DOVER — Jo Slavitz, a teacher at Dover Middle School who lives in Hampton Falls, is among 10 middle school teachers from 10 states who have been selected to participate in the National STEM Scholar Program. The professional development program provides advanced science, technology, engineering, and math training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.
Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training May 25-31 and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues.
“Our current world problems are going to be solved by multiple types of thinkers, creatives and innovators working together,” Slavitz said. “STEM by its very conception requires people who think differently to come together to solve challenges through play and discovery. The ability to maximize the creative energy between unique students across varied disciplines is where magic happens.”
NH Grades 4-5 Water Science Fair and Poetry winners announced
ROCHESTER – Water was the topic of the day for over 400 students at the New Hampshire Drinking Water Festival, State Science Fair and Poetry Contest held on May 8. Students from 10 communities congregated at the Rochester Drinking Water Facility for this event to celebrate National Drinking Water Week.
During the event, academic awards were presented to students who competed in the state Water Science Fair and Poetry Contest.
Grades 4-5 Water Science Fair:
Placing first was Hollis Magee, fourth grade, Rochester for the project “Effects of Pollution on Wildlife on a River.”
Grades 3-5 Water Poetry Contest:
Placing second was Miriam Talcott, fifth grade, Durham for her poem “The Ways of Water.”
To read the poems, visit nhwaterfestival.org/poetry-contest.
CBNA students participate in 2025 Congressional Art Competition
NORTHWOOD — The Coe-Brown Northwood Academy art department shares the news of 11 talented CBNA students participating in the prestigious annual Congressional Art Competition, called An Artistic Discovery. The event takes place in the Rep. Maggie Goodlander’s 2nd congressional district.
The students representing CBNA in this competition included Sophia Arroyo, Summer Brackett, Jeiza Cherry, Jazzlyn Curry, Cassidy Green, Lillian Gonzalo, Stella Harrison, Kaitlyn Linskey, Marlee Neusheuz, Haley Plourde, and Emili Sheldon, with each student bringing their distinctive artistic styles to the competition.
On April 25, the historic Kimball-Jenkins Estate in Concord served as the site for the exhibition, reception, and awards ceremony, honoring the creative achievements of these budding artists.
HRCU invests in student success through expanded Spaulding High School courses
ROCHESTER – Holy Rosary Credit Union is announcing the addition of a new banking and financial services course through its longstanding partnership with Spaulding High School. HRCU is expanding its offerings though SHS’s Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, starting in the fall of 2025 and has enhanced the program to offer college credit upon successful completion of the yearlong course. HRCU will be offering two banking courses as well as two new introduction to banking classes.
HRCU has partnered with SHS since 2006, offering year-long Banking & Financial Support Services classes at its fully operational branch located at the main entrance of the school, which is open to the public. As tellers, students learn how to handle a variety of transactions while practicing professionalism and customer service skills in a real work environment. The courses allow students to explore many aspects of the banking industry and establish a foundation of financial literacy. Internships can also be offered, with many students advancing to careers in finance or other similar fields. In support of advancing the students’ education, HRCU also offers college scholarships to qualifying students who have completed the course.
HRCU Financial Educator Kayleigh Erwin oversees the program at SHS. “I am excited to introduce a new course to accompany our current year-long program. I believe that teaching young people financial literacy is essential to their success, now more than ever,” said Erwin. “Being an HRCU team member means having the opportunity to make an impact on our community. Our program, including the new course and any additional courses to come, teaches young adults practical skills that will serve them their whole lives, whether they choose a career in banking or not.”