Concord Lakes Area

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Cities and towns in this area include: Alexandria, Allenstown, Alton, Andover, Ashland, Barnstead, Belmont, Boscawen, Bow, Bridgewater, Bristol, Brookfield, Campton, Canaan, Canterbury, Center Harbor, Chichester,Concord, Danbury, Deerfield, Dorchester, Effingham, Ellsworth, Enfield, Epsom, Franklin, Freedom, Gilford, Gilmanton, Grafton, Groton, Hebron, Hill, Holderness, Laconia, Loudon, Madison, Meredith, Moultonboro, New Durham, New Hampton, Northfield, Orange, Ossipee, Pembroke, Penacook, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Rumney, Salisbury, Sanbornton, Sandwich, Tamworth, Thornton, Tilton, Tuftonboro, Waterville Valley, Webster, Wentworth, Wolfeboro


Click here to see the February 2012 eLetter!


November 28, 2011: Esther Kennedy, Director of Student Services for the Gilford School District shares her Insight

NH Connections recently met with Esther Kennedy to discuss ideas for developing and implementing on-line and alternate methods for families, schools and communities to participate and contribute to NH Connections activities and discussions.

Esther shared her vast knowledge in the aspect of reaching out to families through technology and "what parents are currently using to connect with each other" such as Facebook and other programs with features that are easy to use and free to all who have access to a computer. Thanks Esther for your help in exploring possibilities to help more families and schools participate in these important discussions!
 

Parent Leadership in Special Education Training

May 21, 2011 - Hosted by Merrimack Valley School District

Five parent leaders participated in the training and each developed an action plan for working in partnership with their school/school districts NH Connections facilitators have begun to support them, in implementing these plans. NH Connections supports, mentors and coaches parent leaders in special education to work collaboratively with their school districts and provide other leadership opportunities. The training was open to parents of children with disabilities and educators who work with children with disabilities.

A training is now being scheduled in Exeter for February, contact Audrey at aburke@picnh.org or 603-848-4204 to learn more.


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Forum held on October 20, 2011

at Inter-Lakes High School Cafeteria, in Meredith brought out interesting and lively conversations. See the Forum Notes here and learn more about how you can become involved to make a difference at your school!






























 





 



How do higher performing schools engage families and community?

Schools that succeed in engaging families from very diverse backgrounds share three key practices. They:

• focus on building trusting collaborative relationships among teachers, families, and community members.

• recognize, respect, and address families’ needs, as well as class and cultural difference.

• embrace a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared.

 

Welcome to the Concord Lakes Area


Audrey Burke,
Concord LakesFacilitator 
603.848.4204 
aburke@picnh.org

Are you interested in more information? Contact Audrey today!
 

"Relationships are the foundation of parent involvement in schools.(p.9) When programs and initiatives focus on building respectful and trusting relationships among school staffs, families, and community members, they are more effective in creating and sustaining connections that can support student achievement."

(Diversity: School, Family, & Community Connections, 2003, p. 71)

November 30, 2011 - Inter-Lakes School District

explored the development of 

Parent to Parent Support Network 
for families of children with special needs  


 

 

Chuck DiCecca, Special Education Director for Ashland and Inter-Lakes School Districts - "this is the start of a very exciting process that I hope will grow as we get more information out to parents. The feedback has been very positive and parents are looking forward to our next meeting.”

 

NH Connections facilitated the brainstorming session to flush out what parents were looking for in a Parent to Parent Support Network for families of children with special needs.

The group explored topics, information and what supports they were looking for. The decision was made to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, during the school year, where they'd have discussions, hear stories or case studies on different topics that provide a positive element - "a light at the end of the tunnel" along with sharing of resources or coping strategies that have worked for others. Parents felt it was important that they always end the meetings with inspirational stories and resources - so people will want to return.


For more information, contact - Maribeth Ryan – Special Education Assistant at 279-3144 or by email at maryan@interlakes.org or for the notes from the first meeting, click here.




Communication to Improve Family/School Partnerships
in Special Education

April 7, 2011- Hosted by Allenstown School District


 

The evening began with pizza and a FISH Video, the story of Seattle's World Famous Pike Place Fish Market, who uses the four principles: Play, Make Their Day, Be There, and Choose Your Attitude! which has changed the way they interact with each other and their customers.

Followed by "Let's Get Hooked!!!" - an interactive presentation by Anthony Blinn tied the district's philosophy on parent involvement and the video, with open discussion - What are your expectations for communication?

Jan Santosuosso of Epsom School District shared the use of Sakai - Online Communication discussion.

Judith Howe - Family/School Coordinator shared her WGRATI Principles of Family/School Partnerships.

To learn more, download the Results of the Communication Strategies Discussion