Community-Based Community of Practice:
Conscious Discipline and Social and Emotional Learning
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We are navigating complex challenges and it's easy to feel like you're doing it alone. But you're not.
Imagine a space where we come together to share insights, build skills, and support one another through the lens of Conscious Discipline and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). That’s the heart of our Community-Based Community of Practice (CoP).
Research shows that when we feel connected and supported, our resilience grows. Shared experiences and learning in a trusted group not only reduces stress but also strengthens our confidence and capacity.
This CoP is a place to grow, reflect, and co-create change. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and compassionate strategies that build a culture of safety, belonging, and connection for the adults and children in our communities.
For: Educators, paras, and other staff from community- or family-serving organizations in Coos, upper Grafton, or upper Carroll who have participated in Conscious Discipline's Building Resilient Homes & Schools or other multi-session CD training.
Cost: Free
Dates: Third Thursday of the month starting January 15, 2026
Time: Online from 6:30-7:30 PM
Facilitators: Anne-Marie Gagne, SEL Program Manager, North Country Health Consortium and Crystal Reed, Behavior Intervention Facilitator, Littleton School District
Register: Online or contact Anne-Marie Gagne for more information at agagne@nchcnh.org. Space is limited.
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Textbooks take the joy out of learning and teaching mathematics—so let's learn how to “step out of the textbook” and prepare lessons that will have our students thinking, engaged, and loving math class. Inspired by Peter Liljedahl’s research in "Building Thinking Classrooms," we’ll examine some of the inert tasks in our textbooks and dive into practical strategies for bringing them to life for our students. All K-12 teachers and leaders are welcomed. No prior experience with Building Thinking Classroom is necessary. Make sure you register for the session to get the Zoom link and the recording after the event.
Learn more and register
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NHTM Book Study:
"Developing Mathematical Reasoning" by Pam Harris
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The NHTM Board of Directors is thrilled to host a book study focusing on Pam Harris' book, "Developing Mathematical Reasoning". The book study will take place on Tuesday evenings over six monthly sessions, beginning on January 20th.
Books will be provided at no cost to the first 55 registrants, with priority given to NHTM members. Non-members will be able to register for a complimentary book after December 23rd, while supplies last.
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Youth Workshop:
Climate-Ready Jobs in the North Country
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Celebrate Earth Month with a workshop for high schoolers and college students at the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The day will bring together students from across the White Mountains region for hands-on workshop sessions to explore careers in the sciences, trades, arts, and more. This event is free, and lunch will be provided.
Hands-on sessions will be led by AMC scientists, policy experts, educators, and lodging staff, focusing on weather, ecology, advocacy, education, and sustainable operations. Partner-led workshops will further engage students in the White Mountains, fostering hope, joy, and momentum for climate action.
School counselors and teacher leaders are invited to register now if they are interested in bringing a school group (4-5 or more students), or contact Jen Natyzak at jnatyzak@outdoors.org for more information.
Date: April 10, 2026 from 9:00-2:00
Learn more
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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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Moose on the Loose: Social Studies for Granite State Kids
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The NH Historical Society’s award-winning, free online state social studies resource, looks a little bit different these days. Mason the Moose’s virtual home got a number of upgrades recently, including a new section that provides educators with more guidance on how to teach content-based social studies to elementary students. Another addition to the site explores the connection between social studies and literacy, focusing on the critical role that background knowledge plays in supporting reading proficiency.
A robust new text-to-speech feature helps students master the reading materials. The same feature can translate the text into over 50 languages for English language learners. Other new resources include graphic organizers to help students process what they learn and a list of children’s literature that highlights New Hampshire and its heritage.
The “Moose” still has the same high-quality student readings, curated primary sources, and lesson plans that have been enriching New Hampshire classrooms since 2019. It is now the leading social studies program in the state for elementary and middle school students.
Anyone with an interest in New Hampshire’s history can dive in and explore at moose.nhhistory.org.
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CE-CERT Skills: Reimagining Self-Care for the Helping Professions
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Instead of asking you to “take care of yourself” after the damage is done, CE-CERT equips you with real-time strategies to:
- Engage deeply without emotional depletion
- Reduce emotional labor while staying connected
- Shift your internal narrative to reclaim meaning and purpose
- Recover physiologically through parasympathetic activation
- Interrupt rumination before it spirals
Cost: Free, includes lunch
Date/time: March 5 & 6, 2026 from 9:00-4:00
Location: Concord, NH
Trainers: Dr. Deleault & Dr. Wilson
Register: Online
Download/view flyer.
For more information, contact Brianna at bferraro@snhahec.org
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Online Informational Sessions
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Survey: Youth, Media, and Well-being in New Hampshire Schools and Communities
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 Media Power Youth is a NH-based nonprofit that works with educators and community partners to coach and empower youth to use media responsibly. Through deep and thoughtful engagement, MPY helps improve the well-being and health of the youth it serves.
The goal of this survey is to uncover gaps in this space that MPY and others may work to fill through programs and partnerships.
Your insights will help shape media literacy and digital wellness programs across New Hampshire and beyond. MPY will share their findings with the community in the coming months as we release their strategic plan.
By sharing your perspective, you will directly contribute to:
- Empowering Youth: Shaping programs that equip young people with the communication skills needed to manage technology safely and advocate for their own well-being.
- Identifying Gaps: Pinpointing crucial areas where current digital wellness resources are falling short.
- Strengthening Community Resources: Ensuring that the foundational media education resources available to our collective community are relevant, impactful, and up-to-date
Respond here
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Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
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 Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country offer a wide range of programming options including:
- 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”
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Kayaking
Learn more about Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country.
Most districts in the NCES catchment area will be eligible for free programming either through support to ASP through CMF Kids and/or the Tillotson Fund. Contact ASP more details.
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Looking for Media Literacy Resources for You or Students?
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Gain the skills and confidence to successfully incorporate media literacy and media production into your teaching through courses workshops, and resources at KQED TEACH: https://teach.kqed.org/
KQED is a nonprofit, public media station and NPR and PBS member station based in San Francisco that offers award-winning education resources and services free to educators nationwide. KQED Teach is a collection of professional development courses that empower educators to teach media literacy, make media for the classroom and lead media-making projects with students in K-12.
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Bringing Student Civic Learning &
Reflection to Life with Infographics
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 Bring together research skills and visual design as a way to open new, differentiated pathways for students’ civic learning and expression with Facing History & Ourselves and KQED Education. Building research and civic literacy skills is vital as students learn about what makes democracy thrive and endure. Join this online workshop and explore teaching strategies and ready-to-use curricular resources that develop student's civic knowledge and skills using Facing History's new unit, Teaching What Makes Democracy Work. Participants will also create infographics with KQED and learn first hand how the language of visual design can inspire students to share their voice and communicate complex ideas and data.
Participants will walk away with planning tools for student-created infographics and methods to research civic issues.
Date: January 20, 2026 from 7:00-9:00
For: Most applicable for middle and high school educators.
Cost: Free
Location: Online via Zoom and will be recorded.
Learn more and/or register
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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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How to Be a Part of 2.50 Million Acts of Science
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Are you interested in being a part of a global effort to engage the public in 2.50 Million Acts of Science during April 2026? Then join in for the SciStarter discussion about how to get involved in Acts of Science: CONNECTED.
SciStarter is rallying thousands of volunteers worldwide for Citizen Science Month 2026. From snapping photos of nature, identifying animals online, helping NASA classify space telescope images, contributing towards medical discoveries, and so much more; there is a way for everyone, everywhere, at any time, to contribute during April 2026.
During the online workshop, SciStarter will talk through the initiative, a variety of participation options, how to sign up to stream their interactive virtual events featuring citizen science projects and the scientists behind them, as well as guides and other printable resources ready to use with your community. SciStarter is providing everything you need to make it easy to connect your community directly with real research, all while contributing to 2.50 million Acts of Science in one month to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Come learn more and stay connected to thousands of other citizen science projects through SciStarter!
Date/Time: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 2:00-3:00
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Learn more and/or register
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Young People Co-creating STEM Engagement Projects
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This workshop will explore the intersection of co-creation, positive youth development, and futures thinking. During this online workshop, you will hear from partners who have developed and implemented a variety of programs, exhibits and games that have empowered youth to help shape the future for their communities. Presenters will discuss strategies for working with young people, including how to build their confidence to engage the public in science exploration and how to create a sense of ownership, belonging, and STEM identity. Come learn how to build and implement programs that foster curiosity, prepare young people to become future leaders in their community, and create a more positive future for all.
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 2:00-3:00
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Learn more and/or register
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SEES Summer Internships for High School Students
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The SEES Summer Intern Program offers high school students the chance to participate in authentic NASA-aligned research alongside scientists and engineers. Projects focus on real-world challenges, including Earth systems and natural hazards, while helping students build valuable STEM and professional skills.
Application info
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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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NASA Series for Rural Educators
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Join hosts Dr. Rachael Arens, Associate Researcher at NAU PLANETS and Luke Henke, Education Advisor for NASA HEAT, on Thursday, Jan. 8th at 7pm CT/ 8pm ET as they welcome Angela Rizzi from my MyNASA Data who will discuss how to access, graph, and download over 60 essential Earth and Space science datasets, including data from your own location. She'll also cover exciting lessons on space weather. Get ready to transform raw data into stunning visualizations and make your own groundbreaking discoveries.
Date/Time: Thursday, January 8, 2026 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.
Download/view flyer.
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NH Drinking Water Festival and Science Fair
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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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Neighbors Helping Neighbors Webinar Series
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Across New England, neighbors help their neighbors. Many communities create formal—or informal—groups to provide support to fellow community members, bringing over a meal, providing a ride to an appointment, helping with home repairs, and filling in when other assistance is missing. This ECHO series is designed to help community groups gain skills, learn about successful practices, and build sustainable models of community support. Through seven interactive sessions, participants will explore how to identify community needs, establish effective governance for building and maintaining a coalition, , and secure funding to support their missions. The course will address key operational challenges—including confidentiality, liability, transportation, and volunteer management—while providing tools for fostering strong community and healthcare partnerships. Participants will have opportunities to share experiences, assess their organization’s current state, and collaborate on solutions that foster vibrant, connected, and resilient communities. Whether you are part of a formal organization or just beginning to think about developing supportive services, this ECHO is for you!
Learn more
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February Vacation AMC Pinkham Day Camp
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For 5th and 6th graders, this vacation week camp, led by experienced AMC Instructors, will provide an engaging atmosphere to learn outdoor skills and enjoy playing, learning and exploring the outdoors. Each day will be led by 2-3 experienced AMC staff, trained in both education and outdoor guiding. All instructors are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Each day we will focus on a different outdoor skill while exploring the trails throughout Pinkham Notch. Students will learn the basics of trip planning, navigation, shelter building, fire building, and identifying animal tracks. Students can be provided with most necessary gear for our outdoor adventures, loaned from our Pinkham Notch gear cache.
This program welcomes 5th and 6th graders residing in Coos, Grafton or Carroll County of New Hampshire. Campers may be dropped off at 9am at Pinkham Notch Visitor’s Center or dropped off at Edward Fenn Elementary School in Gorham, NH at 8:30am, campers will be shuttled from Ed Fenn to Pinkham Notch via an AMC van. Pick up at 2:00pm at Pinkham Notch or at 2:30pm at Ed Fenn in Gorham. Lunch is not included, but snacks will be provided for all days of the program.
Learn more
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Theatre UP February Break Kids Theatre Camp
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View/download flyer
Register
Interested in a calendar of arts events across the North Country? This link will invite you to add a North Country Arts Calendar to your Google Calendar.
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Save the date! The 52nd NHTM/NHTI New Hampshire State Math Contest will be at NHTI in Concord, NH, on Monday, March 16th, 2026, with a snow date of Tuesday, March 17th.
The New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics invite you to form one 10-member mathematics team (with no more than four seniors and a maximum of eight juniors and seniors combined) and to join us for our 52nd competition! Your team will have the opportunity to meet with other students from throughout the state in a day of exciting, challenging, competitive mathematics exercises in six different categories.
Learn more
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North Country Arts Calendar
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Interested in arts related events in the North Country? You can view a calendar of events by clicking here. If you would like to add that calendar to your Google calendar, you can do so by clicking "Add to Google Calendar" (bottom left of the calendar).
To have an event added to the calendar, contact Lynne Grigelevich at lynne@theatreupnh.org.
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any organization, individual, 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
NCES collaborates with public schools and community partners to support excellent and equitable educational opportunities throughout the North Country. NCES believes that thriving public schools are at the heart of thriving communities. Your donation to support NCES' operations or a specific programming area are essential in NCES' efforts in supporting schools to provide exceptional educational experiences for all students. Whether a one-time donation, recurring monthly gift, or support through a donor-advised fund (DAF), your support of NCES will lift up public education in the North Country.
Donate or learn more at https://ncedservices.org/donate.
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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