Superintendent Update
Windham School District | November
Friday, February 9, 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians:
On behalf of our district and building Administrators, School Board members, and staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to our community for being a part of the extensive process of producing a proposed school budget for the FY25 school year. We were all grateful for the steadfast support demonstrated during the Deliberative Session, as it underscores our shared vision for providing our students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The proposed Operating Budget and other Warrant Articles have been moved forward to the Official Ballot and will be voted on by the community during the Second Session of the Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting) on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at Windham High School. If you have any questions, please visit our website for all proposed warrant articles. Below are a few district-level highlights, and then the spotlight will turn to our high school students and staff.
Windham Voyager Podcast: On this podcast episode, Mrs. Lichtmann, K-12 Director of School Counseling, joins us to dive into the 2024-25 Program of Studies to provide families with more information on Windham High School’s course offerings. Incoming ninth-grade families are encouraged to attend the Parent Informational Night on Thursday, February 15th, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
School-based Curriculum: We have adjusted our website to showcase each school's curriculum by grade and area of focus, allowing you to access specific information easily.
Windham High School Achievements:
We proudly announce that twenty-six pieces from Windham High School’s students were nominated in the 2024 Scholastic Art Awards. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognize student achievement in the visual and literary arts in 28 categories, including drawing and illustration, photography, flash fiction, poetry, film and animation, journalism, and more. This is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Four students received Gold Key awards, and their pieces will be considered for National Awards. Six were Silver Key Award recipients, and thirteen were awarded Honorable Mentions. The Scholastic Art award winners: four Gold Key Awards (Chloe D., Beck M., Olivia M, and Cayson N.), six Silver Key Awards (Olivia A., Olivia C., Angelina D., Beck M., Olivia M, and Madelyn R.), and 13 Honorable Mentions (Madeline A., Saskya C., Chloe D., Will J., Elliana J., Sedona L., Michael L., Casey M., Olivia M., Jaylin M., Madelyn R., Iida S., and Austin W.). And, Senior Olivia C’s work, "Undead Izzy", was selected for the Sponsor Award by the Institute of Art & Design at New England College. Congratulations to all students. We will share more information regarding exhibitions as it becomes available.
Seniors Kavi Patel and Ella Reeners were recognized with the National School Development Council Award for their high level of academic effort and for being positive role models.
The WHS chapters of DECA, FBLA, and Model UN will attend annual conferences this week and next.
The JCA Club held its annual drive and collected 73 items for Toys for Tots.
The Windham Theater group’s fall production, She Kills Monsters, showcased the talents of our students both on stage and behind the scenes.
Three senior directed one act shows will be performed on February 16 at 7:00 pm. The shows will include Everybody Gets Eaten by Sharks, directed by Madi J. & Finn R.; A Walk in the Woods, written by Izzy G., led by Gwendolyn M. & Chloe O.; and When Altars Burn, directed by Olivia S. & Trix. One show will be selected from these performances to represent the WHS Theater company at the NH Theatre Festival.
The Winter Concert series, which included performances by the Band, Choir, and Orchestra, was well attended and showcased the tremendous talents of our WHS Musicians. These talents were also recognized at NH All-State auditions, where several WHS students were invited to perform at the Spring Class All-State Festival. Ryan Kaplan - Classical All-State Mixed Choir, Gauri Valiyodiyil - Classical All-State Mixed Choir, Finn Roach-All State Mixed Choir, Nate Griffis Orchestra, and Photini Wu, Orchestra
WHS Winter Sports Highlights:
As winter draws to a close, various teams are gearing up for their culminating events:
The Swim Team will compete in the NHIAA State Meet at UNH on Saturday at 8 am.
The Gymnastics Team will showcase their skills at their State Meet on Saturday at A2 in Salem.
The Indoor Track Team will compete in the NHIAA State Meet at Plymouth State on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
The Girls' Alpine Ski Meet will occur on Monday at Crotched Mountain, followed by the Boys' Alpine Meet on Tuesday at Cranmore Mountain.
Wrestling enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the State meet on 2/17 at Londonderry High School.
Spirit Competition is scheduled for March 3 at 1:30 pm at Pinkerton.
Girls' basketball, boys' basketball, and ice hockey tournaments will kick off during the week of February vacation.
Great job, Windham Jaguars! I guess the groundhog was right; we are expected to get spring-like weather this weekend. I hope you all can enjoy some outdoor time.
Have a heartfelt weekend,
Dr. Kori Alice Becht
Superintendent of Schools