IN PEMBROKE, DEDICATED TEACHERS

PEMBROKE'S DONNA ROY IN MARCH 2013's SCHOOL NUTRITION MAGAZINE

PAM STILES IS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Please join me in congratulating Pam Stiles (pictured left, with Virginia Barry, Commissioner, NH Dept. of Education) on her well-deserved recognition as Elementary Principal of the Year. We’ve known she’s been worthy of this honor for years so it’s nice to finally see that her work at our little school is being noticed across the entire state. Chichester is a leader in so many facets of education under Pam’s competent guidance, from the Response to Intervention program that has reduced our Special Education spending and has attracted interest from schools across the nation, to the technology that is not just another subject but rather an integral component of every subject to an extent that few other schools anywhere are able to achieve. The education being provided is truly of the highest quality, providing our children with the start they need to be successful at Pembroke Academy and beyond and we have Pam to thank for providing an environment that allows the teachers and the staff to perform at their very best. Thank you, Pam, for all you’ve done here in Chichester and all you continue to do every day.

Benjamin J. Brown

Chair, Chichester School Board

JON MARSTON NAMED NEW PRINCIPAL OF THREE RIVERS SCHOOL

PEMBROKE, NH – The Pembroke School Board recently unanimously appointed Jon Marston, the current Vice Principal at Three Rivers School, as the new Principal at the school.

 Marston, who has been vice principal at Three Rivers for 12 years, will take over the role following the retirement of the current principal, Deborah Bulkley, at the end of the current school year.

 “I am thrilled at Jon’s appointment,” said SAU #53 Co-Superintendent Patty Sherman.  “I have every confidence that the hard work and commitment he has shown to date as vice principal will continue as he takes on this new leadership role.  Three Rivers will be in great hands.”

 Marston is no stranger to Pembroke.  In fact, he has been employed by the Pembroke School District for his entire professional career over 32 years, serving in such positions as physical education teacher, coach and activities director.  As assistant principal, Marston has helped develop and implement many initiatives, such as the common core standards, teacher evaluations, student management policies, budgets and the use of the School Management System (MMS).

 “I have always wanted to stay in Pembroke and I am so excited about the opportunity to take on this new position in such a wonderful community that has been very supportive of the schools,” said Marston.  “I look forward to continuing some of the strong initiatives that have been put in place as well as to moving in some exciting new directions.”

 Marston praised the student body at Three Rivers, a school he said is the “perfect size” for a middle school, as well as the faculty and staff, whom he described as professional and extremely dedicated to the students and the overall wellbeing of the school.  Said Marston, “I hope to build upon the strong relationships I have already developed and have a very collaborative approach both within the building and outside in the community.  Working together, we can ensure that we are providing our students with the best possible education, and isn’t that what we’re all here for?”

VILLAGE SCHOOL READING SPECIALIST RECEIVES SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION

PEMBROKE, NH – The implementation of an innovative program to help elementary school children develop a passion for writing has led to special recognition for a local teacher. 

Crystal Tilton, a Title I reading specialist at Pembroke Village School, was recently given an award as part of the Pembroke School Board’s 2012-2013 Teacher Appreciation Initiative. Tilton was honored for her efforts in presenting the Picturing Writing program, an initiative that combines drawing and art with creative writing. Students use their illustrations to stimulate thought and create stories. Tilton presented work samples at a School Board meeting and provided background on how the program has been implemented in the classroom. 

“The Pembroke School Board recognizes the importance of a robust writing program to engage our students and prepare them for the future,” School Board Chair Tom Serafin said. “We understand that it takes a great deal of personal time and effort to become trained, to fully develop, and to implement new ideas for the classroom. We salute Mrs. Tilton for her hard work and dedication to helping our students further their interest and love for writing in a fun and creative way.”

Learning Circle Connection

December 2012.  Volume 4, Issue 1

Learning Circle Connection

June 2012.  Volume 3, Issue 3

Learning Circle Connection

March 2012. Volume 3, Issue 2

Learning Circle Connection

Fall 2011. Volume 3, Issue 1.

Learning Circle Connection

Epsom's Jan Santosuosso Accepts Award

Ms. Jan Santosuosso from Epsom Central School was recognized at a ceremony held October 4^th in Concord for her extraordinary contributions to family-school partnerships in NH with a certificate of appreciation from Dr. Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D., Commissioner of the NH Department of Education, and Kevin Lew-Hanson, Executive Director of the Parent Information Center of NH.

 

Jan was nominated and recognized for her contributions as a special educator in the categories of parenting, communication, learning at home, community collaboration and decision making.

Jan was nominated by Vicki Therrien, Inclusion Facilitator for SAU #53 and the following is the reason Vicki nominated Jan for the award:

"Jan is a special educator who has made significant impact on parent involvement in education.  She relates well with parents and helps the school team understand parent experience in difficult situations, thus promoting positive relationships and a willingness to facilitate creative problem solving.  Jan organized trainings so the team could do tube feedings at school to assist a family when a student with ASD wouldn’t eat after surgery.  She also daily walks a student home to assist parents.  Jan has shown innovation by training and encouraging other to use SAKAI, an online web based professional learning community to promote home-school communication.  Family and team post daily progress notes and add resources so all are informed and can celebrate success.  Jan also did a SAKAI presentation at an SAU workshop day for other teachers and administrators in effort to better promote home-school communication.  As a mentor for Beyond Access Inclusion Project (UNH IOD), Jan holds regular team meetings with parents (above and beyond IEP meetings) to set goals and plan actions for successful learning in all environments.  Various community resources are used to meet family/student needs.  Recently she met with ATECH and our Inclusion Facilitator in home to plan for a trial of an AAC device.  She works regularly with behavior consult.  As member of SAU 53 Learning Circle (5 towns) she helps make decisions to promote inclusion and to organize school/community activities each year.  She’s the best!!!!"

Judith Howe honored during “Parent Involvement in Education Month” in NH

Concord – Judith Howe, Family School Liaison for the Allenstown School District was recognized at a ceremony held October 4^th in Concord for her extraordinary contributions to family-school partnerships in NH with a certificate of appreciation from Dr. Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D., Commissioner of the NH Department of Education, and Kevin Lew-Hanson, Executive Director of the Parent Information Center of NH.

Judith is one of over 50 educators, parents and community groups recognized statewide this October the NH Parent Involvement in Education Month Initiative, which has been declared by Governor John Lynch and which highlights the central role that parents play in the academic success of their children.

Study after study shows that the single biggest factor in student achievement is parent involvement and, according to researchers, students of involved parents are more likely to get better grades, be promoted, finish school and go on to higher education. This and other research can be found at www.nhparentsmakethedifference.org.

Many parents, educators and community organizations make contributions on a daily basis to help assure all of our children succeed with a 21^st century education.  Judith was honored in particular for works with school staff and families to promote a positive educational experience and continually goes above and beyond her role to help the families living in the community with locating resources, making home visits, or support through the educational process.  Judith believes in empowering parents to help them and has supported them in getting the skills that will improve their and their children’s lives. She believes that all children can learn and will do anything to bring a child to their desk at school, ready to learn. Her welcoming, non-threatening demeanor and infectious smile has fostered communication between parents and the schools in the district. She is seen by colleagues as critical to keeping Allenstown students in school and has aided in keep their tardiness and absenteeism numbers down. She has spearheaded events and initiatives to ensure there are multiple opportunities for families and schools to communicate and connect, including the first new Staff Orientation program and the back to school BBQ. Her tireless effort to seek out and use every moment to communicate with teachers, parents, administrators and other key people in children’s lives has made tremendous impact not only to the district, but also to her community. 

A wealth of articles, resources, and videos for both parents and educators about developing strong family-school partnerships can be found at www.nhparentsmakethedifference.org. A write-up with photos and videos of the October 4 Awards and a calendar of NH events for October and beyond are also posted there.

For more information about the Parent Information Center, visit www.picnh.org, e-mail info@picnh.org, or call (603) 224-7005 or 1-800-947-7005.

SAU53 Learning Circle Presents:

 

Worried Kids in a Stressed Out World:

How To Manage and Prevent Anxiety

by Lynn Lyons

 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

6:30 to 8:30 pm

Pembroke Academy Auditorium

Pembroke, NH

 

Fears and worries are a normal part of growing and developing; but sadly, excessive worrying and anxiety in kids (and parents) are on the rise.  The good news? Parents, teachers and children can learn HOW to manage fears, interrupting and even preventing the “worrying cycle” of thoughts and behaviors.

 

This seminar will give you the skills and information to help you and children:

-accept and manage the worries and transitions of daily routines

-calm and control the physical symptoms of anxiety

-choose exploration of the world over avoidance

-recognize and change the common thought patterns of anxious thinkers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lynn Lyons, LICSW, is a “ how-to” licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in Concord, NH. For 20 years, Lynn has specialized in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children, including generalized anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and performance anxiety. Her workshops teach concrete skills and usable techniques to interrupt negative patterns and change lives for the better.

 

For more information about Lynn Lyons, check out www.lynnlyonsnh.com

Free Admission Contact for event: vtherrien@sau53.org

Donna Roy Accepts Awards

This summer at SNA National Conference in Dallas, our President, Donna Roy, proudly accepted several awards from our National President, Dora Rivas.

 

Several New Hampshire members were in attendance to witness Donna’s acceptance of the following awards.

 

~ Thelma Flanagan Gold Achievement Award

~ Membership Growth Award, 1-500

~ Membership Goal Award

~ Increasing Membership Award

~ Certification and Credentialing Goal Award

2009/2010 Pembroke Peer Recognition Winner Announced

Jenn Jones, a first grade teacher at Pembroke Village School, was recently selected as the 2009-2010 Peer Recognition Award winner.  The award, sponsored by the Pembroke School Board, is given to employees of the Pembroke School District who are nominated by their peers for their outstanding overall performance.   Jones is involved in almost all the extracurricular activities offered at her school.  She brought mascots to the schools, school colors and a school store.  She makes scenery for the annual play, co-chairs the talent show committee, organizes Read Across America Week, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, parent picnics and field day. 

March 31, 2010 - Speed of Creativity

March 23, 2010

Pembroke Hill School Students Use Their Creativity to Help Children in Need

Pembroke, NH - Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but no one could argue that the artwork prepared by second-, third- and fourth-grade Pembroke Hill School students to raise money for Hugs Across America is anything but beautiful.

 

Pembroke Hill School students donated a favorite piece of their artwork as part of a silent auction in conjunction with the school-wide Art Show.  Proceeds from the sale of the artwork will go to support Hugs Across America, a not-for-profit corporation that provides teddy bears to children in need of comfort.  As the only chapter school in NH, Pembroke Hill School staff and students are always looking for creative ways to raise money to purchase additional bears.

 

 "We thought what better way to showcase the artwork of the students and at the same time contribute to this very worthwhile effort to help children in times of crises," said Katy O'Gorman, art teacher, Pembroke Hill and Village Schools.  "The students are very excited to involve the community in their efforts."

 

The matted artwork will fit in a standard-sized frame.  The minimum bid for the pieces will be $5 (the cost of one bear). The Pembroke Hill School chapter provides 15 bears a month to Concord Hospital, and another 25 to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua.   

 

Most of the artwork will be available to preview from a link on the Pembroke Hill School Web site: http://www.sau53.org/phs beginning March 31st.

 

The auction will be set up on Wednesday, April 7th from 3:00 PM-8:00 PM in the Pembroke Hill School art room.  Artwork may be bid on in person, or one can place a bid by calling (603)485-9000 x 214 or e-mailing Katy O’Gorman at kogormanrhodebeck@sau53.org.   Name and contact information and the artwork number (located on the bottom right corner of the piece) as well as one's highest bid must be provided.

 

 All bids must be received by 8:00 PM. on Wednesday, April 7th.   Those with the highest bid for each piece will be notified that evening at the end of the auction or by phone or e-mail the following day.

 

 For more information, please contact Katy O'Gorman at kogormanrhodebeck@sau53.org or 603-485-9000.

NH HISTORY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Edith Tatulus