Latest news with #ORMS
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
RMS helps St. Jude, ORMS cited for Excellence, 'Flying Tigers' take wing: Education news
ROCHESTER - While waves of Boston Marathon runners were lining up over 75 miles away, over 40 enthusiastic 8th graders cued up at Rochester Middle School for a marathon of their own. The first-ever Team Hawaii Marathon Monday charity fundraiser took place on April 21, and based on the results, it won't be the last. The event raised over $1,300 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a charity selected by the students themselves. Students hit up parents, friends, and teachers to sponsor them per lap (or a flat donation) as they ran or walked around the field in front of the school. Students who were not logging those miles filled essential roles of counters, hydration station attendants, and course boundary directors. Veteran math teacher Elizabeth MacMillan posed the idea for a team marathon fundraiser, and after receiving the enthusiastic support of her fellow team teachers and administration, things fell into place rapidly. Of the 85 eighth-graders on RMS's University of Hawaii, almost 100 percent of the students were eager to participate in the event. The event provides the students an opportunity to be active while learning and giving back - all traits that embody the 'Ohana' spirit that is fostered by the team teachers. Mother Nature cooperated by providing sunny skies, but the students and teachers provided the party vibes for the event with a giant inflatable starting line, music, and bubble machine. Participants showed off their Aloha flair by sporting leis, tutus, neon clothes, and face paint. The infectious celebratory atmosphere continued post-marathon as tired, but happy, students danced, played games, and posed for photo-ops. Students and teachers wish a hearty 'Mahalo' to all the sponsors who donated and all the Rochester Middle School staff that helped to make this fundraiser a success. Team Hawaii teachers are already looking forward to making this an annual event for not just the team, but possibly the whole school. DURHAM – Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Principal Bill Sullivan are delighted to share that Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) has been named the 2025 Middle School of Excellence in New Hampshire by the New Hampshire Education Excellence in Education Awards (EDies). Members of the EDies Board of Directors, CardMyYard, Booster, and Geskus were on-site at ORMS on Monday, April 21, to officially announce the school as the 2025 Middle School of Excellence. The EDies recognize exemplary practices and excellence across public elementary, middle, K-8, and high schools throughout the Granite State. Winning schools at each level earn statewide acclaim as an EDies School of Excellence, along with a $2,000 prize, a school banner and a beautifully engraved school bell symbolizing their commitment to excellence in education. Schools are assessed against the following competencies The curriculum and instructional practices are presented in a rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning environment. The school organizes community members, ensuring they all have a role in building the school's climate and culture. The school's vision, mission, and goals are clearly articulated, well communicated, and guide practice. The school has an effective system for utilizing data and information that supports personalization. There is a culture of empowerment among students, staff, teachers, administration, and community members. ORMS was selected for recognition for its competency-based curriculum and assessment system, intentional integration of student voice and agency, its inclusive, welcoming climate and student-centered model, and its forward-thinking design and sustainability achievements that support its academic mission by fostering a creative, wellness-focused and connection-oriented learning environment. ORMS will be formally honored at the NH Excellence in Education Awards Celebration on June 7, where it will be recognized as a model of student-centered excellence for the state. FARMINGTON — A local community group has made a major contribution to a planned student plane-building program at Farmington High School. 'Friends of Farmington,' a local non-profit organization, recently raised $50,538.72 in partnership with the new Lilac Club Casino in Rochester, N.H. The funds were presented to Farmington High School's "Flying Tigers" student plane-build program at a school board meeting held Monday, April 21 at Farmington High School. The "Flying Tigers" student plane-building program is a partnership between the Farmington School District, the non-profit Aviation Museum of N.H., and educational non-profit Tango Flight, which specializes in facilitating student plane-build projects. The Aviation Museum is currently raising a total of $250,000 needed to establish the plane-building program, which is scheduled to start in September 2025 at Farmington High School. The program will see Farmington High School students work alongside volunteer mentors from the community to build a kit-based two-seat all-metal RV-12iS aircraft. The process is expected to take two school years to complete. Once certified as airworthy, the aircraft is sold on the open market, with the proceeds used to fund the next plane-build at Farmington High School. The program is designed to be financially self-sustaining. Officials of the newly opened Lilac Club Casino said they're delighted to support the Farmington "Flying Tigers" program. In Farmington, school officials are currently selecting students to participate in the plane-building program and also recruiting volunteer adult mentors. For more information about the Flying Tigers plane-building program, and to donate, visit the Aviation Museum's website at and click on the 'Education' tab, or call Jeff Rapsis at (603) 669-4820, ext. 401. HAMPTON — SAU 21 proudly announces that Superintendent Meredith Nadeau has been elected to serve on the Executive Board of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. AASA policy is set by a 135-member Governing Board that meets twice yearly. The 23-member Executive Board is elected by the Governing Board and meets quarterly to conduct ongoing business. 'It is an honor to be selected to represent superintendents across the Northeast,' Superintendent Nadeau said. 'These are challenging times in education, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advocate nationally for the best possible educational outcome for every child.' Superintendent Nadeau will represent superintendents in District 7, including all New England states and New York. She is completing a term on the Governing Board, one of two educators from the New Hampshire School Administrators Association. She was selected to participate in AASA's National Women's Leadership Cohort in 2019 and has delivered professional development at AASA conferences. 'We are excited to welcome the newly elected members of AASA's executive committee, who bring forward-thinking leadership and a strong commitment to guiding our organization,' said David R. Schuler, AASA Executive Director. 'AASA continues its proud tradition of superintendents electing peers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their districts and communities — and most importantly, an unwavering dedication to serving the children across our nation.' Superintendent Nadeau will begin a three-year term on July 1. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: RMS helps St. Jude, ORMS cited for Excellence and more: Education news
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Traip senior honored; Oyster River robotics champs: Education news
DURHAM — Several Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) robotics teams earned awards at the 2025 NH/VT Robotics State Championships on March 9. Sixteen ORMS robotics teams competed, making up 41 percent of the teams in the event at Manchester Community College. This year, students competed in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition Rapid Relay. During this competition, students compete in the Teamwork Challenge using two robots on a rectangular field, working together to score points in one-minute-long matches. Points were awarded based on how many goals are scored, how many switches are cleared, and how many successful passes the team completes before scoring. Teams also competed in the Robot Skills Challenge, where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. During this contest, students are challenged to operate their robots using both driver-controlled skills and autonomous coding skills. Oyster River students claimed 10 spots out of the top 13 in the Teamwork Challenge and had 10 of the top 12 highest-placing robots in the Robot Skills Challenge, including the top six spots. The following teams received special awards at the tournament: 2820A "Flying Cockroaches": Excellence Award winner (best overall team based on interviews, documentation of engineering process and robot performance). 2820B "Howler Monkey": Skills Champions and Amaze Award winner. 2820C "Aimbot": Innovate Award winner. 2820R "The Octonauts": Design Award winner. 2820T "The Condiment Crew": Judge's Award winner. 2820Y "The Green Giants": Teamwork Champions. Teams "Flying Cockroaches" and "The Green Giants" earned invitations to compete in May at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas. The World Championship is the largest robotics competition in the world. KITTERY, Maine — Meredith McGonigle of Kittery, Maine, a senior at Traip Academy, has been selected to receive the 2025 Principal's Award for her school, Principal Jane Durgin announced. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals' Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior's academic achievement and citizenship. Ms Durgin stated, "Meredith is a Senior who embodies intellect, kindness and talent. A positive role model, she demonstrates integrity and a strong sense of responsibility." Meredith is a senior at Traip Academy who stands out not only for her academic excellence but also for the quiet strength and grace she brings to every aspect of her life. She is an artist, with a passion for creativity that shines through in everything she does. Her work reflects not just talent but a deep sense of introspection, a way of seeing the world that is both unique and inspiring. Though she's naturally artistic, it's her character that truly defines her. She is humble and kind, and her love for her family is evident in every interaction. Family is her foundation, and it's clear that the support and values she's received from them have shaped her into the person she is today. As a role model, she leads by example. She doesn't need to be the loudest or most outspoken in the room—her actions speak for themselves. She's the one who steps up when something needs to be done, who listens carefully before offering advice, and who encourages others to strive for their best, even when no one is watching. Her classmates admire her, not only for her achievements but for the way she makes others feel. Whether it's a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present, she lifts the spirits of those around her. She embodies what it means to be strong and compassionate and as she prepares to move on from her school years at Traip Academy, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire The MPA Honors Luncheon recognizes these outstanding students with the presentation of an individual plaque and the awarding of ten $1,000 scholarships in the names of former Maine principals and MPA Executive Directors: Horace O. McGowan, Richard W. Tyler, and Richard A. Durost. The Principal's Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association which represents Maine's school administrators. ROCHESTER — Spaulding High School had an impressive showing at the 53rd New Hampshire Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference, held March 20-21. Forty Spaulding students competed in various events, with 23 students earning top placements in both individual and team competitions. In addition to strong individual performances, Spaulding earned several chapter awards, including: 2nd place – Scrapbook Competition 3rd place – Conference Exhibit 2nd place – FBLA Week Competition Honor Chapter Award State Chairperson Award – One of only two schools to complete all six State Projects 3rd place – Defeat the Darkness State Officer Project 3rd place – Pathway to Potential State Officer Project 3rd place – Community Connect State Officer Project Individual & Team Awards: Business Ethics – 1st: Sydney Daly & Damiya Perkins; 3rd: Connor Tune & Jayden Brown Economics – 3rd: Scarlett Liu Graphic Design – 3rd: Ashley Steward, Maddie Hartman, Samantha Krafton Impromptu Speaking – 2nd: Rusty Keefe Introduction to Business Presentation – 3rd: Cody Sprowl, Seth Jones, Logan Boutwell Introduction to Social Media – 2nd: Avery Grant, Lindsay Seaver, Sarah Hogue; 3rd: Tyler Lindsay, Andrew Brooks Social Media Strategies – 2nd: Mada Gauthier, Lexi Sanders Sports and Entertainment – 2nd: Haleigh Raab Human Resource Management – 4th: Wade Jones Public Service Announcement – 4th: Ryleigh Sprowl, Lauren LaRose Spaulding also earned the prestigious Gold Seal Chapter Award for the second year in a row, recognizing excellence in leadership, community involvement, and overall success. Adding to the excitement, 10th grader Rusty Keefe was elected to the NH FBLA State Officer Team as Regional Coordinator. ROCHESTER — The Salmon Falls School PTA announced the launch of an initiative: the Community Resource List, spearheaded by Samantha Smith, the incoming president of the Salmon Falls PTA and current president of the Chamberlain PTA. This innovative project aims to bring the Rochester community directly into the classroom and school events, fostering meaningful connections between schools, local individuals, and businesses to enrich the educational experience for students. The initiative invites individuals and businesses to contribute their talents, services, and resources to enhance classroom learning and school events. From sharing exotic pets, historical artifacts, or fascinating collections to offering workshops in music, dance, theater, or technology, the list provides a wide range of opportunities for community members to get involved. Skilled gardeners, beekeepers, bakers, or carpenters are encouraged to teach students about nature, culture, or hands-on crafts, while those in public safety, medicine, or the military can share career insights to inspire the next generation. Businesses are also encouraged to participate by offering guest speakers for career days, sponsoring supplies and materials, providing food and refreshments for events, hosting workshops, or offering discounts and giveaways for teachers, students, and PTA events. For example, Guyer Travel has committed to providing DJ services, oversized yard games, event sponsorships, and even participating in fun activities like getting slimed. For information, contact Samantha Smith via email at salmonfallspta@ EXETER — The Exeter High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter recently participated in the State Leadership Conference in Manchester, alongside more than 450 students from across New Hampshire. This event offered students valuable opportunities to network with peers, engage in workshops designed to enhance their business skills, and compete in various business-related events. The following students placed in the top three of their chosen event: Jasmine Winham – 1st place in Data Analysis. Alexander Thomas - Batchelder – 3rd place in Hospitality & Event Management. Kaelyn Cooper – 3rd place in Business Law. Jacob Filomeno – 3rd place in Accounting. A special congratulations goes out to Caroline Normand for being nominated as a 2025-2026 NH State Officer. The Seacoast School of Technology FBLA chapter also participated in the State Leadership Conference. Seacoast School of Technology is attended by several area high schools. These students received awards: Amaya Beckles (Newmarket HS) SST Digital Media Arts – 1st place with Distinction in Graphic Design Hayden Gullage (Exeter) – SST Digital Media Arts 3rd Place in Visual Design Julia Thomas (Exeter) – SST Digital Media Arts – 3rd Place in Visual Design Autumn Fabiano (Exeter) - SST Digital Media Arts & Tied for 3rd Place in Visual Design Emma Cannon (Exeter) SST Digital Media Arts – 3rd Place in Impromptu Speaking. KENNEBUNK, Maine - School nutrition teams showcased their culinary skills using local ingredients at the regional Maine Farm-to-School Cook-Off held at Kennebunk High School on Tuesday, March 18. The competition, now in its 10th year, featured teams from RSU 21 and MSAD 60 preparing breakfast and lunch meals using locally sourced ingredients. This year's challenge ingredients included local eggs donated by Maine family farms and pollock from the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. Teams were also required to incorporate one USDA food item to balance meal costs. Gary Hoover, kitchen manager at Kennebunkport Consolidated School (KCS), prepared a Jamaican callaloo frittata for breakfast and a Jamaican Pollock Escabeche for lunch. Hoover was joined in the kitchen by KCS third-grade teacher TrudyAnn Morrison, a native of Jamaica, who came up with the ideas for both dishes. The four-person judging panel included KHS juniors Brayden Collard and Sam Matthews. The regional competition was the first of three planned events. The winning team, MSAD 60, now advances to the state finals in Augusta. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Traip senior honored; Oyster River robotics champs: Education news
