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Today, Service Credit Union demonstrated the true spirit of community by donating 800 coats to the Manchester School District, ensuring that students in need will stay warm this winter. This generous act of kindness highlights the power of partnership and collaboration in supporting the well-being of our community’s children.

The effort was spearheaded by Joyce Lewis, the Director of Comprehensive School Counseling for the district. Lewis gathered the specific coat needs from each school, ensuring the donations would make the greatest impact. The coats arrived today, ready to be sorted and distributed—and that’s where the village stepped in.

Our Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement quickly mobilized a group of dedicated partners to sort the coats for easy distribution. Volunteers from the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, Manchester Community Schools Facilitators, New England College Facilities Staff, The Granite YMCA, and Manchester School District’s Family Welcome Center administrators worked together to organize the donation by school, streamlining the process for schools to collect their share.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Service Credit Union for their remarkable generosity and to all the community partners who stepped up to make this distribution seamless. This effort reminds us all that when a community comes together, incredible things happen.

With winter around the corner, these coats will do more than provide warmth—they’ll be a testament to the strength and compassion of Manchester’s village. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this possible!

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made in 2024. Guided by the goals set forth by our Champion’s Council during strategic planning, we’ve tackled challenges head-on and achieved meaningful milestones for our community.

This year’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our partners, supporters, and community members. Your commitment to our shared vision has helped us make Manchester stronger, more inclusive, and full of opportunity for our community.

To see the specific ways we’ve made an impact, check out our December Impact Newsletter, now available online. It highlights the achievements and initiatives that defined our year, offering a closer look at how we’re driving change.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for an even brighter future. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to carry forward this momentum and continue working side by side with all of you to create lasting impact.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and growth for Manchester!

ONWARD!

Central High School Graduate, Katherine Dubois is making waves in the national baking scene as a quarterfinalist in The Greatest Baker, a competition presented by celebrity chef Buddy Valastro. Out of 47,000 bakers who entered, Katherine has risen to the top 1%, a testament to her talent and passion for pastry. The competition’s semifinals hinge on public votes, and Katherine is counting on support from her community to secure her spot. Voting is open until December 19 at 10 PM EST, with one free vote per person daily at greatestbaker.com/2024/katherine-dubois.

Currently, Katherine is refining her skills at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok, Thailand, where she is set to graduate this month. Her pastry journey began last year at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. “Baking brings me joy, and I love sharing it with friends, family, and at special events,” she says. Over the summer, Katherine brought her expertise back home, leading a cooking workshop for multilingual students at Manchester’s Newcomer Academy, demonstrating her dedication to both her craft and her community.

A proud Manchester native, Katherine is a graduate of Webster Elementary, Hillside Middle, and Central High. Her family is deeply rooted in the city as well: her mother teaches at Parkside Middle School, and her sister coordinates the 21st Century program at Weston Elementary.

For a glimpse of Katherine’s artistry, visit her Instagram, @minou_bisou_, where she showcases her pastry creations, from intricate tarts to elegant éclairs.

Join Katherine in her journey and help put Manchester on the map by casting your vote. Let’s rally behind one of our own as she takes her talents to the national stage!

This holiday season, Member’s First Credit Union has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by hosting a food drive and a hats-and-mittens drive to benefit the Manchester School District. Recognizing the challenges faced by many local families, the Credit Union called upon its members and staff to come together and collect items to support students and their families during the winter months.

Through this initiative, the Credit Union gathered an impressive array of non-perishable food items, as well as cozy hats and mittens, ensuring that Manchester students can stay warm and nourished throughout the season. The collected donations will directly aid families in need within the district, providing essential support during a time when many face increased hardships.

By rallying the support of its members and employees, Member’s First Credit Union has not only made a significant impact but also set an inspiring example of how local businesses can play an active role in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Thank you, Member’s First Credit Union, for your dedication to making Manchester a better place for all!

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

Throughout the month of November, Fidelity Investments rallied their associates at the Merrimack, NH location for a heartwarming initiative: a food drive aimed at supporting local families in need. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the spirit of generosity and community that defines the organization.

Last week, the collected donations were delivered to Beech Street Elementary School, where Loren Robidas, the school’s Community School Facilitator, graciously received them. The contributions will go a long way in supporting students and their families during the holiday season, a time when community care matters most.

This act of kindness reflects the ongoing commitment of Fidelity Investments to give back to the communities where they live and work. On behalf of Beech Street Elementary and the families who will benefit from this thoughtful initiative, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fidelity Investments and their associates for their generosity. Together, acts like these build stronger, more connected communities. Thank you, Fidelity!

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

The holiday season is a time of giving, and Sam’s Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Manchester community. (Read the previous Proud Moment on Sam’s Club here) This week, the retail giant donated 70 turkeys to the Manchester School District, continuing its ongoing generosity.

The donation was received at Gossler Park Elementary School by Angela Leach, the school’s Community Schools Facilitator, who expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the district. These turkeys will make a meaningful impact for many families, ensuring a warm and nourishing holiday meal during this season of celebration.

Sam’s Club’s dedication to the Manchester community is an inspiring reminder of the power of partnerships. This donation follows another recent contribution, further solidifying their role as a valued community partner.

A huge thank you to Sam’s Club for stepping up to make the holidays brighter for Manchester families! Your continued support brings hope and joy to our community.

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

This week, the Access Academy Fall Showcase highlighted the remarkable achievements of Manchester high school students enrolled in this innovative after-school program. Since its inception in 2010, Access Academy has empowered students to grow as lifelong learners, explore future pathways, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Access Academy serves high school students from underrepresented groups, including English language learners, first-generation college hopefuls, and those facing economic or housing instability. By offering college-level courses taught by college students with support from professors, Meelia Center staff, and community partners, the program fosters mentorship and skills development. Students also earn Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) credits, advancing them toward high school graduation.

This supportive framework creates opportunities for students like Mia-Rose Taylor, a Central High School senior and this year’s student speaker. Introduced to the program by her English teacher, Mr. Howe, Mia-Rose expressed her gratitude for Access Academy’s meaningful experiences.

“I’m really glad I chose to sign up this semester. I can tell the students and staff alike care about this program,” Mia-Rose said. She plans to pursue a career in policy or law, inspired by the program’s encouragement of intellectual curiosity and self-discovery. She left the audience with a call to action: “No matter your age, be curious and have an open mind.”

A student panel featuring Jon, Gigi, Ella, Oj, and Jeremiah offered insights into how Access Academy has shaped their futures. For Oj, a sophomore at Memorial High School, the program marked a turning point. “I’ve never been the type to think about my future seriously, but because of Access Academy, I have,” Oj shared.

Students spoke passionately about their favorite experiences, from dissecting a squid in marine biology to forming new friendships. Jeremiah, a freshman at Memorial High School, highlighted the practical applications of the program, saying, “My class helped with my business class at Memorial.” He also couldn’t resist praising the pizza.

The panelists emphasized the program’s supportive environment, with Gigi, a sophomore at Manchester School of Technology, noting, “There is a lot of support from instructors,” eliminating the need for extra hours outside of Access Academy.

Under the guidance of Director Liz Kirwan, a former ELL teacher at West High School and past chair of the Manchester Proud board, Access Academy continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Kirwan underscored the program’s role in providing “supplemental experiences” that align with Manchester School District’s goals and enhance student learning.

As the evening concluded, the Showcase served as a testament to Access Academy’s mission: to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed in their academic and career pursuits. From fostering college readiness to nurturing lifelong friendships, the program is changing lives.

Access Academy exemplifies what’s possible when students are given the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to dream big and take ownership of their futures.

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.

From the beginning of Manchester Proud, our goal has been to create exceptional public schools. This started in 2017 with our work in the Manchester School District’s Strategic Plan.  The district uses this as a guide for goal setting in current and future work. Manchester Proud has continued to work on a variety of projects and are excited to report the following have been successfully completed. 

• Career Connected Learning, an initiative to create opportunities for students within the Manchester School District to connect with potential future careers. This began as a partnership between Manchester Proud, business and community partners, and the Manchester School District. This initiative now has been transferred into a full-time position within the Manchester School District. Manchester Proud continues to partner with the district in making connections to business and community partners. 

• The Compass has recently gone through a total remodel and merge with Manchester Proud’s general website. The intention with this is to eliminate confusion with the separate domains to continue connecting community members with resources from our community partners. We took this opportunity as a way to make the Compass more accessible adding in additional filtering options and the ability to translate the site. Visit the Compass here.

• Opportunity Portfolio is an initiative that began in the Spring of 2024, the opportunity portfolio is a publication that will be published twice a year by Manchester Proud. The portfolio is a physical version of the Compass, the first publication of the school year sharing school-year opportunities for community members and the second publication of the school year sharing summer opportunities for community members. This portfolio will be shared with all educators within the district and community partners. See the latest version here. 

• Proud Moments is a campaign that came from our Communications Strategic Plan to engage our community positively with the Manchester School District. This campaign aims to share moments from the Manchester School District that are encouraging, we go to interview the nominee and share about their story on social media and in our newsletter. This campaign contributed to our 1,700% social media growth in one year. Submit a nomination for a Proud Moment here.

• Federal Community Schools Grant is a 5-year federal grant that the Manchester School District was awarded, Manchester Proud is the lead community organization on this grant. This grant connects Gossler Park Elementary School and Beech Street Elementary School with community partners to offer resources to the students inside of the school. This grant is in the first year, but is off to a great start with two full-time Community School Facilitators inside the schools. This is the first time any community in New Hampshire has been awarded this grant.

As our Champion’s Council looks to refocus on what is next for Manchester Proud, we are proud of all that we have accomplished and look forward to the next steps in making exceptional public schools. ONWARD!