August 2008

Dear Parents and Members of the Class of 2012:

As you already know, Salem High School has scheduled its annual Freshmen Orientation for August 26, 2008.  This orientation is an opportunity for incoming grade nine students to become familiar with Salem High School and its procedures, learn the locations of their classrooms, and otherwise become acclimated to high school.  These programs greatly lessen the temporary anxiety that students may experience upon first entering high school as incoming freshmen students.

As you also know, Windham High School will open its doors in August, 2009 to the classes of 2012 and 2013.  This will be an historic event for Windham, one that will not only open a 21st century high school, but create a flagship school in a school system that is already highly regarded among all New Hampshire school districts.

While this is all extremely exciting, we remain very mindful that the incoming class of 2012 will be educated for one year at Salem High School before returning as the first ever graduating class of Windham High School.  We have been working very hard to make this transition one that is smooth and effective, both for the programs as a whole and for the individual members of the class of 2012.   We have visited Salem High School and consulted with administrators, teachers, and students to learn of the many curricular offerings at Salem High School that are valued by Windham students and parents. We are examining each student’s Salem High School course schedule to determine the needs and plans of Windham students for 2009-2010 and beyond, and have been planning and organizing the school with these academic requirements as our top priority.  We have studied a variety of models of instructional practices that are utilized in top-ranked high schools across New Hampshire and other states. We have been working with community groups, Salem athletic personnel, and facilities construction personnel to implement a range of interscholastic athletic opportunities for the students of Windham High School.  We are planning to offer an array of school clubs and other co-curricular activities such that every student will have multiple opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular student life at Windham High School and experience a rich and rewarding high school career that extends far beyond academic instruction.

Salem High School Principal Bill Hagen has indicated that a sizeable contingent of Windham parents have historically attended Freshmen Orientation day at the high school.   This year, the Windham High School academic deans, Athletic Director Bill Raycraft and I will meet with all students at the conclusion of their Salem High School orientation day.  Our purpose will be to introduce ourselves to the students, give a short overview/update of the high school planning to date, and let the students know that Windham High School will maintain a school office at Salem High School where Windham students may meet or visit Windham administrators, ask questions, or share their ideas about their new high school.

We have also scheduled an informal meeting for any and all Windham parents who may be present at Salem High School on August 26, 2008.  Parents will be introduced to members of the Windham High School Planning Team, hear an overview of the high school planning process to date, and be encouraged to offer input into the high school planning. The purpose of the parent meeting will not be to present the final draft of the program of studies or co-curricular offerings.  Later during the fall, evening meetings will be scheduled for all parents and students to learn more about the Windham High School Program of Studies and co-curricular offerings.

I hope to see many of you on August 26, 2008 at the Salem High School Television Studio at 11:30 to 12:00.  In the meantime, please enjoy the remaining days of summer with your families and build memories that you will enjoy long after we have returned to school.

Sincerely yours,


Rich Manley, Principal,
Windham High School