Important Dates

Message from our Principal

Hello All,

These are interesting times to be the Principal of a democratic public high school. I would not be working at a democratic school or have agreed to be one of the leaders here if I did not believe in democratic ideals. I believe students not only need to have  skills to be productive workers in society but the skills to contribute to the mini-democracies in each of their communities. Students need to practice using their hearts, minds and voices, and as our vision of a graduate reminds us, they need to take responsibility for their actions.  Students practice these skills in the classroom, on the field, in our restorative practices, and in the decision-making structure of our school. (Read more about Council and decision-making in former HHS Librarian Mully Blight’s essay on the Hanover High School Council). 

When I reflect on my own values that inform my work at Hanover High School, those values are based in the civic virtues I believe are essential to a democracy. 

• Listening and valuing the voice of others.  Having respect for others’ opinions even though they might be very different from my own. Preserving and protecting the ability for people to express their thoughts respectfully without fear of reproach.
• Honesty and integrity. Being truthful, transparent and trustworthy. 
• Responsibility. Taking responsibility for one's actions and working to preserve one’s own liberty and the liberty of others.
• Civic Engagement. Participating in community life and working to engage in one’s community and leaving space for constructive dialogue.
• Humility. Realizing that what one knows about the world is far smaller than what one doesn’t know. Approaching everything with the curiosity of someone who doesn’t know.
• Courage and Self Restraint. Taking constructive action even when fearful, standing up for ideas even though they are unpopular, and exercising self control.
• Caring and Support. That all of our students thrive when they are supported and our love and support is there for all our students. 

 

I am committed to promoting these values in our school, community and home. I am going to look for small and big ways to encourage voice, listening, honesty and integrity, taking responsibility, civic engagement, humility, courage, and self restraint. As a democratic school, our school will continue to do the same. I hope you will join me, but I especially hope you will join me in caring and supporting all of our young people. We are all perfect in our imperfect ways. We are a stronger school, community, and society when we support, value, and listen to all of the different voices that make up our beautiful community. 

In the spirit of civic engagement, an opportunity awaits you if you would like to contribute to our community in this way:

• The Hanover School Board has an unexpected member vacancy. This is commonly an elected position, but we are in need of an immediate Board-appointed member until the next election cycle in March 2026 per RSA 197:26. Please join the Board in its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve our educational excellence, including on aspects related to budgets, policies, and numerous other aspects of running the Ray School, special education, and bus transportation. The selected Board member will also represent Hanover on the separate Dresden School Board, SAU70 School Board, and multiple Board committees. Candidates must be residents of Hanover and registered to vote in its elections. Compensation will be approximately $2,000. Vacancies on the Hanover School Board will be filled in accordance with the provisions of RSA 671:33. The next Board member will be selected during the next Hanover School Board meeting on Wednesday, April 9th. Candidates are expected to submit a letter of interest to Hanover School Board Chair Kelly McConnell [Kelly.McConnell@hnsb.org] through Friday, April 4th. If selected to proceed further based on the letter, candidates are expected to attend and participate in a public interview process at the April 9th meeting. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Hanover School Board Chair McConnell, Dresden School Board Chair Benjamin Keeney [Benjamin.Keeney@hnsb.org], or other current Hanover School Board members for more information. The Hanover School Board is an incredibly important and fulfilling public service."

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Julie Melvina Stevenson

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School News and Information

Affinity for Animals

Affinity for Animals is hosting a pet toy and supply drive over the next few weeks for local animal shelters in need! Donations can be brought to the blue bins in the atrium by the stairs. To collect a reward for your donation, go to Larry at the front desk in the atrium for a sweet treat! The most requested items are listed below.