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Letters
Region
Obituaries
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.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
Schools
Clark-Wilkins Elementary School Principal Anna Parrill andAssistant Principal Kathleen Murphy to Switch Positions in July, 2022
AMHERST, NH – October 5, 2021 – Assistant Principal of Clark-Wilkins Elementary School, Kathleen Murphy, will assume the role of lead building principal after Anna Parrill at the close of the 2021-2022 school year. Parrill will continue as Assistant Principal.
SAU #39 Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel, reflected on the work completed by Parrill and Murphy at Clark-Wilkins:
“Three years ago, Anna Parrill came to Clark-Wilkins at a difficult and challenging time for the school.
Within days, she transformed the culture of the school to one of positivity, teamwork, and a student-first focus. It is no wonder to me that she was previously selected as principal of the year. Moving into her new role as a bulit-in mentor and partner to Kathleen Murphy will ensure a smooth transition and the continued success of our school.”
“Kathleen Murphy is a gifted leader. When I met her five years ago, I knew she would one day be a principal. I didn’t know she would become assistant principal of the year along the way. I have complete confidence in her decision-making, her leadership, and her commitment to the students of Amherst.”
Kathleen Murphy on her new role as principal at Clark-Wilkins Elementary:
“I am truly honored to be named the next principal of Clark-Wilkins Elementary School. It has been a privilege to serve as an Assistant Principal and make the community of Amherst my home. I continue to be impressed by our incredible teachers, wonderful students, and supportive parents and school district. I am looking forward to continuing my work with all of the students, staff, and parents who make this school and community such a special place in my new role on the leadership team.
Anna Parrill on her transition to Assistant Principal:
“I am excited to be afforded the opportunity to make the shift in my leadership role at Clark-Wilkins Elementary School. I love working with the staff, students, and parents and look forward to continuing this next year. I am excited for Kathleen, she offers strong leadership and has a passion for students that greatly benefit our school. She is ready for this next step
Assistant Principal of Clark-Wilkins Elementary School, Kathleen Murphy (L), will assume the role of lead building principal after Anna Parrill
in her educational leadership journey. Now is the right time for me to beable to take a step back in my leadership role at Clark-Wilkins ElementarySchool while still being able to mentor and support the team. I continue to learn and grow as a leader through my experience here.”
Tom Gauthier, School Board Chair of the Amherst School Board:
“This is a tremendous announcement for the Clark-Wilkins community. Anna has provided incredible stability and leadership during two very difficult school years, and Kathleen has proved to be a huge asset to Anna and the Amherst School district. As they change roles next year, we are confident Kathleen will excel in this new position, and that she and Anna will continue to provide excellent leadership for students, teachers, and staff at our elementary schools.”
Six Teachers Selected Semi-Finalists for 2022 NH Teacher of the Year Award
Victoria Boothroyd among the semi-finalists for NH Teacher of the Year
CONCORD – Teachers from Amherst, Auburn, Harrisville, South Hampton, Wilton and Windham are finalists after 28 nominations were made earlier this year
The NH Department of Education announced today 6 semi-finalists for the 2022 NH Teacher of the Year Award. The semi-finalists selected from 28 nominees are:
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Victoria Boothroyd, first grade, Wilkins Elementary School, Amherst
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ï‚·Sara Casassa, sixth through eighth grades, Barnard School, South Hampton
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ï‚·Carly Cohen, fifth grade, Auburn Village School, Auburn
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ï‚·Nancy Fothergill, third through sixth grade, Windham Center School, Windham
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ï‚·John Thomas, first through sixth grades, Well Memorial School, Harrisville
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ï‚·Andrew Tyler, sixth through twelfth grades, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative, Wilton
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This year’s Selection Committee includes First Lady Valerie Sununu, a former special educator, Ryan Tyrell from the State Board of Education, Christine Brennan, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Education, Danielle Boutin, 2021 Teacher of the Year as well as Kim Piper, 2020 Teacher of the Year and Sawyer Rogers, former Senate Youth delegate. First Lady Valerie Sununu commented “Our New Hampshire teachers are very talented. Under the unique circumstances of remote learning and a world-wide pandemic, the teachers nominated this session hold a special regard in our state and our communities. Every single one of them deserves our utmost celebration.” Ryan Tyrell observed that almost all of the applications discussed the importance of the educators having a network of support, which was a challenge during COVID.
Many past Teachers of the Year describe being part of this exemplary organization as a life changing event. They appreciate having a voice that continues to elevate the importance of the teaching profession.
The next step in the selection process will examine the candidates’ speaking skills, as they present to the selection committee their thoughts on opportunities for education and the future of the education system coming out of COVID. The selection committee will select finalists and hope to visit their schools later this month, with a final recipient selected early October.
The 2022 Teacher of the Year will be New Hampshire’s entrant in the National Teacher of the Year program. The national program, run by the Council of Chief State School Officers, identifies exceptional teachers in the country, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, amplifies their voices, and empowers them to participate in policy discussions at the state and national levels.