Month: April 2025

As we step further into 2025, Manchester Proud continues to reflect, engage, and evolve. Our commitment to strengthening our schools and supporting our community remains as strong as ever—and now, we’re taking the next step forward.

Following the exciting milestones of 2024, including the launch of innovative programs and the securing of a $2.5 million Federal Community Schools Grant, we are entering a season of vision-setting. Our Champion’s Council has officially launched a strategic planning process to chart the course for Manchester Proud’s future. This work is rooted in listening—listening to educators, students, families, and community partners to ensure our next chapter is bold, responsive, and grounded in the needs of our city.

While this planning process unfolds, we’re also reimagining how we celebrate and support our school community. This year, our signature CelebratED event is transforming into something new and even more impactful: a Back-to-School Readiness Event!

Mark your calendars for August 21st—we’ll be hosting an energizing community gathering focused on setting students up for success. From backpack giveaways and school registration support to community resource fairs and wellness activities, this event is all about ensuring every child walks into the school year prepared and confident.

If you’re interested in sponsoring, volunteering, or hosting a resource table, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

And as we build toward the future, we want to hear from you. What are your hopes for Manchester Proud in the years to come? What matters most to you and your family? We invite you to share your ideas, dreams, and feedback as we shape what’s next—together.

Let’s make it a year of reflection, connection, and momentum. ONWARD!

This month, all four Manchester high schools came together in a powerful show of unity and compassion through Challenge Day workshops. The event invited both teens and adults to take a deep dive into the ways we separate ourselves from one another and to begin the real work of fostering connection and building community.

Challenge Day is more than just a school event; it’s an emotional and transformative experience that encourages authenticity, vulnerability, and growth. Over the course of each session, students explored the impacts of judgment, isolation, and bias, and learned tools to connect across those divides. Many youth emerged from the day voicing a strong commitment to “be the change they wish to see in the world,” pledging to bring that mindset into their daily lives and encouraging their peers to do the same.

Among the participants was Manchester School of Technology and Manchester Proud intern, Kaydence Jones, who had the opportunity to document the event at Memorial High School. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

“Last week, I had the opportunity to take some photos of the Challenge Day event that took place at Memorial High School for Manchester School of Technology students. A large group of students participated in Challenge Day, consisting of sophomores and juniors. There were also a handful of teachers and support services there for the students and joining. Challenge Day is a great program for students to increase their self-esteem and build a kinder environment for themselves and those around them. The two peers that hosted the event were very engaging with the students and had a handful of activities for the students and teachers participating to do. From a spectator’s perspective, I believe that the students learned a lot and became more connected after that day. They became more open and understanding of others.”

Kaydence’s words reflect what so many witnessed across Manchester’s high schools this week: a collective effort to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of our students and create school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

As Challenge Day concludes, its lessons remain. Through courageous conversations, shared experiences, and honest reflection, Manchester’s youth are building the kind of community they want to live in, one based on empathy, respect, and connection.

Last month, Gossler Park Elementary School put out a call for help and our incredible community answered with heart, enthusiasm, and overwhelming generosity.

Gossler Park teachers reached out, rallying their friends, neighbors, and families to support a special need at the school. What happened next was nothing short of inspiring. The response exceeded all expectations. From donations to time, energy, and encouragement, the outpouring of support reflected the best of what it means to come together as a community.

Thanks to this effort, Gossler Gator families are feeling the love and support in a big way. The impact of this collective kindness will be felt in our classrooms and hallways for months to come.

Gossler Elementary School is deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up, whether you donated, spread the word, or offered your time. Your support helps us continue to create a nurturing, empowering environment for our students.

At Central High School, students are finding more than just academic support, they’re discovering confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging through Catie’s Closet. This essential resource provides students with access to clothing and hygiene products, helping remove barriers that might otherwise hinder their ability to focus on school.

The school’s Catie’s Closet, managed by Central High School social worker Amy Pellegrini, is a lifeline for many students. Pellegrini receives donations that are then passed to Catie’s Closet to ensure they are properly sorted and distributed to students who need them most. “Students access resources with dignity,” Pellegrini says, highlighting the importance of providing not just necessities but also choices that respect students’ personal style and preferences.

Each day, the closet serves between two to ten students, with higher demand on Fridays when it remains open after school from 3-3:30PM. Many students are repeat visitors, relying on Catie’s Closet for everything from daily wear to emergency wardrobe changes during the school day. Winter months typically see an increase in usage as students seek warm clothing to get through the season.

The impact of access to clothing goes beyond just having something to wear. It influences students’ confidence, classroom engagement, and even school attendance. “We want students to be proud of their clothes and to feel confident,” says Amanda Harvey from Catie’s Closet. Students who are comfortable in their clothing can focus better in class, participate in extracurricular activities, and even attend job interviews with self-assurance.

The most in-demand items include natural hair care products, deodorants, sweatshirts, leggings, and sweatpants. “After COVID, childhood obesity has increased, so we need a large variety of sizes,” Harvey adds, underscoring the importance of meeting diverse needs.

Before Catie’s Closet, students in need had to sift through bins of donated clothing not sorted by size or style from a very small closet or Pellegrini’s office. “Now, when students walk into Catie’s Closet, their faces light up,” she says. The transformation has made the experience more dignified and empowering.

Keisy, a sophomore at Central and a Key Club volunteer, describes the space as feeling like a store. “We organize and sort the items out so it looks presentable. It is like a shop! It boosts the confidence of students who are able to shop.” The Key Club plays an active role in maintaining the closet, ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space.

For some students, Catie’s Closet is the reason they can attend school at all. “There are students who wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have access to clean clothing,” Pellegrini explains. From student-athletes needing proper attire for tryouts to students returning from medical leave in need of new sizes, the closet helps ensure that clothing challenges do not become obstacles to education.

Having access to these basic needs can even impact students’ work schedules. “Some students work long hours, and their grades slip. Having access to hygiene products and clothes allows them to cut back their hours a little,” Pellegrini says. She emphasizes that the closet is more than just a resource, it’s a connection point between students and their school community.

The benefits of Catie’s Closet extend beyond Central High School’s walls. “When you impact the younger generation in a positive direction, they are able to be contributing citizens to the community,” Pellegrini says. Addressing basic needs can prevent generational cycles of poverty and struggle, providing students with a better foundation for success.

With demand constantly high, donations are crucial to keeping the closet stocked. “Things are out of the distribution center as fast as they come in,” Harvey notes. Catie’s Closet operates three Distribution Centers that serve 100,000 children in 140 schools across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Those looking to support Catie’s Closet can contribute financially or donate items through their Amazon wishlist.

“Community support and our partnerships with generous individuals, companies, and foundations are vital to our ability to say ‘yes’ to more children who rely on us for support,” says Mickey Cockrell, CEO and co-founder of Catie’s Closet. “We are honored to be a part of the Manchester community, serving over 5,000 children in five schools.”

Catie’s Closet at Central High School was made possible through the generous support of Elliot Health System, whose funding helped establish this vital resource for students. Thanks to their continued commitment to student well-being, Elliot Health System is now helping expand access even further with a new Catie’s Closet coming to Beech Street Elementary School, slated to open in late spring.

“The staff at The Elliot are honored to support the important impact Catie’s Closet has on student’s well-being, school experience and enhanced confidence as they learn and grow,” says Kelli Rafferty of Elliot Health System. “We are proud to partner with the Manchester School District, Manchester Proud, and Catie’s Closet to serve the needs of students in our community.”

This new location will provide younger students with access to essential clothing and hygiene items, helping remove barriers to learning and ensuring all children can come to school feeling confident and cared for. As with Central, the goal is to create a welcoming space where students can access what they need with dignity and pride, empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Students at Manchester Central can access Catie’s Closet by reaching out to Pellegrini directly or through referrals from teachers, counselors, multilingual liaisons, or other school professionals. Parents can also reach out for assistance.

To support this vital program, consider making a financial contribution or donating items through Catie’s Closet’s Amazon wishlist. Your generosity ensures that students not only have what they need but also the dignity and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

Donate here: https://www.catiescloset.org/donate/ 

Amazon link for Catie’s Closet: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UAHRU79C5FEY?ref_=wl_share

Beech Street Elementary was buzzing with school spirit as students and faculty faced off in a thrilling basketball game. In a showdown filled with excitement, laughter, and friendly competition, the faculty ultimately claimed victory—but not without a fierce fight from the students!

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the students gave it their all, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and determination. The crowd, made up of enthusiastic classmates and teachers, cheered them on every step of the way.

Adding to the fun, Bob the Bobcat, Beech Street’s beloved mascot, made a special appearance, bringing extra energy to the event. The Beech Cheerleaders also took center stage, delivering a spirited performance!

Though the faculty took home the win this time, the true victory was in the camaraderie and joy shared by all. Beech Street Elementary continues to foster a strong sense of community, proving once again that school spirit is alive and well!

Press Release

On April 3, 2025, Gossler Park Elementary School of the Manchester School District (MSD) hosted a Virtual Field Trip Family Night with edtech partner Discovery Education. 

Created as part of the Community Schools program and in partnership with Manchester Proud, Manchester School District’s 21^st Century Afterschool program, the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Discovery Education, the Virtual Field Trip Family Night was a free event for K-12 students and their families. Over 22 families attended the Field Trips after enjoying a meal donated by Shorty’s in Hooksett, Red Robin’s in Manchester, and Don Quijote in Manchester.  

Attendees enjoyed food donated by local businesses while watching engaging virtual field trips (VFTs) from Discovery Education. Students voted on what VFTs to watch, and selected resources created with Polar Bears International and the LEGO Group’s program, Build the Change. Accompanying hands-on activities available in multiple languages encouraged play and problem-solving. 

If you’d like to learn more or secure an interview with a leader from MSD, Manchester Proud, or Discovery Education, please contact Grace Maliska. 

CONTACT: Grace Maliska | Discovery Education | gmaliska@discoveryed.com  

Lauren Boisvert | Manchester Proud| lauren@manchesterproud.org 

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About Manchester School District 
It is the mission of the Manchester School District, in partnership with the community, to inspire and empower all learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences essential for them to reach their greatest potential. 

About Manchester Proud 

At Manchester Proud, our core mission is to cultivate a deep and lasting bond between the Manchester School District and its community, with a steadfast focus on elevating student achievement and transforming public education into an exceptional experience. We are unwavering in our commitment to nurturing excellent public schools that cater to the needs of all Manchester students, both now and in the future. Our goal is to open doors to success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and productive life. 

 
About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

Manchester Memorial High School has made history this year as senior Olivia Horne achieved national recognition in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Horne earned a National Silver Key for her striking photograph, A Bug’s Perspective, marking a significant milestone for both the school and the Manchester School District.

Horne’s journey to the national stage began with success at the NH Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition, where she garnered multiple accolades. Her award-winning photograph was also selected by the Currier Museum of Art for inclusion in their esteemed student art exhibition, further cementing her place among New Hampshire’s top young artists.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Horne is the first Memorial student to receive a national Scholastic Art Award since 2018. Over the past two decades, fewer than ten students from the district have reached this level of recognition, making her accomplishment even more extraordinary.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have been recognizing creative excellence among young artists and writers since 1923, with past recipients including icons such as Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Stephen King. Winning at the national level places Horne among an elite group of emerging artists whose talent and dedication have distinguished them on a highly competitive platform.

Memorial High School and the Manchester community celebrate Olivia Horne’s success, recognizing her as an inspiration for future young artists. Her achievement not only highlights her exceptional skill and vision but also underscores the importance of arts education and creative expression in schools.

Congratulations to Olivia Horne on this well-deserved honor!

At Beech Street Elementary and Community Center, we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy. Their dedication and hard work have made a tremendous impact on our school community, especially with their efforts during our popcorn sales. These volunteers are more than just a helping hand—they are vital contributors to creating a thriving, connected environment for our students and families.

Volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy not only help with tasks but also strengthen the sense of community within our school. Their commitment to giving time and energy ensures that our programs and events run smoothly, providing students with the resources and experiences they need to succeed. Having volunteers support the school is invaluable—whether it’s through organizing events, assisting with classroom activities, or simply being there to lend a hand when needed, these individuals help foster an environment where everyone feels included and supported.

At Beech Street, we understand that the strength of our school lies in the partnership between staff, families, and the broader community. Volunteers play a key role in this partnership, and it’s their support that helps make our school more than just a place to learn—it becomes a true community, where everyone’s contribution counts. We are so grateful to have dedicated volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy, who go above and beyond to support our school and help our students thrive.

This year, I participated and competed in New Hampshire’s FBLA Competition for the second time! It is held in downtown Manchester, NH, on Elm St at the DoubleTree Hotel. Over four hundred students participated this year and came from all around New Hampshire. 

This year, I decided to compete for Broadcast Journalism. In this competition, I had to write up a speech for an emergency that “happened” in my community. It was, of course, not a real emergency; it was completely made up. It had to include certain things, like an interview from someone impacted, and had to be completely live. Lots of research and ideas went into it. I was given three minutes of prep time, 7 minutes to present, and 3 minutes of questions from the judges. 

It was only me and a group of two competing in this competition. I was the last to compete out of the whole conference. As I waited to compete, we had speakers to listen to with great and interactive speeches. I had four hours to prepare before it was my time to compete, so I took that time to practice even more and brainstorm potential questions the judges would ask me. 

When I went to compete, I was a little nervous, but I was determined to at least score the minimum to get second place. In order to get second place, I needed to score 60/100 points, and to get first, I needed to get at least a 90/100. 

I walked into the room, and I had three judges before me. I shook their hands and laid my stuff down with my notecards still in hand. Once the judges gave me the okay to start, I told the story as if I were a news anchor. After I finished, they asked me some simple questions like why I chose what I did, where I want to go after high school, etc. The judges were all wonderful. They really enjoyed my story idea and how I presented it. One of the judges even went to one of the Universities I have applied to in Japan, Ritsumeikan University. And another judge recommended a movie to watch, Black Waters. 

The next day, we were given the results. They called up second place first. It wasn’t me. Then they called up first place, and my hands were trembling with nerves. It was me. I won first place for broadcast journalism. I received a gold medal. 

This is such a big accomplishment for me because I have never received a medal before or even first place. I was so happy, and I am still shocked. Two of my classmates also won medals: Muhannad and Alex. 

My experience at FBLA was amazing. Despite the nerves and long hours of waiting, it was both enjoyable and exciting. I got to meet new people through the networking activities and learned new things from the speakers.