NEWSLETTER
JUNE
2007
SUCCESSFUL
FIRST YEAR COMPLETED!!
NOW
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2007-2008
Overview of First Year
First Graduation Held
New Home for September 2007
Applications for 2007-2008; 8th-grade Students
included
Fundraising Goal for 2007-2008…$200,000
Extend Our Reach—Become a Supporter
Overview
of First Year
“The first year was challenging, exhilarating, and successful
for everyone involved. We are exhausted but feel tremendous
accomplishment for launching a one-of-a-kind school for students
with high academic standards and a passion for everything
equine,” says Casey Robinson, the Academy’s English teacher
and academic program coordinator. “We should write a book
about starting a public school from scratch. All the students
worked to create a learning community with serious academics
and mutual respect.”
Every
day begins with a school-wide meeting. Courses are organized
in 90-minute blocks with academics and equine studies primarily
on a Monday through Thursday schedule. Friday programs provide
content enrichment for all core subjects and time for all
students to share policy ideas during leadership sessions.
Also on Fridays, the entire school has clinical rounds together
with an equine surgeon.
“The
culture and program of the school are clearly established
now,” comments Susan Hollins, who assisted the school as its
first Superintendent. “Next year the school can refine and
expand course offerings and begin to address community outreach
and fundraising. The launch was successful!”
First Graduation Held
On Tuesday, June 19th, 2007, the New Hampshire Equestrian
Academy’s first graduation took place. It was a graduation
like no other and was profiled in the
press. All students shared in the planning and excitement
of establishing graduation traditions. The ceremony began
outdoors with a graduation ride. Attendees moved inside for
a formal ceremony complete with awards, diploma, and live
music. Underclass students decorated the student center and
prepared a wonderful banquet. Our first graduate is inspired
and prepared to pursue her dream of working in equine veterinary
medicine. She was accepted to several colleges. Everyone involved
in this school’s first year felt connected to our first graduate’s
success.
New
Home for September 2007
We are pleased to announce that the New Hampshire Equestrian
Academy moves into its new home this September, tripling the
space available and allowing the school to expand. The Board
of Trustees has entered into a lease/purchase agreement for
space only one mile from the equine clinic where students
have weekly clinical rounds (for science credit) and equine
studies classes.
Applications
for 2007-2008; 8th-grade Students included
Applications are now being accepted for September 2007. New
students are being interviewed from New Hampshire as well
as Massachusetts and Maine. Out-of-state students are accepted
on a tuition basis. Students must have capacity for a robust
academic program as well as a passion for horses. No prior
equine experience necessary. Applications are available on
the school’s website: www.nhequestrianacademy.org
For
advanced 8th-grade students, the academy offers a 3-year-in-2
program, whereby students combine their 8th- and 9th-grade
years. This program was piloted with success during 2006-2007.
Entering 8th-grade students participate in courses with upper
class students including mathematics, which is computer-based
and individualized. For more information about applications
or criteria for 8th-grade acceptance contact:info@nhequestrianacademy.org
Fundraising
Goal for 2007-2008…$200,000
Parents, businesses, and supporters are welcome to help us
ensure this unique school has financial support. The equine
industry is growing; there is a shortage of equine veterinary
talent in New Hampshire and other locations. This unique school
is a resource to talented students, the equine industry, and
the state. The Academy must raise $3,500 per student and funds
for facility and the equine studies program. Facility and
equine studies must be supported outside of public funding.
The
Board of Trustees developed fundraising policies for a year-round
program and third-party fundraisers. Please consider a donation
or event sponsorship to support the New Hampshire Equestrian
Academy. Contact matt@nhequestrianacademy.org.
All contributions are welcome.
Extend
Our Reach—Become a Supporter
Many people are not yet aware of The New Hampshire Equestrian
Academy, with its first location in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Please help us extend our reach. Contact our webmaster
to identify others who might enjoy our news bulletins. Please
also forward this advisory to businesses and others whose
interests are supportive of the equine world.
Susan
Hollins, Superintendent '07, & Casey Heimlich, English
Teacher and Academic Coordinator
susan@nhschoolreform.org
and English@nhequestrianacademy.org
