The Shaker Regional School District continues to thrive and achieve success through the support of our families, staff and community as a whole.
We have been busy this year refining our school district’s Strategic Direction. The Strategic Direction, developed in 2015, outlines our beliefs, drives our decisions, and supports our mission: “Engaging All Learners to Succeed in Their Ever-Changing World.” Through many hours of hard work, a variety of stakeholders worked collaboratively to develop our guiding principles, core values, mission, and vision statements. In March 2017, a large group of stakeholders gathered to update the eight vision areas as outlined in the plan by adding action steps and timelines. During a two-day workshop, the group identified strategic goals and developed action strategies to attain each goal. More recently, we have formed several subcommittees with a purpose of progress monitoring our strategic action strategies. Each committee’s efforts are important to maintaining our goals and mission over the next five years. We are pleased to have a variety of community members who are volunteering their time for this very important cause.
We are fortunate at the school level to have experienced successes and gained recognitions throughout the year. Belmont Middle School has been recognized as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. This is quite an accomplishment! Only three schools in our state received this recognition. BMS is now considered one of the top performing schools in the country. Mr. Aaron Pope, our middle school principal, has been recognized by the New Hampshire School Principals Association as the 2017 Middle School Principal of the Year. Again, this is quite an accomplishment! Belmont High School has experienced visiting committees from other states and has been highlighted professionally due to their approach to competency-based education. Canterbury Elementary School continues to be at the forefront of personalized teaching and learning. Their personalized approach serves as an example for other schools. Canterbury Elementary School and Belmont Elementary School have been recognized by the New Hampshire Partners in Education as a 2017 Blue Ribbon School. Belmont Elementary School was also recognized by the Friends Foster Grandparent Program as the Volunteer Partner of the Year. These recognitions are due to the school’s strong partnerships with local groups and volunteers. We are proud of all of our schools for their accomplishments and recognitions.
I continue to feel very fortunate to work in a great school district with good people who always put students first. Thank you to the staff, students, parents, various town organizations, Boards and committees, departments, and the Shaker Regional School Board for your continued support for our students and community.
Michael J. Tursi
Superintendent of Schools