Rochester Public Schools

Rochester’s Maple Street Magnet Elementary Students Explore Outdoor Classroom Areas

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Rochester Public Schools
Kyle Repucci, Superintendent
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Sept. 30, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester’s Maple Street Magnet Elementary Students Explore Outdoor Classroom Areas

ROCHESTER — Approximately 120 Maple Street Magnet School students explored the designated outdoor learning spaces at the Hanson Pines Trails Friday, closely examining trees, foliage, wildlife and the Cocheco River.

In spring 2018, Maple Street Magnet students reached out to the Riverwalk Committee and formed a partnership to establish outdoor classrooms within the Hanson Pines Trails. Since then, students have continued to be involved as the outdoor learning spaces are planned and installed.

The Riverwalk Committee is still finalizing plans for the handful of learning spaces that have been identified on the trails, but has begun fundraising to build a small amphitheater at one location. Another location features large fallen trees arranged in a circle, creating a natural place for people to sit and talk or listen to a lecture.

On Friday, students were paired in groups of two, and each partnership included one older student and one younger student. Fifth grade students were paired with kindergarten students, fourth grade students were paired with first grade students, and second and third grade students worked together.

“These outdoor learning spaces are a wonderful asset and resource for our students, and it was exciting to see their faces light up this morning as they learned about the natural world,” said Danielle Devoid, a fifth grade teacher. “This field trip also brought our students together. Younger students had the opportunity to look up to older children while they completed various activities, and the older students were happy to help the younger children.”

Working in teams, students used their senses to discuss what they saw, heard and felt on the trails. Students then used paper and crayons to create leaf rubbings, and collected small items such as sticks and leaves to bring back to school. While exploring the area, students also brainstormed names for the outdoor learning classrooms, including “Leaning Tree of Pines,” “Riverside” and the “Leaning Tree.”

After other students left the site for lunch, third and fifth grade students began testing the water of the Cocheco River with assistance from scientists in the University of New Hampshire Docent program. The students have been partnering with the UNH scientists each week this September through a “Stream Safari” program to study the health of the Cocheco River. 

“Our students are incredibly receptive to the outdoors, and that was clear today as they walked the trails and shared their discoveries with one another,” said Principal Erin Mahoney.  “We’re so thankful to the Riverwalk Committee for designating these areas for outdoor learning, and to UNH as well. These community partnerships make an incredible difference in our children’s education, and we’re so thankful for their time and help.”

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Rochester Middle School to Hold Lights On Afterschool Event

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Rochester Public Schools
Michael L. Hopkins, Superintendent
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Middle School to Hold Lights On Afterschool Event

ROCHESTER — Principal Adam Houghton would like to invite the community to attend Rochester Middle School’s Lights On Afterschool event next week.

WHEN:

Friday, Oct. 26 from 5-7 p.m.

WHERE:

Rochester Middle School, 47 Brock St.

WHAT:

Lights On Afterschool, which launched in 2000, is a project by the nonprofit group Afterschool Alliance that works to ensure all children have access to quality programming once the school day ends. Every year, thousands of communities across the country with after school programs hold special events to celebrate the positive effects their initiatives have made on children.

Rochester Middle School is able to provide homework help and activities to students from 2:30-5:30 p.m. during the week through their 21st Century Community Learning Center, Project SHARE — a partnership between the school and YMCA to offer programming to students following the final bell.

Prior to Project SHARE, 93.3 percent of Rochester Middle School students were not enrolled in any programs after school. Statistics from the Rochester Police Department from 2014-16 revealed that the largest amount of crime committed by youths occurred from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Today, 40 middle school students participate in Project SHARE.

“We realized there was a need to give students a place to go after the last bell rings where they can foster positive relationships with peers and adults and receive any academic support they might need,” Principal Houghton said. “Project SHARE has made a positive difference in children’s lives and we invite families to join us in recognizing this during our Lights on Afterschool event.”

The event will begin in the gym with a short speaking program and then guests are free to move throughout Rochester Middle School for a scavenger hunt, BINGO, pumpkin painting, recreation time, crafts and a robotics demonstration.

Anyone with questions should contact Program Director Aislinn Kalob at [email protected] or at 603-332-4090 ext. 4134.

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Rochester Chamberlain Street School Hosts Pancake Breakfast for Dads

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Rochester Public Schools
Michael L. Hopkins, Superintendent
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Chamberlain Street School Hosts Pancake Breakfast for Dads

 

ROCHESTER — Principal Mark Campbell is pleased to announce that the Chamberlain Street School hosted a free pancake breakfast for students and their dads last week.

On Tuesday, May 9, the school’s cafeteria was filled to capacity with 110 dads, dad-like figures and their children, all who enjoyed delicious pancakes with strawberries, a side of sausage and some milk.

The Title 1 sponsored event was designed to promote dads and/or a family’s male parental figure to be more involved in their children’s school life, and to in turn, promote a positive relationship with school officials.

Following the breakfast, dads walked their children to their classrooms and spent the first 15 minutes with them to see how the day starts. They heard the morning announcements and participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

As students began classwork, the dads returned to the cafeteria for a recap and thank you with the Chamberlain Street School administration.

“This was a fun and relaxing event that gave students’ fathers or guardians a chance to see more of the school and enjoy time with their kids,” Principal Campbell said. “Our goal here at Chamberlain is to have successful relationship with students’ primary caretakers, whether that’s a mom and a dad, grandparents or parental guardians. Thank you to all who took the time to come out for this pancake breakfast.”

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Rochester Public Schools to Host Career Workshop for Students and Businesses

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Rochester Public Schools
Michael L. Hopkins, Superintendent
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 24, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Public Schools to Host Career Workshop for Students and Businesses

Rochester, N.H. — Superintendent Michael L. Hopkins is pleased to announce that Rochester Public Schools will hold its third Career Assistance Workshop, “What, Why and How to be ‘Employable,’” which will give students a chance to meet local business leaders and learn the skills they’ll need to launch their future careers.

“We’re pleased to once again be hosting this workshop, because it’s a great way for students to hear firsthand what employers are looking for from prospective employees,” Hopkins said. “It’s also an invaluable opportunity for students to learn the essential skills they’ll need to be independent and successful adults.”

WHEN:

Thursday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Spaulding High School Auditorium, 130 Wakefield St.

WHAT:

The Rochester Public Schools invites students and parents to its Career Assistance Workshop, which will feature local business leaders offering insight on how students can best prepare to enter the workforce after high school.

New Hampshire Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut will also be in attendance.

The program is designed to engage, educate and empower not just the school community, but rather the community as a whole. The event is organized by Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator Dean Graziano.

“Our hope is to help fit students and businesses together in a mutually beneficial partnership so that the students get valuable experience while businesses end up with better-prepared interns and workers coming from a high school environment,” Graziano said.

A panel of business leaders will offer insight on a variety of key topics related to making a successful post-secondary transition. Topics will include: interviewing tips, resume and cover letter development and tips for building credit. Students will also have a chance to meet with individual panelists to ask questions.

The event is free and parents and guardians are asked to attend along with their students.

For more information, contact Graziano at 603-332-0757 ext. 2126 or email him at [email protected].

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