May 2009 Key Messages

American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA)

A. IDEA Recovery Funds

The Bureau of Special Education invites you to participate in teleconferences regarding the ARRA and IDEA Recovery Funds. The teleconferences are to give guidance to LEAs regarding the application and spending of the IDEA Recovery Funds. The teleconferences are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, May 12th from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 20th from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 28th from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Call in information - Conference Line number: 1-888-632-5950, please ask to join the IDEA Recovery Funds Teleconference (50 lines will be available).

Contact: Santina Thibedeau, (603) 271-6693, sthibedeau@ed.state.nh.us

B. National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Program

The ARRA provides a one-time appropriation for equipment assistance to school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP. Funds have been allocated based on each State's school meals administrative expense allocation. Local SFAs may competitively apply for the NSLP equipment assistance grants. Priority will be given to SFAs for equipment for schools in which at least 50% percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. The grant authority was provided to assist with the overall effort to stimulate activity within the American economy. Therefore, the intent of the $215,765.00 New Hampshire Department of Education allocation is to improve the infra-structure in the NSLP.

Criteria for awarding funds will be prioritized according to the Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Services identified percent of free and reduced-price applications on file. Schools that do not meet a 50% threshold should apply, since schools that may be eligible will not all apply. This will provide opportunities for schools with a lower percent of applications a chance to be considered for funding. The complete ARRA package; introductory letter, instructions, application, agreement and claim form can be found on the Web site.

Contact: Elaine VanDyke, (603) 271-3860, evandyke@ed.state.nh.us or
Kathy Hodges, (603) 271-3861, khodges@ed.state.nh.us

C. Bonds

Applications for Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) and Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) are due by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Information and forms are available on the Department Web site at www.education.nh.gov.

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

D. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program Services To Youth

The Youth Council has awarded all in-school WIA youth ARRA funds to applicants whose proposals were received on either 3/25/09 or 4/30/09. There exists $356,262 in out-of-school youth monies for summer youth programming for which the Council will continue to accept proposals. The next deadline is May 28 with funding decisions on June 4. The final enrollment date for these out-of-school youth proposals awarded in June will be August 1, 2009 which is a change from the date identified in the Request for Proposal. Out-of-school youth are youth that are between the ages of l8-24 and not connected to an educational entity when the individual makes application for program services. Eligibility and program requirements, as well as funding restrictions, are provided on the www.nhworks.org Web site.

Contact: Bonnie St. Jean, (603) 271-3805, bst.jean@ed.state.nh.us

Accountability, Assessment, Curriculum, and School Improvement

A. NH Alternate Assessment

Making Decisions about Participation in Statewide Assessment: NH-Alt vs. NECAP - What do teams need to know? will be held from 9:00 a.m. - noon on May 18th at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. This workshop is not meant for classroom teachers. The target audience is people who supervise the decision making process regarding student participation in statewide assessment: School Administrators, Special Education Administrators, Principals, and Guidance staff. The workshop will provide information about which students qualify for which statewide assessment formats and how this decision must be made and documented. Workshop information is being sent to Principals, Special Education Directors, Test Coordinators and Superintendents. The workshop is intended to support teams as they make participation decisions for the 2009-2010 school year. If you know an administrator who could benefit from this workshop, please encourage him or her to sign up at: iregister.measuredprogress.org, and select: New Hampshire Alternate Assessment.

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

B. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for 2010

The NAEP is gearing up for the 2010 cycle of assessments. This is a "national" NAEP-level assessment year so the sample of schools will be much smaller than last year's NAEP-state level assessment. We will have some schools selected for samples of students in grades 4, 8, and 12. The subjects being assessed are U.S. History, Civics, and Geography at grades 4, 8, and 12, with a special Mathematics study at grades 4 and 8. Additionally, a paper and pencil Writing assessment will be administered at grade 4, with a computer-based writing assessment given at grades 8 and 12. Notification of the schools selected will be made by mid-May.

Contact: David Gebhardt, (603) 271-2298, dgebhardt@ed.state.nh.us

C. New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Science Test

The science test window is May 11-28, 2009 with pickup on May 29. Guidelines for participation at high schools and for elementary/middle schools are posted on the spring 2009 NECAP science page (www.education.nh.gov under Spring 2009 Science Materials, Information, and Forms).

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

D. Mathematics and Science Summer Learning Experience (MSSLE)

A Mathematics and Science Summer Learning Experience (MSSLE) is being planned for July 27-29, 2009. It will be held in Nashua, New Hampshire. The intent of the institute will be an extension of last summer's mathematics institute and to offer professional development opportunities relating to research, leadership, and best practices in mathematics and science education. Schools and districts will have the opportunity to bring teams who will be able to participate in sessions designed and facilitated by national, regional, and state mathematics and science leaders. Topics being considered for sessions include the following: integration of mathematics and science with literacy goals at the elementary level, developmental milestones in mathematics, why learning problems occur, curriculum topic studies in mathematics and science, developing PLCs relating to mathematics and science content, common student misunderstandings/misconceptions, teaching in a standards and competency-based environment, developing inquiry based science instruction, and promoting mathematical habits of mind. This event can be funded with Title II Redistribution funds.

For application, informational flyer, and funding source go to: www.education.nh.gov and look under 2009 Redistribution Grant. The deadline for Title II funding has been extended to May 13.

Contact: Christine Downing, 271.3844, christine.l.downing@edstate.nh.us (for mathematics)
Jan McLaughlin, 271.3856, jmclaughlin@ed.state.nh.us (for science)

Certification

A. Educator Renewals

The new Educator Information System (EIS) is days away from 'going live'. All renewal recommendations will be completed online. A memo with specific directions will be sent to each superintendent. The superintendents will be presented with an online list of staff due for renewal and the boxes will need to be checked for those recommended for renewal. Educators will be able to go online, review data, and pay for the renewal by credit card or send in a check. Superintendents will also be sent a specific letter with directions with the steps for their staff to follow

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

B. Alternative 4 and 5 Candidates

The Bureau of Credentialing in collaboration with NEA-NH will offer a workshop during the NH-NEA Annual Summer Learning Conference. This workshop will be held August 4,5, and 6, and will address some of the required competencies that need to be met in the Alternative 4 and Alternative 5 process. These competencies include child development, organizing and planning instruction, creating classroom spaces that work, and professional ethics and adult/student boundaries. There will also be a discussion on the ALT 4/5 process and requirements. Candidates are encouraged to visit the NEA-NH Web site (www.neanh.org) for more information.

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

Data Issues

A. Arts Education Survey

The Arts Education Survey is available as a PDF at www.education.nh.gov. Download the PDF version to see all the survey questions and begin collecting data. There are several other supporting documents on this Web page including a User's Guide, Data-Driven Decision Making, Top Ten Reasons, Gaining Access to the Arts Ed Survey Online and a Definitions document. The Arts Education page of the NH DOE Web site will continue to house updates about the survey and any supporting documents to help you with your questions. Survey data entry closes May 15, 2009.

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

B. EOY Training

The Department is offering EOY (End of Year) Training on Friday, May 15, and Thursday May 21, 2009. This training is provided for district and school staff who are responsible for the EOY submissions. Topics covered will include Trial EOY Enrollment Uploads, EOY Academic Uploads, District and State Reports, Single Sign On (new security system), and Course (and Class) Submissions. Register online using the link in the "Recent Highlights" box on the i4see home page: www.education.nh.gov.

Contact: Mike Cote, (603) 271-2775, mcote@ed.state.nh.us

C. Sped Public And Sped Nonpublic

On June 10 and 15, the Bureau of Data Management will offer training specific to the i4see uploaded files for Sped public and Sped nonpublic.

Contact: Mike Cote, (603) 271-2775, mcote@ed.state.nh.us

D. i4see has Set the Following Dates as the End Of Year Submission Schedule:

• May 15 - May 31 - EOY Enrollment Trials (June 1 all files will be deleted?)
• May 15 - June 30 - Sped Public Submission and EOY Enrollment for sped nonpublic students (uploaded by i4see - edited by districts)
• June 8 to July 15 - Final EOY Submissions (both enrollment and academic) - submissions should be district verified by July 15 - Do NOT certify at this time
• July 15 - August 1 - All state anomalies MUST be resolved
• August 1 - Superintendents "certify" EOY submissions and print, complete, sign and send "Tuition Report Receiving," "Nonpublic 08-09 Special Education Students (A13N)," and "Nonpublic 08-09 Non-Special Education Students (A13 Other)" reports
• August 1-October 31 - The DOE will review all submissions and contact schools with questions
• November 1st - Superintendents should print, sign and submit remaining end of year reports (including Determination)

Contact: Sandy Hyslop, (603) 271-2831, shyslop@ed.state.nh.us

E. Reports Due

A reminder that the 2009-2010 School Calendars and the Teacher Salary Schedules are due back to the Bureau of Data Management by June 1.

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

Funding Issues

A. Schoo Building Aid

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.

Project Status Reports were mailed in April to verify the entitled amounts of School Building Aid for each district in FY 10. It is very important that SAUs check this information carefully and make us aware of any discrepancies. Please sign and return the forms as soon as possible.

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

Grants and Requests for Proposals

A. Adult High Schools

Applications for Adult High School Grants are available from the Bureau of Adult Education. An adult high school program provides an alternative route for students 16 years and older to gain a high school diploma. Completed applications for the next school year must be submitted to the Bureau of Adult Education by June 1, 2009.

Contact: Art Ellison, (603) 271-6698, aellison@ed.state.nh.us

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

B. Hearing Officer and Alternative Dispute Resolution Officer

The NH State Department of Education (NHDOE) is seeking proposals from interested individuals with knowledge of state and federal education, special education, and vocational rehabilitation law to provide services as a Hearing Officer. Hearing Officers will act as the administrative adjudicator in special education due process hearings and vocational rehabilitation fair hearings as well as hearing the appeals of individuals from disputes with school systems or the department. Hearings Officers shall also serve as mediators and neutrals for the department's alternative dispute resolution program. Closing date for proposals is May 22, 2009.

Contact: Mary Mayo, (603) 271-2299, mmayo@ed.state.nh.us

C. Mathematics and Science Summer Learning Experience (MSSLE) Presenters

The Department is seeking presenters to offer sessions of varying lengths during the Mathematics and Science Summer Learning Experience (MSSLE) on July 27 through 29, 2009. This event will highlight topics relating to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science at grades K through 12. Each presenter must demonstrate mastery in his (her) field of expertise, including, but not limited to: resources published in professional journals; author or co-author of books relating to expertise; research conducted in the area of said expertise; experience in applying research to professional development models; or presentation experience at national and state levels. Applications due: 4:00 p.m. May 22, 2009.

Contact: Jennifer Rainie, (603) 271-7450, jennifer.rainie@ed.state.nh.us

D. School Meals Initiative Requirements and Summer Meals Program Compliance Reviews

The Department is requesting proposals for the execution, planning, and training of School Meals Initiative requirements and Summer Meals Program compliance reviews. The successful bidder will create the procedures for specifically conducting a School Meal Initiative (SMI) Nutrient Analysis, will conduct at least six SMIs during the 2009 summer months and conduct at least six USDA Summer Reviews. Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: May 30, 2009.

Contact: Elaine Vandyke, (603) 271-3860, evandyke@ed.state.nh.us

Initiatives

A. Initial Proposal Ed 507 and 612, Science for Middle and High Schools Certification and Teacher Preparation Programs

There will be a public rulemaking hearing, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the NH Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH in the State Board Room. Deadline for written comment is May 27, 2009. For text of the rules go to www.education.nh.gov.

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

NH High School Redesign

A. Fourth Annual Apex II Summer Leadership Institute

"Systemic Reform and Redesign to Improve High School Outcomes: APEX II and Beyond" is being held August 18 and 19, 2009 at the Attitash Inn and Conference Center in Bartlett, NH. This year's institute will be open to teams from high schools that are interested in: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS); Improving school culture and climate; Student Leadership and participation; Intensive school-to-career interventions; Data-based decision-making; Creating multiple and individualized pathways to graduation; and Function-based assessment and interventions. For more information and to register go to www.iod.unh.edu/events.html#apexsi.

Contact: Bonnie St. Jean, (603) 271-3805, bst.jean@ed.state.nh.us

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

a. The Commissioner's recommended designations for school approval, for schools expiring June 30, 2009, will be submitted to the State Board of Education for their approval on June 10, 2009. Missing documentation to change a school's status should be submitted as soon as possible.

b. Districts that are opening new schools, closing schools, or changing the grade configurations of schools for School Year 2009-2010 must notify the Office of School Approval prior to June 26, 2009. Such changes can only be effective as of July 1, 2009. Notification of changes received after that date will not be effective until July 1, 2010. This affects AYP, state aid, and other concerns.

c. Minimum Standard Reminder - Ed 306.22, Distance Education, requires that online courses be approved by the local school board. The school board must first adopt a policy or policies that address compliance with privacy requirements, award of credit toward high school graduation, assessment, the number of students an individual teacher may supervise, and security of individual records.

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

Professional Development

A. Arts Education Professional Development Day

The spring "Chat & Chew" will be held on May 22, 2009. This forum will offer a guided information and review session for high school competencies in the music, visual art, dance and theatre. Each participant is required to bring a hardcopy of the materials you use related to the high school competency-based graduation requirement for one course. Copies will be made on site and everyone will go home with a set of materials from participants. There is no cost for this workshop. Lunch will be provided. Registration is limited to 22 music teachers, 22 visual art teachers, and 6 slots for dance/theatre/curriculum coordinators.

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

B. New England Arts Assessment Institute

The NE Arts Assessment Institute is in its fourth year of providing high quality professional development in arts assessment and assessment literacy for use by classroom teachers, arts administrators, and other providers of arts education in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. This institute brings national experts, experienced coaches and best practices from around the nation together in one place to create a learning environment that is conducive to engaging participants and building knowledge for the improvement of arts education. The institute is a collaboration of the New Hampshire and Vermont Departments of Education and is being held August 4-7 at Castleton State College in Vermont. More information can be found at newenglandarts.ning.com.

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

C. OPEN NH Offers Discounts for Districts for e-Learning for Educators Online Professional Development Courses

OPEN NH (New Hampshire e-Learning for Educators) offers a variety of group discounts for SAUs, districts, or schools. Discounts include 25 seats in our 7 week online courses for $1900 and 5 seats for $450. Districts can also request the special delivery of any of our courses at a time of the district's choosing. To request a special delivery course, a designated team leader should complete a Special Course Delivery Registration form available online and send it to the OPEN NH Project Coordinator for processing, or contact the OPEN NH project coordinator.

The OPEN NH Summer 2009 Session will run from June 23rd through August 11th. The list of courses running in the summer, as well as descriptions of all courses in the OPEN NH catalogue, can be found on the Web site www.opennh.org.

Graduate credits are available through Plymouth State University at an additional cost.

Contact: Stan Freeda, (603) 271-5132, sfreeda@ed.state.nh.us

Department Staff Updates

Stephanie LaFreniere has been appointed to the position of Administrator for the Title I Program. Stephanie brings to the DOE experiences from her work with the New York City Leadership Program, her administrative and teaching responsibilities in New York as well as her work here at the Department as an Educational Consultant. Stephanie can be reached at (603) 271-6052 or Stephanie.Lafreniere@ed.state.nh.us.

Resources

A. Pearson Helps Strapped School Districts Tap Into Stimulus Funding

Pearson is offering several resources to facilitate federal stimulus funds. The education and technology company says it will make frequent updates to its Web site to provide information about the stimulus funding to educators, and it also is offering grant writing assistance, funding and grant Webinars, an e-mail hotline for questions about the stimulus funds, and informational videos. For more information, visit Pearson's Web site at www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZdPo.

B. Reports on the Web

Reports from the fall data collection are now available on the Department Web site. These include information on enrollments, staffing and teacher salaries. Various financial reports and data on completers/dropouts have also recently been posted to the Web site.

Contact: Kathleen Schoeneman, (603) 271-2778 or kschoeneman@ed.state.nh.us

Other

May is Outdoor Science Learning Month

The month of May has been proclaimed by Governor John Lynch as "Outdoor Science Learning Month." It is a great time to get your children outside and learning, both in and out of school. "May We Do Science" is an initiative in support of connecting children with nature and building science skills. Outdoor experiences provide opportunities for children to naturally engage in science, as well as reduce stress and foster their ability to concentrate. Check out the suggested science-based and outdoor activities to do with children, plus links to the organizations involved in May We Do Science Month, at mayscience.wetpaint.com.

Call for Volunteer Nominations for the Seventh Annual Spirit of NH Awards

There are many examples of students and adults in the schools who have contributed to the improvement of their community through volunteerism and are worthy of recognition. This awards program recognizes outstanding contributions to volunteerism and expands on the many local and regional volunteer recognition events that occur throughout NH each year. Nominations are accepted year-round in two broad categories: Volunteer Service Awards and Volunteer Program Champion Awards. Nominations are accepted on an on-going basis but must be received by September 15, 2009 to be considered for an award at the November event. This year, the Spirit of NH Awards Gala will be Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Visit the Volunteer NH! Web site at www.volunteernh.org for more information and nomination forms or call 1-800-780-8058.

Contact: Brenda Cochrane, (603) 271-3743, bcochrane@ed.state.nh.us

President's Volunteer Service Awards (PVSAs)

The PVSA awards program recognizes volunteers for a sustained commitment to service (please see www.presidentialserviceawards.gov for details about becoming a certifying organization and honoring your volunteers). Awardees receive a pin, a letter from President Obama, and a letter from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Since inception in 2003, more than 28,000 organizations have distributed more than 1,477,000 awards to individuals, families, and groups.

Historic Scenes of College Campuses

Robert Childress, illustrator of the Sally, Dick and Jane reading books of the late 50's and early 60's, painted over 25 colleges and universities and reproduced them into sets of 3 scenes per college. These limited edition prints illustrate historic scenes of college campuses from across the United States. There is a small inventory remaining of these collectible prints, and 20% of the sales will benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. For more information and to find out what prints are available, please e-mail Nancy Childress, daughter of the renown illustrator, at nance@metrocast.net.

New Hampshire Film Office presents 2009 High School Short Film Festival

High school filmmakers from around the state will once again showcase their work on the silver screen this May when the New Hampshire Film and Television Office presents its second annual New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the New Hampshire Technical Institute's Sweeney Hall Auditorium in Concord. Thirty short films, from documentaries and dramas to comedies and experimental pieces, are slated to screen throughout the afternoon. Five films will be selected as award winners. The Festival is free and open to the public. Information on the festival and this year's films can be found online at www.nhstudentfilm.com.

Summer Youth Outdoor Skills Activities

Youth age 10-15 will have a chance to learn about the shooting sports, bowhunting, and other outdoor skills at summer youth activities being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, NH. Sessions are open to individuals, as well as area recreation departments, scout troops, and other youth groups. This year, the summer youth programs at Owl Brook will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning July 7 and ending August 6. Tuesdays will be for youth ages 10-12 only, and Thursdays will be for youth ages 13-15. Each week focuses on a different outdoor skill. Each program is hands-on, and all participants will be encouraged to be involved. Participants may register for one or more of the sessions. Space is limited. To sign up, call (603) 536-3954. There is no charge for the sessions. Sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information go to www.wildnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

Archaeology Field School

The 2009 Summer Archaeology Field School, co-sponsored by the NH Division of Historical Resources and Plymouth State University, will be held in two 2-week sessions from June 21 through July 17 in Randolph, NH. Science and Social Science teachers will have an opportunity to participate in a dig on a 12,000 year old site and obtain graduate level continuation credits. For more information, visit www.nh.gov/nhdhr/scrap09.htm or contact Richard Boisvert, (603) 271-6433 or richard.a.boisvert@dcr.nh.gov.

Democratic Vistas: Civic Life, History, and American Art

Primary Source, a non-profit educational resource center based in Watertown, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce a free summer professional development opportunity for K-12 educators and librarians across the country. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Democratic Vistas is a two-day conference in Boston, Monday & Tuesday, August 3 & 4, 2009, or Wednesday & Thursday, August 5 & 6, 2009. The conference is designed to help educators use Picturing America images in their curriculum. Stipends and travel reimbursement are available to participating educators. Details are available at democraticvistas.primarysource.org/.

Fundamentals of Inclusive Education

The Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire will present two workshops on the evidence and practice of including students with disabilities in the general education classroom. These workshops will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 and Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH. Details for each workshop can be found at www.iod.unh.edu/events.html.

Teachers on Campus
August 10-14, 2009

Sponsored by the Continuing Education Office, Teachers on Campus focuses on technology, new math and science, writing across the curriculum, wellness, and personal development. A brochure and registration form is available online at www.keene.edu/conted/Teachers%20on%20campus_09.pdf or contact Keene State College's Continuing Education Office (continuing-ed@keene.edu or 358-2290).

Bargain Book Shopping

Strictly By-The Book is a discount book seller in Salem, NH. They sell all their books at 80% off the original publisher's price and can accommodate special requests from teachers, educators, and book clubs. To contact the store call 893-3820 or visit their Web site at www.sortfloorbooks.com.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Teachers will receive a 10% discount on memberships to the new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, which opened its doors on March 6, 2009. The new center offers brand new 21st century interactive exhibits (permanent and traveling), simulation experiences, an observatory, an expanded NASA Educator Resource Center, world-renowned planetarium, special event spaces, science store, and a new cafe. Honoring space pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, the Discovery Center is a place to explore, discover, and be inspired. For more information, visit www.starhop.com or call (603) 271-7827.

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