The New Hampshire Excellence in Education organization has recently recognized Sanborn Regional High School with the High School of Excellence Award. The Excellence in Education Initiative recognizes New Hampshire public schools that meet high standards of excellence and can serve as representatives of the many excellent schools throughout the state. During a pep rally on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, students, faculty, and local education officials were surprised by the announcement by Principal Brian M. Stack and representatives from the selection team.
The award is sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants of New Hampshire. “McDonald's restaurants of New Hampshire are proud to have participated in the EDies Awards program for the last two decades,” said New Hampshire McDonald’s owner/operator Peter Napoli. “Each year, it's a true pleasure to recognize educators and schools that go above and beyond to help our students learn and grow in exciting ways. McDonald's thanks all of our New Hampshire educators for their endless dedication, hard work and enthusiasm!”
After the pep rally, Sanborn Principal Brian M. Stack offered these statements on the award: “This award represents the many examples of excellence that can be found in our school community each and every day. Each of our staff members, students, and parents have contributed in some small way to our success. We are honored to be considered a role model for other New Hampshire high schools and we will continue to make learning for all our highest priority. That is what Sanborn P.R.I.D.E. is all about. Today is a great day to celebrate for the children of Fremont, Kingston, and Newton!”
The Excellence Award is given annually to one New Hampshire elementary, middle, and high school that exemplify the five School Excellence Competencies which are spelled out in greater detail on this rubric and listed below:
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CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: The curriculum and instructional practices are presented in a rigorous, relevant and engaging learning environment.
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COMMUNITY AND CULTURE: The school organizes community members, ensuring they all have a role in building the school’s climate and culture.
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VISION: The school’s vision, mission and goals are clearly articulated, well communicated and guide practice.
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INFORMED: The school has an effective system for utilizing data and information that supports personalization.
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EMPOWERED: There is a culture of empowerment among students, staff, teachers, administration, and community members.
Earlier this year, the staff at Sanborn submitted an extensive application which described how each of these competencies were met and/or exceeded at Sanborn. The school was then asked to give a 45 minute presentation to the selection committee. The highlight of the presentation was this three minute video, written and produced by Sanborn students to describe what Sanborn means to them. The video will be used in the future as part of an informational packet to new students as well as in-coming ninth grade students to help them learn, from students, what Sanborn is all about.
The selection committee named the school a semi-finalist for the award in February. In March, the school was asked to host the award selection committee for a four-hour visit during the school day. During this time, the committee observed classrooms and met with a variety of school community stakeholders regarding Sanborn’s application. The committee’s observations from that day were taken into consideration in its ultimate decision to name Sanborn as the award winner.
Sanborn Regional High School will receive state-wide recognition as the EDies High School of Excellence at the June 9 EDies Award dinner in Manchester. The school will also receive $2,000, a school banner, and a beautifully engraved school bell signifying excellence in education.
Previous winners for this award were Winnacunnet High School (2017), White Mountains Regional High School (2016), and Bow High School (2015). Sanborn Regional High School last won this award in 1998 and is one of the only New Hampshire schools to be able to say that it has won the award twice.