Spotlighting Excellence: NHSAA Recognizes Extended School Year Programs in Nashua School District

Public education continues across New Hampshire even after the last school bell rings each year.

Students across the state have numerous unique learning opportunities during summer months, provided with the goals of closing learning gaps, gaining foundational skills, mitigating traditional summer learning loss, and receiving relevant enrichment.

Meanwhile, educators participate in robust and meaningful professional development, during which they develop new approaches that help them provide high-quality, state-of-the-art instruction.

Members of the Nashua School District’s leadership team shared the continuing success of these efforts during the monthly meeting of the state Board of Education on Thursday, June 13.

Following the first report card in December, teachers and administration review each student’s progress and begin referrals to extended school year programs for English Language Learners, students with special needs, or students who may be at-risk or need additional support.

Efforts revolve around literacy and numeracy as foundational skills.

“Building background knowledge is incredibly important,” said Dr. Kimberly Sarfde, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools. “For example, if students don’t understand how to decode words, they can’t read.”

In the five-week Power Scholars Academy program, a partnership between the District and Nashua YMCA, Nashua teachers work to combat summer learning loss and ensure students are prepared for the coming school year. Elementary students attend Power Scholars classes at the Amherst Street and Fairgrounds Elementary Schools, while middle school students attend Nashua High School South.

Morning instruction covers evidence-based literacy and numeracy in alignment with the District’s curriculum standards. Afternoon classes focus on extracurricular enrichment, career readiness, and building behavioral health. Students gain access to a number of community programs, such as the Nashua Community Music School, Grow Nashua, the Girl Scouts, swimming and dance instruction, and City of Nashua’s Photo Voice prevention program.

Friday field trips support instruction, such as to the EcoTarium in Worcester, Mass.

The District performs benchmark assessments for each student at the beginning and end of each Power Scholars term.

“Outcomes of assessments are shared with school principals and teachers, so our teachers know what their students’ educational needs are and can better support those needs at the start of the new school year.” said Janail Archer, 21st Century Program Coordinator.

In the first six years, 1,600 students that have participated in Power Scholars have shown studentson average gain 3 1/2 months of reading literacy and nearly four months in numeracy. Traditionally, students lose 2 1/2 months during summer break.

Many students who attend Power Scholars Academy continue to receive continued academic enrichment during the school year by attending the District’s 21st Century Extended Day Program, which operates at seven of the city’s 12 elementary schools. About 700 students received support this school year.

The District also holds a Blast Off to Kindergarten program that helps assess incoming Kindergarten students and build foundational skills in math and science, as well as grow classroom interpersonal skills.

The District’s instructional staff also is committed to professional development during the summer.

The District holds a week-long K-5 Institute and a one-day K Institute, each covering topics to improve delivery of instructional services.

Teaching and administrative staff attend CORE Reading Academy classes online to build skills in instructional practices that are culturally and linguistically responsive, thus increasing student outcomes.

“We want every student to have access to grade level curriculum,” Dr. Sarfde said. “We always ask, ‘How can we open this up so that every student has a seat at the table?’”

Teachers and administrators also attend a two-year LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) program to gain deep knowledge in literacy and language experts in the science of reading.

“Our teachers are engaged in professional development all summer long. The teachers and staff are committed to excellence,” Dr. Sarfde said.

NHSAA Executive Director Mark MacLean said: “In Nashua and across public school districts in New Hampshire, teachers, staff, and education leaders work through the summer to ensure they are meeting the continually changing needs of our students and learning communities. Whether it is differentiated instruction and planning, opportunities for student enrichment or remediation, cultivating school and industry partnerships, or collaborative curriculum work, our students benefit from our educators’ passion and commitment.”