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Greetings from Kate Estefan, New Project Director at the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center! I bring over 20 years of experience as a school counselor in NH, focusing on youth, mental health, and social emotional learning to my new role. I'm excited to bring my background in education and my work with families and community partners to this role. I look forward to continuing the work of the NH-SFEC and contributing to our collective success!
If you have any questions or just want to connect, please feel free to reach out at estefan@compactnh.org
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Let’s Celebrate GEAR UP Family Leader of the Year: Ana Ascencio from Manchester, NH
Every year, the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) honors a standout GEAR UP Family Leader for their exceptional dedication to GEAR UP Programming and the community. This year's award went to Ana Ascencio from Manchester, NH!
Ana, a devoted mother of three, serves as GEAR UP’s Parent Ambassador, actively participating in monthly sessions for Spanish-speaking families to provide important high school and post-secondary information and financial aid insights. She collaborates with the Manchester School District’s Office of Equity to create opportunities for parents, spearheading initiatives like Family Villages to inspire leadership in education. Ana champions family engagement, motivating others to persist and make a difference, emphasizing quality impact over quantity. As Ana aptly puts it, "I want to motivate all the parents and the leaders of programs to be persistent and not to get discouraged when there is a low number of parents at a meeting. The important thing is not the quantity but how one can impact that small group and change their mentality so that they can support their children in higher education.”
Ana Ascencio, your unwavering dedication to GEAR UP programming and the Manchester community is truly inspiring. Thank you for your passion and commitment to making a positive impact. Keep shining bright!
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Calling All Market Lovers!
The NH-SFEC is attending not one, but two farmers markets in August! Catch us at the Littleton Farmer's Market and Wolfeboro Farmers' Market for some fun and fresh finds. Families that visit all the participating organizations will receive a $20 voucher for fresh or prepared food at the market, courtesy of the Region 7 Early Childhood Partnership. Don't miss out on this delicious deal!
Make sure to swing by our table as you wander around and discover all the amazing offerings these farmers markets have in store. Below are the dates for the farmers market:
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Scholarship Opportunity for Northern New England Rural Summit
September 10-11th | Schedule on Summit Website | Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (101 Mountain View Rd Whitefield, NH 03598)
Full scholarships are available for parents and caregivers to attend the Summit, offering a chance to engage with the education community of New Hampshire!
You do not want to miss keynote speaker Jimmy Wayne a renowned singer-songwriter, author, and foster care advocate at the Northern New England Rural Summit. Jimmy has dedicated years to advocating for at-risk youth in the foster care system, championing for support and legislation to make a difference in their lives. At the Summit, he will share his insights and delve into the profound influence each individual can have on young people. This opportunity is a game-changer for those looking to connect, learn, and grow in the education world of New Hampshire!
Interested in learning about the scholarship opportunities and the conference? Contact Kate Estefan, Project Director, at estefan@compactnh.org
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More for you to participate in! | | |
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Visit the Bookmobile in Manchester, NH
August 8 | 1 PM – 2 PM | Elmwood Gardens
Do not miss the chance to experience the final days of the Bookmobile's visit to Manchester this summer of 2024. The New Hampshire Statewide Family Engagement Center will be there, adding to the excitement! Come join us for a delightful blend of books and creativity on wheels. Make sure to seize this exceptional opportunity to discover a wide range of literary works and fully engage yourself in the enchanting world of words.
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Downtown Manchester Summer Movie Series - School of Rock
August 14 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Veteran’s Memorial Park | 723 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03104
Get ready to rock out with "School of Rock" at Veteran’s Memorial Park! Join this hilarious and heartwarming film featuring Dewey Finn, an overly enthusiastic guitarist turned substitute music teacher. Watch as he introduces his young students to the world of rock 'n' roll in a fun and rebellious way. Will they be able to come together for the ultimate Battle of the Bands?
For more information, please contact Caleb at 603-624-6560.
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St. Raphael Parish Food Pantry
Every Monday | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | 103 Walker St, Manchester, NH 03102
Looking for a helping hand? St. Raphael Parish food pantry stands in solidarity during challenging times. What you need is at the food pantry, open every Monday evening from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Here individuals facing economic difficulties will find support and assist.
For inquiries, reach out to our parish office at 603.623.2604 or email srpfoodpantry@st-raphael-parish.org.
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Tri-County Community Action Program Water Wars
August 10 | 1 PM – 3 PM | Community Field, Berlin, NH
Kiddos of all ages are invited to join Head Start for a fantastic afternoon of fun! Bring your water squirt toys and get ready to dive into organized games and enjoy free snow cones!
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New Hampshire Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry
August 16 | 12 PM – 2 PM | Newfound Regional High School, 150 Newfound Road, Bristol, NH
The New Hampshire Food Bank's drive-thru mobile food pantry will be in Bristol on Friday, August 16. Households will receive produce and shelf-stable items. All families in need of food assistance are welcome to join!
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Summer Convenings Report Highlights
The NH-SFEC Summer Convenings highlighted new and existing programs and emphasized the importance of fostering communication and trust among parents/caregivers, schools, and communities in Manchester and Northern New Hampshire. Key findings from the Educating for Good report include:
- 80% of parents experienced improved school communication.
- 92% gained a better understanding of the Family Villages model.
- 60% felt more empowered as community leaders.
Moving forward, three critical areas were identified:
- Structured Family Engagement Programs: Enhancing connections between schools, families, and communities is essential.
- Understanding Challenges and Needs: Addressing issues like staffing shortages and funding constraints to improve family engagement requires more resources and support.
- Community and Cultural Considerations: Tailoring strategies to local contexts is crucial, including building trust and connections based on cultural backgrounds.
For a more in-depth look at the discussions from the Manchester and Northern New Hampshire convenings, access the full report.
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Suicide Prevention Training
Beat the Waitlist! NAMI NH, in partnership with the Office of Social and Emotional Wellness, is hosting a specialized training for school staff and youth-focused professionals on suicide prevention and crisis response strategies. These trainings will equip participants with essential skills and resources to become certified Connect trainers. Limited seats available - secure your spot now and be part of this crucial movement in supporting our youth's mental health. Sign up today!
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Booked For Summer - Summer Reading List (Manchester School District)
The summer reading and learning program, #Booked4Summer, organized by the Manchester School District, aims to promote the significance of summer reading and learning across Manchester that can be utilized by parents and caregivers across the state. It provides a range of age-appropriate activities for elementary, middle, and high school students, encouraging them to reach their reading and learning targets. Explore the resources now!
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The NCELA Newcomer Toolkit For Educators
The Newcomer Toolkit by the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) is a specialized resource designed to assist educators across the United States in engaging with immigrant students, including asylees, refugees, and their families. Tailored for elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and other school personnel, this toolkit provides essential tools and strategies to effectively address the distinctive needs of newcomer students and foster their academic and social integration within the school community. Embrace diversity, promote inclusivity, and access the Newcomer Toolkit today to create a welcoming environment for all students!
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Colorín Colorado ELL Student Resource
Attention teachers! Let's help our ELL students feel welcomed and ready for success. Introducing the ELL Welcome Kit - a special packet with school info and supplies to support ELL students whenever they join. Plan what to include in the kits as a team this summer for a smooth start for all ELL students!
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Last Days of Summer Inspiration! Stop Scrolling.
The New Hampshire Department of Education has prepared new destinations and activities to take a break and explore new experiences! Social media can have a significant impact on our mental health, especially for children. Educating ourselves and our young ones about the potential risks is crucial to decrease the chances of depression, anxiety, and psychological issues. Let's prioritize creating a healthier environment and visit these cool destinations and activities to make the most of the remaining days of summer!
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Join the NH-SFEC Advisory Council!
Are you a dedicated parent or caregiver interested in shaping our work? Join us to contribute your wisdom and perspective to help us create effective strategies to benefit our children.
Click to apply to join the NH-SFEC Advisory Council now!
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The mission of the New Hampshire Statewide Family Engagement Center (NH-SFEC) is to improve the educational outcomes of NH students and their families by connecting families, schools, and communities as partners in the academic success and social-emotional wellbeing of our children statewide. The NH-SFEC convenes, supports, and provides the infrastructure for state and local education agencies and community organizations to work alongside caregivers in building programs, goals, and opportunities to ensure all families are involved as partners in their student’s education. | | | | |
