Letters
Region
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Emergency Post ~ March 20, 2020
Schools
School Superintendent’s Update to the Community
SAU #39: Michael Berry Appointed to Principal at Souhegan High School
Since the first warning signs of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAU #39 has taken a leading position in making decisions for the protection and benefit of our students, staff, and community. Weeks before schools closed, our staff began preparations for remote learning. Though it has not been without challenges, we find our staff to be some of the most prepared educators in the state to take on this extraordinary challenge to continuing to teach our students.
At the end of March, I issued a district-wide survey to parents asking for their impressions on our first weeks of remote learning. The results were overwhelmingly positive; parents felt our teachers are striving to meet the educational needs of our young learners, and our students are rising to the challenge of reaching their academic goals in a new and untraditional environment. 77% of parents responded that remote learning was taking the appropriate amount of time in their home.
School days look different; the structure remains flexible to accommodate the needs of modern families who are experiencing tremendous pressure. I am so proud of the creativity and resilience of our staff and students that has emerged from this experience. We will continue to evaluate remote learning as we move forward and adjust our approach when necessary.
We don’t know for certain when our students will return to our buildings. While buildings remain closed, facilities staff has meticulously cleaned and sanitized throughout the SAU. Extraordinary precautions and safety protocol have been adopted. We will continue this vigilance for as long as necessary.
Food security to families and financial need during record unemployment is a continual concern. Our employees are still being paid. Additionally, our food services program has provided breakfast and lunches to any and all district families who are in need. If there are families within the district who have not yet requested this support, they are welcome to do so by visiting this site: bit.ly/sau39foodsurvey
It is important to consider the emotional impact that these drastic changes will have on our students, especially those who are reaching milestones of their youth. I think about our seniors, who were looking forward to prom, graduation, and other rites of passage. The AMS and SHS musicals were both postponed after months of preparation. We will, to the best of our ability, find a way to make sure our students do not miss out on these moments.
Our goal remains to provide a top-notch education to students, perhaps now with more flexibility and innovation than ever before. I welcome your feedback and questions, which you can direct to me via phone at 603-673-2690 or by completing this online form: http://bit.ly/superintendentsteel
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Sincerely,
Adam Steel
Superintendent of Schools, SAU #39
April 6, 2020
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Dear families, friends, and fellow community members:
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Our school districts have experienced unprecedented change since March. Our students and staff met the transition to remote learning with remarkable resilience, and I am so proud to see the effort put for by the entire community to support our teachers and learners.
Superintendent, Adam Steel
Amherst & Mont Vernon, NH – March 23, 2020 – Michael Berry, Principal of White Mountains Regional High School, has been appointed principal of Souhegan High School effective July 1, 2020.
Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel, appointed Mr. Berry at the Souhegan Cooperative School Board meeting on March 23, 2020, effective July 1, 2020.
SHS Principal, Mike Berry
The Souhegan Cooperative School Board approved Mr. Berry in a 6-1 vote for a three-year term with a starting salary of $135,000.
Mr. Berry has been principal of White Mountains Regional High School since 2012 where he served as assistant principal and athletic director previously since 2009. He has been an educator since 2001 serving in Nashua, NH and Newnan, GA prior to serving at WMRHS.
Adam Steel, superintendent of schools for SAU #39:
“Mike is an experienced, successful high school principal with an extensive track record that demonstrates putting students first, providing clear leadership to faculty, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in education.”
Michael Berry on his appointment:
“I am thankful to have been part of more than a decade of amazing work and growth at White Mountains Regional High School. We are now capable of doing things we didn’t talk about or imagine when I arrived here. We have grown, attracted and retained educators of the highest quality, and have created the conditions and the necessary support for them to improve their craft. As a result, our students, in whichever path they choose, are doing better, achieving more, and dreaming bigger than we might have thought possible. We’ve attracted resources, partners, funders, and learning opportunities that have distinguished us from other schools in NH. We’ve done this work to offer more for our kids, for our families, for our staff, and our community. It’s been highly rewarding to be a part of this process and these successful outcomes.
Now, I look forward to bringing that same energy, as well as the same high standards to improve learning for kids - all kids- at Souhegan High School. My experiences have taught me that the best way to get there is through high-level adult collaboration, which includes reading, discussing, designing and creating the kind of learning that the student voice data says kids are hungry for. Souhegan has been, and continues to be, a
distinguished leader in rethinking school. I’m eager to be a part of taking that mission to the next level at a pivotal moment for all educators and learners.”
Teacher Andy Emerson:
“Michael brings a depth of knowledge of our roots which will help ground us in the past and the leadership qualities to enable us to move forward to new heights.”
Teacher Jolene Sawyer:
“I am so excited that Mike Berry has chosen to come to SHS! Our entire community will benefit from his leadership, his commitment to students and his passion for education. His willingness to collaborate and empower teachers and students stood out to me during the interview process. I get the sense that he is an educational innovator who will support us as we grow and as we continue to meet the needs of all students. I am really looking forward to working with Mike next year. I think great things are headed our way!”