September 2009 Key Messages

October is Parent Involvement in Education Month

Governor John H. Lynch is once again proclaiming October as "Parent Involvement in Education Month" in the State of NH. Parent Involvement in Education month provides a great opportunity for parents and schools to reflect on the power of parental influence in the academic and life success of NH's children. The Department of Education is collaborating with the Parent Information Center (PIC) to highlight the importance of parents and families in our schools. The Parent Information Center of NH is sending every public school a Parent Involvement packet to celebrate.

When it comes to children's success in school, no school can do it alone. Research shows that the most accurate predictor of student achievement in school is the extent to which families are able to create a home environment that encourages learning and become involved in their children's education.

PIC is organizing a press event at the Legislative Office Building in Concord on October 1, 2009. Commissioner Barry and President of NH PTA Mike Mooney will be speaking, along with other government representatives, PIC staff, educators, and parents. A list of events can be found on the "Parents Make the Difference" Web site at www.nhparentsmakethedifference.org.

For advice or to find out more about free parent involvement workshops, the Parent Power Leadership training series, DVDs, and other resources, contact the Parent Information Center at 1-800-947-7005, or visit www.parentinformationcenter.org, www.nhpirc.org, and www.nhspecialed.org.

American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA)

A. Race to the Top (RTTT) Grant

The Department of Education intends to apply for the Race to the Top (RTTT) Grant. The RTTT Fund provides competitive grants to encourage and reward states that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform. States must show that they are implementing ambitious plans in the four K-12 reform priorities. These priorities are; Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace, Recruiting, rewarding and retaining effective teachers and principals, Building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve their practices, and Turning around the lowest-performing schools. The Commissioner and other Department staff have been meeting with various stakeholder groups to provide detailed information regarding RTTT and receive feedback.

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

B. Qualified Zone Academy Bonds

$2.1 million remains in the state allocation for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds. Additional allocation is expected in 2010. Go to www.education.nh.gov/recovery for information and application forms. Another allocation of approximately $30 million in Qualified School Construction Bonds is expected in 2010. Information on how to apply for these bonds will be made available later.

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

Accountability, Assessment, Curriculum, and School Improvement

A. NH Alternate Assessment Fall 2009 Educator Training Workshops

NH-Alt Initial Training and trainings on high priority topics will be offered starting on September 9. For the first time, we are requiring schools to send two person teams: one certified general educator and one certified special educator. To register or for more information go to iregister.measuredprogress.org/ then select "New Hampshire ALTERNATE Assessment."

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

B. NECAP Fall 2009Test Administration Workshops

Fall 2009 NECAP Test Administration workshops for new test coordinators and new building administrators will be held the mornings of September 9 (Grappone Center, Concord), September 10 (SERESC, Bedford), and September 11 (NCES, Gorham). To register go to iregister.measuredprogress.org/ then select "New England Common Assessment Program".

Training Powerpoints for experienced test coordinators and experienced test administrators will be shipped to schools with test materials. All training, Powerpoints, and materials will be posted to the Department's Web site: www.education.nh.gov, then select "Fall 2009 Materials and Information" for the second set of links.

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

C. Statewide Assessment Information for School Year 2009-2010

The Annual Assessment Memo that includes a calendar of important dates and a synopsis of important information on four areas, NH Statewide Assessment System (NECAP, NH-Alt, and ACCESS for ELLs), Accountability and AYP, NAEP, and (new this year) Arts Assessment in NH, was e-mailed to Superintendents and Test Coordinators on Tuesday, June 16. It has also been posted on the Assessment Web site - www.education.nh.gov - under "Notices." Please post for reference throughout the year and make sure the appropriate personnel get the information.

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

D. Support of Arts Education

In August, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan released a letter in support of Arts Education. Subsequently, he participated in a conference call sponsored by the Support Music Coalition regarding his letter about the importance of Arts Education.

"At this time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and program decisions for the upcoming school year, I write to bring to your attention the importance of the arts as a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) defines the arts as a core subject, and the arts play a significant role in children's development and learning process."

To read the entire text or listen to the conference call, please visit these two links provided by the Support Music Coalition: Read Secretary Duncan's letter (PDF) (supportmusic.com/Arts_Education_Letter.pdf ). Listen to the conference call (MP3) (supportmusic.com/ccc_ArneDuncan.mp3).

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

E. Constitution Day is September 17

This is a reminder that all schools receiving federal funds should plan to commemorate the U.S. Constitution and its significance in American life on Thursday, September 17. More information on Constitution Day and the Constitution Day essay contest can be found at www.education.nh.gov.

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

F. Gifted and Talented

Responsibility for the Gifted and Talented at the Department has been assigned to Kenneth Relihan, who also oversees Social Studies, World Languages, and the Advanced Placement Test Fee program. Ken is the former state director for College Access Now, a federal grant that was directed at intervention in behalf of low-income middle school students with high potential.

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

G. 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Assessment

Schools selected for the 2010 NAEP have already received detailed information that addresses the particular assessment and student sample size each school should anticipate. Depending upon the school, each sampled student will be asked to take a 90 minute assessment in one of the following subject areas; U.S. History, Civics, Geography, Writing, or Mathematics. The Writing assessment is a pilot assessment with a paper and pencil format at grade four, and a computer-based format at grades 8 and 12. The Mathematics assessment is a special study assessment at grades 4 and 8 that is primarily utilized to calibrate new items. The U.S. History, Civics, and Geography assessments are called operational assessments and will be given at all three grades. The purpose of the operational assessments is to measure what students know and can do in these subjects, at these grade levels, from a national perspective.

The assessment is scheduled between January 25 - March 5, 2010 and will involve about 2,500 schools and 93,000 students nationwide. Nineteen of those schools are from New Hampshire.

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

H. New Hampshire, Our Home

Gibbs Smith Education of Layton, Utah, announces the publication of its new text New Hampshire, Our Home. This should be a great help to elementary educators seeking to teach New Hampshire History. The text was written by New Hampshire resident Julie Baker. Among its contributors is NHDOE Social Studies Consultant Kenneth Relihan. Sample chapters of the work are available from the publisher or from Ken at the Department. A workshop on teaching the new text will be presented at the New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies conference on October 29 in Manchester.

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

I. Schools In Need of Improvement (SINI) Plans

In accordance with New Hampshire's school accountability statute (NH RSA 193-H), schools identified as SINI must develop an improvement plan and annually report on its progress. Improvement plans for schools newly identified in April 2009 must be submitted to the NHDOE by August 6 or by the first day of the 2009-2010 school year. Progress reports for schools continuing in SINI status must be submitted by October 1. Instructions and forms for both Title I and non-Title I SINIs are available on the NHDOE "Schools in Need of Improvement" Web page.

Contact: Kristine Braman, (603) 271-6055, kbraman@ed.state.nh.us, Title I School
Ellie Riel, (603) 271-0076, eriel@ed.state.nh.us, Non-Title I School

Data Issues

A. New Hampshire Arts Education Survey

Your school still has an opportunity to complete the New Hampshire Arts Education Survey, a school by school data collection process to look at qualitative and quantitative aspects of arts education programs, until September 15, 2009. The information being collected is for the 2008-2009 school year. This is an online survey tool; details about accessing the online survey and instructions for completing it are on the Arts Web page www.education.nh.gov.

Now is the time to inform principals, music and art teachers about this final window of opportunity so that schools in your district can use data from the survey to inform programs in dance, music, theatre, and visual art. This work is a partnership project between the NH DOE and the NH State Council on the Arts.

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

B. i4see

BOY (Beginning of Year) Training Workshops

Training Workshops will be held Friday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 15. Two sessions will be held each day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Topics will cover: BOY data elements, Non-returning students (Enrollment Status 7s), Increased dropout age of 18, Real-Time entry/Withdrawal, Course & Class submissions, and more. Please register using the link provided on the i4see home page www.education.nh.gov in the "Recent Highlights" box.

BOY Submissions will begin after October 1, 2009.

NECAP Second Round Labels will be collected from September 21 thru October 1.

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

C. End of the Year Financial Reporting

The Form DOE-25 was due on September 1.

Contact: Ron Leclerc, (603) 271-3876, rleclerc@ed.state.nh.us

D. Reporting Calendar

The DOE Reporting Calendar that provides dates when the Department requests specific information has been updated on the Department Web site in the "Data and Reports" section www.education.nh.gov.

E. School Safety Survey

Reminder, the School Safety Survey forms for each school should be completed on line via the "myNHDOE Single Sign On System." After the data is entered the forms should be printed, signed, and returned to Data Management ASAP (due date was August 20).

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

F. Tuition Reports

The Bureau of Data Management is currently verifying all tuition reports from the 2008-2009 EOY (End of Year) data. All Districts should be "certified" at this time and all tuition reports sent/faxed to the Bureau.

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

Funding Issues

A. School Building Aid

School Building Aid is fully funded for FY 10. Payments will be made in October and April.

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.

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

Grants and Requests for Proposals
ALL RFPs can be found on the Department Web site at www.education.nh.gov

A. OPEN NH Partnership Grants to Districts

New Hampshire e-Learning for Educators announces a "Request for Proposals" for districts to apply for an OPEN NH Online Professional Development Grant in one or both of the following areas:

Development of Online District Professional Development Cohorts Grantees will establish a cohort of educators from within the district to fulfill part of their professional development goals with OPEN NH courses within any of the four sessions delivered in the 2009-2010 academic year in order.

Development of OPEN NH Orientation Support and Promotion Grantees will host four orientation meetings for educators in their region of the state and will provide ongoing promotion of the OPEN NH course sessions and their orientation meetings.

Deadline: September 7, 2009

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

B. Supporting At-Risk Children and Youth with Disabilities through Evidence-Based Problem Solving Frameworks - Statewide Technical Assistance

The purpose of this RFP is to seek proposals from agencies or organizations interested in providing direct services and technical assistance to selected local schools to assist in reducing the frequency and duration of suspensions and expulsions of students with disabilities; to promote long-term positive behavioral change; increase access to the general curriculum; increase graduation rates; decrease the number of students with disabilities dropping out of school; and to effect positive post-secondary outcomes for students. The intent is to utilize an evidence-based problem solving framework, such as a tiered service delivery model, using a team approach to problem solving and decision making. The overall goal is to improve and/or enhance discipline policies and procedures, graduation rates, and positive post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: Friday, September 25, 2009.

Contact: Barbara Raymond, (603) 271-3791, braymond@ed.state.nh.us

Innovations

A. Real World Design Challenge

Governor John Lynch and Commissioner of Education, Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D. announced that New Hampshire will join the Real World Design Challenge, an aerospace engineering competition that will give New Hampshire students the opportunity to solve a "real world" aviation design challenge. Students and teachers will be given a real world challenge to solve through design. Teachers, partnering with student teams, will be given the opportunity to be trained in and gain use of $1 million in engineering software to support their efforts to design a solution to the challenge. The details of the design challenge will be announced on September 14th. More information can be found at www.education.nh.gov.

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

NH High School Redesign

Raising the Compulsory Age of School Attendance

The Department of Education has issued a technical advisory that provides a list of resources to aid and support your work with at-risk 16 and 17 year old students. This advisory as well as previous advisories can be found on the Department's Web site at www.education.nh.gov.

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

A. School Approval

School approval checklists with health inspection forms are due to the Department by December 1, 2009 for public and private schools whose approval expires June 30, 2010.

Fire inspection reports will now be submitted to the State Fire Marshal by the local fire department. The Fire Marshal will forward the results to the Department of Education. Schools cannot be approved if fire safety violations are cited.

Schools that are conditionally approved or that have been granted a Delay in Full Compliance by the State Board of Education will be changed to approved upon receipt of documentation indicating that all standards have been met.

Minimum Standards reminder: The State Fire Code defines an assembly occupancy as any space used for gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses. In schools these areas are typically gyms, cafeterias, and auditoriums. Assembly occupancies must be inspected annually by the local fire department and posted with the maximum number of occupants allowed. Schools must take care not to exceed the maximum number of occupants. Events such as graduations and concerts should be held elsewhere if the expected audience will exceed the maximum number of occupants for the room.

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

B. School Construction Workshops

There will be two workshops on school construction on September 29, 2009 in Room 15 at the Department of Education. The morning session will address the School Building Aid program, forms and procedures. The afternoon session will address the High Performance Schools construction program.

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

Professional Development

A. Arts in Education Conference

Registration is now open for the annual Arts in Education Partnership Conference, Maps & Journeys: Perspectives on the Future of Arts Education in New Hampshire. The conference will be held October 30 - November 1 at the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch in the White Mountains. A variety of workshops in all arts disciplines will be offered. The three-day conference provides educators, artists, and school leaders with networks, tools, models, and information to design quality arts education programs for all students. Bob Morrison of Quadrant Education Research will present findings from the NH Arts Education Data Project, the first comprehensive survey of arts education in the state.

To register or for more information visit www.nh.gov/nharts or www.aannh.org. Partners for this event include the NH Department of Education, the Arts Alliance of Northern NH, Red River Theatres, Concord, NH, and the Conway Schools.

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

B. Career Development Student Course Planning Team Training - Information Technology

The purpose of this professional development is to match the Career Technical Instructors at Secondary schools and Postsecondary institutions in a career area - information technology - to design a plan of study that assists students in understanding the courses they need to take in high school to best prepare for college. Dual credit options for students will also be identified and expanded. Key participants include (but are not limited to) high school guidance counselors, secondary and postsecondary instructors. This event will take place all day, October 23, 2009, in the Walker Building, 21 South Fruit Street, Room 100, Concord, NH.

Contact: Mary Laturnau 437-3510, NHMfgIT@gmail.com

C. Mental Health in Schools: Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

This event is designed to provide participants the status of supporting students in their local schools and innovative models of support. This event's content is driven by key elements of the Mental Health Services in New Hampshire's Schools Report, published in April 2009. This conference will include a keynote presentation, workshops, an interactive breakout session and select clips of Including Samuel. It will take place on Monday, October 5, 2009 from 9a.m. - 3p.m. at Southern NH University in Manchester, NH. More information can be found: at iod.unh.edu/events.html#mhinschools.

D. 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. The OPEN NH Fall 2009 Session will begin on October 6th. Districts can also request the special delivery of any of our courses at the 7-8 week time frame of their choice. 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 Fall 2009 Session will run from October 6th through November 24th. The list of courses running in the fall, as well as descriptions of all courses in the OPEN NH catalogue, can be found on the Web site www.opennh.org. A new online registration process will be available shortly for the fall session. Please visit the Web site for updates.

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

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

C. New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies Conference

The NHCSS fall conference will be held on October 29, 2009 at the Center of NH in Manchester. Over 400 teachers of Social Studies and supporters of social studies education attended the Conference in 2008 and the Council is working toward another successful event for 2009.

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

Resources

A. H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

The New Hampshire Department of Education (DOE) has been working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies to provide information about the H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu). This information along with other resources can be found on the DOE Web site at www.education.nh.gov. This Web site is updated frequently to showcase key resources.

Contact: Katherine Rannie, (603) 271-3891, krannie@ed.state.nh.us

B. School and Community Health Education Grants

A list of companies and non-profit organizations that provide grants for school and community health education and programs can be found on the DOE Web site at www.education.nh.gov.

Contact: Katherine Rannie, (603) 271-3891, krannie@ed.state.nh.us

C. Grade School Student Web Site

The Division of Travel and Tourism Development has a Web site that is a great resource for both students and teachers. This site contains information on state symbols and historical information, as well as interesting facts, photographs, activities and games. There is also a "Features for Teachers" section with downloadable classroom worksheets and a quiz. The information is presented in an easy-to-read fashion. The Web site is available at www.visitnh.gov/student.

Other

Spirit of NH Awards

We know that 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. This year, the Spirit of NH Awards Gala will be November 10, 2009. 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 10th event. Visit the Volunteer NH! Web site at www.volunteernh.org or call (603) 271-7200 for more information and nomination forms. Volunteer Service Nominations in the Youth, Adult, and Senior categories are also eligible for the Governor's Volunteer of the Month Award.

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

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

Applications are now available for the United States Senate Youth Program. Two students from New Hampshire will travel to Washington (all expenses paid) and receive $5,000 scholarships. The 48th Annual USSYP will be held in Washington, D.C. March 6-13, 2010. Principals may nominate any high school junior or senior currently serving in an elected capacity in any student government, civic, or educational organizations. Selection is based on academic accomplishments, community services, and demonstrated qualities of leadership as elected high school student body officers for the 2009-2010 school year. Information will be mailed to high school principals this week. Applications can be found on the NH DOE Web site at www.education.nh.gov.

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

Poetry Out Loud FY 2010 Program

New Hampshire high schools interested in participating in New Hampshire's Poetry Out Loud (POL) 2010 national competition should note these events at NH State Council on the Arts, 2 1/2 Beacon Street, Concord, NH:

• Information Session, Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 4 p.m.
• Required orientation session, Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Application deadline, October 15, 2009

For more information please go to www.nh.gov/nharts/newsandcalendar/POL/2010/pol.htm.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program

NOAA B-WET provides grants in support of locally relevant experiential learning through meaningful watershed educational experiences in the K-12 environment. Funded projects will provide meaningful watershed educational experiences for students and related professional development for teachers in support of regional education and environmental priorities. For more information about these funding opportunities and resources for applicants go to: www.oesd.noaa.gov/BWET/BWET_funding.html.

Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program provides opportunities for overseas experience. The program is open to educators and administrators with responsibilities for curriculum development in fields related to humanities, languages, and area studies. Topics and host countries of the seminars vary from year to year. All seminars are in non-western European countries. Seminars are designed to provide a broad and introductory cultural orientation to a particular country. The program is geared towards those educators with little or no experience in the host country who demonstrate the need to develop and enhance their curriculum through short-term study and travel abroad. There are nine seminars being offered for Summer 2010 with 14-16 positions per seminar, subject to the availability of funds. Seminars begin as early as late May and may last until mid-August for a duration of four to six weeks. For application inquiries contact Carly Borgmeier - Carly.Borgmeier@ed.gov or Michelle Ward - Michelle.Ward@ed.gov. You may apply online at e-grants.ed.gov/.

Discover the Power of Parks Programs

The Discover the Power of Parks Program is offering a series of interpretive programs free to New Hampshire schools and organizations. Discover the Power of Parks programs offer a look into the natural world through hands-on programming, and include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families.

The Discover the Power of Parks program topics focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Presentations are available free with the price of admission at White Lake State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park and Bear Brook State Park, or interpreters will travel to locations within a 20-mile radius of their park. Programs can be adapted for different ages and held indoors or outdoors. Presentations are available Tuesday through Friday, through October 13, 2009.

For information about Discover the Power of Parks Programming, visit www.discoverpowerofparks.com or call (603) 271-3556.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH is gearing up for the new school season with new homeschool workshops and teacher workshops. A free teacher orientation will be held for all teachers, educators, and professors to tour the Discovery Center and learn about its various tools and offerings, including samples of new Experience Programs, outreach possibilities with a demonstration of the portable Discovery Dome, a taste of shows offered in the planetarium theater, and more. The Discovery Center is New England's premier air and space science center, offering 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 café. The Discovery Center honors NH space pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard. Information on all workshops, programs and events will be posted online at www.starhop.com. Teachers will receive a 10% discount on memberships to the new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. For more information, visit www.starhop.com or call Dinah Martell at (603) 271-7827 x113.

Programs on Recovery From Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI NH offers two programs, In Our Own Voice and Life Interrupted, that fight stigma and educates on recovery from Mental Illness. These programs are free of charge and are available to you to be brought into the class room. In Our Own Voice is from the persons living with mental illness perspective and Life Interrupted is from the family member perspective. More information can be found at www.naminh.org/PublicPresentations.php, or by contacting Deborah Karr at 225-5359, or dkarr@naminh.org.

Project Archaeology: Discover the Past - Shape the Future

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources is requesting your help as educators. Archaeological sites on state-owned properties, including those on many school parcels, are protected by state laws. These sites are exciting to explore and can be great learning tools; however, there are approved methods for exploring them. The NH Division of Historical Resources has a program for that.

Project Archaeology is a comprehensive archaeology and heritage education program for anyone interested in learning or teaching about our nation's rich cultural legacy and protecting it for future generations. Project Archaeology includes publications, professional development for educators, networking opportunities, and continuing support for participants. Using an innovative hands-on approach to history, Project Archaeology teaches scientific inquiry, citizenship, personal ethics and character, and cultural understanding. For more information and for a poster about archaeology on NH state property, visit www.nh.gov/nhdhr/programs/project_archaeology.html. You may also contact Tanya Kress, records coordinator, (603) 271-6568, tanya.kress@dcr.nh.gov.

NH Children In Nature Conference

At the "Building Nature-Based Communities" conference discover ways to encourage kids and families to get outside and more involved with the natural world. Plan to attend the October 1, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Camp Yavneh in Northwood, NH The Conference is intended to provide community leaders and organizations with the resources, tools, and support to make local change to reconnect children, youth, and families with nature.

Following the "Building Nature-Based Communities" conference, NH Children In Nature Coalition will be holding the first annual "Get Out and Play Weekend!" on October 3-4, 2009. The event will be an opportunity for children, youth, and families statewide to get out and participate in or organize their own nature-based activity outdoors. For more information or to register for the Conference visit www.NHChildrenInNature.org.

Introductory and Advanced Facilitated Communication Workshops

The Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire will offer Introductory Training for Facilitated Communication (FC) on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 and Facilitated Communication 2: Beyond the Basics on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Institute on Disability's Concord Office. For more information and to register visit www.iod.unh.edu/events.html or call 228-2084.

Gifted and Talented Conference

The New England Conference on Gifted and Talented will be held on October 22-24, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel, Nashua, NH. This conference is for educators, counselors, health professionals, and parents of the gifted and talented. The conference is co-sponsored by the six New England state advocacy organizations and the New England Departments of Education. More information can be found at www.necgt.org.

Preventing Suicide Across Time and Across Systems

This conference is being held on Friday, November 6, 2009, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Loon Mountain Club, Lincoln, NH. There will be plenaries and workshops on a number of topics, including: community-based approaches to suicide prevention; depression across the lifespan; the interaction between physical health and mental health of middle-aged and older adults; the use of anti-depressants and other medications; and suicide and the veteran community. For more information, contact Elizabeth Fenner-Lukaitis at (603) 271-5028, ElizabethFL@dhhs.state.nh.us

Sports Concussion Education Kit available

The Family Resource Connection at the NH State Library has a copy of the education kit Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports that it is available for loan to NH coaches, parents, and athletes. The kit contains practical, easy-to-use information, including a video and DVD featuring a young athlete disabled by concussion, a guide, a wallet card for coaches, posters, fact sheets for parents and athletes in English and Spanish, and a CD-ROM with downloadable kit materials and additional concussion-related resources. For more information, contact the Family Resource Connection: 1-800-298-4321 (toll free in NH), FRC@dcr.nh.gov.

Need A School Or Club Fundraiser? Sell NH Fish & Wildlife Calendars

Fish and Game is offering schools and clubs the opportunity to sell the new 2010 NH Fish & Wildlife calendar as a local fundraiser. Your organization will make $5.95 on each calendar ordered (a minimum purchase of 10 calendars is required). The all-new 2010 New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife wall calendar features twelve months of beautiful wildlife photography, plus hunting and fishing season dates and more. This year's theme is "Get outside and get active with family and friends."

To download a calendar sales package for your group, visit www.wildnh.com/Shop/calendar_fundraiser.html or call (603) 271-6355. Final fundraiser orders must be placed by November 6, 2009. Group orders are fulfilled after orders are taken, so you only buy the number of calendars that you've sold.

October is NH Archaeology Month

The New Hampshire Archaeological Society, in partnership with the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources and New Hampshire Department of Transportation, is sponsoring the 2009 New Hampshire Archaeology Month in October. Archaeologists, museums, historical societies, other organizations and enthusiasts will hold exciting events to share the results of their latest discoveries, theories, and favorite stories of archaeological sleuthing. Information on the events of New Hampshire Archaeology Month can be found at www.nhas.org.

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