February 2009 Key Messages

Accountability, Assessment, Curriculum, and School Improvement

A. NECAP - Test Item Review Committees Recruitment

The Department is recruiting New Hampshire educators to serve on NECAP test item review committees for reading, mathematics, and writing. There will be four committees in reading (Grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 11), four committees in mathematics (grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 11), three committee in writing (grades 5, 8, and 11), and one Bias committee (all grades, all content areas). Content committees will meet at the Radisson in Nashua March 23-25. The Bias committee will meet March 24-25 at the same location. Hotel, mileage, and meal costs will be covered. Outstanding educators are encouraged to apply. The application may be found at: www.education.nh.gov (look towards the bottom of the page for the application).

Contact: Tim Kurtz, (603) 271-3846, tkurtz@ed.state.nh.us

B. Recruitment for Statewide Assessment Committees

The Department is recruiting for several statewide assessment committees. Details on the committees can be found at the Web site listed below. To apply to serve on a statewide assessment committee you must complete a formal committee application form. (Informal e-mails will not be accepted in lieu of a completed form.) Committee application forms are available online at: www.education.nh.gov under "Test Item Review and Bias Committees. " Members are needed for the Test Item Review Committees scheduled to meet March 23-25, 2009 for NECAP mathematics and reading in grades 3-8 and 11.

Contact: Gail Taylor, (603) 271-8266, Gail.J.Taylor@ed.state.nh.us

C. NECAP - Fall Testing Schedule

The Four NECAP states have set a policy for the date of fall NECAP testing in reading, mathematics, and writing. Each year, the start of fall testing will be October 1, or if October 1 falls on a weekend then the first school day after October 1. The testing window will be three weeks long.

Reminder, the spring science test window for 2009 is May 11-28, 2009. No decision has been made yet for future years.

Contact: Tim Kurtz, (603) 271-3846, tkurtz@ed.state.nh.us

D. NECAP - Internet-based Computer-delivered Accommodations

The Department was awarded a $1,700,000 grant from the USED to implement an internet-based computer-delivered accommodation system for NECAP. The Department is working with the other three NECAP states, Nimble Assessment Systems Inc., and Measured Progress to offer the accommodation tool to students in grade 11 on this spring's NECAP science test. Information will be sent to schools and districts in February.

Contact: Tim Kurtz, (603) 271-3846, tkurtz@ed.state.nh.us

E. New Hampshire Accountability System

The NH Legislature has been charged with the development of an accountability system in order to determine if students are being provided the opportunity for an adequate education. The NH Department of Education, through its Accountability (AYP) Task Force, has been asked to help define the parameters and the process that will be implemented for New Hampshire schools. Information about the original Legislative Committee Proposal and the work of the task force is posted for public review on a new NH Accountability System Web page (www.education.nh.gov). Updates, meeting notes, resources, and committee membership are posted there.

Contact: Deb Wiswell, (603) 271-3828, dwiswell@ed.state.nh.us

F. NH-Alternate Assessment Online Registration

Online Registration begins on February 2nd for all students who are completing NH-Alternate Assessment portfolios in reading, mathematics, writing and/or science during the current school year. Districts must register all NH-Alt participating students, including those placed out of district. For each participating student, the special education director from the responsible (or sending) NH district will again work with the district i4see data coordinator to enter the secure registration data for each student. An e-mail memo was sent out to all NH Special Education Directors with more detailed instructions. District i4see coordinators should have also received e-mail notification. The NH-Alt Online Registration window runs: February 2 - March 5, 2009.

Contact: Gaye Fedorchak, (603) 271-7383, gfedorchak@ed.state.nh.us (for policy & participation questions)

Sandy Hyslop, (603) 271-2831, i4seeHelp@ed.state.nh.us (for i4see data and procedural questions)

G. Developing the Next Generation of NH-Alternate Assessment

We are currently seeking certified general educators with experience in curriculum development and/or teaching of reading or mathematics to participate in the prioritization, selection, and 'plain language description' of foundational academic standards to be used in the next generation of NH Alternate Assessment. The task of developing NH-Alternate linkages to grade level content expectations will be challenging but is key to the development of the new assessment system required under NCLB for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The time commitment required will extend over about 3-4 months and will include a combination of independent and some team-based work days. Some time flexibility may be possible. This project is expected to benefit the entire spectrum of NH students well beyond those participating in NH Alternate Assessment. If you are interested in becoming a part of this effort or want to learn more, please see the contact information below.

Contact: Gaye Fedorchak, (603) 271-7383, gfedorchak@ed.state.nh.us

H. Advanced Placement Test Fee Program

The NHDOE has applied to the USDOE for funding of the AP Test Fee program for 2009 (including for the first time in NH, International Baccalaureate test fees). It is our expectation that we will be able to support AP test fee reductions as in the past, as well as IB test fees. However, as this is dependent on program application approval and congressional funding, this may not be confirmed until March.

Contact: Kenneth Relihan, (603) 271-6151, krelihan@ed.state.nh.us

Christine Downing has officially joined the Department as the Mathematics Education Consultant. She has been filling in since Rich Andrusiak left a year ago. Christine comes to us with unbridled enthusiasm and an ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously. She continues the long line of distinguished educators to join the Department to support and improve mathematics education in our state. Christine can be reached at (603) 271-3844 or Christine.L.Downing@ed.state.nh.us.

Data Issues

A. Credentialing Reports

The credentialing reports have been sent to the Superintendents for verification of personnel. These reports are due back by February 20, 2009. It is important to have an accurate account of all educators employed by the SAU in order for the Bureau to send each district appropriate renewal information.

Contact: Lisa Landenberger, (603) 271-2409, l.landenberger@ed.state.nh.us

B. Online Educator Information System

This Spring the Bureau of Credentialing anticipates that SAUs will be directed to process educator renewals online. More information is being sent directly to superintendents.

Contact: Denise Littlefield, (603) 271-4196, denise.littlefield@ed.state.nh.us

Dr. Robert McLaughlin has joined the Bureau of Credentialing as the program consultant for coordination of teacher preparation program review. Bob comes to the Department from Rivier College. His strong background in higher education, professional development, and educator preparation provides the leadership and expertise for our program review process. Bob can be reached at robert.mclaughlin@ed.state.nh.us or (603) 271-2634.

Funding Issues

School Building Aid

a. Please submit Form A24F and any other missing documentation as soon as construction projects are complete. We cannot make the final payment on any project with missing documentation.

Please inform the Department of the results of bond votes as soon as district meetings are held.

Contact: Marjorie Schoonmaker, (603) 271-3620, mschoonmaker@ed.state.nh.us

Grants and Requests for Proposals

A. Mathematics/Science Partnership Grant

We are reviewing the MSP proposals individually in February and will be analyzing the results in mid-February. We will notify all applicants of the award determination by the beginning of March.

Contact: Jiffi Rainie at (603) 271-7450 or jennifer.rainie@ed.state.nh.us.

ALL RFPs Can be Found on the Department Web site at www.education.nh.gov

B. 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program

NH's 21st CCLC Program announces its 2009 competition for an anticipated $2 million. The program's purpose is to raise student academic achievement through the creation and expansion of community learning centers during out of school time hours that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities as well as additional activities designed to complement their regular academic program. All schools with a minimum of 30% of the student population identified as recipients of the free/reduced lunch program by October 2008 are eligible to apply. Middle and high schools are eligible if the majority of the feeder elementary schools meet the eligibility criteria. Priority points will be awarded to Schools and/or Districts in Need of Improvement.

Applicants for 21st CCLC funds must demonstrate collaboration between a local educational agency (LEA) and one or more community-based organizations (CBOs), faith based organizations (FBOs) or other public or private entities and must primarily serve students who attend schools with a high concentration of economically disadvantaged students. The lead agency may be the school, district, CBO, FBO or other organization but must always partner with an eligible school. A timeline is included below. The RFP will be posted to the Department's Web site after the Bidders Conference.

2009 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Competition Timeline

Month, Year	Task
March 2, 2009	Application Deadline
March-April 2009	Application Reviews
May 1, 2009	21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Award Notification
July 1, 2009	Awards Commence

Contact: Suzanne Birdsall, 520-6263, sbirdsall@ed.state.nh.us or
Christina Durkee, (603) 271-7306, cdurkee@ed.state.nh.us

C. Alternative Education

The New Hampshire Dropout Prevention and Recovery Oversight Council is currently seeking proposals from all interested applicants (school districts, community-based organizations, postsecondary institutions, faith-based organizations, agency collaboratives, etc.) to increase graduation rates by providing alternative education options to

• Increase current capacity to students at-risk of dropping out that are between the ages of 16 to 21 and enrolled in secondary education.
• Implement strategies and/or programs to serve underclassmen entering or enrolled in secondary education to achieve their graduation requirements.

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals 4 p.m. March 16, 2009

Contact: Susan Randall, (603) 271-7095, srandall@ed.state.nh.us

Hearings

On Friday, March 11, 2009, 11:00 a.m. there will be a public rulemaking hearing on Initial Proposal Ed 507 and 612, English Language Arts and Social Studies for Middle and High Schools and Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs at the NH Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH in the State Board Room. Deadline for written comment is March 27, 2009.

Contact: Mary Mayo, (603) 271-3189, mmayo@ed.state.nh.us

NH High School Redesign

A. Status of 17 or 18 Year Olds Under Senate Bill 18

As discussed at the Commissioner's December meeting with Superintendents, SB 18 will apply to all 16 or 17 year old individuals as of July 1, 2009. This will mean that all 16 and 17 year olds will need to be enrolled in school unless they have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. This includes 16 and 17 year olds who may have legally dropped out of school in the past two years.

Contact: Paul Leather, (603) 271-3801, pleather@ed.state.nh.us

School Approval Standards
This section applies to both public and nonpublic schools

A. School Approval

a. Please provide fire and health reports, including re-inspection reports, as they become available.

b. A number of schools were designated as conditionally approved by the State Board last June. Conditional approval is granted for one year at a time. Schools may be conditionally approved for up to three consecutive years. Schools designated as conditionally approved should make corrective actions as soon as possible and forward the appropriate documentation to the school approval office. Status will be changed to approved as soon as all standards are met.

c. Schools in their third year of conditional approval will need to request a Delay in Full Compliance from the State Board of Education if standards have not been met by June 2009. This requires an appearance in person by the superintendent and a representative from the local school board.

d. Proposed designations for schools expiring June 30, 2009 will be mailed in March. Schools will have 30 days to request to respond if they feel the designation is incorrect.

e. Minimum Standard Reminder - Ed 306.27(u) authorizes the Commissioner to waive a particular high school graduation requirement for several reasons including a physical disability to complete the physical education requirement, and in situations where students have moved from another school during their senior year and are unable to schedule all required courses.

Contact: Marie Morgan, (603) 271-4125, mmorgan@ed.state.nh.us
Leslie Higgins, (603) 271-3759, lhiggins@ed.state.nh.us

B. Technical Advisory

Technical Advisory #18 was issued on January 12, 2009 addressing requirements for kindergarten. Requirements for kindergarten curriculum, staff, instructional time, and support services are discussed in the advisory.

Please note: For kindergarten, it is not necessary to make up time lost due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Please review and share with staff. This advisory as well as previous advisories can be found on the Department's Web site at www.education.nh.gov.

Contact: Ed Murdough, (603) 271-2037, emurdough@ed.state.nh.us

Professional Development

A. Arts Alive-Professional Development day for visual art teachers at the Belknap Mill is March 16th. Registration is $50.00.

Contact: Marcia McCaffrey, (603) 271-3193, mmccaffrey@ed.state.nh.us

B. Clowning Around with Literacy

April 11 is again declared Literacy Day - the 2008 Celebration was very successful and enjoyed by all. This free family celebration is to be held from 9:00 to 12:00 noon at Merrimack Valley Middle School and Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook. Registration is not required. Please join us for a Circus of Literacy with free activities for all ages, free snacks, free books, free admission, free exhibits.

Sponsored by the Granite State Reading Council

Contact: Helen Schotanus, (603) 271-3842, hschotanus@ed.state.nh.us or
madciocca@aol.com, or edithperkins@comcast.net

C. New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics (NHTM) Conference

The annual NHTM conference will be held on March 17, 2009, at Keene State College. The theme of the conference is Mathematical Literacy. NHTM has been experiencing some difficulties with its Web site. So for now, please use www.nhmathteachers.org to access NHTM information and updates.

Contact: Christine Downing, (603) 271-3844, Christine.L.Downing@ed.state.nh.us

D. NNECERAPPA Spring Conference

The Northern New England Chapter, Eastern Region, Association of Physical Plant Administrators (NNECERAPPA) is holding its spring conference at St. Paul's School in Concord on March 5th and 6th. The cost is $99. To register or for more information go to www.erappa.org/nne.

Contact: Ed Murdough, (603) 271-2037, emurdough@ed.state.nh.us

E. Reducing Energy Costs Workshop

There will be a workshop on reducing energy costs for business administrators and facility directors on March 19th at PSNH in Manchester. This is rescheduled from December 18th. To register go to www.neep.org/HPSE/index.php.

Contact: Ed Murdough, (603) 271-2037, emurdough@ed.state.nh.us

F. Science Professional Development

There will be several science professional development opportunities during the upcoming year. These will be held in Room 15 at the NH Department of Education from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. There is no cost but some sessions have limits due to materials. On March 3rd, we will hold the 3rd Science Leaders' Forum and will examine released items from NECAP as well as student work samples. Everyone is invited to attend, even if you have not attended the previous forums. For a complete listing of workshops, or to register, go to the Department's Web site at www.education.nh.gov, and click on "Upcoming Events."

Contact: Jan McLaughlin, (603) 271-3856, jmclaughlin@ed.state.nh.us
Gail Taylor, (603) 271-8266, Gail.J.Taylor@ed.state.nh.us or
Jiffi Rainie, (603) 271-7450, Jennifer.rainie@ed.state.nh.us

Resources

A. Elementary and Secondary School Statistics

The 2007-2008 "Stat Cards" are now available in print and on the Web site at www.education.nh.gov. These cards contain a variety of statistical information about NH Schools.

Contact: Anne Hartshorn, (603) 271-8307, ahartshorn@ed.state.nh.us

B. Ed-Tech News

The Office of Educational Technology now distributes news and research information via the ETNews Blog at www.nheon.org/oetb. Here are a few of the most recent posts:

• Stop Bullying Now: Focus on Cyber Bullying
• Digital Portfolio Solution Open House - February 5, 2009
• Digital Citizenship
• Would you like $10,000 for your school
• Educating the 21st Century Learner
• NHPR Sponsors Town Meeting Map Project

We encourage you to post a comment on the blog! Go to www.nheon.org/oetb and click the "leave a comment" link under the title of the article. You will be asked to enter your name and e-mail (but your e-mail won't display to the public). Comments will be verified by our office before appearing on the site (as a precaution against widespread spamming).

Contact: Cathy Higgins, (603) 271-2453, chiggins@ed.state.nh.us

C. Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) Presentations

Educators who want to introduce their students in grades 3-6 to New Hampshire's wildlife resources - or reinforce wildlife-related lessons they have learned - have until February 27 to request spring 2009 Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) presentations by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department volunteers. Wonders of Wildlife is a series of active educational programs presented in the classroom. Fish and Game WOW presenters travel to elementary schools to teach one of four interactive programs: Habits and Habitats; Endangered Species; Pond Ecology; and Wetlands. There is no charge for the programs.

For a program request form to print and mail, visit www.WildNH.com/Education/ed_Wonders_of_Wildlife.htm and click on "Unit Request Form."

D. NH Tobacco Databook: Comprehensive Report on Health Effects of Tobacco Use

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) announces the release of the NH Tobacco Databook. The Databook is the fourth compilation and review of current available data on tobacco use, health impacts, behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of New Hampshire residents. This report identifies the areas where we are doing well, and the areas where we must continue to work. The NH Tobacco Databook can be found at www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/ATOD/TPCP.htm

Other

Celebration of Education

The NH Department of Education, NH Business Education Association (NHBEA), and the Manchester Monarchs, have organized an educator appreciation event. The Monarchs "Celebration of Education" will take place on Sunday, February 22. For this event, any teacher will receive a complimentary ticket and discount tickets for their friends and family to participate in the celebration. The Monarchs will make a special presentation to outstanding educators and will have a special commemorative program listing all the participating educators. Additionally, there will be special raffles and door prizes available only to educators.

Please join us at this incredible event in "Celebration of Education" in New Hampshire. Order your tickets early as seats are limited. For any questions, please contact Jon Mermer from the Monarchs at (603) 626-7825 x. 6115 or JMermer@ManchesterMonarchs.com.

Contact: Lori Temple, (603) 271-6646, ltemple@ed.state.nh.us

Granite State Scholars

Each year, the Commissioner of Education is required to designate Granite State Scholars. The designations are made from lists submitted to the Commissioner's Office by the high school principals within the state. The principals should send their lists in Excel or spreadsheet format to Mary Mayo at the New Hampshire Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301 or mmayo@ed.state.nh.us. The list should also include the student's home mailing address. The Department is asking that the names of the qualified student be sent to the Department no later than February 27, 2009.

The qualifications for designation are:

1. Student must be a high school senior, under the age of 21
2. Student must be ranked in the top 10% of the senior class
3. Student must have scored at least 1200 on an SAT exam taken on or before January 31st of the student's senior year (or an equivalent score on ACT). The 1200 minimum SAT score - is the Reading and Math combined.

In addition, home-school students are to be considered for designation, as well as students in high schools that do not rank order its students. These last two elements will require some thought about how to identify these students.

Contact: Sarah Browning, (603) 271-3879, sbrowning@ed.state.nh.us

NH Teacher of the Year Nominations

Superintendents, principals, teachers, school staff members, teacher organizations, parents, and others interested in New Hampshire schools are encouraged to nominate an outstanding teacher by submitting their request to the New Hampshire Department of Education by February 17, 2009. A Teacher of the Year candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled person from any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who intends to continue in the teaching profession. The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is worthy of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession, and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide. Selecting a Teacher of the Year is an exceptional way to celebrate the many outstanding and dedicated people teaching in New Hampshire schools. Teacher of the Year nomination forms and applications can be downloaded from the Department of Education Web site at www.education.nh.gov. Nominees must submit their applications to the NH DOE by March 20, 2009. All nominees who submit the required information will be honored at a ceremony in April.

Contact: Lori Temple, (603) 271-6646, ltemple@ed.state.nh.us

NH School Nurse of the Year

Each year, the New Hampshire School Nurses Association (NHSNA) gives school districts throughout the state the opportunity to nominate their school nurse for "NH School Nurse of the Year." This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for their contributions to the school and community. To be eligible for this award, your school nurse must meet the following criteria:

• is a registered professional nurse
• has been practicing school nursing for a minimum of three (3) years
• is a member of the New Hampshire School Nurse Association this year and the prior year
• show evidence of excellence in school nursing practice.

For information on the nomination process call Anne Marie Rich (432-6925), Laurie Fleming (432-1224), or Katherine Rannie ((603) 271-3891). Nomination forms can be accessed online at the NHSNA Web page, www.nhschoolnurses.org. Deadline for nominations is February 6, 2009.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Nominations are now being accepted online for the 2009 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The PAEMST Online Application is now available at www.paemst.org. To apply, teachers must first be nominated for the award. Teachers may nominate themselves or someone else (e.g., principals, teachers, parents, or other members of the general public) may nominate them for this award. Once nominated, teachers will receive an e-mail with a login and password to access the online application. The application deadline for secondary school teachers (grades 7-12) is May 1, 2009.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees are recognized for their contribution to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching.

Contact: Jan McLaughlin, (603) 271-3856, jmclaughlin@ed.state.nh.us (for science)
Christine Downing, (603) 271-2844, Christine.L.Downing@edstate.nh.us (for mathematics)

Discover Wild New Hampshire Day

Celebrate Earth Day by bringing the family to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, set for Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on Hazen Drive in Concord. Admission is free! Lots of hands-on activities, including archery, crafts for the kids, and exhibits representing more than 35 environmental, conservation and outdoor groups from around the state. Hybrid vehicles and more energy-saving ideas, plus big fish, live animals, and trained falcons. The event is sponsored by Fish and Game and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), with support from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. For more information call (603) 271-3211, or visit www.WildNH.com.

Follow the Passion

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts in partnership with Bow High School presents "Follow the Passion: A Celebration & Exploration of Arts, Literacy and Creativity in Education," with authors, artists and MacArthur "Genius" Fellows David Macaulay and David Carroll at Bow High School, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Macaulay is a visual storyteller. Carroll, a naturalist, author and illustrator, has the eye of an artist, the mind of a scientist, the voice of a storyteller and the soul of a conservationist. The event, which is open to the public, is designed especially for teachers, children's librarians, teaching artists, parents, and middle through high school students.

Pre-registration is required. Registration fees, forms, agenda, and other details are posted on the State Arts Council's Web site, www.nh.gov/nharts. For information, contact Catherine O'Brian, coordinator of arts education grants and programs, at (603) 271-0795 or Catherine.R.OBrian@dcr.nh.gov.

National Green Week

Please sign up your school to participate in National Green Week, 2009 which begins February 2, 2009 and runs through April 22, 2009 (Earth Day). Participation is free and will provide your school with environmental curriculum for green assignments, activities and projects that can be seamlessly integrated into science, math, language arts, social studies, and creative arts curricula. The goal is to educate students on the importance of sustainability and the role they can play in environmental awareness. Wal-Mart, National Grid and Green Mountain Coffee will be providing Green In-Action Awards to schools, classes and students with the best environmental programs. It's not too late, so sign up today. To learn more about how your school can participate, please go to nationalgreenweek.com.

Funds for Student Environmental Research - Grades 9-11

The Marjot Foundation supports environmental education at the public high school level. Each year they fund individuals or teams of high school students conducting an environmental research project. Projects may focus on any area of environmental research, and must be designed by the student applicant. Applications will be accepted from public high school students, grades 9-11, for one-year projects. More information can be found at www.marjotfoundation.com/ or by contacting Carol Reinisch at (508) 548-8509 or creinisc@mbl.edu.

Intel Schools of Distinction

Every year, Intel honors U.S. schools that have demonstrated excellence in math and science education as Intel Schools of Distinction. In order to be considered as an Intel School of Distinction, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks, including national mathematics and science content standards.

Winning programs serve as models for schools across the country. By replicating proven programs such as these, schools everywhere can reinvigorate their own science and mathematics programs, inspiring generations of future scientists and mathematicians. For more information go to www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/index.htm.

Three elementary, three middle, and three high schools in each of two categories - math and science - will be selected as finalists, receiving a cash grant for $2,500 from the Intel Foundation. Six winners - one elementary, one middle, and one high school in each of the two categories will receive $10,000 cash grants and more than $100,000 in products and services from sponsors. One of the six winning schools will be chosen as the Star Innovator, and will receive an additional $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation, as well as additional products and services.

NH High School Short Film Festival Seeing Submissions

The New Hampshire Film and Television Office, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, is seeking submissions for the 2009 New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. Students from NH public and private high schools are encouraged to start planning and producing their projects, which do not have to be created as part of a class assignment. The submission period opens February 1, 2009 and closes on March 31, 2009. More details are available at www.nhstudentfilm.com. Media arts faculty interested in receiving updates about the Festival via e-mail should contact film@nh.gov.

Panasonic National School Change Awards

Annually, six schools across America are recognized for having "significantly changed" over the past 4-5 years. Nearly 650 schools, from 44 different states, have been nominated in the past nine years for recognition as schools that have significantly changed for the better. Responding to 16 specific criteria, each school provides data and documentation to support their quest for this prestigious national award. Schools measure themselves against 16 criteria within these four dimensions:

• How meaningful is the change? - Is it substantial rather than superficial?
• How deep and broad is the change? - Is it systemic rather than isolated?
• How is the change focused? - Is it student centered looking at teaching and learning?
• How is it measured? - Is it solution or outcome oriented?

For information and applications visit www.npli.org/nsca, all materials must be received by March 4, 2009.

New Hampshire Envirothon

The New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts is seeking an individual to serve on a contract basis (approximately 10 hours per week) to manage the New Hampshire Envirothon, a high school academic competition conducted by the Association. NH Envirothon is an independent program for New Hampshire that also participates in an international level North American competition sponsored by Canon, where students on state and provincial teams compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. In both the New Hampshire and the Canon Envirothon programs, teams of five high school students exercise their natural resources knowledge and problem-solving skills in competitions centered on four universal testing categories (soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, and wildlife), as well as an annual specific current environmental issue. Specific information on the programs may be found at www.nhacd.org and www.envirothon.org.

Feed the Children

New Hampshire Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will once again be earning and collecting money to have Feed the Children trucks come to our state. Each truck costs $7,200.00 and will have 400 prepackaged boxes of food, 400 boxes of personal care and hygiene items and two pallets of miscellaneous goods for impoverished families. One box of food feeds a family of four for one week. The estimated value of the truckload is $35,000.00 to $50,000.00.

FCCLA is a non-profit national career and technical student organization (CTSO) for young men and women in fifth grade through grade 12. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life - planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication - necessary in the home and workplace.

All contributions need to be made by March 20, 2009. Checks should be made payable to "Feed the Children." Donations can be sent to Elaine Connary, NH FCCLA State Advisor, 116 Old Village Road, Groveton, NH 03582. For more information, visit www.nhfccla.org or contact Elaine Connary at econnary@sau3.org.

STEM Polar Connections Institute

The University of Massachusetts is offering a Professional Development opportunity in polar studies to qualified teachers at the Amherst, MA campus June 28-July 2. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and provides stipends and travel expenses. STEM Polar Connections is designed to promote the teaching of science concepts and processes related to the Polar Regions and to emphasize connections to State and National Science Standards for the middle and high school. It includes a one-week summer institute and academic year online discussion forums, and features a variety of proven techniques for effective teaching, including inquiry-based teaching, cooperative learning, and methods for formative assessment of student learning. Participants will be expected to use selected materials in their classrooms and also to aid in the dissemination program. Applications are due April 1, 2009. For an application or more information, go to www.umassk12.net/ipy.

The Leadership School at Kieve

The Leadership School at Kieve is a five-day residential experience that combines rigorous and relevant group work, individual reflection, and a host of fun, interactive and adventure-based initiatives to address many of the issues youth face daily, both in and out of the school setting. It is the intention of The Leadership School at Kieve that all students will have access to character education regardless of socioeconomic status. For more information, go to www.kieve.org and follow the links to The Leadership School.

National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest

Each year the U.S. Department of Justice sponsors a national poster contest and announces the winner at the annual National Missing Children's Day Ceremony in Washington, DC. All local schools have the opportunity to participate in this contest. Student involvement in the poster contest promotes peer education, while compelling students to explore the significance of the theme "Bring our Missing Children Home." A complete packet of information relating to the poster contest can be found at: ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/programs/postercontest.

Schools participating in the event will have the opportunity to submit their winning poster for judging to the NH Department of Education. Winning posters from each school should be sent to the NH Department of Education, Attention Lori Temple, no later than March 4, 2009. We look forward to receiving an entry from each school and hope that your school will join in this exciting and important national competition. Thank you in advance for your assistance and support.

The national judging will take place in April 2009, and one national poster contest winner will be selected. The national winner will travel to Washington, DC, accompanied by his/her teacher and parents to receive an award. This national winning poster will be used in 2010 as the pictorial theme for Missing Children's Day.

Contact: Lori Temple, (603) 271-6646, ltemple@ed.state.nh.us

Web Site Rates Effectiveness of Educational Programs

Educators looking for useful, educator-friendly reviews of the evidence supporting math, reading, and other programs - including textbooks, computer-assisted instruction, and professional development approaches - can find effectiveness ratings on the Best Evidence Encyclopedia (BEE) (www.bestevidence.org). The Web site synthesizes the results of hundreds of studies by numerous researchers to rate the effectiveness of educational programs and practices. The site was recently redesigned and expanded with new content for educators. The BEE is produced by the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education (CDDRE), under funding from the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education.