HDHS Hillcat Newsletter

What is MTSS?

Across the state of New Hampshire, school districts have been working on creating a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to help address the needs of students. MTSS involves three “tiers” of support, which together provide a wide range of intervention that help students obtain the skills they need to be ready to learn.

In all SAU 34 schools, we have been working on developing our MTSS for several years. Our efforts have focused on offering supports and services that address students’ academic needs (MTSS-A), as well as their social, emotional, behavioral, and health needs (MTSS-B).

What are the MTSS Tiers?

A multi-tiered system of support includes three “tiers” of intervention. Tier 1 is perhaps the most important tier because it includes activities that are available to all students and have the most impact on the growth of skills and overall wellness. At HDHS, our advisory program is an example of a Tier 1 intervention. Tier 2 focuses on developing specific skill sets for students who need more practice, such as when students visit the Hillcat Zone for support. Tier 3 activities are customized to the needs of individual students, such as counseling services or an alternative learning plan.

In coming newsletters, we will share more specific information about MTSS in our schools. You are welcome to visit our MTSS-B website for further information, or share your questions with building administrators. More information can also be found through the NH Department of Education, at https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb

Help support SADD in their “Sock-n-Roll” sock drive for community members in need. Any new or unused socks can be dropped off in one of the three donation bins located in the welcome center, cafeteria, and outside the main office at the high school. Sock-n-Roll will run from January 17th until the end of the day on January 31st. If you have further questions contact SADD advisors Mrs. LaRoche nlaroche@hdsd.org or Mrs. LaBier hlabier@hdsd.org for more information.

The Hillcat Spotlight is a new feature in our newsletter that focuses on a different class or department at Hillsboro-Deering High School each month. This month, we are excited to feature the Intro to Foods first-semester class.

The students in this class have been working hard to learn the basics of cooking and are now ready to put their skills to the test. Each cooking group has been tasked with creating their own recipe for any dish they would like. This is a great opportunity for the students to showcase their creativity and demonstrate the knowledge they've gained in class.

Group 2A went for a more casual recipe with their very own homemade chicken tenders and fries, to spice it up they also decided to make their own homemade sauce.

Group 3A decided to add a kick to their final project with a homemade buffalo chicken sandwich, including homemade ranch dressing.

Group 4A went with the popular decision of homemade chicken tenders and pasta salad.

A great way to end the semester as the HDHS Intro to food students apply what they've learned throughout the semester and enjoy a great homemade meal.

If you've ever read a book and have been dying to talk about it with other people, then you might understand the appeal of being part of a book club. While the HDHS Student Book Club has been running for several years, this year the club is now 25 members strong--a new record for membership! During meetings, students suggest books and vote on what they will read next, and, after a few weeks, we all come together and discuss what we have read. Critical thinking, story analysis, listening skills, as well as a shared love of reading all come into play during our club meetings.

Teachers Jennifer Blaschik and Michelle Prentiss work with Fuller Public Library to receive enough copies of books for students to read by going through interlibrary loans from public libraries all across the state. Public libraries send us their copies and allow students to borrow these for up to a month long. Because of this community connection, we are able to get books into the hands of students for free.

During the discussions, in addition to students debating interpretations of a book's ending, looking at character development, or talking about a book's theme, students will rate the books and talk about what they think the author intended. Our discussions are always lively and fun, and it's wonderful to see students enthusiastic about reading for pleasure. We are excited to celebrate this awesome group of bookworms and the power of libraries with you!

Did you know a broken chromebook screen costs $40? Did you also know it can cost up to $300 to replace a damaged chromebook? The Hillsboro-Deering School District now offers a $20 insurance plan for families. Please click the links below to learn more.

The link is https://nh02217314.schoolwires.net/Page/6211, and the link to the form is https://www.cognitoforms.com/HillsboroDeeringSchoolDistrict/ChromebookInsurancePurchase