As the Dean of Students, I am extremely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.  In my eight years as a guidance counselor I have had the opportunity to work in three very diverse schools, both in terms of socioeconomics and New Hampshire regions.  I have experienced many effective programs, and have had the opportunity to carefully examine what strategies work to maximize student success.  I have helped design traditional, composite, and modified block schedules, and those experiences have demonstrated how these models and approaches can best be utilized in high schools.  I have also closely followed the changing trends in college admissions, high school credit attainment, and the many alternatives to the traditional “high school system.”

Growing up in a town very similar to Windham, I am familiar with the expectations of students, their parents, and the community as a whole.  Plans are underway to develop a comprehensive college and career curriculum which will be designed for students in 9th through 12th grade.  This will allow these students to explore their personal interests and strengths and how those relate to programs of study beyond high school and the many careers available today.  For the upperclassmen, I will focus on career and college exploration and closely and carefully assist them through the admission process.  These students will receive personal assistance in effective essay writing, completing the college application, and the complex financial aid processes.  

One area I have worked on in my past schools was the transition from middle school to high school.  The move from 8th to 9th grade, whether to a town school or a regional school, can be overwhelming to some freshmen students.   For some, the ninth grade will be a clear indicator of the high school experience.  With proper guidance and support, students can build a solid foundation that year that will help them be successful throughout their high school career.  

With various educational philosophies, differing college admissions requirements, and newly emerging (and disappearing) career opportunities, I will develop personalized learning plans for each student, staring in ninth grade.  These will lay out their educational and career goals as well as a design for their course of study at Windham High School.

I have a lot of energy and passion for education and I truly believe that every student can attain any goals with a little support and guidance from the many professionals in the field of education.  I am really looking forward to the next year and the opportunities to put my experiences into a guidance and counseling program that can help the graduates of Windham High School go on to be successful and contributing members of their community.