East Rochester students celebrate, Portsmouth students head to nationals: Education news

Portsmouth Herald
Updated ·3 min read

East Rochester School celebrates an out of this world event

Nicole Merrigan, Carissa Ryan, and Kristy Croft were a few of the fabulous teachers who made Math and Literacy Night spectacular. They are shown here with two students in a cardboard cutout of a rocket ship.
Nicole Merrigan, Carissa Ryan, and Kristy Croft were a few of the fabulous teachers who made Math and Literacy Night spectacular. They are shown here with two students in a cardboard cutout of a rocket ship.

ROCHESTER — Superintendent Kyle Repucci and Principal Andrea Lancey announced more than 200 students and family members participated in an out of this world space-themed Math and Literacy Night at East Rochester School.

On Thursday, March 16, students and family members enjoyed a space-themed version of the school's Title I Family Fun Nights with a focus on math and literacy.

Nicole Merrigan and two students play a literacy game at Math and Literacy Night.
Nicole Merrigan and two students play a literacy game at Math and Literacy Night.

Participants built marshmallow constellations, played math games, created alien bookmarks and played space syllable puzzles and a game called Alien vs. Earth Words. A telescope was also setup to give participants a chance to gaze at real constellations in the sky.

Students practice their reading skills as part of one of several games available to participants at Math and Literacy Night.
Students practice their reading skills as part of one of several games available to participants at Math and Literacy Night.

Lance Davis, manager of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, was also on hand to display photographs from the observatory.

The evening was an extension of the East Rochester School's space-themed math fact fluency challenge, in which students from Kindergarten through fifth grade practice their fact fluency skills over three weeks in February.

The first student in each class who completed the challenge received prizes, and two lucky students were awarded tickets to take their families to the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. The Planetarium donated the tickets to the East Rochester School.

Over 200 students and family members participated in the space-themed Math and Literacy Night.
Over 200 students and family members participated in the space-themed Math and Literacy Night.

"This was a highly educational and incredibly fun evening for students and parents to learn and enjoy themselves together with East Rochester School faculty and staff," said Principal Lancey. "I am over the moon about how this evening turned out and all the fun that was had. We truly had a blast."

Portsmouth High School Career Technical Center students headed to national competition

Back row from left to right are Emily Stokel, Sophia VanEpps, Josie Moore, Aizha Castellano, Brigid Cadle, Lana Bresnahan, Jordan Ovadek. Front row from left to right are Nikko Koukis, Emilie LeRoux, Alicia Matthes, Suha Tuhami.
Back row from left to right are Emily Stokel, Sophia VanEpps, Josie Moore, Aizha Castellano, Brigid Cadle, Lana Bresnahan, Jordan Ovadek. Front row from left to right are Nikko Koukis, Emilie LeRoux, Alicia Matthes, Suha Tuhami.

PORTMOUTH — Portsmouth High School Career Technical Center announced students from its Careers in Education program competed in leadership and skills competitions at Southern New Hampshire University. Friday, April 7, the wait was over and scores were announced at the Annual Educators Rising NH Teachapalooza event.

The following students earned skills competition medals:

  • Children's Literature K-3: Gold Medal to Aizha Castellano

  • Job Interview: Bronze Medal to Brigid Cadle

  • Ethical Dilemma: Gold Medal to Sophia Van Epps, Nikko Koukis, Emily Stokel, Emilie LeRoux

  • Exploring Support Services Careers: Gold Medal and a perfect score earned by Josie Moore

The students that placed will have the opportunity to travel to the Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando, Florida, this summer.

Knowlton School holds Mathlete Competition

From left to right are Alex Whicker 1st place; Ozma Kasten 2nd place and Luke Brunner 3rd place
From left to right are Alex Whicker 1st place; Ozma Kasten 2nd place and Luke Brunner 3rd place

BERWICK, Maine — On Wednesday, March 22, Knowlton School (MSAD 60) in Berwick, Maine held its Mathletes competition.  This program was open to all fourth and fifth graders.  Students needed to give up part of their recess in order to attend training sessions. Students were recognized at the Awards Ceremony on March 27.

Congratulations go to all who participated. This program was organized by Mrs. Eileen Sahagian, EXCEL Teacher at Knowlton School.

Grace Hartford presented with 2023 Maine Principals’ Association Award

Grace Hartford
Grace Hartford

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Noble High School Principal, AJ Dufort, announces that the 2023 Maine Principals’ Association Award will be presented to senior, Grace Hartford. Each year schools in Maine are able to select one student to receive the award that is based on academic achievement, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

Hartford has exemplified student leadership as the president of the high school’s Wellness Club and Spanish Honor Society. She presented to the entire student body and led an initiative to have Noble High School students participate in the Yellow Tulip Project. Principal Dufort noted that Hartford “is such a positive influence for others to follow. She truly cares about her classmates and contributes to our school culture in so many ways.”

The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools.

Maine teacher nominated for National History Day Teacher of the Year

Christa Boeykens-Bui
Christa Boeykens-Bui

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Teachers from 47 National History Day affiliate programs have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.

Maine teacher, Christa Boeykens-Bui has been nominated. Bui is the gifted and talented teacher for Noble Middle School in Berwick, Maine.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: East Rochester students celebrate, Portsmouth students go to nationals