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School Board District News

• Deerfield School Board
  • 2009 deliberative session
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Deerfield District Policies
Technology Plan

School Tech Tips
Bring in work from home

Town of Deerfield Website

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Deerfield community School Scarecrows!

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We need your help

The Deerfield Education Association has worked with the Deerfield Site committee to plant a grove of maple trees. This was part of the original site plan for the school. The grove will honor DCS employees of 25 years or more.

This median strip has long been an eyesore. We are asking everyone's help in protecting these transplants. Please take care in how you park and plow.

Check out the DCS School Exhibits
at the Deerfield Fair

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NURSE'S NOTES H1N1

The NH Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Section and NH School Nurses are working together to do everything we can to keep children, families and staff healthy in the upcoming school year. Public health experts are concerned that H1N1 could become more serious in the fall. Nationally, steps are being taken to create a vaccine.

Important information you should know

Measures we can all take too reduce our risk

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Results from Concord High School Parent Survey

The Deerfield school district is about to start year six of the long-term contract with the Concord school district for the education of Deerfield’s students in grades 9 through 12. In April of this year the Deerfield School Board conducted a survey of families with students attending Concord High School (CHS). The intent of the survey was to collect data on the experiences and opinions of families with children currently attending CHS. The UNH Survey Center coordinated the survey, which was mailed to 160 Deerfield families.

The survey’s final response rate of 42% is above average for a survey of this type. The survey results provide some very positive information about the success of this relationship with Concord. Additionally, the survey identifies several potential areas of concern. These survey results are an important resource for both parties represented in this contract. The Deerfield School Board and Superintendent Peter Warburton are scheduled to discuss the results of this survey with the Concord School Board at their August meeting. In the ongoing effort to increase community awareness of School Board initiatives the survey results are posted below for community review. These compiled results include detailed tabulated responses, open-ended responses and a copy of the survey that was sent to families. A hard copy will also be available for review at the Philbrick-James Library.

Please forward any comments or questions about these results to survey task force members Maryann Clark 463-7153 clark@nhinternet.com or Erika Heilman 463-4174 eheilman@metrocast.net, or any School Board member. Names and contact info for Board members are provided below.

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School Board Tours Concord High School

Several members of the Deerfield School Board recently toured the campus of Concord High School (CHS), the school contracted to educate Deerfield's 193 high school students. Bonnie Beaubien, Maryann Clark, and Gregg Williams from the Deerfield School Board, DCS Principal Paul Yergeau, Superintendent Peter Warburton, Assistant Superintendent Gail Paludi and volunteer parent Jennifer Prentice participated in the tour. Our tour guide, CHS Assistant Principal Donna Nelson, started with an explanation of how this large school with a population of 1,881 students is made to feel smaller. Concord High is essentially divided into four sections called "Commons". Each Commons has 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders as well as its own Assistant Principal, guidance staff, locker area, and homerooms. This policy fosters more personal and supportive relationships between administration and students.

The tour itself was very enlightening for the Board; we found the breadth and variety of classes quite remarkable. Our group was taken to several programs in the Concord Regional Technical Center (CRTC) and was very impressed with the resources and opportunities available to interested students. The CRTC, which is part of the CHS facility, provides career and technology education to students through a wide variety of programs*. It was great to run into students from Deerfield in the Automotive Technology program and hear their positive feedback on that program. In fact most of the CRTC programs we visited had Deerfield students who were very proud to share their enthusiasm with their former Principal Mr. Yergeau.

The Board discussed with Donna Nelson the options available to students regarding Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which are designed to expose high school students to college-level work. If a student is capable of doing the work and is recommended by a teacher they have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

As we walked through the music and arts areas members of the Board noted the wide variety of options available in these programs as well. The student artwork showcased in the hallways throughout the building was quite creative.

At the conclusion of the tour our group met with Concord High School Principal Gene Connolly who made a point that all Deerfield students are warmly welcomed into the Concord community and wholly integrated as equal members of the student body. He also said he is proud of the diverse and very rich student body at CHS that enhances all High School students' experience. Mr. Connelly agreed to work with the Board to increase community awareness of student achievements and happenings at CHS.

As the Deerfield School Board works to provide you with more information on Concord High School, the success of our students there, and the advantages and challenges associated with this relationship with the Concord School District, please be an active participant in the process and offer your feedback. Our hope is to address potential concerns and answer your questions. Please contact any member of the Board with questions or comments.

Deerfield School Board	Bonnie Beaubien (Chair)463-7273
Kevin Barry 463-7800	Donald Gorman 463-7771
Maryann Clark463-7153, clark@nhinternet.com	Gregg Williams463-5575, gregg@metrocast.net
*Programs offered at the CRTC include Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Exploring Teaching, Graphics Arts Technology, Health and Science Technology, Information Technology, and Cosmetology.

Additional Information: Concord Regional Technical Center Brochure

Crimson Notes CHS Principal Gene Connolly's weekly Principal's Newsletter

Crimson Review A publication of the Journalism class at Concord High School

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NEW SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Recently the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced changes to the vaccination requirements for school children. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, children entering elementary school, sixth graders and those who turn 11 years of age will be affected. This change, under New Hampshire law, RSA 141:C, involves the chickenpox and tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. We have recently reviewed immunization records and have mailed letters to the parents/guardians of students who will need immunizations. We urge parents to contact their primary care providers to see that all immunizations are up to date

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Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

(AHERA) In compliance with AHERA the Deerfield Community School District is required to notify parents, teachers, and all other building occupants that an Asbestos Management Plan is available to them in either the office of each school or in the SAU office.

The plan details the location of asbestos in each building and provides a record of inspections, re-inspections, periodic surveillance, and removal of asbestos. Periodic surveillance of Asbestos Bearing Material (ABM) is conducted by district personnel every six months and a thorough re-inspection of ABM is conducted once every three years by the District's environmental consultant.

The most recent re-inspection was conducted by Desmarais Environmental Inc. in November 2008. If you require more detailed information, please call the SAU office and they will put you in touch with the District's designated person for asbestos information.

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BEST OF THE WEB @ DCS

Scare Crow Days at DCS

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Thoughts on different kinds of bullying

I have worked in many schools prior to coming to DCS. Some of those schools were very challenging to work in because the student population struggled with many discipline issues that were severe and took away from the quality of learning and the ability of all students to achieve. We are very fortunate at DCS that in the grand scheme of things, our students make good choices on a daily basis. There is one issue that concerns me and I’d like to enlist your help in addressing it. It is a two-pronged problem. First of all, there are several instances of kids “bullying” one another. Most of this is verbal. Now I know we as adults sometimes say, “Gee, that’s just a part of growing up. Every kid has to take some ‘heat’, it toughens them up. ” However, I am sure that you’ve all been in conversations with other adults who still to this day, remember that “class bully” who unrelentingly harassed them. Many of them say that that bullying affected them negatively for a long period of time.

Feeling accepted is an essential component for student success. Students must have emotional safety in order to thrive. I’ m hoping you will help us create that safety by helping your child understand how important it is to value diversity. I tell students often that you do not have to like everyone’s behavior or personality, but you do have to treat them with respect. I’m hoping your family conversations will include the idea that when people “put down” others, it usually means that they are trying to “blow out someone else’s candle to make theirs burn brighter.” In addition, it is really important for parents to monitor computer and phone usage. Often derogatory comments that happen outside of school in the technology arena get carried into school.

The second prong of this issue is being a “bystander”. So often students who are not involved in bullying are witnesses to it. We all understand that no one wants to be “a snitch” or a “rat”. But, I explain to students that they must be strong enough to “do the right thing”. We are not asking students to take on bullies if they do not feel confident enough to do so, but we are asking them to act. Please encourage your child to help a victim go to an adult. Simply making an adult aware of the situation can be a huge act of courage. We cannot have an emotionally safe environment for every student unless every student is willing to give up being a “bystander”. Many times the adults are the last to know of a bullying situation. Having students who step up to the plate and help someone who is being picked on will be the single largest factor that makes for a safe climate in our school.

Respectfully, Gigi Klipa, Assistant Principal
photo courtesey of Litandmore

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What’s In An Outfit?

IIf you would have asked me 25 years ago if clothing made a difference in the climate of a school, I would have said, “No”. However, I have years of anecdotal experience that tells me differently today. For instance, when the kids dress up for a concert, the majority of them carry themselves differently. When our students have their caps and gowns on for graduation, there is much more “pomp and circumstance” than at the graduation practices. That is why I am taking time here to talk about “dress”.

Many students are coming to school in clothing that is not appropriate for school in accordance with our dress code. I realize that styles often dictate what can be purchased, but it is important that clothing be functional and not cause distraction. Two of our biggest issues right now are low cut shirts and “spaghetti straps”. In addition, there have been many female students in shorts that look more like bathing suit bottoms.

Middle school is a challenging time for both students and teachers. The clothing our students wear contributes to the climate of our learning environment. The more the clothing, “pushes the envelope”, the more students become distracted, the less learning that takes place. Having your youth dress appropriately for school will assist in creating and maintaining a healthy learning environment.

I tell students that they should consider school as their workplace. Adults are often called upon to dress according to the occasion. Staying within the lenient guidelines of our dress code is the responsibility of our students along with the help of their parents. It’s good practice to know that certain occasions and situations call for certain types of dress. Please know that students who come to school in inappropriate clothing will be asked to wear a clean borrowed piece of clothing housed in our nursing office. Should students not comply with this, they will be sent home. Parent assistance in assuring neat, clean, appropriate attire is greatly appreciated. Should you or your child have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or Mr. Yergeau. Below, you will find a copy of our dress code for your convenience.

Respectfully, Gigi Klipa, Assistant Principal

DCS Dress Policy

It is the responsibility of the students and parents that clothing worn to school functions must be neat and appropriate. All students are also expected to maintain a state of general cleanliness. Clothing, footwear and accessories must not have ornamentation that will damage furniture or floors, or will create an unsafe situation. Hats and sunglasses are not worn in the building.

Students will not wear clothing that is deemed unsafe or disruptive to the learning environment or clothing that is offensive. This includes but is not limited to: tobacco products, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia, pornography, violence, blood, gore, criminal acts, sexual connotations, racism, ethnic slurs, or slanderous statements. Sexual connotations could include nudity, genitalia, or focusing on women's breasts. Areas of violence could include pictures of body piercing, mutilations, threatening statements alluding to violence, guns or other weapons. Examples of inappropriate clothing are shorts, pants and skirts which are worn below the waist exposing stomach and back. Spandex, excessively short shorts or skirts; tank tops (sleeveless shirts are acceptable), halter tops, tube tops, blouses or shirts which expose midriff or back.

Dress or casual shorts are acceptable provided they are fingertip length or longer when arms are fully extended alongside the body. When a student's appearance is deemed unsafe, disruptive or offensive, the student will be required to return home and correct the problem if the situation cannot be rectified at school. Judgments related to unacceptable clothing shall be made by the administration only and these judgments are not subject to arbitration.

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Images of The Damage From Deerfield's Tornado

Chris Carr 02.AUG.08 - published with permisson forumhome.org
Copyright © 2008 The Forum. All rights reserved.

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Eighth Grade Immigration Projects

Take a look at some other projects from
Block B
Block C
Block D

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Deerfield School District has been identified as a district in need of improvement in the area of mathematics as determined by the performance of the subgroup of special education students. For more information click here.

Student Video: NYC Attractions, , The Funny Ghost Video

On Thursday, May 24th, 2007students at DCS had an opportunity to listen to a presentation by author and illustrator, Paul O. Zelinsky. Paul traveled from his home in Brooklyn, New York to spend the day at our school. He gave three presentations for Grades K - 6. Zelinsky is recognized as "one of the most inventive and critically successful artists in the field".

In 1998 he received the Caldecott Medal for Rapunzel, as well as Caldecott Honors for Hansel and Gretel (1985), Rumpelstilskin (1987) and Swamp Angel (1995). We were excited about his visit because he has so much to share with students concerning writing and illustrating.