It seems hard to believe we are already entering into October. This month I have a few highlights of recent and upcoming STEM activities to share with you.
 Over 200 students from the North Country participated in North Country STEMfest, a two-day event organized by the University of New Hampshire College of Engineering and Physical Science that took place on September 24th and 25th. Sixteen UNH students and 7 faculty members trekked to Gorham Middle High School and Berlin High School to bring STEM educational experiences to elementary and middle school students. Teacher workshops were also part of the event. Learn more about the event here: http://ceps.unh.edu/ceps.unh.edu/stemfest
Later this month, teams from Berlin, Lisbon, and Whitefield will travel to Claremont for a Young Women in Engineering conference. Workshops will be lead by female engineers, architects, scientists, and specialists. The event will feature hands-on building and engineering competitions for mixed-school teams.
STEM professional development for educators will continue at NCES, resuming in October. Middle and high school educators will delve deeper into the use of robotics, programming, and remote sensing/data collection. Our elementary STEM Resource Partners will engage in professional development co-facilitated by Tufts University and White Mountain Science, Inc. on Novel Engineering.
I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the superb weather we have been treated to thus far this fall.
Lori Langlois
Executive Director
lori@ncedservices.org
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Differentiated Instruction Workshop
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Differentiated Instruction: A Practical Approach is a hand-on interactive workshop to learn the essential principles of DI and the phases of planning a differentiated lesson. This includes learning how to use a practical approach template to develop a class unit, consider pre-assessment formats, how to collect data and honor the multiple intelligences of students. You learn DI tools and how to explain DI to your students. Ways to integrate technology will also be a part of this workshop. Ideally participants should bring their favorite lesson plan that you'll differentiate. Please bring a laptop or iPad if possible. Applicable for K-12.
Instructor: Corey Henderson
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2015 from 8:30 to 3:00
Location: NCES
Cost: Staff from full member schools $65, associate member schools $75, all others $90 (includes refreshments and lunch)
Registration: Online registration, call 603-466-5437 (between 8:00 - 4:00), or email lisa@ncedservices.org.
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Dangerous Juveniles: Part 1
Navigating the Stormy Seas of Behavior
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Juveniles in the 21st Century have become more troubled and sometimes more dangerous. Sex offenders, fire starters, conduct and oppositional disorders, petty and violent criminals, sex workers are all potentially a part of the middle and high school environment. During this workshop day, participants will receive specific ways to recognize behaviors of concern, and intervene effectively within a classroom environment. The presenter will overview the juvenile justice system and processes for navigating the juvenile justice system, often a challenge for educators. Dr. Lebrun will present ideas from his book Rebels in Society, and discuss classroom strategies that work when students display behaviors that are concerning or disruptive.
Outcomes:
- Gain knowledge of a variety of disorders that reflect dangerous juvenile behavior.
- Understand behaviors and make connections to patterns and triggers affecting those behaviors.
- Differentiate among a variety of troubled youth disorders.
- Apply the learning to case studies in collaborative activities.
- Demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of the juvenile justice system.
- Acquire specific classroom strategies to work with students with behavior disorders.
For a complete description visit: http://www.ncedservices.org/profdev/
Presenter: Dr. Marcel Lebrun
Who Should Attend: Teachers, administrators, special educators, school counselors and school psychologists.
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Time: Check-in 8:00, start time 8:30, end time 3:00
Location: Video conferenced* to NCES, Gorham, NH (from SERESC, Bedford, NH)
Cost (includes lunch) for video conference at NCES for staff from:
- Full member schools: $105
- Associate member schools: $120
- Others: $135
Registration: To register for the video conference at the Gorham location, register with NCES:
- Online
- Call 603-466-5437 (between 8:00 - 4:00)
*Note about video conferencing: This workshop will be a two-way interactive live stream between SERESC and NCES. As such, participants in Gorham will be able to ask questions directly to the presenters. For more information about attending the in-person event at SERESC, visit: https://www.smore.com/hcvqn-dangerous-juveniles-part-1?ref=email
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Returning to Learn after Concussion: What Educators Need to Know about Brain Injury
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New and existing research has brought Head Injury in children and adults to the attention of medical practitioners, coaches, educators and parents whose children actively participate in sports. Questions result in speculation about participation in educational activities after an injury, effects of repeat injuries, behavioral concerns that affect life and learning.
This conference is designed to inform educators about impact of head injury, including concussion, on learning processes, including social/emotional well-being as it relates to the injured student’s reintegration into the learning environment. It will also help to answer questions such as:
- When, how, and to what degree to encourage a student to “get back in the game”?
- What practices in returning to learn and play are considered best practices?
For a full description and outcomes, visit: http://www.ncedservices.org/profdev/
Speakers:
- Dr. William Storo, MD
- Dr. Jonathan Lichtenstein, PsyD
Who Should Attend:
This event is to benefit educators, including teachers, school administrators, school nurses, school based clinicians, and coaches. Parents are also welcome.
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015
Time: Check-in 12:00, Start-time 12:10, End-time 3:30
Location: Video conferenced* to NCES, Gorham, NH (from SERESC, Bedford, NH)
Cost for video conference at NCES for staff from:
- Full member schools: $75
- Associate member schools: $85
- Others: $95
Light refreshments provided.
Registration: To register for the video conference at the Gorham location, register with NCES:
- Online
- Call 603-466-5437 (between 8:00 - 4:00)
*Note about video conferencing: This workshop will be a two-way interactive live stream between SERESC and NCES. As such, participants in Gorham will be able to ask questions directly to the presenters. For more information about attending the in-person event at SERESC, visit: https://www.smore.com/xtyez.
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Drug Abuse: Trends, Signs/Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
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As part of the monthly meetings of the North Country Principal Association and North Country CIA group, two guests will be speaking on the topic of drug abuse on Wednesday, October 14 at NCES. Former Portsmouth Deputy Police Chief Corey MacDonald and Dr. Christie Nelson, Drug Abuse Program Coordinator, Federal Correctional Institution-Berlin, will share current information on this timely topic.
For: In addition to principals and assistant principals, these presentations are also open to school counselors, nurses, SAPs, SROs, and school psychologists.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 10:00 to 1:00 9:30 to 1:30
Location: NCES
Cost: This free session is only open to school personnel with full or associate membership in NCES.
Registration: Space is limited and registration is required by completing this online form or calling 603-466-5437 (between 8:00-4:00).
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Free Professional Development Opportunity for Secondary Social Studies Educators
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Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP)
Would you like to participate in a two-week, all-expenses paid Study Tour to Germany? The Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) offers the opportunity to do just that!
Explore TOP’s exciting instructional guide Germany In Focus using a variety of effective teaching strategies and learn about the Application Process for TOP’s Summer Study Tours to Germany. Receive a copy of the Germany In Focus, as well as, other instructional materials
Instructor: Joan Littlefield
Date: Friday, October 16, 2015 from 8:30 to 11:30
Location: NCES Conference Room
Cost: Free
Registration: Online or Call 603: 466-5437 (between 8:00 and 4:00) or email lisa@ncedservices.org
What is Echoes and Reflections
Echoes and Reflections is a comprehensive Holocaust education program that delivers professional development and a rich array of resources for middle and high school teachers. Echoes and Reflections prepares educators to teach about the Holocaust in a way that stimulates engagement and critical thinking while providing opportunities for students to see the relevance of this complex history to their own lives. Additional information on Echoes and Reflections is found here.
Instructor: Joan Littlefield
Date: Friday, October 16, 2015 from 12:30 to 4:00
Location: NCES Conference Room
Cost: Free
Registration: Online or Call 603: 466-5437 (between 8:00 and 4:00) or email to lisa@ncedservices.org
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Making Use of Smarter Balanced Results within PerformancePLUS
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The NHDOE Data Coach Support Team is offering workshop throughout the state intended for district and school personnel that may be charged with informing other educators how to understand and make use of the Smarter Balanced results within PerformancePLUS. Participants will learn key vocabulary and what it means as they understand and interpret student results. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to view Pushed Reports and spend time working with the reports within PerformancePLUS.
The sessions for the North Country region are scheduled for North Country Education Services (NCES) on October 13th, Tuesday 9:00-12:00 and October 13th, Tuesday 1:00-4:00. Register via the NHDOE at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pplusSep2015
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Kenneth O'Connor, The Grade Doctor, to Keynote
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NHSAA Best Practices on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in NH is taking place on October 22 & 23, 2015 in Concord. This conference takes an in-depth update on the current status of the curriculum development and its implementation in NH schools and outstanding assessment practices. It is co-sponsored by the NH Department of Education and the New Hampshire School Administrators Association. This year, Thursday will focus on competency, supervision-evaluation, and system structures with concurrent sessions on each topic. Friday will be spent in general session with Kenneth OConnor, aka, The Grade Doctor. Participants will engage in discussion with national and regional experts, as well as NH educators. Learn more
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The New Hampshire Science Teachers Association Fall Conference is scheduled for November 1 & 2, 2015 in Meredith NH. The conference registration and brochure can be found here. For more information on NHSTA, visit: http://nhsta.net/
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NHCSS Conference to Feature Akhil Amar
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The New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies is hosting its annual conference on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 in Manchester, NH. The conference registration and brochure can be found here. For more information on NHCSS, visit http://www.nhcss.org/
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Support the work of
North Country Education Services
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Your tax deductible gift helps support the mission of the organization and provide opportunities for educators and students throughout the North Country.
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Hubbard Brook Research Foundation Open House
Did you know the longest-running and most comprehensive ecosystem study in the world is taking place in New Hampshire? That's right, the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study in Woodstock, NH is home to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. The public is invited to an open house to celebrate their 60th anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 10:00 - 2:00. This free event will include forest tours, tree-climbing, scientist presentations, children's games, book signings, music, art, food, and much more!
Learn more
2016 North Country Middle School Film Festival
 NCES is excited to announce that the six annual "Celebrate What's Right" film festival for grades 6, 7 & 8 will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Rialto Theatre in Lancaster.
Films from last year are available on the NCES YouTube channel.
Michael Zerphy, Artist in Residence
Michael Zerphy, theater artist, mime, clown and storyteller, is the Artist in Residence in northern New Hampshire this fall, offering performances and workshops in local schools & communities.
Michael is offering two workshops, in Bethlehem:
- Thursday, Oct. 1. From 3:30-5 p.m. he'll offer a teacher workshop on using drama to reach all students at Bethlehem Elementary ($15, with Arts Alliance member discounts.)
- Thursday, October 1, from 6:30-8 p.m., a youth workshop on theater improvisation and storytelling will be held at the Bethlehem Town Hall. ($5 each).
Children and their families are invited to “Zany Acts!” — a concert of clowning and fun — at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at the Medallion Opera House in Gorham. Audience participation, juggling and music keep the attention of young and old. With his zany style and participatory humor, Michael has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe. Michael creates a world that continually surprises the audience — a world in which the ordinary becomes magical and failure is turned into success.
Learn more
Help recognize the great work taking place in NH schools by casting a vote for Sanborn Regional School District
The Sanborn Regional School District is this year's NH nominee for the Larry O'Toole Award, sponsored by the Nellie Mae Foundation. Their nomination comes as a direct result of their district's work in competency education and PACE. One school or school district has been nominated from each New England state. The winning school/district will be selected by popular online vote and will receive a cash prize of $100,000.00. Sanborn Regional School District is asking fellow NH educators to take a moment to help them win this award by casting your vote by September 30th. A vote for Sanborn is a vote for everything NH schools are all doing in the Granite State on behalf of NH kids and our commitment to personalized learning for all.
Vote for Sanborn Regional
Mental Health First Aid
NAMI NH is offering a free 8 hour training course designed to teach members of the public basic first aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. The evidence behind Mental Health First Aid demonstrates that it makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy — helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.
There are two (2) classes running this fall within Coos County
- Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH)
- Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH)
To register, contact Sandy Alonzo at 603-915-1801 or Salonzo.naminh@gmail.com. Registration is required.
Inspiring Girls to Explore STEM Careers
The NH High Tech Council’s TechWomen/
TechGirls committee is hosting TechWomen Ambassadors Week for 9th grade girls for the North Country Schools. The theme is “Inspiring Girls to Explore STEM Careers”. This one-day, two-hour event will take place on November 20th in Berlin from 10:00 - 12:30.
TechWomen Ambassadors representing various high tech industry sectors including aerospace, robotics, biotech, computing, engineering, green tech and more will participate in the events offering their expertise and demonstrations.
If your high school has an interest in participating, please contact Carol Miller, committee chair at 603-271-2591 or email Carol at carol.miller@dred.nh.gov
Learn more
Manufacturing Week 2015
The Department of Education, and its partners, NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership, NH Division of Economic Development, and NH Community College System, have organized NH Manufacturing Week for October 5-9, 2015. Register your school now to participate in manufacturing plant tours.
Learn more
Transforming Tomorrow's Workforce Today:
A First in the "Early Learning Nation" Event
Monday, October 5, 2015 in Manchester, NH
Learn more
North Country Jobs in Education
Visit TeachNorth.org for education related jobs in the North Country.
Coos Networks
Coös NetWorks supports people of the region, the cultural and natural resources, future community and economic development of the region. This network is comprised of people who share a common passion for the greater Coös Region. If you're one of those people, join today.
Stay Informed with NHDOE Key Messages
Did you know that the New Hampshire Department of Education publishes key messages each month? You can find them online here:
http://education.nh.gov/key/index.htm
Odysseyware provides online curriculum for grades 3-12, with customizable core, elective and CTE courses, assessment & remediation tools and much more. Odysseyware is ideal as a stand-alone curriculum or for blended learning, credit recovery, RTI, alternative and special education, ESOL, 1:1 and more.
Contact Information
North Country Education Services
300 Gorham Hill Road
Gorham, NH 03581
ncedservices.org
603-466-5437
nces@ncedservices.org
NCES is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
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