The proposed 2010-2011 budget reflects a decrease of 3+%, or about $300,000, when compared with the current 2009-2010 budget (which was decreased by 1.7% compared with the 2008-2009 budget).  The proposed 2010-2011 operating budget - $9,538,404 - reflects a zero tax impact for Pittsfield taxpayers, without warrant articles.  

Most warrant articles also reflect a zero tax impact for Pittsfield taxpayers.  Proposed warrant articles address the food service program, federal grant programs, the teacher collective bargaining agreement, replacement of the PMHS gym roof, and the reserve fund for costs associated with educating disabled children.

To achieve an operating budget with no local tax impact, the board’s proposed budget has had to accommodate increased costs in a number of key areas, including contributions to the New Hampshire Retirement System (+5%) and health insurance costs (+18.9%).  The impact of these increases was heightened by the estimated reduction of funds from non-tax sources by nearly $150,000. 

The proposed budget also reflects reductions in allocations for books, supplies, and equipment, as well as the elimination of 10+ staff positions, effecting reductions in the teaching, administration, guidance, and the support staff.  The impact of such a reduction will mean larger class sizes and fewer options for high school students.    

Importantly, the district is embarking on a major initiative to redesign the instructional program of our middle high school.  This multi-year project aims to increase student engagement and student achievement.  The proposed 2010-2011 budget includes increased funding for Improvement of Instruction at PMHS, which will be used primarily for the purchase of consultant services to advise on this project.  The district is also hopeful about supplementing the district budget with grant funding for this exciting and important initiative.

Once again, revenues from federal, state, and other non-tax sources will provide funding for more than half of this budget; this includes funding through the state’s Adequacy Grant and Catastrophic Aid, which supports special education placements, among others. 

In addition, entitlement and competitive grants are providing another $941,000 to support Pittsfield’s students in the current year; these grant sources include more than $312,000 in grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA/Stimulus).  As always, the district has been aggressive in seeking and winning competitive grants to support the education of Pittsfield’s children and youth.

- National Conference of State Legislatures 

It’s not hard to see that that our high schools need some attention. 

Disappointing test results in international comparisons of reading, math, and scientific literacy; a dropout crisis with estimates of 7,000 young people dropping out of school per day in our nation; college professors reporting that students are not able to adequately able to comprehend complex reading material; low voter turnout; employers telling us that newly-hired employees tend to lack in written communication skills, leadership, and work ethic; no, it’s not hard to see that our high schools need some attention.

Despite dramatic changes in the world outside the walls of our schools, inside the walls of today’s typical high schools, we’d find that things look a good deal like the high schools that you and I attended, whether it was five, ten, fifteen… or even fifty or sixty years ago. 

If you visited today’s typical high school, you’d find the day divided into seven or eight periods with each period devoted to the same single, unconnected subjects that have been in place for over a hundred years.  After school, you’d see just about the same teams and clubs that you could have seen in the 1930’s.  School would be in session for about the same length of time per day and for about the same number of days per year.

Sure, there have been attempts to update things a bit.  When Sputnik was launched in 1957, our federal government called for stronger math and science programs in the interest of national security.  When President Reagan’s National Commission on Excellence in Education issued its report A Nation at Risk in 1983, the Commission called for higher standards, a longer school day, a longer school year, and more technology in the schools, among other reforms.

But it still seemed that the more things changed outside of school, the more things remained the same inside.

Fortunately for our students and our society, we’re finally seeing some initiative for real change in our high schools.  Our regional accreditation agency, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, is expecting students to leave high schools armed with 21^st Century Skills; our New Hampshire Department of Education is providing leadership for redesigning high schools to support the acquisition of real-world competencies; and high-powered, national collaboratives like the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills has identified topics such as global awareness, health literacy, critical thinking and problem solving, flexibility and adaptability as new basics for our high school graduates.

This is good news for our Pittsfield students.  And it’s good news for our community and our society at large.

During the winter and spring of 2009, our school district hosted a number of open community forums that began a community conversation about what our schools should look like and what we should expect our graduates to know and be able to do when they receive their diplomas.  Building on this foundation, a group of students, community members, and educators convened in November 2009 to begin to create a vision of a Pittsfield Middle High School that would better serve our students.  And over the years ahead, this vision will serve as inspirational guidance as we redesign Pittsfield Middle High School.

What are the essential elements of this vision?  What changes can we expect with our redesign?

• Curriculum: identified core curriculum of essential learning; specific graduation requirements in terms of what graduates will know and will be able to do; senior projects; development of skills needed for success in career, college, and citizenship.
• Methodology: project-based learning; options for demonstrating course competencies; inquiry-based instruction, driven by questions and relevance; personal learning plans developed by each student; close collaboration and mutual support between regular education and special education teachers and staff; strong relationships with families and student-led student/parent/teacher conferences; development of extended learning opportunities that will enable our students to take advantage of learning in our greater community.
•  Organization: the development of a site council to open up decision-making to students, community, and staff; flexible scheduling of the school day; dedicated time within each week for professional staff development and team planning / monitoring of student progress.

• Student/Teacher Relationship: higher expectations; commitment to the learning of each student; advisories organized to address a broader variety of relevant student needs; teachers in roles of coaches supporting student learning.

Certainly, technology will play an important role as we achieve our vision.  How could it not?  Already, observers are calling the current generation of youth the Net Generation.  It should come as no surprise that our Net Generation is behaving a bit differently from earlier generations.  Today’s Net Generation is accustomed to instant gratification and connections, uses the web regularly for multiple purposes including learning and self-expression, is nearly constantly connected to others, and views multi-tasking as a way of life.

Fortunately, observers also tell us that our Net Gen-ers have not lost the sense of altruism and idealism that have long been a positive characteristic of adolescents and young adults.  Net Gen-ers want to make a difference in the world and want to do interesting and worthwhile work.  We have every reason to be optimistic about today’s young people; we just need to change our ways to give them the education that they will need and that they deserve.

This exciting transformation will take time, time measured in years and not marking periods.  And we’re fortunate to have a few important factors in our favor.

One of these assets if our size.  In the past, large schools with plenty of options for students have been seen to be the ideal.  More recently, however, small schools, with strong relationships among students and staff, flexibility to make quick changes in response to student needs and changing conditions, and willingness to access resources outside of school have been viewed as a preferable model.  Many formerly large schools have been divided into smaller units and organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been strong supporters of the movement to scale down the size of our high schools.

Another asset is the availability of successful models.  Many small alternative schools and charter schools have emerged over the last twenty-five years.  In fact, members of our visioning team have been inspired by visits to several such schools in Massachusetts and New York.  In our visits, we found engaged, excited learners taking charge of their own learning, and we found outcomes in terms of class discussions and student work that more closely resembled college-quality than that produced by typical high school students.

And a third asset is the support and energy for this process displayed not only by our faculty and staff but also by many Pittsfield citizens who have learned about our plans for the new direction for our schools.  This support is greatly appreciated and is essential to our success.

Yes, I stand with those who believe that our schools, particularly our high schools, need to do a better job in preparing our young people for success in careers, college, and citizenship.  I’m also very excited to be a part of this vital transformation of our own schools here in Pittsfield.

Respectfully,

John J. Freeman, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

It was Harriet Richardson Ames’ dream to earn her bachelor’s degree in education. She finally reached that milestone, nearly three weeks after achieving another: her 100th birthday.

Please read: NH teacher, 100, gets degree a day before dying

The Alumni Association was officially formed in May 2006 and our mission is to “foster a spirit of loyalty and commitment among PHS, the community and the alumni. The Alumni Association shall support the continued growth and development of the school and encourage and coordinate activities that would benefit the interests of PHS and the community.”

Currently the officers of the Alumni Association are: President – Tobi (Gray) Chassie, ’73; Vice President – Carole (Fife) Richardson, ’69; Secretary – Andrea (Grainger) Riel, ’84; Treasurer – Louie Houle, ’72; Membership Secretary – Sandy Bucknam, ’73; Historian – Ted Mitchell, ’68; and Members at Large – Paula (Nickerson) Driscoll, ’86 and Chris Ward, ’82.

We meet 4 times per year usually September, January, March and June at 6:30 pm at the PMHS Media (Library) Center. Members are ALWAYS welcome and encouraged to attend. Please check the website for meeting dates.

The Alumni Association has provided a $500 scholarship to a (PMHS) graduate starting in 2007. The past recipients have been Nicole Parker in ‘07; Kelsey Metcalf in ’08 and Sarah Buchanan in ’09. We have also sponsored a graduation breakfast for the Senior Class. A pancake, sausage, fruit and drink breakfast is provided for the class and is a chance for the Alumni Association to introduce ourselves to the class members and ask for their involvement as they move on to further schooling, the Service or employment.

We have had a presence at various local events (such as Old Home Day, Balloon Rally and the Alumni Basketball games) to collect current names, addresses and email contact information to add to the database. Our goal is to update and keep current contact information for classes planning reunions.

There are no dues collected. We do send an annual letter (which hopefully will soon become a newsletter) soliciting donations to help defray costs associated with certain projects that the Alumni Association is or will be working on. The funds collected are also used for the annual scholarship.

Check out the Alumni Association’s website at http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/. (click Alumni tab) It’s constantly being worked on. We’re also on Facebook.

The latest project the Alumni Association is undertaking is another ALL CLASS REUNION. Save the date of July 17, 2010 (Old Home Day!) The Reunion will be a Meet and Greet openhouse style at PMHS with a chance to tour both facilities (PMHS and PES); visit with classmates and others; enjoy some refreshments and (we hope) a chicken BBQ dinner.

Anyone who is interested in helping with the Reunion or joining the planning committee, please call Andi Riel at 435-6346 or Paula Driscoll at 435-8272. Also, plan to join the Alumni Association and attend one of our meetings – we’d love to see new faces and we welcome new ideas!

Student Leaders Roll Out School Climate Survey Results:   Twenty-two student leaders representing every grade level have been working with consultants from Main Street Academix to improve school climate at Pittsfield Middle High School.  The student leaders administered an online survey to approximately 70% of students in grades 7-12 and invited faculty and staff to participate in a staff version of the survey.  Bryan Partridge and Rachael Frost of Main Street Academix (MSA) brought the results to the students in mid-February, and led students through analysis of the data to identify goals for school improvement.  That afternoon, several students shared individual comments from the survey at a faculty meeting to introduce teachers to the process of analyzing results and setting goals.  Though working separately, the similarity in several student and faculty goals is striking:  1.) Equal and effective discipline; 2.) More personalized time with students/Encourage teachers to get to know students on a personal level; 3.) Respect among students and faculty/Have a common understanding what respect is and looks like.  Paraprofessionals also had an opportunity to review the results earlier this week, with the importance of respect a common theme.  The next step in the “Safe Measures” process is the development of action plans to help meet those goals.  MSA staff members will return on 3/8/10 to facilitate this process.

Results from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey that our high school students took last year have been released.  A quick comparison of the data to past years’ local results, as well as to averages across the state, indicates positive trends in many areas, including suicide risk and use of alcohol. Further analysis of the data is planned for March 16^th at the next meeting of the Pittsfield Community Coalition.  Parents and community members are welcomed to attend.  Please contact Jeff Martel, Guidance Counselor at PMHS (435-6701), or Sarah Sardowski, Coalition Coordinator (435-8272) for more information.

Upcoming programs from our good friends at NHHEAF!  Students will once again have the opportunity to benefit from school programs provided through the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF).  Guest speakers from their Center for College Planning are scheduled to present the following programs:

• The College Overview for Juniors/Seniors, Evening Presentation for Students & Parents (Monday, March 15^th at 6:30 PM) Selecting colleges and applying for admission can be overwhelming. There are applications to be completed, deadlines to meet, essays to write and policies to understand. This evening session is intended to educate the student and family about the college admission process. Topics include: narrowing your list, questions to ask on a college tour, college essay pointers, the application timeline and the basics of financial aid. Attendees will receive The College Insider, a handy planner to guide students through the college application process.
• Are You Smarter Than a 12^th Grader? Daytime 8th Grade Presentation (Thursday, March 18^th) This program features tips for course selection, academic enrichment, college and career inspiration. This presentation is designed to help 8th graders begin thinking about high school and beyond and will help students think about course selection for their freshman year.
• Know the Score: What to Know Before You Take the SAT (Wednesday, April 21^st)
  This daytime program is ideal for high school juniors preparing to take the SAT for the first time. The program offers an overview of the test and its place in the admissions process, a comparison of the SAT and ACT tests, a breakdown of each section of the SAT, scoring information, tips for preparing and resources available to students for practice.

For more information about NHHEAF and the programs and resources they provide visit www.nhheaf.org.

Course Selection Information for 2010-2011:  The new Course Offerings book is in the works and will be ready to distribute to students in grades 8-11 on March 24^th.  For the second year, students will enter their course requests online into the new PowerSchool student information system.  Parents will be able to sign off on paper request sheets before students enter their requests.  There will be a number of changes as a result of staffing changes and school redesign efforts discussed by Superintendent John Freeman at the March 3^rd Student Showcase.  More information will be provided when books are distributed. 

­NECAP Results:  Parents of students in grades seven, eight and eleven who completed  the New England Common Assessment Program tests in reading and mathematics received test results by mail earlier this week.  Eighth and eleventh grade students were also tested in writing. Test results will be reviewed by teachers and administrators with the goal of improving instruction for Pittsfield Middle High School students.  Science testing for grades eight and eleven will be scheduled in May.  Please call Leslie Bergevin with questions or concerns. 

Scholarship Applications Currently Available in the Guidance Office:  Seniors are reminded that Mrs. Roberts is constantly updating the scholarship file in her office.  Current applications include:

• Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship -due March 22 ($1,000).
• Concord Hospital Associates - March 22- $2,500
• Humane Society of the U.S. Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship - due March 25 ($2,000.) For a high school senior who has made a meaningful contribution to animal protection
• Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship - due March 31 ($2,500). Criteria for selection include need, academics, community service and writing skills.
• N.H. Land Surveyors Foundation - March 31 - $1,000.
• N.H. Fisher Cats Scholar Athlete - due March 31 ($2,500). For NH seniors who demonstrate good academics, significant athletic achievement and civic involvement.
• N.H. Association of Broadcasters -due April 2; Student Broadcaster Scholarship ($2500) and Al Sprague Memorial Scholarship ($5000)
• Lakes Region Association of New Hampshire - due March 15 (Up to $1,000). For students majoring in a hospitality or tourism related field.
• Hood Good Sport Scholarship - due March 19 ($5,000)
• Kiwanis Club of Concord - due April 15 ($500). Based on personal data, recommendations, scholastic aptitude/performance, essay, community service and financial need.
• Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire -due April 30 ($400) for students with a strong interest in fire emergency services
• N. H. Water Pollution Control Association - due April 30 ($1,000). For students with an intended major in Water Pollution Control, Environmental Science, Engineering or Chemistry.
• Citizens Bank High School Achievement Award - due April 15 ($1000). For graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, strong personal character and financial need.
• Concord Hospital Associates Samuel and Ruth Oliva Memorial Scholarship - due May 1 ($2500). For sons & daughters of Concord Hospital employees and its subsidiaries
• NHTM Scholarship - Math - Online - $1,000. www.nhmathteachers.org

Please see the enclosed Pittsfield Middle High School student newspaper for an in-depth article about the Foss Family Pittsfield Town Scholarship.  The local scholarship application completed for the Foss Family Scholarship also serves as the application for a number of other local scholarships.  See Mrs. Bergevin for help with school and scholarship applications.