Yesterday, NHCS hosted 24 school leaders and educators, along with faculty from the University of Maine, for the Rural Thrive network’s Maine Rural School Leadership Fall Conference. We also welcomed several educators who serve as mentors to NHCS staff through the Rural Thrive initiative.
Our students took the lead for much of the day. They gave tours of the school, and we took groups around the island in the school van. Visitors spent time in classrooms and talked informally with students. Two of our high school students gave a short presentation on their Fall Field Study experience, and members of our magnet committee made a strong pitch for the program. Participants also attended two presentations led by UMaine faculty.
Participants left notes for our school community before heading home. One visitor wrote, “Your students are happy, friendly, and proud of their school! (and island).” Another noted “the very evident respect between adults and students,” and a third described our staff as “go-getters” who “all talked about more things they can do or offer for the kids.”
Rural Thrive brings together leaders and educators from rural schools, where the work can be isolating, so they can learn from one another and build lasting support. Yesterday was the first of the cohort’s two visits this year; in the spring, they’ll visit another rural school.
Thank you to our students, staff, and magnet committee for showing our guests what makes NHCS special.
