Month: November 2024

At Manchester Proud, we believe that excellent public schools form the cornerstone of a thriving community. However, we also recognize that for students to excel, their basic needs must be met. With this guiding principle, Manchester Proud, in collaboration with the Manchester School District, local businesses, and community organizations, is thrilled to announce a new initiative to address basic needs within our schools: a district-wide food pantry system.

This initial focus aims to ensure that no student or family in our community goes without access to nutritious meals. By addressing food insecurity, we can help students focus on their education and well-being, laying a stronger foundation for academic success. 

In 2023, the Manchester Health Department launched its ARPA-funded Healthy Food Access Plan, identifying 23 strategies to improve Manchester residents’ access to healthy and culturally-preferred foods.  One strategy was to increase the number of food pantries in the City by supporting community partners, like the Manchester School District, in establishing their own pantries.  Seven MSD schools received ARPA funding through the Health Department to buy refrigeration equipment, shelving, and other materials needed to create or expand pantries to distribute healthy foods for their students and families in need. The District had the infrastructures at several schools for a food pantry without the food to fill it. 

We are deeply grateful to our founding partners for their initial support in launching this vital project. Organizations such as The Norwin and Elizabeth Bean Foundation, Sam’s Club, Member’s First Credit Union, Orange Theory, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Fidelity Investments have shown immense generosity and commitment to the Manchester community. Their contributions have laid the groundwork for this initiative’s success.

As we move ONWARD into the new year, our focus will be on strengthening relationships and expanding this initiative. We invite local businesses, nonprofits, and community members to join us in this effort. Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or spreading the word, your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Manchester families.

Together, we can ensure that every student in Manchester has the resources they need to thrive. If your business or organization is interested in being part of this impactful project, we would love to hear from you. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more supportive community for all.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Aimee Kereage, Director of Community Partnerships & Engagement at aimeek@manchesterproud.org. 

Thank you for your continued support in making Manchester a place where every child can succeed. ONWARD!

On a rainy day in Manchester, New Hampshire, community members gathered at 160 Lake Avenue to celebrate the unveiling of “Center City Love,” the city’s first public mural. Despite the weather, the ribbon-cutting event was filled with joy and pride, as the vibrant artwork was revealed to symbolize the strength, diversity, and solidarity of the Center City community.

The mural, created through a collective effort, honors Manchester’s immigrant communities, the resilience of its residents, and the pivotal role public schools play in shaping future leaders. At the heart of the artwork is a striking depiction of two people exchanging “DAP” — a gesture symbolizing love, solidarity, dignity, and pride.

The project would not have been possible without the support of the City of Manchester, Mayor Ruais, the Manchester Arts Commission, the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity, and many local businesses and community members. Special thanks were given to Jason Bonilla, Zach Palmer, Colon Tire & Alignment, Sandra Almonte, the Central High School Student Leadership Council, and the Positive Street Art team for their significant contributions.

Two Manchester School District representatives, Erika Berberi and Fatuma Muhidin, are prominently featured in the mural. Central High School senior Fatuma Muhidin expressed her pride in sharing her heritage through this public art piece, saying, “All the kids in Manchester are seeing this mural, and I just want to say I’m so happy to share my culture with the city.”

Erika Berberi shared her gratitude for being part of such a meaningful project: “I’m very honored that I was able to be a part of something so creative and meaningful. It’s not every day you get to see yourself as part of a mural.”

“Center City Love” is more than just a work of art; it’s a testament to the power of community, representation, and resilience. It stands as a vibrant reminder of Manchester’s commitment to inclusivity and the strength found in unity.

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to celebrate this milestone and to the many hands and hearts that made this vision a reality. Together, Manchester continues to shine.

Josselyn Ascenio, a senior at Manchester School of Technology, delivered a heartfelt speech at Granite United Way’s celebration of Patrick Tufts, who will be stepping down as President and CEO this December. Tufts, whose leadership has spanned over two decades, was honored by supporters, community partners, friends, and family for his extraordinary contributions to New Hampshire’s largest United Way.

Josselyn, who plans to pursue a degree in Architecture after graduating high school, shared how Granite United Way’s initiatives have shaped her life. As a graduate of Gossler Park Elementary School’s Leader in Me program—brought to her school through Granite United Way’s efforts—she credited the program with helping her develop critical leadership and mindset skills.

“Everyone should learn the 7 Habits and use them in their own lives because it can enrich and improve their mindsets!” Josselyn said. “Granite United Way helped put this program at the elementary school I attended, and because of them, I now have it in my life.”

Tufts’ vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit have left an enduring legacy. The celebration served as a fitting tribute to his achievements and the countless individuals, like Josselyn, who have been positively impacted by Granite United Way’s work.

Orange Theory Fitness is flexing its community muscles this holiday season by hosting a food drive to support the newly established food pantry at Beech Street Elementary School. Recognizing the growing need for accessible resources within the school community, the gym has taken the lead in gathering donations and spreading awareness.

In partnership with Manchester Proud, Orange Theory has made it easier than ever for members and supporters to contribute. A collection bin has been set up in the lobby of the gym, allowing for in-person donations. Additionally, an Amazon Wishlist has been created, offering a seamless way for members to order items directly for delivery to the pantry.

Nicole Cate, a dedicated Orange Theory member and Community Impact Program Manager at Southern New Hampshire University, brought in the first delivery of donations last week. Her efforts have set the tone for a strong start to the initiative.

The food drive will continue through the end of the year, providing a steady stream of support to the Beech Street Elementary community. With the ongoing generosity of Orange Theory members and Manchester residents, the new pantry is poised to become a reliable resource for families in need.

Manchester Proud extends heartfelt thanks to Orange Theory Fitness for their dedication to helping Manchester families thrive. Their commitment demonstrates the power of teamwork, both inside the gym and throughout the community.

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

On November 21, 2024, Sam’s Club demonstrated its commitment to supporting local communities by making a significant donation to the food pantry at Beech Street Elementary School. This donation marks a milestone in the school’s efforts to provide critical resources to students and families in need.

The food pantry is part of Beech Street’s initiative under the Community School’s Federal Grant, focusing on Integrated Student Supports. This pillar aims to address barriers to student success by providing comprehensive resources for the school community.

In collaboration with Manchester Proud’s Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement, Aimee Kereage, Beech Street Elementary’s full-time Community School Facilitator, Loren Robidas, and Beech Street Elementary staff have worked to establish the food pantry as a vital resource for families.

This marks the first significant donation to the food pantry since the City of Manchester Health Department’s grant laid the groundwork for the infrastructure. Thanks to the grant, the pantry is equipped with shelving, refrigerators, and other essential supplies, creating a well-prepared space to serve the school community.

Sam’s Club’s generous contribution will ensure the pantry is stocked with nutritious food and essentials, helping families in the Manchester community. Beech Street Elementary extends its heartfelt thanks to Sam’s Club for their support, which makes a meaningful difference in the lives of its students and families.

This donation is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local businesses, schools, and communities come together to support the well-being of children and families.

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

Generosity is in full swing this season as Hannaford Supermarkets has made a heartwarming donation to support Manchester School District families. The local grocer recently contributed 20 turkeys, ensuring many households will enjoy a festive meal this holiday season.

The turkeys were picked up by Angela Leach, Community School Facilitator at Gossler Park Elementary School, and Jillian Record, Social Worker at Parkside Middle School. Along with the turkeys, Hannaford continued its bi-weekly donation of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are distributed to district families as part of ongoing community support efforts.

Hannaford’s consistent partnership with the district highlights the power of community collaboration in meeting the needs of local families. The donated turkeys and produce will make a significant impact, providing nourishment and joy to those who may need it most.

Thank you to Hannaford for your kindness and commitment to helping Manchester families thrive!

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

At Gossler Park Elementary School, the 2024-2025 school year has kicked off with enthusiasm, thanks to the tireless efforts of Community Schools Facilitator Angela Leach. Leach has been pivotal in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students, teachers, and families alike. From coordinating with local organizations to enhancing family engagement, she has focused on fostering a community-driven atmosphere.

One of the exciting highlights this year has been the ongoing partnership with the SEE Science Center, which has brought hands-on STEM demonstrations to students. This collaboration, integrated into the school’s STEM special, will continue throughout the year. Students are not only experiencing science in the classroom but have also taken field trips to the Science Center, expanding their exposure to interactive learning experiences.

As the school remains bustling with activity, Angela has stepped in to support wherever she’s needed. From assisting with dismissals, helping with lunch and teacher duties, and ensuring a smooth day-to-day flow, she is committed to making sure the school operates efficiently.

A cornerstone of her work has been positive family engagement, a key focus at Gossler Park. Angela has initiated coffee and doughnut sessions that provide a casual setting for parents to meet and discuss their children’s education. These gatherings have already proven successful, resulting in new volunteers joining the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Additionally, Angela created a survey to understand the best times for future family engagement events, which yielded a 74% interest in Positive Parenting sessions. In response, a series of sessions will be held in the coming months to meet the needs of the community.

Health and wellness are also top priorities for Angela, who is collaborating with Amoskeag Health to assist with student eye care. Referrals from nurse screenings have connected students with much-needed vision services. Another community partnership with the International Institute of New England is helping non-English-speaking parents by offering bilingual English classes, further strengthening ties with families of diverse backgrounds.

In addition to these initiatives, Angela has played a critical role in the operation of Gossler Park’s food pantry. The pantry serves an average of 32 families every two weeks, providing essential items such as meat, bread, milk, eggs, and produce. Angela is currently overseeing the acquisition of a new refrigerator to improve the pantry’s services, ensuring more families have access to nutritious food. She is also addressing a common challenge many teachers face: students coming to school without snacks. By coordinating donations and purchases, Angela is helping to alleviate the burden often placed on teachers to provide snacks for their classrooms. “You don’t realize how much a pack of snacks impacts our school,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Angela is already preparing for the holiday season by organizing the school’s annual Giving Tree initiative. With many families experiencing financial strain this year, this effort will help provide gifts and support to those in need during the holidays.

Angela’s focus on attendance has also been paying off, with the school maintaining an impressive 95% or higher attendance rate so far this year. She recently introduced Attendance Awards, and 10 students have been recognized for their significant improvement compared to last year. These awards not only acknowledge individual efforts but also reinforce the importance of regular attendance in academic success.

As Angela Leach reflects on the school year’s promising start, she expresses her excitement about engaging more parents in the school community. “I am excited about parent engagement and getting parents involved in the school,” she said. Her dedication and holistic approach continue to make a positive impact, ensuring that Gossler Park Elementary is not only a place of learning but also a hub for community connection and support.

At Beech Street Elementary School, there is a concentrated effort to foster a positive environment for students, families, and staff through behavioral support, family engagement, and community building. Abby from the Granite YMCA has been instrumental in behavior management, dedicating two to three days a week to working with students on developing a growth mindset and creating a toolbox of skills they can rely on throughout the school year. Her presence is set to expand to full-time next year, signaling a commitment to long-term behavioral improvement and student growth.

In conjunction with Abby’s work, Loren, the Community SchoolsFacilitator, has been actively shadowing school lunches to align the language used by classrooms and teachers. This integration is vital for reinforcing the consistency of positive behavior strategies and fostering a growth mindset school-wide.

Loren is also involved in several essential projects that directly impact both students and their families. One such initiative is the creation of a food pantry for Beech Street School. By working on the logistics, ordering, and setup, Loren ensures that families in need have access to vital resources. She has also tackled other key areas of concern, such as safety. After identifying a need for better parking lot signage, she contacted the Highway Department to enhance safety for students and parents during pick-up and drop-off times.

Building strong connections with the school community is another priority for Loren. Greeting parents in the mornings and afternoons, she helps foster a welcoming atmosphere while working with teachers to build relationships with families. These efforts are reflected in her goal of making sure she’s out every day, connecting with parents and building the support system that is essential for students’ success. As she shared, “Connecting with the students is easy; making sure I’m going out every day to connect with parents is my goal.”

Loren is also working with the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center to establish the Family Village program, a much-needed support group for parents. With Beech Street lacking a formal PTA or PTG, this program will fill an essential gap in family support and engagement. She’s working on launching family nights to address topics such as mental health and behavioral help, ensuring that families are well-equipped to support their children’s development both emotionally and academically. In addition to these educational sessions, Loren is organizing other positive family engagement activities like paint nights and literacy nights, further strengthening the bond between the school and its families.

Beech Street School is also benefiting from the efforts of the SEE Science Center, which recently held a hands-on demonstration with race cars and Legos. Students engaged in hypothesis-based learning, where they experimented with and adapted their lego designs. Additionally, Amoskeag Health is working on vision screening for students, helping to identify those who need glasses and connecting them with resources to get free glasses through their program.

As Loren puts it, “I’m glad I’m here, I love it. I’m excited to keep helping the progress of Community Schools.” Through her leadership, Beech Street School continues to grow as a community hub, offering support, resources, and connection points that benefit both students and their families. Her work, combined with the efforts of other dedicated staff is shaping a school environment that emphasizes growth, safety, and positive engagement for all.