Novel Engineering for Family Engagement
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With Novel Engineering, students use stories, novels, or expository texts as the basis for engineering designs that help them identify problems, design realistic solutions, and engage in the engineering design process while reinforcing their literacy skills.
This professional development is being offered to educators on how to implement the Novel Engineering process designed by Tufts University. After practicing with the students in your classroom, we will come together for more learning and sharing to support you in planning and hosting a STEM/STEAM and literacy-based family engagement event at your school.
Dates: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 and Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 3:00
Location: WMSI, Littleton, NH
Cost: Free to staff from NCES member school districts
View/download flyer
Register
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NCES is seeking your input on professional development
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 NCES is asking educators, paraprofessionals, and administrators throughout the North Country to respond to a short survey regarding your interest in professional development offerings and your thoughts about the access you have to professional development opportunities.
Respond to the survey here: https://forms.gle/CAhmdbbEd5o9BbW3A
Your time and input are greatly appreciated.
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Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift
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Staff from NCES member school districts* may request access to the online series through Conscious Discipline called Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift. Access to the eight videos will be available to December 2025 only. Seats are first-come, first-serve. Contact lori@ncedservices.org to request a seat.
Participants will have access to the Handling Upset video series led by Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, Jill Molli. The series covers:
- The adult-first mindset shift: What it is and why it’s essential for children’s growth and our own
- The foundation of upset: Where upset comes from and how to handle it
- The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model: The key that unlocks an understanding of children’s behavior and our own
- Active calming and wishing well: Two core strategies for regaining composure and bringing the best of ourselves to each moment
- Noticing: A simple technique for replacing brain-depleting judgment with brain-building language
- Brain integration strategies: An integrated brain is wired for learning, problem solving and achievement
- Strategies for naming and claiming our feelings: Managing our upset improves every relationship in our lives, and models and teaches the skills we want children to use
This offer is being extended to staff from NCES member districts only. A value of $499/person.
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Mindful Practices Online SEL Certification
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Explore trauma-informed practices, mindfulness, and well-being.
Participants receive:
- 10-day training where sessions are recorded with the ability to view any missed sessions when convenient.
- Participants complete 20 hours of class time to receive a Certificate of Training from Mindful Practices.
- Sample coursework includes Q & A with licensed trauma therapists, relevant articles, topical webinars, livestream mindfulness sessions, movement and breathing techniques and online discussions.
- Effective tools to authentically connect with students of all backgrounds.
- Knowledge on HOW to implement SEL and mindfulness and the WHY behind these critical skills.
- Time for reflection, self-care and community building with peers from across the country.
- PD credits, clock hours, or CPDUs are available upon request and per state or district requirements for each participant.
Dates/time: Weekly on Thursdays, January 8th to March 26 from 4:30-6:00 PM.
Cost: Free to educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and early childhood educators in Coos and northern Grafton. A value of $475.
Sponsored by: North Country Health Consortium
Registration: Contact Anne-Marie Gagne at agagne@nchcnh.org.
View/download flyer
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YLTA High School Regional Conference
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 The Youth Leadership Through Adventure regional conference is student-led multi-day event for teams consisting of 8 students and one advisor that focuses on leadership development through experiential education, workshops, and group action planning. The cost for the conference is $125 per student. One advisor attends at no additional charge. Made possible through funding from the Neil & Louise Tillotson Foundation and The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
View/download flyer
Register by October 31st!
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Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
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 CMF Kids and Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country have teamed up to bring recreational programs to CMF Kids school partners for free!
Programming options include:
- Push-in programs and services
- As part of physical education to access the general curriculum
- Push-in stand-alone programs and services
- After school programs and services
- Community-based athlete scholarships
Examples of types of adaptive and accessible programs for all ages:
- Adaptive biking – Including “learn to bike” for preschoolers
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Kayaking
Application form: https://cmf.org/cmfkids/cmfkidsrecreation/
Learn more about Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country.
Districts in the NCES catchment area that are current eligible for ASPNC programming support from CMF Kids are: Berlin, Colebrook, Conway, Lisbon, Littleton, Milan, Northumberland, Pittsburg, Stark, Stewartstown, Stratford, Warren, and White Mountain Regional.
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Tillotson Fellows Announced
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The Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellowship recently announced its 2025 cohort of fellows: from left, Phoebe Backler, senior community partner for the Tillotson Funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; Laura Read and Kaden Bailey, both representing Lakeway Elementary School; April Wallace of Pittsburg School; Tabitha Paquette of Colebrook Academy; and program facilitator, Bill Church.
The Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellowship, a program of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, has announced its 2025 cohort of fellows: Kaden Bailey of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton, Tabitha Paquette of Colebrook Academy in Colebrook, Laura Read of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton, and April Wallace of Pittsburg School in Pittsburg.
The fellows are working to help redesign the Fellowship for greater impact for the future.
Since 2008, more than 50 teachers from across the North Country — from kindergarten through high school — have been honored as Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellows. Last year, the Fellowship was paused for redesign with the goal of deepening its impact on local schools and communities. he purpose of the Fellowship remains the same today as when it was established by Louise Tillotson in 2006: to celebrate excellence in public school teaching and to retain great teachers in the North Country.
In July, the new fellows came together at the Mountain View Grand Hotel for a two-day retreat with program facilitator Bill Church and Phoebe Backler, senior community partner for the Tillotson Funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The gathering offered a chance to reflect, connect, and imagine new ways to support teachers in the region.
Read the full press release
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Grand Reopening for FRC in Berlin
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On September 30, 2025, the Family Resource Center of Northern New Hampshire celebrated the grand reopening of the Community Hub at 177 Main Street in Berlin with a ribbon cutting ceremony. There was also an open house of its new training and collaboration space at 166 Main and relocated administrative offices to 164 Main.
 At the event, North Country Education Services was recognized with a community partner award for its support of the FRC during their emergency renovation period. Pictured are Gabrielle Flanders, Executive Director of the FRC, and Lori Langlois, Director of Programs & IT for NCES.
About the FRC
Established in 1997, the Family Resource Center's mission is to build healthier families and stronger communities through positive relations, programs and collaborations in the North Country of New Hampshire. The FRC offers help for individual and family support, education and resources with locations in Berlin, Littleton, Lancaster and Colebrook.
Learn more
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Bring Mikva Youth Voice Program to Your High School Classroom
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Turn up the volume in your schools and let youth voice be heard! The Mikva Challenge program is a great way to empower students to develop confidence and become engaged and involved community leaders through sharing their experiences and listening to different perspectives. Students will also have the opportunity to attend the annual NH Youth Voice Summit with their peers across the state to find commonalities about the issues that impact them the most.
For more information, contact communications@nhcivics.org.
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Neuroscience Aligned Education Webinar
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Katie Pagnotta, of BBARS of Excellence, is facilitating two, one-hour webinars on Neuroscienice-Aligned Education. The webinars are sponsored by Crotched Mountain Foundation's CMF Kids program. There is no cost to participate.
Katie Pagnotta is a former school counselor, current licensed mental health therapist, parent coach, author, and educational consultant. She gets to the whys of behaviors and creates foundations of wellbeing, Katie knows what it’s like to work in a school and brings best practice interventions for the most challenging situations.
Session 1: November 6, 2025 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm via Zoom
Utilizing Educational Neuroscience to Create Effective Interventions to Support Student Success
Session 2: November 13, 2025 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm via Zoom
Using Real Life and Case Study Models to Gain Confidence in Utilizing a Neuroscience-Aligned Approach
To register please contact:
Melissa White, CMF Kids Executive Director at melissa.white@crotchedmountain.org
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
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Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and then participate in a 6-hour, instructor-led video conference.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a challenge rather than on a specific disorder. You will learn an action plan for non-crisis and crisis scenarios. By the end of the course, you will be able to:
• Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the First Aider
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth
• Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development
• Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations
• Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation
Trainer: Sue Meattey, UNH Extension (fmi contact, sue.meattey@unh.edu)
Date: November 21, 2025 from 9:00-4:00
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Register: Online (by November 7th)
Learn more
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Conscious Discipline Series for Educators
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Conscious Discipline is a social‐emotional learning and classroom management approach. Developed by a teacher for teachers, the philosophy of Conscious Discipline emerged after years of working with children and experiencing the challenges of a broken system full of hurting children and frustrated adults. The methodology and best‐practices of Conscious Discipline offer a different – and proven – pathway to transformation.
Join colleagues for eight (8) online discussions to reflect on the 10-lesson video series, Building Resilient Schools and Homes. The video series is lead by Dr. Becky Bailey, educator, author, and child development expert. Participants will watch the videos on their own and come prepared to discuss and reflect during the following online discussion dates:
Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:45 PM:
- October 28 for video #1, Intro to Conscious Discipline (65 mins)
- December 2 for video #2, Becoming Brain Smart (90 mins)
- January 6 for videos #3, Creating the School Family (54 mins) and #4 Composure (51) mins)
- February 3 for videos #5, Assertiveness (67 mins) #6, Encouragement (54 mins)
- March 3 for videos #7, Choices (37 mins) and #8, Empathy (60 mins)
- March 31 for video #9, Positive Intent (48 mins)
- May 5 for video #10, Consequences (58 mins)
Facilitator: Gretchen Cook
For: Teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel, licensed early childcare providers, and staff from family-serving organizations.
Cost: Free for staff with full or associate membership with NCES ($149 for others). Most North Country schools are members, click here to check.
Register for educator series: Online or call NCES, M-F, 8-4 at 603-466-5437.
For: Any interested educator. Please note that the video content is geared to the elementary grades, but the practices can be applied for any age.
Professional Development Hours: For those who actively participate in the online discussions (with camera on), there will be 20 hours awarded,10+ hours for watching the video lessons and 1.25 hours per online discussion participation. You must participate in at least 4 of the online discussions to receive a professional development certificate.
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FIRST LEGO League Challenge Tournament at WMRHS
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White Mountains Regional High School will host the second annual North Country FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge tournament on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00am-3:00pm. This is a NH FLL Challenge qualifier tournament, with 16+ FLL teams competing for the opportunity to represent the North Country at the NH FLL State Championship in December. Come join the fun and see what many North Country schools and community groups are doing through FIRST. All FIRST events are free and open to the public.
FIRST New Hampshire is also seeking additional volunteers for this event. There are lots of fun roles to fill and no experience is necessary. If interested, please send an email to volunteer@firstnh.org and we'll connect you with the volunteer coordinator for this event.
FIRST NH offers programming and opportunity across all grade levels. Contact Ken St. Hilaire (ksthilaire@firstinspires.org) to learn more about starting a program at your school or community group.
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NH Drinking Water Festival and Science Fair
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2026 NH Science and Engineering Expo Dates
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High School Fair: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Middle School Fair: Thursday, May 21, 2026
What is the New Hampshire Science and Engineering Expo (NHSEE)?
The NHSEE is the New Hampshire state science fair, held each year at NHTI – Concord’s Community College in Concord, NH. Judges from business, state and local organizations, universities, and schools volunteer their time to bring authenticity to the assessment of the students’ work and research.
All projects are eligible for various category awards and special awards, with the top high school projects being invited to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and top middle school projects being nominated to the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).
Do you need support?
If you would like NHSEE to visit your school, talk to your science, math, engineering, and/or technology teachers, or just answer questions, please email: Deb Schuh: at debschuh@gmail.com
Learn more about NHSEE at http://nhsee.org/
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Reimaging Math with AI with Dr. Nikki Newton
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 Reimagining Math with AI in K-8 Classrooms focuses on how artificial intelligence tools are transforming elementary and middle school mathematics education. This topic explores how teacher can use AI to revolutionize their teaching lives from how they prepare to what they do in the classroom. AI applications can make math more engaging and accessible to all learners. In this session we explore how teachers can leverage AI-powered diagnostic tools to identify learning gaps, personalize instruction for diverse learners, and create more inclusive math environments where every K-8 student can build confidence and develop strong foundational skills in mathematics.
Date: November 5, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: Online/Zoom
Cost: Free
Register: Online at https://www.nhmathteachers.org/event-6406990/Registration
Sponsored by: NH Teachers of Mathematics
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NASA Series for Rural Educators: PLANETS Project
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Join hosts Dr. Rachael Arens, Associate Researcher at NAU PLANETS and Luke Henke, Education Advisor for NASA HEAT, as they welcome Research Associate Sean Ryan who will discuss the NASA-sponsored PLANETS project, led by Northern Arizona University (NAU). He is pleased to announce the official launch of three free out-of-school time (OST) units that give diverse learners in grades 3-5 and 6-8 the chance to do real planetary science and engineering. These units are supported by comprehensive educator guides, videos, and resources. PLANETS is FREE NASA Funded Science and Engineering Units for OST. In this webinar he will share the website, demonstrate a few key resources, and take questions about how to best share and apply this information.
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Register for free: Online
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2026 North Country Outdoor Career Expo
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Save-the-date. the next North Country Outdoor Career Expo for middle and high school students will be held on September 15, 2026 at the Lancaster Fairgrounds.
For more information, contact Michelle Gross, Career and College Pathway Coordinator at WMRHS at mgross@sau36.org or Ray Berthiaume, UNH Extension Field Specialist, at Ray.Berthiaume@unh.edu.
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Caregiver Assistance Program at TCCAP
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Those age 55+ who are the primary caregiver for a relative school-aged child 18 or under may be eligible for financial assistance and other resources to help with:
Respite Support – Temporary relief for full-time caregivers, such as:
• After-school activity and sports fees
• After-school tutoring and services
Supplemental Support – Help with school-year essentials, including:
• Back-to-school supplies
• Clothing and footwear
Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Coös County at 603-752-6407 to learn more about eligibility and available support.
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 The National Rural Education Association (NREA) has released Why Rural Matters 2025—the 11th edition in a long-standing series of reports that examine the contexts and conditions of rural education across all 50 states. This report continues the critical mission of drawing attention to the urgent need for policymakers, educators, and communities to address rural education challenges and opportunities within their own states.
Learn more and download the report from https://nrea.net/wrm-2025/
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any organizations, individuals, products, or services mentioned herein.
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Coos Coalition for Young Children and Families
Family Centered Early Supports & Services
Every day across New Hampshire, infants and toddlers are learning new skills, but they learn and grow at their own pace. Parents or other caregivers who have concerns about an infant’s or toddler’s development can get coaching and support through the New Hampshire Birth to 3 early intervention program.
Anyone can refer a Family Centered Early Supports & Services.
Learn more at dhhs.nh.gov/BirthTo3 or call 603-271-4488.
North Country Neighbors - Stronger Together
Family Resource Center of Northern NH
Resources available through FRC include:
- Prenatal and infant care
- Parenting and Co-Parenting education
- Infant growth and child development
- Childcare and preschool services
- Ages and Stages Developmental Screenings
- Growing Great Kids
- Positive Parenting Program Curriculum
- Budgeting skills to increase financial awareness and stability
- Positive discipline
- Life and stress management
- Community Resources
The Family Resource Center offers programs that are voluntary and confidential with the mission to build healthier families and stronger communities in the North Country of New Hampshire.
Learn more
Friends of Aine: Center for Grieving Children & Families
In addition to providing bereavement support services and resources to children and families who have suffered the death of a loved one, he Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families recognizes the importance of working with and educating our community about grief, what it looks like in children and teens, and how to best support those grieving. They offer resources, workshops, trainings, and consultations that include curriculum development for community workers, school staff, and students that provide essential information about acknowledging grief, making space for it, and offering concrete help.
Learn more
Court Appointed Special Advocates of NH
CASA volunteers change the stories of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by advocating for their best interests in court.
To learn more about volunteering and get your questions answered by CASA staff members or current advocates, please join a virtual information session. Learn more.
Support the mission of NCES
Your tax deductible donation will support NCES' mission. NCES collaborates with public schools and community partners to support excellent and equitable educational opportunities throughout the North Country.
NCES seeks exceptional educational experiences and realized potential for all students.
NCES believes that thriving schools are at the heart of vibrant communities!
The core values of NCES:
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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