Plan Smarter with NotebookLM: August Prep Simplified
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Planning for the new school year is some of the most important work of educators. This workshop is about making that work more robust yet efficient. NotebookLM is a free AI tool built directly into Google Workspace that acts as your own personal assistant, available anytime, working ONLY from the resources you choose. Since you select all the resources there is NO misinformation or hallucinations, just time savings!
Join Rebecca Magary for a hands-on 4-hour workshop where you explore practical ways to use NotebookLM to support your new school year. You know what you are planning to teach; let's make that curriculum come alive and meet the needs of your new learners. By the end of this workshop, you will head into August feeling prepared and energized.
For: All K-12 educators, instructional coaches, & school leaders
Location: Day one at Northeast Delta Dental Conference Center, 2 Delta Drive, Concord NH with two virtual follow-up sessions via Zoom or Meet
Dates:
- 4-HOUR ONSITE Tuesday, August 11 from 9:00am to 1:00pm
- 1-hour Virtual follow-up #1: Tuesday, August 18 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
- 1-hour Virtual follow-up #2: Thursday, August 20 from 4;00 to 5:00pm
Facilitator: Rebecca Magary ~ CMTC25 SpotLight Speaker, Rebecca is the founder of AI Navigator, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for learning to her latest educational endeavor. With degrees in Computer Science, Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership, she offers a unique perspective on integrating technology thoughtfully. Rebecca's diverse career includes roles as a K-12 and post-secondary teacher, district tech director, building administrator, and district administrator. This extensive background gives her a comprehensive understanding of the daily challenges in creating engaging and authentic learning opportunities for students. Her current research focuses on using AI to ease the cognitive load of special education teachers, helping to design personalized learning opportunities for students and reducing educator burnout.
Cost:
NCES Members: $200
NHSTE Premium Members: $200
NHSTE Basic Members: $225 (one year NHSTE Premium Membership included)
General (non-NHSTE/NCES Members): $225 (one year NHSTE Premium Membership included if desired)
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NCES Awarded $268,205 NBRC Grant to Support Future Teachers in Northern New Hampshire
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North Country Education Services is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $268,205 Catalyst Program Grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to support the TeachNorth: Teacher Internship Support Grant initiative.
The grant will help address teacher shortages across northern New Hampshire by providing financial support, and professional development opportunities for aspiring educators completing student teaching internships in NCES member school districts.
Over the next two years, the program will support approximately 25 future teachers as they complete the final stage of their teacher preparation programs. By reducing financial barriers associated with student teaching, the initiative will help more individuals complete their licensure requirements and begin careers in North Country schools.
"We are grateful to the Northern Border Regional Commission for recognizing the importance of investing in our educator workforce," said Chuck Patterson, Executive Director of NCES. "This funding will help create opportunities for future teachers while supporting the long-term needs of our schools and communities."
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Paraeducator Series with Jeanine Fitzgerald
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Starting in the fall of 2026, NCES will be offering a monthly series for paraeducators focused on the behavior titled, Why Do They Do That?
Everyone misbehaves and misbehavior is not the problem, nor is the person. Behavior is a symptom of an unsolved problem and a form of communication. This series is designed To answer the two most frequently asked questions, “Why do
they do that?” And “What do I do when they do that?”
Session topics:
- Turning Misbehavior into a Teachable Moment
- Why Do They Do That?
- Surfing the Emotional Waves
- Draining Off High Intensity Behavior and Emotions
- Not My Opposition
- Brains@Risk
- Freeing Children from Worry
- I Want it NOW!
Cost: Free to paraeducators employed by NCES full and associate member school districts. A school-issued email address must be used during the registration process. This series is currently anticipated to be available to only districts with active NCES membership for the 2026-27 school year.
Dates: Tuesdays September 22, October 20, November 17, December 15,
2026, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 13, 2027
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Register: Registration will open in August 2026.
 Jeanine K. Fitzgerald draws on more than 35 years of professional experience to empower teachers and parents to achieve more with children “at risk.” With experience as a certified teacher, mental health professional and mother of three grown children, she understands the promise of every child, as well as the diversity of their needs.
As a certified Human Behavior Consultant and Specialist, and Owner of The Fitzgerald Institute of Lifelong Learning, Jeanine specializes in research-based strategies in educational leadership, relationship-building, motivation, preventing the factors that compromise the fulfillment of a child’s maximum potential and implementing positive interventions in “real life” settings. She understands the daily struggles and frustrations of educators and parents, and honors the “hero within” each individual she has the privilege to work along side.
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Exciting Learning Opportunity for Biology Teachers
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Save the Date! BioInteractive is excited to offer a professional development opportunity for high school biology educators in Northern New England. Join us for a free, daylong in-person workshop that explores best practices in three-dimensional teaching within a supportive environment that emphasizes student engagement, data literacy, and critical thinking.
- Friday, October 9; 8:30AM-2:30PM
- North Country Education Services, 300 Gorham Hill Rd, Gorham, NH 03581
- All high school biology teachers are invited to participate. Catering, materials, and parking provided.
- Registration information will be available later this summer.
- BioInteractive is part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), a biomedical research organization and philanthropy. This workshop is being offered in collaboration with North Country Education Services and SAU 20.
Lastly, BioInteractive wants to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey about your PD needs that will help us plan for this workshop.
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Wood Turning Workshop @ the WMSI Makerspace
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Learn how to use a lathe and other woodworking methods to create simple introductory wooden objects like bowls and candle holders. You get to keep the objects you make! Educators, lot of great transferable project ideas for the classroom.
Cost: $50 per participant. Financial aid is available for this program.
For: High schoolers and up. Intended for those with little to no woodworking experience.
Location: WMSI, Littleton, NH
Register and more information
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Interested in bringing the SeaPerch ROV program to your group or classroom?
In collaboration with New Hampshire 4-H and the University of New Hampshire, WMSI is hosting the Seacoast SeaPerch Teacher Workshop! In this workshop you’ll build and test an underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle).
This one day training program is open to educators, 4-H leaders, afterschool providers, community partners or others interested in coaching a SeaPerch club or team.
Participants will work in pairs to build a Seaperch from a kit. During breaks we will discuss the Seacoast Seaperch Challenge and different ways to present Seaperch to your learners.
Build materials and lunch will be provided. Cost for the workshop is $25, CEU Credit Certificate will be provided.
This workshop will take place at the WMSI Makerspace at 23 Ammonoosuc St, Littleton, NH 03561, on August 20th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Register through WMSI
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NCES Job Opportunity:
Special Education Teacher
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North Country Education Services is seeking a Special Education Teacher to work at Heartwood Public Charter School in Jefferson, NH.
Heartwood Public Charter School utilizes a place-based education model, providing opportunities for our students to build valuable relationships within their community through service, experiential learning, and an integrated curriculum. Students attend grades K-8 and come from towns across the region. Heartwood operates on a four-day week for students (Monday-Thursday) with Fridays dedicated to collaborative and independent planning, professional development, and other related tasks.
Competitive salary and benefits package. NH special education certification or eligibility required. To apply please send a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to NCES Executive Director Chuck Patterson at cpatterson@ncedservices.org or 300 Gorham Hill Rd, Gorham, NH 03581.
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College Essay Prep for Students Graduating in 2027
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Learn the role the college essay plays in the college admission process, participate in essay topic brainstorming activities, and gain insight on drafting your own college essay during this free two-hour workshop. Join members of our Granite Edvance team and college admission professionals as they share their best advice to make your college essay count.
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Grow Your Future, through Root to Rise
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Root to Rise is a North Country based non-profit connecting and supporting schools, classrooms and farms in various ways. Whether informal farm field trips or long term relationships and curriculum development, these connections are essential in introducing schools to local agriculture and strengthening our communities. In connecting and supporting farmers and teachers, R2R encourages students to understand the potential and benefits of local agriculture from a health, science, economic and community lens. This includes potential agricultural employment as well as economic development opportunities.
For schools, funding is available for field trips to farms, teacher trainings and PD with local agricultural themes and content. There is also funding to help develop/incorporate agriculture into current curriculum standards and classes. For students, funding is available to attend conferences related to local agriculture, or any other creative ideas students wish to pursue relating to local agriculture. For farmers, funding is available to cover time spent with schools, both on the farm and in the classroom.
For more information and to apply for funding, please visit http://www.roottorise.net/ or email nhroot2rise@gmail.com.
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Food as Medicine Portable Teaching Kitchen
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Where Food Meets Health, Learning, and Community!
ACHS excited to share a fresh new way they are bringing health, wellness, and community together—one delicious meal at a time.
This hands-on program is designed to help individuals, children, and families discover how simple, affordable meals can support better health outcomes—especially when navigating conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or even just the everyday challenges of feeding a family on a budget.
Meet the ACHS Food As Medicine Portable Teaching Kitchen (FMPTK)!
Through fun, engaging cooking lessons, participants learn to plan, prepare, and enjoy tasty meals in under 30 minutes—all while building lifelong skills and confidence in the kitchen. From one-on-one coaching to group demonstrations, we’re bringing this experience wherever it’s needed most—schools, community centers, medical practices, and more.
Learn more
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Forests of NH Teacher Tour
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AMC Summer Trips for Coos Youth
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Community-Based Community of Practice:
Conscious Discipline and Social and Emotional Learning
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When 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. Join on months that work for you.
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. Rolling/ongoing registration.
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Behavior Bridge for Parents and Caregivers
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Behavior Bridge offers a series of free, online programs to support children's mental health. With a team of experts including mental health professionals, caregivers, kids and teens, Dartmouth Hitchcock Department of Psychiatry has created a place to learn skills and gain knowledge through short videos, handouts, resources, and more. Grounded in real-world strategies and compassionate understanding, we will help you build confidence, reduce stress, and create positive, lasting change.
Learn more at https://behaviorbridge.dartmouth-health.org/sign-in
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School Chemical Safety Training
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There are nine different webinars scheduled for teachers, chemical safety officers, facilities managers, and administrators over the next several months. Learn what to look for, how to deal with it safely, and how to meet State and Federal regulations to keep students and staff safe.
Learn more
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NH Student Assistant Network
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The New Hampshire Student Assistance Network exists to strengthen and expand the presence and impact of Student Assistance Programs in New Hampshire schools.
Learn more
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CMTC 40th Anniversary Event
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Office of Student and Educator Wellness Offerings
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NH D.A.R.E. Officers Association's Annual Conference
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Watershed Ecology Institute
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The NH Fish and Game Watershed Education Program (WEP), in partnership with the Holderness School, is offering Watershed Ecology Institute (WEI): An annual hands-on professional learning experience designed just for educators.
This year’s institute has a special focus on NHFG programming. Dive into watershed education alongside NH Fish & Game biologists, experienced teachers, NHEdGIS members, and other experts. Leave with practical ideas, classroom-ready resources, and fresh inspiration you can use right away in your school or educational setting.
WHEN & WHERE
July 24th, virtual session, 4:00 - 7:30
July 28th-30th, in-person, 8:30 - 5:00 at The Holderness School, Holderness, NH
View/download flyer.
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NH Bar Association’s Civics & Law Outreach Program
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The New Hampshire Bar Association’s Civics & Law Outreach Program is pleased to offer educators the following professional development opportunities this summer.
Street Law & the Supreme Court
Dates/times: Tuesday, July 14, 9:30 – 6:30 and Wednesday, July 15, 8:30 – 3:30
Location: New Hampshire Bar Center, 2 Pillsbury St, Suite 300, Concord, NH
Street Law, Inc. is a national nonprofit that started as a pilot program teaching practical law through interactive lessons and has since evolved into a global civics education movement. Teachers are paired with a lawyer partner or partners who will serve as a resource throughout the school year, co-lead at least two activities throughout the school year in the classroom, and accompany the class on an educational field trip to a civic space such as a courthouse.
At the training, attendees will:
- Learn directly from national leaders Cathy Ruffing and Lee Arbetman, who co-authored the 11th edition of the Street Law textbook.
- Network with other Street Law educators and lawyer volunteers.
- Receive professional development hours and $100 for full participation.
This session is designed for educators of grades 8-12 who teach subjects such as social studies, government, law, and civics.
More information
Register
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We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
Dates/times: Tuesday, August 4, 9:00 – 4:00 and Wednesday, August 5, 9:00 – 4:00
Location: Upper Valley (specific location TBD)
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is a national program created to strengthen civics education. With three levels of text, the curriculum is a flexible and rigorous course on the US Constitution. For those who choose, the course can end each year with a state level mock congressional hearing event that requires students to formulate, analyze, and defend their positions on six constitutional law topics before a panel of volunteer lawyers and judges.
The training will provide an overview of the program and introduce teachers to the powerful pedagogy of the mock congressional hearing. Attendees will:
- Learn from scholars Dr. Lester Brooks and Dr. Francene Engel and bolster content knowledge.
- Network with mentor We the People teachers and fellow middle and high school teachers.
- Receive professional development hours and $100 for full participation.
This session is designed for New Hampshire and Vermont middle and high school teachers of social studies, government, law, and civics.
More information
Register
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NHSTE Award Nominations are Open
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It is time to recognize the good work going on by amazing educators in New Hampshire!! Please consider nominating a deserving person for one of the three NHSTE awards!
- NHSTE Pat Keyes Technology-Using Teacher Award
- NHSTE Susan Janosz Impact/Leadership Award
- ISTE+ASCD MakingIT Happen Award
Visit NHSTE's award webpage for more details.
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Child Parent Psychotherapy Training Info Session
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Register
To learn more contact Katie Weijer at katie.weijer@centerfortrpchange.com
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Scholarships for Fall Semester
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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.
North Country Arts Calendar
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.
Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
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.
2026 North Country
Outdoor Career Expo
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
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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