutritional value to be used in schools for after school activities, dances, concerts, academic event nights, etc. I think there is something for everyone: whether you prefer salty snacks or sweet, something on this list will appeal to your sense of taste. Celebrations are fun and can still be fun with some alternative food choices.
Of course, there are federal guidelines about nutrition and what kinds of foods should be served in schools- and this includes classroom parties and celebrations. I was so proud as the principal of the middle school when I saw our teachers embrace this more healthy option for our students. Instead of cupcakes and candy being the sole form of refreshments available, popcorn, fruit salad, vegetable sticks with dip, and juice were available. I noticed that the vegetable sticks and fruit were some of the most popular choices and that the kids weren't really filling up on the available cupcakes.
Its been 10 years since the School Board Policy JLCG was written and it is based on some of those federal guidelines. A section of that policy follows:
The School District shall use the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA School Meal Program requirements and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs when deciding what foods and beverages will be available to students. These nutrition guidelines apply to the school lunch and breakfast program, foods and beverages sold in vending machines, snack bars, concession stands, school dance/parties/celebrations/meetings, fundraising activities or any school sponsored activities on school grounds.
Foods available during school and at school sponsored activities will meet or exceed the district’s nutrition standard. A recommended list of healthy foods will be available to assist with planning fundraisers and celebrations.
•Schools may sell water throughout the entire school day.
•Items in the vending machines will follow recommended nutritional standards.
•Parents and teachers will be encouraged to model healthy eating habits while on school property.
•All foods and/or physical activity will not be used as a reward or punishment.
Does this mean that all sweets are banned from our schools? No, of course not: it is just a reminder that we are all responsible for ensuring a healthy environment for our students that allows and helps our children succeed academically.
For more information on this topic, the John C. Stalker Institute in Framingham has a very informative web site at http://johnstalkerinstitute.org.
This organization lists foods that are considered to have nutritional value and have a tab for analyzing recipes and ingredients, as well as, compiling an "A-List" of foods that meet nutritional guidelines. Monique Gauthier recently shared some common items from the list that includes general items along with some brand-name foods (pared down from 68 pages):
A-List: "A-cceptable" Items (It was so large, I cut it down even more!)
Snackables (summary)
- Whole Grain Pretzel Sticklets, Rods, Twist
- Nuts and seeds without added fat
- Trail or cereal mix (whole grain, low-sugar cereals)
- Low-fat granola bars
- Low-fat tortilla chips with or without salsa
- Low fat pudding
- Low fat yogurt (squeezables, smoothies, parfaits)
- Low fat Sundays or banana splits (low fat yogurt and fruit topped with whole grain cereal, granola, or crushed graham crackers)
- Pizza with low fat toppings (vegetables and lean ham)
- Pizza dippers with marinara sauce
- Angel food cake, plain or topped with fruit
- Pretzels, low fat popcorn, rice cakes, bread sticks, graham crackers, animal crackers
- Vegetable trays with low fat dip, celery, and carrots
- Dried fruit without added sugars or sweeteners
- Fresh fruit assortments
- Fruit and cheese kabobs
- Fruit salad
- Sliced fruit with low fat yogurt dip
- 100% juices
- Bottled water
- Low fat or non fat milk
- Flavored water / sparkling water (without added sugars or sweeteners)
- Frito-Lay/PepsiCo
- Cheetos Fantastix!
- Doritos Reduced Fat
- Oven Baked Ruffles
- Cool Ranch Flavored Tortilla chips
- Nacho Chips
- Lay's BBQ Potato Crisps
- Lay's Original Potato Crisps
- Tostitos Scoops
- Tortilla Chips
- Quaker Kid's Mix Snack Mix
- Rold Gold Heartzels Pretzels
- Smartfood Delight White Cheddar Popcorn
- Sunchips Snack Mix
- Chex Mix Brand Snack (Hot 'n Spicy)
- Baked Multigrain Crisps
- Baked Vegetable Crisps (original)
- Baked Potato Crisps (Original)
- Baked Ripple Cut Potato Crisps
- Whole Grain Soft Pretzels
- Kellogg's Special K Cracker Chips
- Kettle Brand Real Sliced Potatoes Baked Potato chips
- Cheddar Goldfish Crackers made with Whole Grain
- Baked Animal Crackers
- Cinnamon Mini Animal Grahams
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bar
- Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bar
- Fruity Cheerios Cereal Bar
- Golden Grahams Cereal Bar
- Nature Valley Chewy Granola Bar
- Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar
- Trix Cereal Bar
- Keebler Animal Crackers
- Kellogg's Cocoa Krispies Chewy Cereal Bar
- NutriGrain Cereal Bar
- Sunshine Cheez It ---Whole Grain
- Honey Maid Teddy Grahams - Cinnamon
- Graham Crackers---plain
- Frozen Nonfat Yogurt
- Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
- Stonyfield Farm 1.6 oz
- Del Monte Fruit Burst Squeezable Fruit Tube 2.2-3.2oz
- Dole Raisins
- Mandarin Oranges in 100% Fruit Juice
- Reduced Fat Cheese Cubes
- String Cheese
- Welch's Fruit Snacks
- Minute Maid 100% Frozen Juice Bars
- Ocean Spray C’raisins Dried Cranberries
- GoGo squeeZ Applesauce on the Go
This is just a short list of food items (again, 68 pages of items on the John Stalker Institute web site!) that have enough nutritional value to be used in schools for after school activities, dances, concerts, academic event nights, etc. I think there is something for everyone: whether you prefer salty snacks or sweet, something on this list will appeal to your sense of taste. Celebrations are fun and can still be fun with some alternative food choices.
Monday, September 28, 2015
There's Something Special About Iber Holmes Gove Middle School....
As I mentioned in a prior posting, we have wonderful schools in Raymond and any chance I get, I brag about them! This week, I want to make everyone aware of some of the things that make our middle school a fabulous place for students. Here are some of the attributes I have the privilege of seeing on a regular basis:
- A caring dedicated staff
- Students who go out of their way to volunteer and fundraise for those less fortunate
- Our After-School Program- offers both academic help and enrichment
- Raymond Roundtables
- Sports teams- both school teams and intramurals
- Social Studies Teacher of the Year
- An Award-Winning Art Program
- School Resource Officer
- A beautifully kept building!
- True Middle School Concept- including the set-up of the building
- Small class sizes
- Peer tutoring
- Technology- 3 computer labs, 3 computer carts, Chrome Books, a Smartboard and projector in every class
- Mentors for new staff
- Middle School of the Year!
- High school courses taken for high school credit
- On-line foreign language courses for 8th grade students
- A wide range of course offerings for all students beyond the core academics: Integrated Technology, Computers, Family and Consumer Science, Music, Art, Physical Education, Health
- Academic Intervention Block
- Honors classes
- Responsive Classroom
- Professional Learning Communities
- Ram Rallys
- Presentations at the NH Technology Conference
- Anti-Bullying Program including celebration lunches
- Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
- Clubs for all sorts of interests- everything from Chess to Jazz Band to Table Top Games to Newspaper Club and many more
- Special Education Teacher of the Year
- Middle School teachers presented at the New England League of Middle Schools
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Raymond Roundtables- An Outstanding Program!
For the past 7 years the Raymond School District has partnered with Phillips Exeter Academy to offer enrichment classes during the summer to our 7th and 8th grade students, and more recently, to our high school students. This partnership began as a idea that had representatives from Phillips Exeter, John McDaniels from Reach High Scholars and me making plans to create classes similar to those offered at Phillips Exeter. What a wonderful opportunity for our students!
The idea was to have classes taught at Raymond during the summer that featured the "Harkness Method". This method is how all classes at Phillips Exeter are taught. According to the Phillips Exeter Academy website about the Harkness Method, "It's a way of learning: everyone comes to class prepared to share, discuss, and discover, whether the subject is a novel by William Faulkner or atomic and molecular structure. There are no lectures." The website further states that Harkness includes: " interacting with other minds, listening carefully, speaking respectfully, accepting new ideas and questioning old ones, using new knowledge, and enjoying the richness of human interaction." It is a unique way for students to learn and is something they can apply to other classes taken throughout their lives.
At the beginning, all classes were taught by Phillips Exeter teachers. We now have a combination of our own staff who have been trained in the Harkness Method, along with staff from Exeter.
This has been a wonderful partnership and one that I hope lasts for a long time. This year, students who attended the summer program had the following things to say. If you think our students don't want more opportunities to learn and to learn in different ways, you might be surprised by their comments:
Raymond Roundtables Student Feedback
Math Summer 2015
Rising 10th graders who explored statistics:
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
Q4: What have you learned about statistics this summer?
Rising 9th Graders
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
Q4: Would you take a similar class next summer?
Rising 8th Graders:
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
Q4: Would you take a similar class next summer?
5 yes, 2 maybe – want it later in morning, 3 no
Other insights made by these students:
The idea was to have classes taught at Raymond during the summer that featured the "Harkness Method". This method is how all classes at Phillips Exeter are taught. According to the Phillips Exeter Academy website about the Harkness Method, "It's a way of learning: everyone comes to class prepared to share, discuss, and discover, whether the subject is a novel by William Faulkner or atomic and molecular structure. There are no lectures." The website further states that Harkness includes: " interacting with other minds, listening carefully, speaking respectfully, accepting new ideas and questioning old ones, using new knowledge, and enjoying the richness of human interaction." It is a unique way for students to learn and is something they can apply to other classes taken throughout their lives.
At the beginning, all classes were taught by Phillips Exeter teachers. We now have a combination of our own staff who have been trained in the Harkness Method, along with staff from Exeter.
This has been a wonderful partnership and one that I hope lasts for a long time. This year, students who attended the summer program had the following things to say. If you think our students don't want more opportunities to learn and to learn in different ways, you might be surprised by their comments:
Raymond Roundtables Student Feedback
Math Summer 2015
Rising 10th graders who explored statistics:
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
- Learning more about my classmates
- Learning in a new way
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
- My classmates are pretty smart.
- They are better than me at coming up with creative solutions
- They think similarly to me but they also have ideas that I never would have thought of
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
- I have a pretty good interest in statistics and I am still fairly quiet.
- I will speak up if no one else does and I don’t always have the best ideas
- I work better in small groups because I feel more comfortable sharing my ideas
- As long as I am informed, I can participate in groups with ease of mind and not put myself in an uncomfortable situation
Q4: What have you learned about statistics this summer?
- I like statistics because you can relate it to the real world
- Much more enjoyable than regular math
- It isn’t just about probability
- I learned about variability and sampling
- It is not as straight forward as I had thought
- Statistics plays a huge role in our everyday lives – they are everywhere!
- A discussion setting is actually good for helping people who really like to talk, while giving quieter students an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones.
- We can all learn from each others' ideas and there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
- Statistics should be taught more and communicating with one another is key to having a fun environment.
Rising 9th Graders
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
- Keeping [my] mind alert in the summer
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
- There are many ways to solve a problem
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
- I like doing challenging problems and discussing them as a group really helps me
- Math can be solved in many different ways
- I really need to put my brain to work because the problems really aren’t as difficult as I think
Q4: Would you take a similar class next summer?
- 4 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention
- There are many different ways to solve one problem
- An improvement of shy students participating and solving problems
- To let kids have more control
Rising 8th Graders:
Q1: What, if anything, did you look forward to in regards to this class this summer?
- Working with classmates
- Learning to think in a different way
- To stay sharp over the summer
Q2: Did you learn anything about/from your classmates this summer?
- How to explain things better
- If I do not know something, they can probably help me
- Some of them are smarter than I thought
- Some people are smarter in different ways
- Some people participate in discussions more than others
- As a group, we work well together to solve problems
Q3: Did you learn anything about yourself this summer? If so, what?
- Don’t be afraid to put an answer on the board even if you think it is wrong
- To take time and give seemingly impossible questions a second try
- To be more independent with my tasks in and out of school
- If I do my homework right when I come home from class, I do better than waiting until the last
Q4: Would you take a similar class next summer?
5 yes, 2 maybe – want it later in morning, 3 no
Other insights made by these students:
- Students can run their own class and need to be challenged more
- If you give students some time and a little hint, they can solve any problem
- Students can teach themselves
- Tougher problems are easier to solve when we work together
Friday, September 18, 2015
Raymond High School- A Hidden Gem!
Little Known Benefits
of Raymond High School
I am constantly touting the wonderful things that we do in our schools and all of the opportunities available to our students. Today I want to let everyone know some of the things I say to anyone who will listen about Raymond High School. We have so many wonderful reasons to be proud. Here is a partial list:
- Dedicated Teachers- they know and care for all our students and work together to help our students succeed
- Administration- caring and empathetic
- Small class size
- Freshman Academy
- Technology- Smartboards in every class, 3 computer labs, computers in every class, 2 computer carts, one ipad cart, students are allowed to "Bring Your Own Devices"
- NH Scholars school
- Highest percentage of graduates attending Tier 1 colleges in southern NH
- Summer enrichment: Dartmouth, St. Paul’s, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Brown University
- Reach High Scholars Foundation
- Award winning band
- Honors and Advanced Placement Courses
- Opportunities to take college level courses for credit
- Academic Approach- only high school in the state that offers this elite SAT prep course for minimal charge
- Extended Learning Opportunities
- On-line registration and Parent Portal
- Wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities (everything from forestry to art to math clubs)
- Beautiful upkeep of our school
- School Resource Officer
- Naviance for college applications and tracking
- Seacoast School of Technology offers pre-college courses and work internships
- Variety of courses
- Award winning Math Team
- Opportunities for Dual-Enrollment with local colleges
- Broad scope of electives: woodworking, photography, sociology, web programming, multimedia, construction, video production, guitar, pottery, concert band, jazz ensemble, criminal law, zoology, construction
- Extended Learning Opportunities
- On-line courses available for credit (dedicated lab for on-line courses)
- Low ratio of guidance counselors to students
- Sports offerings (include 2nd place finish in Girls’ Soccer and finalists in Boys’ Soccer)
- Dartmouth Intern to assist students with college questions
- Very active team building committee
- RAP groups
- High expectations for our students
- Drop out rate decreasing
- Dedicated College and Career Counselor
- Chosen as one of only 18 nationwide high performing middle and high schools to present at a national conference
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
End 68 Hours of Hunger
A program that was started right here in New Hampshire is now coming to the Lamprey River Elementary School: "End 68 Hours of Hunger". This was started by Claire Bloom in Dover, NH with the mission of confronting "the 68 hours of hunger experienced by some local school children by providing them bags of food to eat over the weekends".
This program was started in 2011 with just 19 children and now, according to their web site end68hoursofhunger.org, serves 1300 children in NH and Maine. It has also spread to New York, Florida, Massachusetts, and California! This program is a 100% volunteer organization with all money donated going directly to purchase food. This website also provides information on the many sponsors involved in this wonderful organization and provides interviews done by NBC with its founder.
Here is how it works. A family will call the nurse at the elementary school to become part of the program. On Friday before they leave school for the day their child will receive a backpack of food to take home. This food is to help cover the time from when a child receives their lunch on Friday until they receive their breakfast on Monday morning. The child returns the backpack on Monday and it is refilled again on the next Friday to go home with the child after school. This cycle continues throughout the school year.
If you would like to donate food, they are looking for these kinds of donations:
6-10 serving package of nutritional cereal
2 serving can of soup or pasta
peanut butter- 18 oz. plastic jar
jelly- 20 oz plastic jar
canned tuna/chicken
cans of fruit
crackers
macaroni and cheese (boxes)
ramen noodles (no cups)
nutrition bars
If you would like to donate your time, any of the above items, or money, please call our Program Coordinators: Sara Gates or Tanya Martin at 603-706-2584. If you would like your child to be a part of this helpful program, please call the elementary school at 603-895-3117 ext. 335 (nurse). She will keep track of any allergies and make sure the request is honored. Please be assured that no embarrassing questions will be asked and all names are kept confidential. Our collaboration with this program is just one more small way in which the Raymond School District supports our families.
I would also like to encourage any eligible families to apply for our confidential free and reduced lunch program. Forms for this program can be found at:
2015-16 Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals
This program was started in 2011 with just 19 children and now, according to their web site end68hoursofhunger.org, serves 1300 children in NH and Maine. It has also spread to New York, Florida, Massachusetts, and California! This program is a 100% volunteer organization with all money donated going directly to purchase food. This website also provides information on the many sponsors involved in this wonderful organization and provides interviews done by NBC with its founder.
Here is how it works. A family will call the nurse at the elementary school to become part of the program. On Friday before they leave school for the day their child will receive a backpack of food to take home. This food is to help cover the time from when a child receives their lunch on Friday until they receive their breakfast on Monday morning. The child returns the backpack on Monday and it is refilled again on the next Friday to go home with the child after school. This cycle continues throughout the school year.
If you would like to donate food, they are looking for these kinds of donations:
6-10 serving package of nutritional cereal
2 serving can of soup or pasta
peanut butter- 18 oz. plastic jar
jelly- 20 oz plastic jar
canned tuna/chicken
cans of fruit
crackers
macaroni and cheese (boxes)
ramen noodles (no cups)
nutrition bars
If you would like to donate your time, any of the above items, or money, please call our Program Coordinators: Sara Gates or Tanya Martin at 603-706-2584. If you would like your child to be a part of this helpful program, please call the elementary school at 603-895-3117 ext. 335 (nurse). She will keep track of any allergies and make sure the request is honored. Please be assured that no embarrassing questions will be asked and all names are kept confidential. Our collaboration with this program is just one more small way in which the Raymond School District supports our families.
I would also like to encourage any eligible families to apply for our confidential free and reduced lunch program. Forms for this program can be found at:
2015-16 Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Preparing for Back-to-School
This summer I've written several blogs on what is happening in our schools over the summer break (cleaning, painting, repairing, recreation activities and more!). But what about our staff? How do they prepare? Teachers and administrators all need some time during the summer to reflect on the previous year and to take some time to themselves- imagine being part of a 1700 member family all year! They also, however, take part in courses, workshops, conferences, and do some valuable reading.
This summer over 80 staff members took part in the following professional development offerings: writing competencies, integrating technology into the classroom, Smartboard training, writing rubrics, creating performance assessments and Responsive Classroom- and this is just what was offered by the Raymond School District! Other teachers took advanced science courses, worked on a master's degree, took part in conferences, took on-line courses, wrote grants, worked as coaches and camp counselors, were involved in volunteer work, interviewed new teacher applicants, held Jump Start for new Freshmen, worked with special needs students, and served on District-wide committees. All of these things, help our teachers prepare for our students' return and actually invigorate them: teachers, by the end of the summer, are just as eager as our students to get back to school!
Administrators, too, take part in training over the summer. This summer, our administrators learned about competency writing, had training from NH Emergency Management, worked on the District's Strategic Plan, learned about the 2016-2017 budget process, attended workshops at the Department of Education, heard information on insurance, workman's comp, and long-term substitutes, and planned for the District's workshop days. All this, while doing all the things that need to be done in the summer: registering new students; ordering supplies; creating schedules for students, teachers and paraprofessionals; answering questions from parents and students; providing records and transcripts; handling finances; interviewing new staff and checking references; attending meetings; taking courses, and so much more!
For the last three weeks, teachers have been in their classrooms setting up for the first day- hanging just the right poster to appeal to our students' interests, making colorful name tags, or writing lessons to engage our students in new ideas and and the desire to learn. Imagine getting a fresh start every year? This is a wonderful thing about a new school year- students come in happy to see their friends and teachers and are eager to learn. And just like every year, we are excited for the opportunity to make this school year the best one ever!
This summer over 80 staff members took part in the following professional development offerings: writing competencies, integrating technology into the classroom, Smartboard training, writing rubrics, creating performance assessments and Responsive Classroom- and this is just what was offered by the Raymond School District! Other teachers took advanced science courses, worked on a master's degree, took part in conferences, took on-line courses, wrote grants, worked as coaches and camp counselors, were involved in volunteer work, interviewed new teacher applicants, held Jump Start for new Freshmen, worked with special needs students, and served on District-wide committees. All of these things, help our teachers prepare for our students' return and actually invigorate them: teachers, by the end of the summer, are just as eager as our students to get back to school!
Administrators, too, take part in training over the summer. This summer, our administrators learned about competency writing, had training from NH Emergency Management, worked on the District's Strategic Plan, learned about the 2016-2017 budget process, attended workshops at the Department of Education, heard information on insurance, workman's comp, and long-term substitutes, and planned for the District's workshop days. All this, while doing all the things that need to be done in the summer: registering new students; ordering supplies; creating schedules for students, teachers and paraprofessionals; answering questions from parents and students; providing records and transcripts; handling finances; interviewing new staff and checking references; attending meetings; taking courses, and so much more!
For the last three weeks, teachers have been in their classrooms setting up for the first day- hanging just the right poster to appeal to our students' interests, making colorful name tags, or writing lessons to engage our students in new ideas and and the desire to learn. Imagine getting a fresh start every year? This is a wonderful thing about a new school year- students come in happy to see their friends and teachers and are eager to learn. And just like every year, we are excited for the opportunity to make this school year the best one ever!