Category: Uncategorized

Manchester West High School FBLA Chapter Shines at State Leadership Conference

The recent FBLA State Leadership Conference held on April 2 and 3, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Manchester, NH, was not just a gathering of students; it was a showcase of talent, dedication, and innovation. Among the vibrant array of participants, the FBLA student chapter from Manchester West High School stood out for their remarkable achievements and contributions.

Comprising students driven by a passion for business and leadership, the FBLA chapter at Manchester West High School has been actively involved in various programs to support state activities set by student officers. Their commitment is not just limited to their school but extends across the state, where they join 34 other chapters from different schools, each bringing their unique skills and energy to the table.

At the heart of FBLA activities lie competitions that challenge students in diverse fields such as accounting, job interviewing, personal finance, web design, and public speaking. These competitions not only test their knowledge and skills but also foster camaraderie and collaboration among chapters.

During the State Leadership Conference, participants not only competed but also received feedback on their performance throughout the year. Despite financial constraints that hindered their continuing journey to nationals, the Manchester West High School chapter celebrated their progress with pride.

Deepasha, Vice President of the Manchester West High School Chapter, reflected on her experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness her friends’ accomplishments. Her dedication and leadership qualities were further recognized when she successfully ran for a position on the State Board. With a passion for improving school culture, Depasha proposed a state project aimed at fostering school spirit and unity.

Deepasha’s journey to the State Board was supported by her campaign manager, Varique, whose collaboration resulted in visually striking campaign materials and a themed booth adorned with symbols of nature. The chapter’s solidarity was evident as members sported butterfly pins, symbolizing their support for Deepasha’s campaign.

Behind their achievements lies consistent effort and dedication. The chapter meets weekly to strategize and plan activities, resulting in accolades such as the “Threads of Hope” award for their outstanding contribution to community service. Through innovative initiatives like social media promotions and engaging events, they have successfully increased their membership despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

However, none of this would be possible without the support of their advisor, Debbie Stratton, and the Blue Knights Foundation. Fundraising efforts including bake sales, hot chocolate sales, and jeans 50/50 have been instrumental in funding their activities and ensuring broader participation.

Recognition at the State Leadership Conference further validated their hard work and dedication. Deepasha’s first-place win in Intro to Public Speaking and the duo of Nistha and Prakriti’s victory in website design exemplify their talent and collaborative spirit.

Nistha shared insights into their creative process, emphasizing the synergy of their skills in developing a website that serves a noble cause. Their success not only reflects their individual abilities but also highlights the strength of teamwork within the chapter.

As the Manchester West High School FBLA chapter continues to grow and excel, their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring young leaders everywhere. With their unwavering commitment to excellence and service, they are poised to make a lasting impact not just within their school but throughout the community and beyond.

Beech Street Elementary School hosted an exciting Career Fair on April 17, 2024, that had students buzzing with joy and enthusiasm. The event was designed to expose students to various career paths and give them an opportunity to interact with professionals from different fields. The fair featured a series of engaging classroom sessions and a lively “Career on Wheels” outdoor exhibit.

Classroom Presentations

Throughout the day, students rotated through classrooms where they were introduced to a diverse range of careers by industry professionals. The presenters offered insights into their respective fields and shared personal stories and experiences.

• Rita McCabe, representing SubZero Ice Cream, captivated students with her innovative approach to making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, sparking curiosity about the science behind it.
• Gustavo Guerrero, a bilingual liaison, singer, songwriter, and advocate, shared his experiences and encouraged students to embrace their talents and passions in their career pursuits.
• Manchester Craft Market, a local market full of handmade items within the Mall of New Hampshire, presented on what it’s like to own a store front and make your own products.
• Manchester Animal Hospital gave an engaging presentation about vet science and the responsibilities involved in caring for animals. Students were delighted to meet a bunny during the session, which made the experience even more memorable. Seeing a live animal up close gave them a firsthand glimpse of the world of veterinary care.
• The Office of Youth Services introduced students to the important work they do in supporting and empowering young people. The Office of Youth Services ensures safety and positive growth for all youth and families by offering wrap-around services and connecting them to comprehensive resources. The program creates opportunities for youth to engage in positive activities and offers support to marginalized communities including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and new Americans.

Career on Wheels

Outside the school, students explored the “Career on Wheels” exhibit, which showcased different professions that involved working with vehicles and equipment. This hands-on experience allowed students to see and interact with:

• Tony Terragni, owner of Terragni Carpentry, demonstrated the tools and vehicles used in carpentry and construction, giving students a glimpse into the world of skilled trades.
• Manchester Transit Authority provided a tour of a school bus, explaining how public transportation plays a crucial role in the community.
• UPS brought a delivery vehicle and shared what it’s like to work in logistics and package delivery.
• Manchester Public Works introduced students to the various trucks used in public works, such as a plow truck and garbage truck. 
• The Manchester Fire Department students discussed with students the importance of fire safety as well as who to call on during an emergency, students were also able to view inside the fire truck.
• The Manchester Police Department gave students an up-close look at a police cruiser and discussed the importance of public safety and community service.
• B’s Tacos presented their food truck, which was a hit with the students. They allowed them to view inside the truck, explaining the different aspects of running a food truck business. Students were fascinated by the setup and the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship in the culinary industry.

The fair concluded with students expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn about so many careers. The exposure to different professions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on these young minds as they consider their future paths. The event was a resounding success, fostering curiosity, creativity, and inspiration among the students of Beech Street Elementary School.

See the student’s exit tickets here:

Stephanie Emmons, Gossler Park Elementary School’s staff, was recognized as one of the WZID 20 Outstanding Women Award for 2024. Emmons was nominated for her exceptional work in the Manchester community and recognized for her commitment to her school and community and to supporting students and families.

Although Emmons is humble and doesn’t seek attention, she agreed to be featured because of her deep love for her school and the local community. Raised in Maine, she attended Saint Anselm College and earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology before obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire.  Prior to joining the school district, Emmons worked with Waypoint and later became a part of the district working for Amoskeag Health as part of the Community Schools Grant. Following the grant, she transitioned to a full-time position within the district.

Aimee Kereage, Manchester Proud’s, Community Partnerships Director praised Emmons as an “amazing human,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with her. Emmons herself acknowledges the uniqueness of the community, stating, “I’ve never worked at another school, but this community is so special…my goal and our goal is that people feel like a community—we are welcoming, we are not just a school.”

In her role at Gossler Park Elementary School, Emmons supports the entire student population of around 360 students, handling various tasks such as community and family outreach, attendance check-ins, individual counseling, and group kindergarten classes focusing on social-emotional learning skills. Additionally, Emmons plays an integral part in organizing the Parent-Teacher Association. During our interview, Emmons was organizing Popcorn Fridays where students receive a bag of popcorn and parent volunteers make the popcorn. 

Emmons also takes on extensive community outreach efforts, including establishing the school’s food pantry, providing Thanksgiving baskets, arranging Christmas assistance programs, Earn a Bike, Leadership Day, and so much more. She works to establish community partnerships, an example of this she collaborates with The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester to offer trauma support groups, facilitating stronger support for students and families. Emmons emphasizes the importance of connecting families with resources and building relationships to foster a sense of community. 

Despite her many responsibilities, Emmons says, “I will never say no to an opportunity to support our school”. She truly embraces all opportunities to support the school and the community. She shares her excitement about having a new staff member join through the Federal Community School Grant, which will allow for greater community engagement and collaboration. Emmons envisions hosting more parent and family nights to strengthen connections with families.

While visiting with Emmons, the morning announcements came on which Emmons worked with three other staff members to create. This is a video message from students including the Pledge of Allegiance, weather, birthdays, lunch specials, and any other announcements. The editing of these videos was impressive with graphics and text overlay. Emmons shared that she and the three staff take turns in filming the announcements and editing them. 

As our interview concluded, Emmons’s passion for the school and community was evident but she shared her recognition with the school community, “I want to give a shoutout to everyone in the school; everyone here cares and works hard”.  

In recognition of her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Stephanie Emmons continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families at Gossler Park Elementary School. Her pride in her work and the community is undeniable, as she proudly wears a “west side pride” button on her lanyard. As we walked out of her room together, she was greeted with smiles and hugs from students demonstrating her work in establishing relationships with her students. 

Interested in donating to the Gossler Park Elementary School food pantry? Reach out to semmons@mansd.org

Empowering the Next Generation: Reflections from the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Foundation of Friends Breakfast

The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Foundation of Friends Breakfast showcased the profound impact the club has had on the youth in the community. The event began with opening remarks from Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, who set the tone for the morning by highlighting the club’s commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for the children of the city.

Loren, the Torch Club President, and an eighth-grade student, shared her journey from a quiet and shy first-grader to a strong leader with dreams of owning her own business. Loren credited her transformation to the support she received at the club, particularly from Antonio Feliciano, Director of Operations, one of Manchester Proud’s Champion’s Council members, who helped guide her on her path.

Mayor Jay Ruais spoke about the club’s vital role in providing hope and opportunity for Manchester’s youth. He praised the club for being a beacon of light, ensuring that children in the city have a place where they can grow and thrive.

Two youth members also shared their personal experiences at the club. Junior Youth of the Year Alondra, a seventh-grader at Hillside, expressed her gratitude for the club, stating, “I walk into the Club every day and immediately feel safe and accepted. I know I can be me.” Youth of the Year, 17-year-old junior Olivia, discussed how the club played a significant role in helping her overcome personal challenges and steer her life back on the right path. “I’m stronger than my past self. I am on my way to success,” she proudly stated.

A video was presented featuring interviews with various club members, highlighting the unwavering support they received from the club and the broader community. Business partner Fidelity provided fellowship opportunities that led to long-term employment for Central High School alum Doro Koita. Additionally, the video showcased a bike club led by the Teen/Tween Director, Zack Clark and a volunteer, fostering a newfound love for biking among the group.

Former club member and former employee Shirley Tomlinson shared her heartfelt story of how the club became her home away from home. She spoke about the club’s support during her junior year of high school when she lost her father. Antonio, who arrived with a bus of club members and provided comfort as she began to grieve her loss. The club rallied around her that day, giving her the support and love she needed.

The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester has created a nurturing environment where young people can discover their potential and cultivate their passions. The club’s ability to uplift a generation of leaders is evident through the heartfelt testimonials shared during the event. The support from the staff, volunteers, and community partners like Fidelity empowers the youth of Manchester to excel and become strong, confident individuals.

As the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester continues its work, it remains clear that it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the city. Through dedicated efforts, the club provides a safe space where young people can learn, grow, and aspire to reach their dreams.

Webster Elementary School’s 4th and 5th grade girls’ basketball team just wrapped up their undefeated season, led by Coach Katie LaBranche. Katie LaBranche is a Title I Reading Supervisor at Webster Elementary and a mother to one of the girls on the team. She also chairs Manchester Proud’s Council.  This year’s championship is particularly notable, since only four of the team’s players returned from last year.

Asking the girls about their favorite part of being on the team, they all echoed the same feelings of enjoying being together. 5th grader, Liah says, “spending time with my friends and learning new skills”. 5th grader, Quinn added, “We have built a family around the team”. Not only were the girls like family, but they truly felt encouraged and uplifted by their coach. About Coach Katie, 4th grader, Isla says, “She is practically my idol”. 5th grader, Gloria adds, “She’s the best coach I’ve ever had”.

Eight girls on the team had never been on a team before. About this, 5th grader, Else says, “There are so many rules in basketball and they’re always changing”. To overcome this, the girls practiced three times a week and they calculated that they practiced for over 50 hours throughout the season. Coach Katie highlighted their dedication by noting that the students spent recess time creating new plays for the team. She says, “They worked hard this season”. 

About winning the championship, 4th grader, Aniya says, “It was like getting a new cat or dog and having a birthday party at the same time”. Webster Elementary School completed their undefeated season in a Championship game against McDonough Elementary School.About this 4th grader, Isla says, “McDonough is a great team so we weren’t sure that we would be able to win”. 4th grader, Anola added to this saying, “We didn’t even make the playoffs last year”! 

Coach Katie explained, “It’s like a little community” with all the alumni, students, and families coming together to encourage and celebrate the team. She told a story of Leah who arrived here from the Dominican Republic when she was in 1st grade; her father had played basketball during his time in the Dominican Republic and he came to give the girls pointers and stretches to utilize. Webster PTO also helped raise funds to purchase hoodies for the entire team, that they all wore during our interview. 

This group of students is highly involved. When asked who participates in another club or team at school, every single student raised their hand. Some examples of this are: French club, chess club, strings, 21st Century, YMCA, band, Girls Scout, BringIt!, and Boys and Girls Club. In addition to these extracurriculars, they also participate in various sports, moving into new seasons in baseball, lacrosse, girls on the run, and archery.

When saying goodbye, the girls were excited to show their team cheer. They stood together in a circle with their hands stacked together in the center and yelled, “I, 2, 3, Webster”. Congratulations to the Webster Elementary School’s 4th and 5th grade basketball team on your championship and undefeated season!

During February Vacation, a group of Manchester School District students spent part of their break earning over 20 IRCs (Industry Recognized Credentials). These credentials include AED/CPR, First Aid, ServSafe, and Fire Extinguisher operation certification. Students also enjoyed a presentation from ARMI/BioFab, where they shared about the breakthroughs happening here in our city!

On the afternoon of the final day, the group enjoyed a luncheon to celebrate their hard work with Fidelity Investments, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester School District staff, School Board members, Mayor Jay Ruais, and Member of PNWG June Trisciani.

Congratulations to these students for their hard work in earning their IRCs!

To be featured on the Community Calendar, events must actively support our students, families,
and public schools, while also being suitable for a young audience.

Approval for posting rests solely with Manchester Proud.

Submission Process: Once a comprehensive event submission is made and receives approval,
it will be featured on Manchester Proud’s Community Calendar. 


Timeline: Events can be posted up to 6 months in advance. Hosting partners are responsible
for providing updates as necessary to keep information current.

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On March 8, 2024, The Weston 4th and 5th grade basketball team celebrated their championship season. They celebrated with a pizza party and the reveal of their banner. A banner that will be proudly displayed at the school for years to come! The team is made of up of fourteen 4th and 5th-grade boys and two coaches, Jon LaVallee and Jon Ramos (both have sons on the team). 

Jon LaVallee, the coach of the team and parent to a student on the team has been coaching for 7-8 years, Jon’s oldest son is even coaching with the middle school team! About the team, he said, “We wish the season was longer, they are a great team. This is about building character and keeping them out of trouble. They need this”. Logan, a 5th grader and Jon’s son, tells us what it is like to have his dad as the coach, “It’s cool because I get to go home with him and he helps me and gives me pointers”. 

Gavin, a 5th grader who has been on the team for the past two years, explained that his favorite part of the team was, “being with my friends”. Gavin’s father joined our conversation and explained how he was deployed in the military this past year.  During his deployment, this team was really what his son needed. He said, “It was good for Gavin while I was away”. 

Aaron Junior, a 4th grader, when asked his name, responded “I’m Aaron Junior because my dad is Aaron”. His dad looked over at Aaron with a big smile.  The room is full of proud parents! Aaron Junior was excited by our conversation as he explained, “I like writing stories, like sports stories and I know how to write in cursive”. Watch out world, we have a sports reporter in the making! 

Jaymani and Jakobe are both 5th graders and second year on the team, and Jakobe’s father is coach, Jon Ramos. They were excited to sit down with us, but together. About their team, they explained, “It’s a lot of fun, our team is amazing, couldn’t have done it without them”. Jaymani and Jakobe explained they have been friends their whole lives as their parents are friends. The friendship expanded beyond the team and the students, around the room parents were gathered laughing and chatting. 

Lucas, 5th grade, says, “I like it because my friends are on the team” and another student who we previously spoke to, Aaron Junior, 4th grader, yells, “That’s what I said!”. Each student we spoke to said the same thing, they enjoyed their team because they are all friends. Chris, a 4th grader on the team explains, “I like it because they’re not in my class, but we get to be friends and can play basketball together”. Aaron Junior, 4th grader, explains, “…that’s why we won, because we are all friends.”

Following the interviews, students were given a gift bag with a sweatshirt and team photo. After opening their gift bags, the group sat down and enjoyed some cake! After receiving their gift bag, they took a group picture in their new swag yelling, “1, 2, 3 Champs!”. Asking the group if they plan on wearing their sweatshirts on Monday, a student exclaimed, “I am never taking it off”! 

These interviews were some of the most challenging that we have conducted because this group of boys are truly best of friends and were so joyful to be together playing ball, rather than sitting still for an interview. It was a real pleasure to be able to chat with this amazing team and the community surrounding them. Congratulations to the Weston Whirlwinds!

In mid-February, we “experienced” a CHAOS 131 meeting at Central High School in Manchester, NH. CHAOS 131 is the Central High School FIRST Robotics Team. Spilt between four rooms were about 30 students and 10 mentors, all working together toward one goal…FIRST Robotics Worlds! 

Advisor of CHAOS 131 and Central High School Science teacher, Charles (CJ) Chretien, gave us a tour of their workspace as well as introduced us to many students and mentors. Mr. Chretien has been involved with the FIRST Robotics team since 2014/2015. About the team, Mr. Chretien says, “It’s like a family,” and told a story of several participants who have met their spouses through the team. A Manchester resident himself, with children within the district, Mr. Chretien says, “This is an amazing thing happening in Manchester, making Manchester a better place.”

What exactly is FIRST Robotics? FIRST Robotics is an international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition along with other branches of FIRST Robotics. Established by Dean Kamen in the late 80s, Central High School was not far behind in establishing its team in 1992. What do you do at these Competitions? On the First Saturday in January, information is released to FIRST Robotics teams, information they will use to begin constructing a robot. The 2024 theme is centered around “music” including amps and speakers, into which the robot must put “music notes” (round discs)  successfully. To make it to FIRST Robotics Worlds, the team must qualify at Districts. CHAOS 131 will be competing at Districts at Salem High School and Revere High School. Upon qualification, CHAOS 131 will proceed on to Worlds in Houston, Texas. 

During our visit, the team was in peak development of their robot and all of its many components. As mentioned, students were split into four different rooms, each room having a specific duty. About this split, Mr. Chretien says, “a team is like a company with departments such as engineering, programming, communication, fundraising, and more.” The four rooms during this day included one room focusing on the mechanical and electrical build of the robot, one room focusing on applying for the FIRST Robotics IMPACT award, one room focusing on the programming of the robot, and last but not least one room focusing on the protection elements of the robot. 

Each room had at least one mentor, who are working professionals that volunteer their time to come in to assist in the FIRST Robotics program. Mentors present included a former FIRST Robotics advisors, a lawyer, a quality assurance manager, engineers, programmers, and FIRST Robotics program alumni. These mentors work with students to assist in learning through hands-on experiences in their assigned area. 

CHAOS 131 not only is building a robot for competitions, but are working to make Manchester a better place. In 2023, They completed over 700 volunteer hours as a team, participating in events such as CelebratED and hosting their own events. One example of an event that they hosted was in partnership with a local Girl Scout Troop. Through this event, they provided instruction and materials for the troop to create their own robot to earn 3 badges! The week prior to us visiting CHAOS 131, they had gone to McDonough Elementary School to facilitate an art project as well as conduct a demo of their robot. 

Not only is the team working to give back to the community, but they are demonstrating teamwork and sportsmanship. About FIRST Robotics’ sportsmanship, Mr. Chretian says, “One of FIRST Core Values is Gracious Professionalism. We operate with that in mind as a team.” While describing this, Mr. Chretien shows two students who are printing a piece for Memorial High School’s robot. “We are ahead of schedule and Memorial asked us to help out so we are happy to,” said Mr. Chretien. 

Want more information about CHAOS 131 or to see where they will be competing next? https://www.chaos131.com/ 

Interested in being a sponsor of CHAOS 131? Email 131chaos@gmail.com

Part 2

Programming Team – The Programming Team of CHAOS 131 Central High School’s FIRST Robotics team is working in Java Programming. Their job is to create programming to make the robot drive. About this team, advisor Charles (CJ) Chretien says, “This is real-world experience. We encourage students to take classes on programming, but this will show you how to implement those skills”. Mr. Chretien further explains how they have had to add in comments to their code to record errors that occur during competitions, enabling the team to problem solve.

Some programmers joined this meeting via Zoom, this stems from COVID but has proven  effective for busy schedules. The in-person team works collaboratively with the virtual team as pictured below.

Part 3

Matt Bisson is an alumnus of Central High School (Class of 2017) and currently works at DEKA as a Systems Engineer. He discovered his love for engineering through FIRST Robotics and Central High School’s team, CHAOS 131. Matt continues to work with the team through mentorship.About being back as a mentor Matt says, “It’s cool to give back to the program and students”. 

Matt shares his excitement about CHAOS 131 journey to Worlds, “the last time we went to Worlds was during my senior year in 2017”. His confidence aligns with the team upgrading equipment since his time in 2017, including a 3D printer and other mechanical and electrical technologies. Matt credits this to grants provided by the Department of Education, but also to Assistant Superintendent, Nicole Doherty and School board member, Jim O’Connell advocating for funding for the program. 

Part 4

Mia is a senior at Central High School who is a Dean’s List Semi-Finalist, an award based on Leadership and Impact. Mia plans to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology to study both Fine Arts and Robotics. Mia used her love of art, robotics, and desire to give back to the community to facilitate a workshop at McDonough Elementary School. She facilitated an art project and the CHAOS 131 team then gave a demonstration to the school of their robot. 

Part 5

Tony Pion is an alumnus of Central High School (Class of 2020) and currently in his senior year at UNH Manchester, while working full-time in Computer Information Systems at Mainstay Technologies. Troy participated in FIRST Robotics during his time at Central High School and returns back to mentor. About his time in FIRST Robotics, “Participating helped me with electrical knowledge in my career”. Troy assisted students with wiring and electrical components  of the robot. 

Part 6

Caiden – is a senior at Central High School, who plans to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering. Caiden received acceptance into all the schools that he applied to and is still deciding on the right school for him. Caiden has been a part of CHAOS 131 since his sophomore year (2020 was his Freshman year and CHAOS 131 was not active) and has worked a lot in the CAD (computer-aided design) software to create the blueprints for constructing the robot. About his work Caiden says, “I enjoy the CAD work the most, but now that’s basically done, it’s fun to be in the shop building.” 

Part 7

Isaac is a junior at Central High School, who is also on the baseball team. He participates in the shop where the robot is built and during competition he does some scouting.Through Isaac’s experience with baseball, he has developed scouting skills to collect data at competitions. He then puts this data into spreadsheets for analysis and reporting. When asked what he liked about FIRST Robotics, “I like design, I plan to go into some sort of engineering – mechanical or robotics.” 

Part 8

Zuzu is a sophomore at Central High School, who has been a part of FIRST Robotics for both of her years. When asked why she joined FIRST Robotics, Zuzu says, “I want to be a Wildlife Biologist. A lot of biologists want to learn the science, but stay clear of the robots.  But the only way to observe wildlife is by creating robots that blend in with surroundings.” Zuzu works in the design and construction of the robot to get experience that she is hoping to transfer into her career as a Wildlife Biologist. 

Part 9

Oliver is a senior at Central High School and has been a part of FIRST Robotics since his freshman year. Oliver will be the driver of the robot for the 2024 competition season. When asked about his favorite thing in regard to FIRST Robotics, Oliver says, “Build and design robots.” He hopes to continue this work into his career as he has been accepted into several colleges, including Wentworth and WPI to study Mechanical Engineering. 

Part 10

Lexi is a junior at Central High School, who just joined the FIRST Robotics team this year. Lexi was encouraged to join by the team advisor, Charles (CJ) Chretien, as she would like to go into a STEM major like Chemical Engineering. When asked what she enjoys most about FIRST Robotics, Lexi says, “I really like hands-on work and assembling in the shop.”

Want more information about CHAOS 131 or to see where they will be competing next? https://www.chaos131.com/ 

Interested in being a sponsor of CHAOS 131? Email 131chaos@gmail.com

In late January, Dr. Jennifer Chmiel Gillis presented the Superintendent’s mid-year progress update to the Board of School Committee. She provided updates on goals aligning with the District’s community-built strategic plan, highlighting progress in the three goal areas: Grow Our Learners, Grow Our Educators, and Grow Our System.

It is particularly notable that the District’s sustained efforts, as highlighted below, are yielding improvements in critical areas such as attendance, literacy, and mathematics. 

Grow our Learners

• Student Engagement in Learning
  • Increased opportunities for student engagement in their learning remain on track. The Dual Language Immersion initiative is underway with professional development and community sessions. Industry Recognized Credentials have increased from one session last school year to 11 so far this school year, and a second vacation camp is set for February. Pathways, aligned with the strategic plan’s profile of a graduate, link school work with college and career readiness. Graduation requirements have been increased to 22.5 credits to challenge and inspire our students. 
• Office of Civil Rights Agreement
  • The District’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Agreement continues toward completion, with only one remaining item.  The District is awaiting OCR’s response to this final submission. 
• Middle School Model
  • Implementation of the Middle School Model continues on track. All four middle schools are in the NELMS (New England League of Middle Schools) work, including trainings. Student schedules continue to be further aligned across all four middle schools, including the course catalog for middle schools. 

Grow our Educators

• Professional Development
  • Providing ongoing, relevant, Professional Development (PD) for all staff continues on track. The District’s Professional Development plan is strategically aligned with goals for Growing our Learners. 
• Hiring
  • Opportunities and systems to diversify and strengthen Manchester School District’s workforce are underway, with a focus on both recruitment and retention. 

Grow Our System

• Alignment of Goals
  • Alignment of all goal sets (strategic plan, district, department, and school ABC – Attendance, Behavior, Curriculum goals) is complete, but continues to be monitored with the Teaching & Learning Committee for curriculum and Student Conduct for attendance and behavior. 
• Long-term Facilities Planning
  • Progress on the Long Term Facilities Project continues on track. Priority one projects are approved and being bonded. Priority two is in motion with the master plan coming for public presentation in late winter/early spring. 
• District Welcome Center
  • Establishing our District Welcome Center, as a one-stop source of information and engagement for students and families,  remains on track as two positions have been posted. The District is working to identify a location that is tied to long-term facilities planning.
• Community Partnerships
  • Expanding and celebrating community partnerships continues on track. Monthly partner meetings to optimize the application of community resources to the needs of our schools are ongoing. Manchester Proud’s Compass continues to be developed and promoted as a gateway to services and programs.

Guided by our capable and dedicated school leaders and staff, supported by our elected officials, and empowered by the will of our community, the Manchester School District is progressing toward our ultimate goal of exceptional public schools for ALL of Manchester.

Save the date and join us at the Rex Theater for the State of MSD 2024-2025 on September 19, 2024, to participate in a live update by Dr. Gillis and our school leaders.

“A Matter of Trust”

Manchester Proud exists to inform and inspire community engagement in the making of exceptional public schools – schools that are a vital source of knowledge, enrichment, and pride for all of Manchester.

Our success in achieving school-community engagement relies upon relationships founded on trust. I can hear the voice of Billy Joel as I write – sometimes it does indeed come down to a “Matter of Trust”. But, in a world broadcasting so much unfounded misinformation and intentionally misleading disinformation, how do we decide who to trust? 

Trust is earned by those who consistently act and speak truthfully and with good intent. They may not always “be right”, but they always strive to “do right”, to advance the greater good. When it comes to matters as critical to Manchester’s future as our public schools, it is essential that our actions be guided by accurate, reliable information. There can be no allowance for misrepresentation. Albert Einstein famously said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters”. The people of Manchester expect their leaders to take great care to express and uphold that which is fair and true. 

Manchester Proud works day in and out to earn our community’s trust by grounding our work in facts and speaking truthfully. Our Council and Work Group members all sign-on to our “Champion’s Declaration”, which includes a pledge to perform all duties with:

Integrity – Demonstrating the highest standards of conduct, accountability, trustworthiness, and fairness

Excellence – Striving to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service, and achievement

Honesty – Communicating directly, respectfully, honestly, and openly

Responsibility – Taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions and being a careful steward of the mission and values of Manchester Proud

Undoubtedly, these words are easier said than lived, but we can all try a bit harder. And we must instill in our students the critical thinking needed to discern fact from fiction. Let’s work together to distinguish Manchester as a community that thrives in a culture of trust, founded on Integrity, Excellence, Honesty, and Responsibility.

On Friday, January 26, 2024, Manchester Proud worked together with the Manchester School District to coordinate and distribute 200 brand-new coats to our students. This effort was part of Operation Warm, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide winter coats and shoes to children in need. Operation Warm partners with corporations and organizations who fundraise, deliver, and distribute these items to students all over the country. 

“In our cold New England winters, a good, warm coat is a necessity, whether you’re walking to school or playing outside with friends,” said Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel Gillis. “Operation Warm helps meet a critical need, bringing us new, high-quality coats for the students that need them the most. We are incredibly grateful for the program’s continued efforts, as well as for the Bean Foundation, which provided the funding. We would also like to thank Manchester Proud, which helped coordinate the donations. As I often say, we are stronger together – this is just another great example of how our students benefit when the community comes together.”

“The Bean Foundation would like to thank Operation Warm and Manchester Proud for ensuring that students in Manchester are provided with warm coats,” said Bean Foundation Director, Leslee Stewart. “The Bean Foundation is proud to support this important community effort.”

You can learn more about Operation Warm here: https://www.operationwarm.org/

Strong school to community partnerships are essential for meeting the needs of 21st-century learners. Manchester Proud plays a crucial role in aligning student opportunities with the resources and needs of local businesses. From our earliest days, Manchester Proud has been supported by our business partners who, like us, are focused on the success of our community. We know that a thriving school district is essential to a thriving community and we are poised to move to the next step.

Building our next workforce in Manchester.

We have built trust, partnerships, and systems – we are here and we are ready.

Manchester Proud in collaboration with the Manchester School District has created an integrated Career Connected Learning Initiative that engages students, families, and local businesses, providing opportunities for students at every grade band to experience and learn from our local business partners.

Career Connected Learning is an approach that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and opportunities related to careers. The goal is to prepare students for the workforce by providing them with practical skills, knowledge, and exposure to a variety of careers. Businesses can participate in a variety of levels: building awareness in classrooms or schools by participating in career days; speaking in classes or hosting tours; helping students explore careers by hosting job shadows; helping with mock interviews; or deeper career exploration discussions. This initiative also allows for full immersion into industries by hosting students as interns and apprentices. Building awareness, exploring careers, and immersing students provides opportunities for students as young as kindergarteners to learn about what happens at a business and for older students to gain in-depth, hands-on experiences.

The goal of Manchester Proud’s Career Connected Learning Initiative is to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, making sure that students are best prepared to enter the workforce and that companies are engaged and active participants in the process. This holistic approach supports not only the needs of the child but the needs of the community – creating a rich and thriving partnership.

The Career Connected Learning Initiative is beneficial to our students, families, and businesses. Students are exposed to different career pathways. This is essential for their personal and professional development, enabling them to make informed decisions, acquire diverse skills, and navigate the complexities of the modern job market.

Companies involved in career-connected learning for students contribute to the development of a well-prepared and skilled workforce, while simultaneously benefiting from a range of advantages related to talent acquisition, innovation, and community engagement.

Manchester Proud is eager to prioritize this work over the next several years. We are uniquely positioned to help support the creation and successful implementation of this initiative. Due to strong business connections and strong relationships with the schools, we are able to help bridge the divide between the two silos – breaking them down and creating unique opportunities across the community.

Our businesses want to do the work, our schools are eager to do the work and Manchester Proud is able to provide the map. ONWARD!

CCL Opportunity: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cW-gkShZzLObISlNnhkv6zfQ7y-Kx9Nj/view 

Manchester Proud continues to grow as an increasingly effective and valued partner of our schools, community organizations, and businesses. Of course, we have taken some missteps along the way, but thankfully they have been few, manageable, and instructive – we have learned a lot!

We have also gotten some things right from the start. Our founders had the good sense to realize that our strength would not come from one or a few individuals but from broad community engagement and mutually rewarding partnerships. They established several fundamental ground rules to ensure Manchester Proud’s sustained relevance and continuity:

• Set politics aside and welcome all who commit to the success of our students and public schools
• Respect the authority of our school leaders and elected officials and build authentic partnerships to expedite their good work
• Know that our collective vision of great public schools is bigger than any one person or group, including our founders, Council, school leaders, and elected officials.

Indeed, the success of our students and public schools is so profoundly important that its achievement must transcend dependence upon any one individual or group. During Manchester Proud’s six-year history, we have been deeply grateful for the productive relationships we have enjoyed with our Mayor, three Superintendents of School, and three Boards of School Committee. In each case, through inevitable transitions, our work has continued forward, driven by our higher purpose of making exceptional public schools for ALL of Manchester.

Soon we will again transition to governance by a new Mayor and Boards of Aldermen and School Committee. We congratulate all who have been elected and thank those who have served. Undoubtedly, new voices will now be heard in our community’s dialog, bringing added ideas and perspectives. Manchester Proud welcomes all in the spirit of friendship and collaboration, as we attain common ground in the pursuit of what really matters – the wellbeing and futures of our children and community.