Author: Lauren Boisvert

Manchester Proud, an organization working to champion student success within the Manchester School District through community engagement and community partnerships, presented its 2025 Student Volunteer Awards at the Manchester School District Welcome center in partnership with Mayor Jay Ruais and Project Happy. The 4th annual awards were presented to seven high school students. The award, which includes a $500 or $125 prize, was created to recognize Manchester School District students who show exceptional commitment to volunteerism.

The award winners for 2025, are:

• Lauren Halle, Junior, Central High School
• Thomas Martineau, Senior, Central High School
• Norto Noor, Senior, Central High School
• Jenny Van, Senior, Memorial High School
• Jonathan Reyes Santos, Senior, MST
• Yousif Al Kahani, Senior, West High School
• Andy Pham, Senior, West High School
• Jonathan Reyes Santos, Senior, MST

The recipients were selected from all those who applied for the award and received endorsement from a community member. On behalf of the Manchester Proud Council, We are proud of all the applicants, especially the award winners, who stood out in ways we didn’t realize was possible!

All students who attend Manchester public high schools are eligible to apply.  Every submission requires an application filled out by the student in which they outline their volunteer experiences and respond to several questions, along with a recommendation from an adult who can vouch for their service.  Grades were not a consideration in the judging. We look forward to seeing next year’s applications.

Our winners impacted the community in many ways and here is a representation of organizations they have collaborated with:

Team  131 Chaos, Katie’s Closet, Boy Scouts of America, Threads of Hope, Student Advocacy Group, Brookside Church, CMC, Alzheimer’s Research, Key Club, CelebratED, M-Power Advisory Board, Youth Council, Peer Tutoring, LGBTQIA+, National Art Society, Hillside band, and the Manchester Community Library.

We will leave you with this quote and hope you’re inspired to volunteer in a community that has meaning to you.

“Volunteering didn’t just teach me to lead-it taught me to see people: to meet silence with presence, pain with patience, and judgment with understanding. These moments changed me, and they continue to shape who I want to become.”  -Student Volunteer Award Winner

In middle school, I began to dream about living in Japan, and just three years later, I took the first step by flying to Tokyo to explore this dream. To make this trip come true, I spent a whole year working long hours at McDonald’s in Manchester, saving all my money, and spending every free moment researching and planning for this trip. In July 2023, I finally indulged my dream and traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun. It was amazing, everything that I had dreamed of! This trip has shaped me in many ways by exposing me to the culture and setting me in the right direction towards my future as a global citizen. Now, two years later, I am on the verge of stepping on that soil again, but this time I plan to do so for the next four years as I continue my education there at Temple University of Japan in Kyoto. 

It has finally come to the point in time where I walk down the stage with my gown and cap, standing with my friends and family, whom I cherish so much. The weeks leading up to that moment are making me realize just how close we are to getting our diplomas and going our separate ways. My high school years are something I would not exchange for anything. There were some tough times, but there were far more memories that I got to laugh and enjoy my youth. I have grown so much and experienced so many trials and tribulations, but also success and progress. So many moments that I don’t even know where to begin to reflect.  

When I was just a freshman, it was difficult coming back into a brick building to sit with your classmates again after being cooped up in the house for almost two years because of the pandemic. However, that changed relatively soon because I made friends with the most wonderful and intelligent person I have ever met, my best friend, Marion-maria Haff. Our friendship started from a simple project in our Algebra class, and it took only hours, maybe even seconds, for us to click. Now, almost four years later, we are probably the closest friends in our school. We are practically the same person and inseparable at any moment. I will always be grateful to her and hope that we never grow apart. 

I have become friends with my other amazing friends: Rose Cote, Tessa Mims, Jonathan Reyes Santos, and Aiden Ahern. Marion and I grew to know them about a year later, after we became friends, and it didn’t take long for all six of us to become one giant group of friends. Every single one of my friends is one of the greatest people I have ever met, and I am very grateful for every single one of them. On top of my incredible friends, I have had the most supportive and astonishing peers, and I thank every single one of them, because even if they may not realize it, they have helped me grow to the person I am today. Thank you, Mrs. Stephen, for seeing my potential and always looking out for opportunities I could do and grow from. Thank yo,u Mrs Tetu, for giving me great advice, advising me through the college process. Thank you, Mrs. McGowan, Mr. Bowe, and Ms. Passamonte for being incredible teachers, making me and my friends laugh. Thank you, Dr. Egan, for giving me the opportunity to complete both my Algebra 1 and geometry credits in one year. Thank you, Mrs. McCall, for the long class convos. Thank you, Mrs. McGee, for believing in me and pushing me to my full potential. Thank you, Mr. Garcia, for always looking to read Marion and I’s book, which we are still working on. Thank you, Mr. Colburn, for seeing the creativity in me and always looking for a new project I could do.Thank you, Mr. Puglisi, for making the Martial Arts Club and being very silly all the time. Thank you, Lauren, Aimee, and the entirety of Manchester Proud for giving me the chance to become a part of your organization, representing our Community as your intern. And thank you, Manchester School of Technology, it was the best decision I made to choose this high school over the others. 

I am proud to be a part of the class of 2025, and I hope that everyone graduating this year and the years to come gets to make their dreams come true, whether it be to attend the college of their choice or take a year off. The great part of our generation is that we are strong, and I hope that our future can make a difference in our world. ONWARD!

After two years of Mrs. McGee’s Business CTE at Manchester School of Technology, I was invited to attend their yearly Recognition Night alongside my friends who studied different CTEs. I was awarded two cords and a scholarship. I received the gold chord for having straight A’s throughout both years and the National Technical Honors Society chord as I participated in that and have been the last two years. Many students gathered there that day were also recognized for things like LNA completers, Fire Science, and the Excelsiors.

It was a great day for us students to celebrate our success. Numerous other scholarships were awarded that day, including the Brown Family CTE Scholarship, the MST Cosmetology Tool Award, the Rotary International Manchester Club, the Nick Bickford Scholarship, and Wire Belt. My amazing teacher, Mrs. McGee, nominated me as one of the two winners for the Bryan Halley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of the former Business teacher of Manchester School of Technology, Bryan Halley.

Overall, it was a great day of celebration. Congratulations to my peers and the MST Class of 2025!

In a heartwarming celebration of service, Project Happy and Manchester Proud came together to honor the incredible impact of youth volunteerism across the Queen City. The event marked a milestone moment for the community, recognizing the efforts of students, schools, and organizations working hand-in-hand to make Manchester a stronger, more connected city.

At the center of the celebration was the launch of Project Happy’s Youth Volunteer Movement, which in just a few short months has rallied students to contribute over 1,300 hours of volunteer service. This remarkable achievement included representation from all Manchester high schools, reflecting a city-wide spirit of giving back.

Among the highlights of the event were the stories of three grand prize-winning students who, through their dedication to service, earned the opportunity to meet NBA star and Manchester native Duncan Robinson. Their excitement and pride were shared by families, peers, and community leaders alike.

In addition to these standout moments, twenty students were recognized as Student Leadership Ambassadors, having demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership through their volunteer efforts.

Manchester Proud was also proud to honor student volunteers through its Student Volunteer Award, offering $500 awards to three students in the Manchester School District — two from West High School and one from Manchester School of Technology (MST). These awards recognize students not only for the hours they put in but for the heart and leadership they bring to every effort.

Project Happy presented, End-of-the-Year Awards honors to four standout student volunteers across the school district for their unwavering dedication to community service.

Together, these recognitions show what’s possible when schools and community organizations collaborate to empower youth. The event served as a reminder of the potential and passion within Manchester’s student body and the importance of investing in opportunities for them to lead, serve, and shine.

This gathering was more than a celebration — it was a demonstration of the power of partnership. By connecting students with local organizations and community initiatives, Project Happy and Manchester Proud are building a stronger, more engaged future for all of Manchester.

A new Catie’s Closet has officially opened its doors at Beech Street Elementary School, thanks to the incredible generosity of Elliot Hospital Systems. Mayor Jay Ruais, Executive Councilor John Stephens, Superintendent, Jennifer Chmiel, and members of the Manchester Board of School Committee joined students, staff, and community partners to celebrate the launch of this important resource.

About Catie’s Closet:
Catie’s Closet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income children through two essential programs:

• The In-School Closet Program establishes free “stores” within schools, ensuring that students can easily access clothing, toiletries, and other necessities on demand. This breaks down barriers to attendance and academic success.
  
• The SOS Urgent Response Program provides immediate support for children experiencing crises, such as homelessness, foster care transitions, fires, or other emergencies, ensuring that every child has what they need to continue learning and thriving.

With the opening of the closet at Beech Street Elementary, students now have access to critical resources that can make all the difference in their day-to-day lives which .

We’re grateful for the commitment of Elliot Hospital Systems, our community leaders, and all who are working together to help our children thrive.

You can read an earlier Proud Moment from Manchester Proud, highlighting Catie’s Closet at Central High School here: Proud Moment: Catie’s Closet at Central High School.

As we approach summer, I find myself thinking deeply about what it means to truly support our young people—not just as students, but as members of a larger community that has a responsibility to help them thrive.

This past week, I had the privilege of attending the National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference. During a powerful plenary session, a speaker shared something that stopped me in my tracks: It’s the community’s responsibility to create systems in which children can thrive. That one sentence has echoed in my mind ever since. It so clearly captures the heart of what we at Manchester Proud are striving for.

Our mission isn’t just about programs, grants, or events. It’s about creating a city where children and families are surrounded by support systems that help them succeed—in school and in life. It’s about building a community where every child feels safe, seen, and valued.

Yet, as I scroll through social media or hear painful news from our own city—like the heartbreaking loss of a student this week—I’m reminded of how far we have to go. Too often, I see people tearing each other down, assigning blame, questioning motives, and fueling division. And I wonder: what message are we sending our kids when we, the adults, lose sight of our shared responsibility?

Still, in the midst of that frustration, I am inspired by the power of connection. That’s the work of Manchester Proud. We are the bridge between those who want to help and the schools and students who need it most. We help connect businesses with teachers to ensure classrooms are stocked with the supplies students need to learn. We rally community members and partners to host food drives and build clothing closets, so families can find support without shame. We lift up the organizations already invested in our youth—and help them do even more by aligning their work with the needs in our schools.

Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: we are here to help children thrive. And in doing so, we lift up our entire community.

Let’s continue to be the adults our children need—working together, listening deeply, and leading with compassion. Let’s build a Manchester where every child has what they need to succeed, and where community means something powerful.

After four years of having the chance of taking classes at Saint Anselm College’s Access Acadmy, my final year and final semester came. I have created many memories and grown significantly through this program. This experience has given me a great opportunity to receive extra credit, learn new skills, and dive deeper into skills I already have. Of course, to also be able to spend more time with my friends after school. 

Just like the first semester, we sat down for the final showcase in an auditorium, listening to the voices of students and peers, and seeing everyone’s final projects. This year was a little different and more special, this time, I was one of the seniors who were gifted a rose and a certificate of completion. In my first year attending Access Academy, I looked forward to this day. The rose meant so much to me and my friends, and we were so glad to finally receive it. Reminiscing over the years and diverse classes I have taken, I am grateful I decided to take this program. 

I highly recommend this program to be taken from Freshman through Senior year. Whether you’re there for the credits, skills, or the food, there is something everyone should be able to enjoy and find worth it.

Manchester Community Schools is taking a bold step toward improving community health and wellness with a new initiative focused on nutrition education and healthy cooking. Spearheaded by Community School Facilitator Loren Robidas, in collaboration with Awilda Muniz of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, this program aims to equip families with the knowledge and tools they need to make smart, nutritious food choices.

The series kicked off with an engaging session on MyPlate, a practical guide that emphasizes the importance of balanced meals featuring fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Awilda Muniz led participants through the basics of creating meals that support overall wellness, using MyPlate to explain portion sizes and food group recommendations.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Upcoming sessions in the series will delve into essential topics like:

• Eating healthy on a budget
• Understanding food labels
• The truth about soft drinks

These fun and interactive classes are designed to empower families to make healthier daily decisions, regardless of income or lifestyle. A standout feature of the program is its hands-on, practical approach, ensuring that participants leave with not only knowledge but also tools to apply it at home.

To further support healthy living, every participant who completes the series will receive a FREE slow cooker, making it easier than ever to prepare nutritious meals at home.

This impactful initiative highlights Manchester Community Schools’ commitment to student and family wellness. Thanks to the dedication of Loren Robidas and Awilda Muniz, the city is seeing firsthand how community partnerships can turn education into action, making healthy living accessible and sustainable for all.

Last Thursday, May 8th, 2025, Manchester was alive with energy, flavor, and music and I had the chance to experience it all. As a Manchester Proud intern, I spent the evening with my family and best friend enjoying one of the city’s most beloved spring traditions: the annual Taco Tour, followed by an incredible performance at A Night of Jazz, hosted by the Manchester School District Music Department at the Rex Theatre.

The Taco Tour has brought together local restaurants, food trucks, and small businesses to transform downtown Manchester into a vibrant culinary celebration. Elm Street buzzed with activity as families, friends, and food lovers gathered to try $3 tacos of every variety each uniquely crafted by the city’s own chefs and taquerias. Some stands even sold t-shirts and desserts, adding extra flavor and flair to the evening.

This year, more than 100 restaurants competed for the highly coveted titles of Best Taco and Most Creative Taco. But what made the competition even more special was the trophy itself, a symbol of excellence that was crafted by local students. The Greater Manchester Chamber, which hosts the Taco Tour, collaborated with the Manchester School of Technology (MST) to create a one-of-a-kind award. Students Megan Shamer of MST High School and Corah Daigle of Londonderry High School designed and built the trophy using Autodesk Inventor software and 3D printing technology.

The result? A stunning piece featuring Manchester’s iconic City Hall, topped with a hard-shell taco—a creative and meaningful tribute to both the city and the festival. “This was a highlight of the school year,” said Daigle. “Knowing we were designing something that is going to be part of such a large event in Manchester.” Shamer added, “I would like to receive this as a trophy! It’s cool to see the outcome of the work.”

Dan Colburn, Advanced Design Technology teacher at MST, praised the project for giving students a real-world experience, from client request to final product. “This experience replicated what professionals do in industry,” he noted. Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel also expressed her appreciation, calling it “an amazing way to bring a real-world experience into the classroom.”

After enjoying some of the many incredible tacos and soaking in the excitement on Elm Street, we headed to the Rex Theatre for A Night of Jazz. The performance by Manchester School District’s student musicians was a perfect finale to the evening filled with talent, passion, and pride. The music carried the same spirit of community and creativity that the Taco Tour celebrated just blocks away.

Nights like these remind us why Manchester is such a special place: where education, small business, art, and culture come together to create something unforgettable. From the hands that crafted tacos to the students who designed a trophy, and the young musicians who brought down the house.

Beech Street Elementary School recently hosted a vibrant and inspiring parade that highlighted the power of cultural heritage, community leadership, and student empowerment. The event featured a lineup of local leaders and performers who represent the diverse backgrounds and talents that enrich the Manchester, New Hampshire community.

Jason Bonilla, School Board Member for Ward 5, was one of the honored guests. A proud advocate for education, equity, and cultural inclusion, Jason brings his passion for representing Manchester’s vibrant Spanish-speaking community into every aspect of his service. As a dedicated leader, he continues to be a vital voice for students and families across the city.

Joining the celebration was Jean Hakuzimana, State Director of Ascentria Care Alliance Services for New Americans and founder of NH Songa. A native of Rwanda, Jean has spent his life supporting refugees and new Americans as they seek belonging and opportunity in New Hampshire. Through his compassionate leadership, Jean has helped countless families begin new lives with hope and dignity.

Alan Cote also participated, representing the Franco-American Centre and Alliance Française de Manchester. Alan is known for his dedication to preserving Franco-American heritage through language, arts, and education. His efforts have played a crucial role in maintaining French cultural traditions in New Hampshire, bringing generations together through shared stories and community events.

The parade’s energy soared thanks to a dynamic performance by Tinotenda Duche from Bring It!. With powerful displays of African dance, Tinotenda brought cultural rhythm and spirit to life. His work is rooted in African traditions and focuses on self-expression through movement. Tinotenda’s performance was a celebration of identity, confidence, and community, inspiring students to embrace their individuality with pride.

The Beech Street Elementary parade was more than just a festive event—it was a meaningful celebration of the community’s diversity, resilience, and shared values. By featuring leaders and artists who embody cultural pride and service, the school offered students an unforgettable opportunity to connect with role models and see the strength that lies in honoring one’s heritage.

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.