Parenting NH January 2019

JANUARY • 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

THE

STEM

ISSUE

Decoding the new tax code

Career planning for high school students 10 ways to chill out

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2 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

CONTENTS features

10 STEM vs. STEAM

14 STEM education 5 years later

20 STEM learning at home

22 Career planning for high-schoolers

28

JANUARY departments

10 tips to de-stress in 2019

3 From the editor’s desk

30

8 I want that

4 The short list

Child in trouble?

You have options

40 Dad on board

35

42 Out & about

Get to know the new tax code

41 House calls 44 Time out keep in touch ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 1

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Option E

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Option F

from the editor’s desk WHAT’S NEXT? At this same time last year, we had started to talk about what changes we wanted to make as part of the redesign and re-launch of ParentingNH. It was an exciting time, especially because we were also gearing up to celebrate the publication’s 25th anniversary.

So what do you do for an encore after such a big year? Good question.

When the whirlwind winds down to a dull roar, you realize what’s next is working to make the publication even better.

The magazine re-launched in July with a new look, making this issue lucky number seven of the new ParentingNH. And I’d like to hear what you think.

Reader feedback is a critical part of a publication’s success. I appreciate hearing what we are doing right, what we can do better, or even where you think we made a misstep.

For example, I recently heard from a representative of one of New Hampshire’s community colleges. After reading December’s Dad on Board column that focused on the trials of navigating his first college fair and feeling overwhelmed by the entire college experience, she was concerned we had not provided information alongside his column for parents about making that experience easier.

Each fall we produce the specialty publication, NH Next: Your Guide to Life after High School, which is distributed to and geared toward high school juniors and seniors in New Hampshire. We include valuable information from NHHEAF and other statewide resources about paying for college, workforce training and exploring career options (one of the articles from NH Next is excerpted on page 22 — the full publication can be viewed at www.parentingnh.com).

The college representative made a good point that even though it is an opinion/entertainment column, we could have taken the opportunity to give readers at least some guidance by telling them how and where to access information, such as NH Next. After thinking about what she said, I am planning for some articles about college planning written specifically for parents later this year in ParentingNH. It’s through these phone and email exchanges where I learn a lot more about what readers want to learn about, what resources they need and how they are feeling about a particular subject.

ParentingNH also has readers who have asked to write about their experiences of being parents and to be considered for publication. In December, we introduced the occasional feature “My Turn.” Rob Levey, one of ParentingNH’s longtime contributors, kicked off the feature by talking about his struggles with his son and advocating for his troubled teen. It resonated with other parents who said they felt better just to know they weren’t alone.

Whether you are interested in sharing a story about your parenting journey, or you want to let us know how we are doing, or tell us what we have not included that you would like to see, I want to hear from you. Feel free to contact me at editor@parentingnh.com.

contributors • JANUARY MELANIE PLENDA is an award-winning freelance journalist and mom based in Keene. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic.com, The Daily Beast, American Baby, and Parents.com among other media outlets.

ROB LEVEY is president of the board of the Chase Home for Children in Portsmouth.

Rob never strays too far from his roots as a freelance writer and has a special interest in writing about education and mental health. He is a longtime contributor to ParentingNH.

KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS is a former journalist and marketing director who now regularly writes for higher education and technology organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mom to 4-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast for the past 20 years.

BILL BURKE has been writing his multi-awardwinning column Dad on Board for more than 10 years. He’s also a not-so-secret Disney fan and author of the “Mousejunkies” book series.

MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 3

the short list

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

Calling all aspiring young artists THIS MONTH ONLY ON WWW.PARENTINGNH.COM:

WINTER FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY If you love winter, cold and snow, this is definitely your time of year. Make the most of it and get outside. There’s lots of fun to be had throughout the Granite State. Be sure to check out our Guide to Winter in NH that you’ll only find online to plan time with your family, including listings for winter carnivals and festivals, where to go sledding and where to go snowshoeing.

Cold weather not your thing? Keep an eye on our online calendar for events you can take your family to that you don’t have to bundle up for. January is a popular month for theater productions for both kids and adults.

Is your child a master of the marker? A captain of the crayon? We are looking for some talented New Hampshire kids to bring color and personality to March’s ParentingNH, our special summer camp issue.

In past years, we’ve asked kids to color in a page with a pre-determined design. But this year we’d like to see what creations your kids can come up with on their own.

On a 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of white paper in landscape orientation, have your child age 6 and older draw and color in a summer camping scene. Let their imaginations fly as they draw what they love about camping and/or the outdoors.

We will choose the most creative drawings to feature in our March issue and one lucky entrant will be selected at random to win a birthday party for 10 jumpers at Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham.

Parents, please mail the drawing to us, along with your name, your child’s name and age, address, phone number and email. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Feb. 6. Crayons, colored pencils or markers will be accepted. Bold colors are encouraged.

Submissions will be accepted via mail to ParentingNH Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester,

for even more fun ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

NH 03101 or email the entry as a PDF attachment to editor@ twitter.com/ParentingNH

parentingnh.com.

Questions? Email editor@parentingnh.com.

CHILDREN OF YANKEE PUBLISHING INC. OR MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

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STORYBOOK BALL RAISES $185K FOR CHaD Hundreds of supporters climbed aboard a magical sleigh and took a journey through Gumdrop Village, Christmas Town, and Who-Ville at the 2018 CHaD Storybook Ball in December to raise $185,000 for critical programs at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) that are solely supported by philanthropy.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie time Thin Mints, Samoas, Toffee-tastics and more — they’re almost here! The Girl Scout cookie season kicks off in January, with booth sales starting Feb. 15.

Whether changing laws on child marriage, improving local parks, helping students improve their SAT scores, or addressing the opioid crisis, Girl Scouts are doing amazing things made possible by each and every cookie sale.

“Most of the things I’ve done with Girl Scouts, I’d probably never get to do out of (Girl Scouts),” said Kacilynn Hernandez-Feliciano of Newton, a Cadette Girl Scout.

Last year, in New Hampshire and Vermont, 8,200 Girl Scout Troops earned $972,000 in

Creative designers turned

cookie proceeds, which were used to support troop activities and often reinvested into local community Take Action projects.

This year, Girl Scouts will sell eight flavors of cookies at $5 per package. Girls will also sell cookies through the Digital Cookie® platform, an innovative and educational web-based addition to the cookie program that helps girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie businesses online. Can’t find a Girl Scout? Use the Cookie Locator at www.girlscoutsgwm.org/ CookieFinder.

For more information, go to www.girlscoutsgwm.org.

Southern New Hampshire University’s Fieldhouse into a winter wonderland with more than 30 tables and a dozen Christmas trees decorated in the spirit of a winter-themed child’s storybook. One of the most anticipated events of the evening was the announcement of the guests’ favorite tables. Young CHaD patients toured the tables before the ball began and chose “The Island of Misfit Toys,” replicated in table form by CHaD mom Jacci Dale.

Human biology is the focus of new science center exhibits in Manchester The SEE Science Center has added colorful new exhibits on human biology, DNA and biotechnology. The exhibition is called BiologYou. The exhibition introduces New Hampshire youth to the science behind and the possibilities of the bio-medical field that is growing in the region.

The colorful giant DNA model draws wows from visitors as they approach. Visitors share laughs when they discover they share 40 percent of their DNA with a worm. Using the cell explorer, visitors discover where DNA is in every one of their cells. From DNA to cells to tissues, visitors discover how their secret code allows their body to make everything it needs. Through the analogy of a cookie factory, visitors learn how our body uses our DNA as a recipe to make proteins.

For more information, go to www.see-sciencecenter.org. www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 5

the short list

CONTINUED

Child and Family Services rebrands, changes name Child and Family Services, the oldest children’s charitable/ family service organization in New Hampshire, has changed its name to Waypoint. The name change comes as part of an entire rebrand of the organization.

A waypoint is an intermediate point or place at which a course of action or path is changed. The purpose of all Waypoint programs is to help change the course for those who need help negotiating life’s challenges.

Agency leadership explains the reasons for the change: “Our agency has evolved over the years as we have responded to the needs of each new generation,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint.

“Our new name and look better reflect who we are today, a state-of-the- art, nonprofit human service agency that provides a lifeline across the lifespan.”

This rebrand happens after years of expansion and extensive research. “We heard our constituents loud and clear,” says Alvarez de Toledo. “Our name was no longer reflective of everyone we serve. Our new name does not try to specify every population, but rather, reflects the part we play in individual lives and the life of our community.

As it rolls out its new brand, the agency

will also carry a mark of distinction; it is a now accredited by the Council on Accreditation, meaning the organization meets the highest standards of practice in the field of human services. Waypoint is the only agency of its kind in New Hampshire to be COA accredited.

The agency has also launched a new website that streamlines the complex multitude of programs the agency offers, in a clean, simplified, and organized way.

Through 14 office sites across New Hampshire, Waypoint offers 28 different programs and services that include the following: child abuse prevention, family empowerment and support, services for children with developmental or chronic health concerns, mental health counseling, home care for seniors and people with disabilities, foster care, adoption, prenatal and pregnancy counseling, a homeless youth continuum, family preservation, human trafficking response, services for adjudicated youth, and a summer camp for kids.

The agency plays a dual role as direct service practitioner and advocate, working at the legislative level to shape public policies toward the best interests of children.

To learn more about Waypoint, go to www.waypointnh.org.

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WALLY + MATH = FUN The 2018 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox have a new way for kids to improve their math skills with help from their friend Wally the Green Monster. The new program, “Wally’s Math Academy” replaces generic word problems with actual game data, incorporating video recaps of Red Sox games and photos of players. The program is free to educators and available by going to www.redsox.com/ wallysmathacademy.

Wally’s Math Academy makes it easy for teachers and students to generate math exercises that use statistics from actual Red Sox games with the goal of enriching and empowering young students with tools that keep them engaged. Currently serving second- to fourthgraders, the program will expand soon to additional grades.

6 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

Why Attend St. Christopher School? 5 Great Reasons: Families come from 15 different communities and are of 12 different faiths.

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I want that

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This kit includes a cell phone microscope, the Smartphone Inspector, and 15 different 3D specimens on prepared slides.

Age 6 and up.

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Fun with magnets Magnets! Super Experiment Set lets kids become experts in all things magnetic. Children can work with floating magnets without touching them, use magnetic levitation to move a train, flip the field of their own iron filings, and create a compass. Age 8 and up.

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It’s electric Circuit Conductor teaches children about electricity, currents, and magnets through imaginative Augmented Reality play. Use 12 different electrical function blocks and special insulated wires to build circuits. Scan circuits using a mobile device to view electrical flows in real time, follow tutorials, and play in-game puzzles. Age 4 and up.

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Wearable science The Curiscope Virtuali-Tee is an Augmented Reality T-Shirt that allows children to learn about the human body, on a human body. The free Virtuali-Tee app lets users explore the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems and view 360 videos for an immersive experience.

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STEM STEAM VS.

While it may be unclear which acronym you should use, what is clear is the link between art and science BY MELANIE PLENDA 10 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

M

aybe you know that inventor Nikola Tesla gave old Thomas Edison a run for his money in the electric light race, but have you seen his drawings showing how current works? Likewise, maybe you’ve seen Leonardo da Vinci’s mysterious Mona, but did you know he’s the guy who invented parachutes?

Whether it’s called STEM—which is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – or STEAM—which is all of that with the addition of Art – there’s no getting away from the fact that art is inextricably linked to science and innovation. Yet there is still often a disconnect with people believing art and science lie on opposite ends of a spectrum.

“I get asked this all the time, ‘when will the STEM Discovery Lab change its name to the STEAM Discovery Lab?’” said Emily Kerr, coordinator of the STEM Discovery Lab at UNH. “We don’t have it in our name, but I personally believe that the arts are a huge component and an important component and should be integrated.

“Just like STEM is huge, so is art. There’s just a lot of ways they could and should overlap because science is a creative process.”

Which is why, said New Hampshire Dept. of Education Science Education Consultant Nate Greene, the state often uses the terms interchangeably, which he admits can be confusing. But he said that’s largely because no one has really settled on a universal definition for STEM or STEAM. He explains that some think of it as the just the study of pure science and traditional topics like chemistry and physics, while others

see it as the study of engineering, computer science and robotics; in other words-subjects that have more obvious need for creativity and innovation and thus the arts.

“The state supports all of it,” Greene said.

“They are all supported equally across the board.”

The introduction of the concept of STEAM, which came out a few years after STEM, was a way to not only remind people that the arts were integral to science, but also to show that educators needed to integrate these subjects in a more cognitive way. Greene said that is something that has been happening across the state over the past decade or so.

“Especially when we’re looking at elementary school,” Greene said. “The idea is to get more science into the school day — to expand the time for it. And oftentimes the best way to do that is to integrate that into other subjects.”

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So for example, he said if a teacher is working with a student on literacy and English and is attempting to teach informational writing or reading informational text, a great way to bring science into English is to have students read or write about that topic while they are trying to learn these literacy skills.

“I think in the past 10 to 15 years, we started to get really good at doing that in school,” Greene said. “So as a result, the arts saw that as a model to also integrate their subjects. Because again if you’re looking at elementary school one of things we’re always trying to do is how do we get more art into the hands of kids? How do we expand art? And one way is to integrate it into other subjects. So adding the ‘A’ into STEM is one way to emphasize that art doesn’t have to be a standalone subject, that you can integrate it into other subjects like science and technology and engineering and math. And I would say that we should add literacy there as well.”

This is not just a feel-good concept; it’s practical, said Ross Gittell, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire. Creativity and tapping into artistic thinking is the key to designing new technologies.

“Sometimes you discover new things from being creative and open-minded and the arts helps you do that, kind of explore a different side of your skill set,” Gittell said.

He said that by being creative and experimenting with different ways of putting materials together to form new shapes and new substances, you discover ways to do things and can even design new technologies that can help people.

In fact, said Greene, a robotics company in South Korea started with an artistic vision to create a new technology. The company enlisted the help of sci-fi movie makers to design what they thought a large robot should look like. The engineers then took those drawings and figured out the technology needed to bring that robot off the page and into real life.

“We’re seeing that more and more in industry,” Greene said. “We talk about form following function, but sometimes function follows form.

And we’re starting to see this in the world of industry where you see engineering companies, tech companies partnering with artists because more and more we’re finding that the tools and technology that get into the hands of your everyday consumer have a level of artistic expression to them that you know things can’t just be easy to use, people want to enjoy using them.”

Melanie Plenda is an award-winning freelance journalist and mom based in Keene. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic.com, The Daily Beast, American Baby, and Parents.com among other media outlets.

STEM resources for teachers STEM curriculum in New Hampshire and state resources: www.education.nh.gov Next Generation Science Standards: www.nextgenscience.org National Education Association STEM resources for teachers: www.nea.org/tools/lessons/stem-resources.html Hour of Code event: www.hourofcode.com Free STEM resources: www.stemfinity.com STEM resources for science teachers from National Science Teachers Association: www.nsta.org

12 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 13

STEM education in NH schools has come a long way in 5 years

Looking back, looking ahead F

ive years ago, STEM and STEAM were still in their nascent stages in New Hampshire schools.

While there was some recognition that these were important fields for students to study and necessary for them to make it in an ever-changing world, the concepts had not fully made it into the majority of schools around the state.

14 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

BY MELANIE PLENDA

In response, Governor Maggie Hassan created a K-12 STEM Task Force in April 2014 made up of experts from the worlds of education, business and policy, as well as K-12 parents. The goal of the task force was to develop recommendations that would modernize STEM education in New Hampshire schools and prepare students for STEM careers.

The task force generated eight core recommendations that, broadly speaking, focused on strengthening STEM foundations, inspiring students and empowering teachers, and doing this early and often in a student’s education.

A second task force convened in 2015 to take action on at least two

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of the recommendations in 2016 and 2017 — establishing STEM literacy standards that included coding, and adopting three different options, or pathways, for students when it came to taking math courses.

Though the task forces have since disbanded, the work that they did, and the recommendations they made, are in many ways are gaining even more, well, steam.

“STEM education and exciting kids at a young age about these topics has continued and accelerated in the wake of the task force and their report,” said Ross Gittell, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire and member of the task force.

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Gittell said since the days of the task force, students are being exposed to these topics earlier and there has been an emphasis in recent years in outreach, especially to young women to interest them in these fields of study. He also said students are learning these subjects from a more applied perspective.

“By doing projects and with hands-on learning they learn about science concepts and math principles, and not always through textbooks and through memorizing,” Gittell said. “It’s done through actual laboratory work, project-based work, observing things. So I think those efforts have continued to gain momentum in K-12 education.”

Laura Nickerson, who runs the STEM Teachers’ Collaborative at University of New Hampshire, said though she wasn’t on the task force, she has seen and been a part of the group’s impact in New Hampshire. Nickerson said she helped get the Next Generation Science Standards passed through state legislation, which includes the mandate that schools offer computer science by 2020, all of which was a direct result of recommendations made by the task force.

She said the standards require hands-on science training and for kids to ask questions and make discoveries to get to the answers.

“It captures kids’ imaginations and allows them to explore their creativity,” Nickerson said. “It’s neat to see that’s part of what the state expects.”

Another item that came out of the task force was the development of the nonprofit STEM NH, which is backed by the Department of Education and whose mission is to help advance the recommendations of the task force, said Nate Greene, with the Department of Education.

Speaking of Greene, one change that was due to the task force was the creation of his job as STEM Consultant for the department. He said that

16 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

when the task force first began there was just one science position at the DOE, but that the task force pushed to add a STEM position that would look at some of those science subjects outside of the traditional core sciences of physics or chemistry like computer science and robotics.

“That opened up a huge window for us to accomplish here at the department because we had two positions, one that could focus on that core K-12 science and one position that could focus on expanded those STEM subjects like robotics and computer science,” Greene said. “Computer science right now is big. There’s a big push right now for computer science nationally and New Hampshire is one of the leaders in that field.”

Greene said just in the past year they’ve added a new certification for teachers for computer science and adopted computer science standards.

“Now we have a K-12 computer science standard the districts can use to really create a whole K-12 progression for their students in computer science,” he said.

Greene said they are continuing to work on developing a program minimum required when a school is looking at delivering a computer science education.

“Every year there are more and more jobs in computing and in computer science and we don’t have enough graduates nationally to fill all those open positions,” Greene said.

“What we’re trying to do in New Hampshire is really trying to build a solid base… so that more students are interested in going into that field once they do get to college and beyond.”

That’s one of the areas where work is still needed, said Nickerson.

Going forward she would like to see more outreach to students that lets them know not only that computer science exists, but also that

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Inspiring children ♦ Infants through 8th grade ♦ with hands-on learning in Londonderry, New Hampshire www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 17

STEM enrichment opportunities THIS IS JUST A PARTIAL LIST OF THE STEM ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE. • Girls at Work: www.girlswork.org • FIRST: www.firstinspires.org • New Hampshire Destination Imagination: www.nh-di.org • Manchester School District: www.mansd.org • VEX Robotics: www.vexrobotics.com • Boys and Girls Club: www.mbgcnh.org • YWCA: www.ywcanh.org • Girl Scouts: www.girlscoutsgwm.org • Boy Scouts: www.nhscouting.org • McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: www.starhop.com • See Science Center: www.see-sciencecenter.org • Loft Technology: www.loftechnology.com • Young Inventors Competition: www.aas-world.org • SeaPerch: www.seaperch.org

jobs exist in these fields when they get out of high school.

She also said often kids don’t know that some companies will pay for them to go to college if they plan to pursue computer science.

Gittell agrees there is still work that needs to be done. For example, Gittell said, work is still needed in math, not only at K-12 but in higher education as well when it comes to preparing young people for college and career.

“We find that you know a majority of the students that come to us need some learning support in the math area. They’re not ready to take a college-level math course and oftentimes it’s because they don’t take math every semester, every year in high school and so they don’t learn all of the concepts that are necessary for college math or that a significant number of our students are older students,” Gittell said.

“We are doing quite a bit at the statewide level to address mathematics, both as a core content area and as it relates to the M in STEM,” Greene said. In his role he is working to integrate mathematics instruction with science and technology education. He said that in many ways math is the language of science, so it is a natural fit.

“We are also doing some fantastic work right now in building a course that will teach Algebra I competencies through robotics.

This would provide an avenue for students to explore core Algebra concepts by learning through hands-on, robotics-based projects,” Greene said.

This work is being funded through a Department of Education grant.

Melanie Plenda is a longtime contributor to ParentingNH.

18 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

ADVERTISEMENT

Charging Forward: From STEM to STEAM to Soft Skills and Beyond

F

or today’s students working to become tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and informed citizens, the standards for what it takes to succeed change almost constantly.

Demand for highly-qualified, socially-attuned, and academically-accomplished individuals rising faster than ever means there’s pressure on both students and educators to expand the scope of learning today. At World Dr. Lisa Dias, Head of School Academy, we’ve been focused on just that for close to 40 years — and the results for our alumni have been overwhelmingly positive.

As the world of education has shifted and evolved from a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to the more-inclusive STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics), students have been called on to develop their capabilities in a multitude of directions.

Tomorrow’s successful college graduates should have a strong sense of science- and math-based education as well as an understanding and appreciation for the arts; they should be confidently self-assured and also socially-adept and culturally empathetic; they should live healthy, active lifestyles while maintaining their academic successes.

That’s why our mission at World Academy has long been to focus on the “whole child,” encompassing all of the critical parts of a child’s intellectual, physical, social-emotional, cultural, and creative development. We recognize the value in letting students choose and pursue the areas of study that inspire the most passion in themselves, all while providing the resources to help them explore and succeed in a diverse body of studies to help them reach that well-rounded, exceptional potential.

Our goal is to offer an inviting culture that enables students and families to feel the ease of learning in a welcoming atmosphere. We are products of the environment we spend most of our time in, and we believe that, in addition to home, the best possible world for flourishing is one of joy and safety.

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, and the changing demands of today’s (and tomorrow’s) universities and workplaces attest to just that. If STEM has evolved into STEAM, it’s not unlikely that the needs of the future will continue to evolve even further. By focusing on the “whole child” starting as early as possible, we help students develop the tools to adapt to future change proactively, rather than reactively.

Whether you’re in search of Early Childhood Care and Education for your infant or toddler or student-focused instruction for your elementary or middle schooler, it is important to understand key components of the choices available. World Academy would love the opportunity to help you become an expert in advocating for your child.

Join Us For Our K-8 Open House Saturday, January 12, 2019 10am-11am Tour Our School Interact With Teachers & Administrators Participate in Q & A Receive Admissions Information Learn About Our “Cradle to Careers” Roadmap

To Register, Call or Visit Us Online!

603.888.1982 WorldAcademyNH.com 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 19

How to encourage

STEM learning at home G

enerally speaking, parents want their kids to see them as experts in the field of well, all things. But we are human, so the reality of this falls somewhat short of that ideal.

This is never truer for some parents when it comes to STEM and their little ones. After all, reading a book or coloring a picture, that’s easy. They can do that all day long. But doing science, technology, engineering or math projects with your child? Well, that sounds really hard, so maybe it is better left to the experts or a kit you can buy online.

“I think it’s great that there’s been this focus on STEM. But I think in some ways it’s made parents intimidated or makes them think they have to be experts,” said Emily Kerr, coordinator of the STEM Discovery Lab at the University of New Hampshire.

“I see all these things, like you can order these subscriptions for these engineering kits in the mail. It’s the feeling that you have to spend all this money and that’s just not the case.”

Kerr said that a simple walk outside where parents and kids do things like counting or observing leaves or bugs, notice patterns, sorting things or picking up items in a nature scavenger hunt, is all very scientific.

In fact, many things that you do around the house every day — cooking, sewing, fixing, finances, unclogging a drain using baking soda and vinegar — all of these things hold STEM concepts “It can be practical,” said Kerr. “It doesn’t have to be glamorous.”

20 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

STEM AT HOME CHECK OUT THESE LINKS TO STEM PROJECT IDEAS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR KIDS. • Project Lead the Way’s list of 20 STEM activities to do at home: www.pltw.org

You don’t need to be an expert, or spend a lot of money, to support your child’s education

• LEtGO Your Mind’s list of 7 ways to support STEM learning at home: www.letgoyourmind.com • NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory family activity page: www.jpl. nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/ stem-activities-for-families • U.S. Department of Energy online learning resources: www.energy.gov/kindergarten-through-high-school

BY MELANIE PLENDA

• National PTA’s guide to supporting STEM learning at home: www.pta.org/home/programs/ stem/STEM-Families-At-Home

Also, said Ross Gittell, chancellor for the Community College System of New Hampshire, it’s OK to let your kids see that you don’t know everything. And that’s a good thing.

“Think of it as learning together with your child,” he said. “Your child learns from example how to be curious, how to explore, how to discover and how to reflect on that discovery. And if they do that with you, you are reinforcing that is something important that’s something you care about that’s something you can do together.”

Many times encouraging a child to engage in science and math has more to do with attitude, said Rob Lukasiak, president of the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics.

“We should all do our best to not contribute to creating a negative attitude toward mathematics,” Lukasiak said. “You don’t have to be able to do the mathematics for your child. Rather, be part of a support system, along with teachers and many others, to encourage

your child to practice and even struggle at times. Become an advocate for the power of learning mathematics. Try not to give up. Look for resources to help.”

One of the ways you can help, said Laura Nickerson, who runs the STEM Teachers’ Collaborative at the University of New Hampshire, is when you don’t know something to show them how to find the answer on Google, for example. From there, she said, you can also teach kids how to look critically at information sources and you can show them that even though you’re a mom or a dad, “and kind of old” in their eyes anyway, you can still learn new things.

“It’s OK to not have the answer to everything,” Nate Greene, New Hampshire Department of Education Science Education Consultant said. “Science is about asking questions and learning how to find out information.

So the best way to encourage kids at home is to model that for your kids.”

Melanie Plenda is an award-winning freelance writer based in Keene.

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 21

F ind your

ParentingNH produces NH Next: Your Guide to Life After High School. The publication, written specifically for high school juniors and seniors, is distributed to guidance counselors at high schools throughout the state each fall. This story is excerpted from the 2018-19 edition, which also features information on workforce training, paying for college and internships. To get a copy for your teen, ask their guidance counselor or visit www.parentingnh.com. Click on the “teen” tab for the digital edition. – MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

Knowing your options will help you get on the right career path

BY ROB LEVEY

way

22 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

Y

our high school career is coming to a close, so what comes after that?

There is no one right answer because everyone is different and there are nearly as many kinds of jobs as people.

EXPLORE AND ASSESS What students can do right now, however, is “explore” what is out there, according to Carey Walker, director of admissions at Great Bay Community College.

“Most students only know about a small portion of the career opportunities that are available to them,” she said. “Colleges have so many options for majors and they can be obscure. What is a Surgical Technologist really?”

Noting there are many career interest assessment tools, Walker said all institutions within the Community College System of New Hampshire feature a career coach on their respective websites. This tool, she said, connects interests with majors and regional career options so students can see “what you like to do, what your major should be, and what you will get paid to do it.”

“You should talk to people about what they do at their job, what is their title, and how they get there,” she added. “I always encourage students to read course descriptions in the college catalog. You may realize that all of the courses within

a specific discipline sound really interesting but the major isn’t one you considered before.”

In working with students to explore their career options, Richard Paiva, director of technical studies at at Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, said he focuses less on helping them find the right fit than on developing the ability to manage themselves. He said this emphasis is necessary because no one today is entirely sure what career options will exist 10 to 15 years from now.

“There will be jobs in things we never even heard of,” he said. “If you think about it, a social media manager did not exist 20 years ago. What we want is for kids to embrace change, because that ‘right fit’ will change a lot.”

Al Lawrence, owner of Artisan Electric in Dover, agrees with Paiva, and added that more choices for students come with several caveats.

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 23

“Even though students have more choices than anyone before them ever had, they don’t really have any idea what those opportunities really are all about,” he said. “Maybe more importantly, students don’t know what might be fulfilling to them.”

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION For Lawrence, what may fulfill many students is unfortunately not as well known to them based on a stigma that generally surrounds what is referred to “the trades.”

“I’m a big advocate for the trades, which is why I challenge the historic view of them,” he said. “There are so many opportunities in the trades with some involving getting your hands dirty and others behind a desk, but they are for the most part well-paying jobs and interesting…Many students today simply have a misconception about what is available to them in this broad industry.”

Citing “a massive skills gap” in today’s workforce and available jobs, Lawrence said Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers, generally available to juniors and seniors, represent a great “first step to explore possible careers.”

“There are so many opportunities in the technical, skilled, health and service sectors, but there aren’t enough people to fill them,” said Lawrence, who serves as treasurer for SkillsUSA NH. SkillsUSA NH, with more than 600 members statewide, promotes the importance and relevancy of CTE. “I love the career I am in, and I get to work with some of the latest advancements in technology,” he added. “If you are a student today and unsure about going to college, there are some exciting opportunities in the trades, construction, manufacturing and technical sectors. You can make a lot of money, too, with the right training.”

24 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

For students who feel that a four-year college does reflect their particular interest, however, Walker cited the relevance of CCSNH.

NEW HAMPSHIRE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES “We have spent a lot of time making sure that our programs align in such a way that students can adjust their academic path without adding additional time onto their degree or completing courses that aren’t necessary,” she said. “We have clustered our degrees into Academic Focus Areas in which students can easily move between while deciding on a path.”

She said CCSNH schools also look at gateway courses within each discipline and monitor individual student’s successes. If students are not successful in an introductory course, they may want to rethink their path sooner rather than later.

“Students can also rest assured that if a CCSNH School is offering a program, then there is a need for it in the workforce,” she added. “Our programs are influenced by the current workforce needs as well as long-standing programs being updated and adjusted to meet the needs of industry.”

Doug Cullen, manager of career services at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, said industry needs should play a large role in helping decide “what is next,” but students should also “try out their interests experimentally.”

TRY IT OUT “With unemployment at an all-time low, industry is opening its doors to students in a variety of ways,” he said. “There’s no greater feeling than taking a risk on a dream and having it pay off.”

He said there are also few greater frustrations for someone than end-

ing up in an occupation or college major he/she does not like with the knowledge that other choices could have been explored prior to graduation.

“Think about what you like in your life and what subjects you might enjoy — focus on that and your skills,” he added.

Lawrence agreed and said these skills are more than just technical.

“There are soft skills we look for in the workplace — things like ability to communicate, work as a team, think critically,” he said.

“Succeeding in a career will rest on developing those skills, too.”

Dr. Ross Gittell, CCSNH chancellor, said the development of these soft skills positions students for not just one kind of job, but many, as they apply to a wide range of in— Richard Paiva, director of technical studies at at dustries. He said their importance Milford High School & Applied Technology Center may be gleaned from students’ own experiences as consumers.

“You want a good product, but you also want good customer service — whether it is at a store, through texts or social media,” he said. “The skills that go into good customer service — communication and problem-solving as examples — are ones you want to develop yourself.”

‘‘

There will be jobs in things we never even heard of. If you think about it, a social media manager did not exist 20 years ago.

What we want is for kids to embrace change.

’’

Rob Levey is a longtime contributor to ParentingNH.

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 25

l o o h c s c i l b u p n No

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

This list of nonpublic schools is in alphabetical order. Please contact the school directly for the most up-to-date information on enrollment, tuition, admission deadlines, financial aid and specific programs offered.

Academy of Notre Dame 180 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro, MA 978-649-7611 www.ndatyngsboro.org Auburn Montessori School 78 Rockingham Road Auburn, NH 627-1691 www.auburnmontessori. com Catholic School Office/ Diocese of Manchester 153 Ash Street Manchester, NH 669-3100 www.catholicschoolsnh. org

Country Village Montessori 2 Overlook Drive Amherst, NH 672-3882 www.countryvillagemontessori.com Creative Kids Preschool 155 Route 101 Bedford, NH 472-3894 www.creativekidsnh.org Crotched Mountain School One Verney Drive Greenfield, NH 547-3311 www.crotchedmountain. org

The Derryfield School 2108 River Road Manchester, NH 669-4524 www.derryfield.org

Hampstead Academy 320 East Road Hampstead, NH 329-4406 www.hampsteadacademy.org High Mowing School 222 Isaac Frye Highway Wilton, NH 654-2391 www.highmowing.org Infant Jesus School 3 Crown Street Nashua, NH 889-2649 www.ijschool.org

Nashua Child Learning Center Developmental curriculum for the young child in a Christian Register environment since 1974.

NOW Degreed & State Qualified Teachers • State of NH Licensed Plus

• Infant-Toddler: Full Day • Pre-School: Full Day • Pre-K: Half & Full Day

• Progressive Pre-K: Half & Full Day • Kindergarten: Half & Full Day • Summer Program: Full Day

Quality Child Care 6:30am-5:30pm 5 St. Laurent Street • Exit 7E www.nclckids.org

26 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

for 2019-2020!

883-4356 • Call For Openings Now Accepting Early Admission to Kindergarten

g n i list Learning Adventures ECC 51 Old Bedford Road Bedford, NH 669-2811 www.LearningAdventuresNH. com Little Einsteins Preschool Learning Center 199 Route 101 Amherst, NH 673-3022 www.littleeinsteins.us Little Pilgrim Preschool 4 Watson Street Nashua, NH 880-9249 www.littlepilgrimschool.org Mount Zion Christian Schools 132 Titus Avenue Manchester, NH 606-7930 www.mountzionnh.org

NOw eNrOlliNg fOr SUMMer 2019! . - 5:30p.m.

0a.m 7:0 n e Op

Nashua Child Learning Center 5 Saint Laurent Street Nashua, NH 883-4356 www.nclckids.org

year ’rou nd

51 Old BedfOrd rd Bedford•(603) 669-2811 LearningadventuresnH.com

Portsmouth Christian Academy 20 Seaborne Drive Dover, NH 742-3617 www.pcaschool.org St. Christopher School 20 Cushing Avenue Nashua, NH 882-7442 www.stchrisschoolnh.org Southern NH Education Center 1E Commons Drive, #28 Londonderry, NH 818-8613 www.snhec.org World Academy 138 Spit Brook Road Nashua, NH 888-1982 www.worldacademynh.com

PRESCHOOL • KINDERGARTEN • AFTERCARE

ages 3 to 6 years

• Well developed Montessori curriculum • Creative dramatic playroom • Weekly Spanish classes

Classes offered Five days a week from 8:30-11:30 in our multiage hands-on classroom.

Extracare is flexible from 7:45 to 5:30.

Weekly Outdoor Woodland Program

Our new woodland outdoor education program offers children an opportunity to grow naturally and freely while improving their academic and physical skills.

78 Rockingham Road Auburn, NH 603•627•1691 info@auburnmontessori.com www.auburnmontessori.com

Preschool Registration Starts January 9th

2019 School Year • Ages 2-5 Carol Stone Director

• Children learn at their own pace in a nurturing environment

• Hands-on approach of discovery

experimentation and meaningful play • Small class size

Call 603-880-9249 and schedule a tour today! www.littlepilgrimschool.org

Gate City Charter School for the Arts is hosting information sessions for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 school years. Attendance at a session is a necessary step in the enrollment process.

November 28, 2018: 6:00 - 7:00 pm January 28, 2019: 6:00 -7:00 pm March 4, 2019: 6:00 -7:00 pm May 23, 2019: 6:00 -7:00 pm

Please contact the office with questions and inquiries.

(603) 943-5273

7 Henry Clay Drive • Merrimack • gatecitycharterschool.org www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 27

WAYS TO

keep calm, cool and collected If like many others you’ve resolved to de-stress your body and mind in 2019, take a deep breath, and count to 10 (tips) for how to help make your resolution a reality.

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

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28 www.parentingnh.com | OCTOBER 2018

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www.parentingnh.com

| OCTOBER 2018 29

Child in trouble?

First-time juvenile offenders — and those in danger of offending — have access to programs to help them stay out of court and stay clean

BY ROB LEVEY

D

iversion programs, designed to hold youth accountable for disruptive behaviors while also addressing the root causes, may be the most underutilized resource for first-time juvenile offenders in New Hampshire.

“Many parents and caregivers do not realize this is an option for a child who has committed a first-time offense,” said Nicole Rodler, board chair of the NH Juvenile Court Diversion Network, which administers the programs statewide.

These programs are also effective. According to a recent study of 444 youth who went through a diversion program, 78 percent were arrest-free one year later with 58 percent arrest-free after three years.

“Diversion is effective if provided after a first incident — not after a habit of risky or delinquent behavior has been developed,” said Rodler, who also serves as Rochester Police Department Juvenile Court Diversion Coordinator.

There are 21 accredited juvenile court diversion programs in New Hampshire, which serve upward of 700 youth per year arrested for a first-time offense.

Rodler said parents and caregivers have the right to ask for diversion for their child if he or she is a first-time offender. In fact, diversion programs are mandated by the state of New Hampshire under RSA 169-B:10.

“Parents are encouraged to advocate for their youth and ask for a pre-court diversion option as soon as they receive notice they are being charged,” she said.

Susan Ashley, Judge, 7th Circuit Court-Rochester Family Division, is a strong

30 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

advocate for diversion, which she said keeps juveniles out of court and free of a juvenile record. She said diversion also “provides benefits for both the youth and community.”

“Diversion programs are able to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each youth, including family connections, and, therefore, are able to tailor the consequences for these youth,” she said. “Having young people address community members, either through a diversion panel, or letters of apology, or restitution or community service, can strengthen their connection to their community and diminish the likelihood of re-offending.”

Accountability is a big component of diversion, which she said promotes acceptance of responsibility, according to Ashley.

“Youth learn how their behaviors impacted individuals and the community and how they can avoid such behaviors in the future,” she added.

HOW DIVERSION WORKS Youth referred to accredited diversion programs can expect to: • Participate in an assessment to identify areas of strength and those that require assistance and screening to assess for mental health or substance misuse concerns;

Parents have options

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 31

Country Village

MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Engaging young minds 2 Overlook Drive • Amherst, NH • (603) 672-3882 Preschool through 6th Grade • www.countryvillagemontessori.com AMS full member

Juvenile Diversion Programs in New Hampshire FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE, CONTACT ONE OF THESE ACCREDITED JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAMS IN YOUR AREA. • Berlin Police Department • Berlin 752-3131; Adam Marsh (adammarsh@berlinpolice.org) • Merrimack County Juvenile Diversion Program • Concord 225-5445, ext.109; Greg Paninski (gpaninski@mchumanservices. net) www.merrimackcounty.net • Greater Derry Juvenile Diversion • Derry 432-8882; Diane Casale (dcasale@urteachers.org)

NH NEXT: Your Guide to Life after

www.urteachers.org

High School offers information to

• Dover Juvenile Court Diversion Program • Dover

high school students on applying

516-8336; Steve Pappajohn (s.pappajohn@dover.nh.gov)

to college, financial aid, internships

• Great Bay Diversion Program • Dover

and employment.

Can’t find a copy?

516-8336; Tayla Nixon (tnn2000@wildcats.unh.edu)

Email editor@parentingnh.com

• Northern Strafford County Diversion Program/Strafford County

for a print copy or go to

Sheriff’s Department • Dover

www.parentingnh.com

Nate Sanborn (nsanborn@co.strafford.nh.us)

for the digital edition.

• Crispins House Inc./Goffstown Area Diversion • Goffstown 497-3499; Al Baines (albaines@comcast.net) or Dian McCarthy

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For more information, contact us at: (603) 539-4552 office@campmarist.org Or check us out online at: www.CampMarist.org

32 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

Camp Marist

Ossipee Lake · New Hampshire

(dmccarthy@crispinshouse.org) • Hillsborough Office of Youth Services • Hillsboro 464-7985; Chelsea Szalanski (ysdirector@hillsboroughnh.net) • City of Keene Youth Services • Keene 357-9811; Elisabeth Brown (ebrown@ci.keene.nh.us) www.ci.keene.nh.us • Belknap County Youth Services • Laconia 527-5493; Michael MacFadzen (mmacfadzen@belknapcounty.org) www.belknapcounty.org

• Include their parent or guardian in discussions about their well-being; • Meet with a panel of volunteers (some of whom may be teens) or staff members to discuss their case and develop a contract or written agreement; • Spend approximately three to six months working on goals outlined in their contract/agreement; and • Attend educational classes or workshops included in the contract along with participating in community service and/or paying restitution.

Youth who successfully complete the program can expect to have their case closed without a juvenile court conviction provided no further offenses have been committed.

• The Youth Council for Manchester Police Athletic League • Manchester 889-1090; Holly Mara (hmara@theyouthcouncil.org) www.manchesterpoliceathleticleague.org • The Youth Council • Nashua 889-1090; Holly Mara (hmara@theyouthcouncil.org) www.theyouthcouncil.org • Youth Assistance Program • Northfield 286-8577; Dawn B. Shimberg (dshimberg@myfairpoint.net) www.yapnh.org • Grafton County Alternative Sentencing/ Juvenile Restorative Justice • North Haverhill 787-2291 • Communities for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth • Plymouth 536-9793; Deb Naro (dnaro@cadyinc.org)

CELEBRATE 35 years with us!

www.cadyinc.org • Chase Home • Portsmouth 436-2216; Cory Towne-Kerr (ctowne@chasehome.org) www.chasehome.org • Rochester Police Juvenile Court Diversion Program • Rochester 330-7149; Nicole Rodler (nicole.rodler@rochesternh.net) www.rochesternh.net • Valley Court Diversion Program • White River Junction, VT 802-295-5078; Amber Ricard Pittman (amber@vcdp.org) www.vcdp.org • Valley Court Diversion for Sullivan County • White River Junction, VT 802-281-5257 Ellen Wicklum (ellen@vcdp.org)

For past Rochester program participant Dillon Guyer, who is now 26 years old and a resident of Portland, Maine, the benefits of diversion extend well beyond that of a clean record.

“It taught me how to hold myself accountable for actions while also moving forward in a positive manner,” he said. “Today, that still holds valid, and I maintain a positive precedent within myself. Knowing how to admit faults, take responsibility and possess the power to create the outcomes I desired was a direct result of this program.”

For him, his entry point into diversion was due to drug use and abusing ecstasy, alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills and other substances.

“The program opened my eyes to the devastating effects substance abuse and bad mental health can have on a person and their

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Ready Set Connect ABA for Children with Autism loved ones,” he esaid. “The stigma associated with it not only consumes the one addicted, it consumes those willing to help.”

Such learning outcomes, said Meme Wheeler, executive director of The Chase Home, which began its diversion program in Portsmouth in 2016, only result from programs like diversion as opposed to traditional punitive measures.

“If we can help it, we want youth to stay out of the Juvenile Justice System,” she said. “It’s not where they need to be, especially if we want to help them understand how they got to where they are and how to make better decisions moving forward.”

Ready Set Connect provides clinic-based therapy for young children with autism, offering an environment of fun and learning and a path to a bright future!

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DIFFERENT KINDS OF DIVERSION In addition to diverting first-time youth offenders with a delinquency charge, some diversion programs provide services that are grounded in prevention, which Rodler referred to as little “d.”

“Little ‘d’ diversion is conducted in a similar manner to what we call big ‘D,’ but it can be provided to any youth that is identified as at-risk and without a delinquency charge attached,” she said.

“RSA 169B:10 promotes big “D,” which is where youth has a delinquency charge, but research points to both kinds of diversion as effective.”

At The Chase Home, both little “d” and big “D” diversion services are available to youth.

“We felt it was important to offer both services,” said Wheeler.

“The earlier we can ‘intervene’ or ‘divert,’ the better the long-term life outcomes.”

THE TAKEAWAY

2/28/19.18.

2/28/19.18.

For Guyer, who now owns his own travel agency, the takeaway for him regarding diversion is that parents and caregivers should take an active role in their children’s lives.

“Being involved with your child’s everyday life is the best way to prevent and be proactive about these negative decisions,” he said. “Talk to your children about difficult subjects, be that safe zone for them if they need to talk to you…The more information we directly provide in a positive situation, the less they will go seek it in an uncontrolled outlet.”

For youth in trouble or on the proverbial precipice, Rodler said she wants parents and caregivers to know that NH Juvenile Court Diversion Network is available to provide assistance.

“We can help you find a program that offers little ‘d’ or big ‘D’ diversion services,” she said. “We want every parent out there to know about diversion and know we are here to help.”

To learn more about diversion, or the NH Juvenile Court Diversion Network, visit www.nhcourtdiversion.org. Rodler may also be reached at nicole.rodler@rochesternh.net.

Longtime contributor Rob Levey is president of the board of the Chase Home for Children in Portsmouth. Rob never strays too far from his roots as a freelance writer and has a special interest in writing about education and mental health.

34 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

Before you file

What you need to know about the new tax code, and how the changes affect you BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS

W

hen you file your income taxes this year, be prepared for several changes — a single, shorter 1040 tax form, new tax brackets, and an increase in the standard deduction that may eliminate the process of itemizing deductions.

Supporters of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in December 2017, said the law aims to simplify taxes and lower tax rates. Here are some key changes and how they might affect your wallet.

YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF IN A NEW TAX BRACKET The tax bracket thresholds have changed, so your taxable income might fall under a different tax bracket this year. For example, if your family’s taxable income last year was $77,400, you were in the 25 percent bracket. This year, you’d be at the bottom of the 22 percent bracket, effectively paying less tax.

Jeremy Glines, an instructor of accounting and taxation at Southern New Hampshire University and the director of the SNHU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Manchester, said this is good news for most families because it means they will owe less to the federal government.

Although falling from the 25 percent to the 22 percent bracket appears to be a three percent savings, Glines ex-

plained that it’s important for filers to understand that you don’t pay 22 percent tax on your earnings. Instead, you pay 10 percent on the first $19,050 plus 12 percent on the amount between $19,050 and $77,400, 22 percent tax on income earned between $77,400 and $165,000 and so on.

The chart below shows the differences in the 2017 tax brackets compared to this year’s brackets.

Income Tax Rate

Income Levels for Those Filing As:

2017

2018-2025

SINGLE

MARRIED-JOINT

10%

10%

$0-$9,525

$0-$19,050

15%

12%

$9,525-$38,700

$19,050-$77,400

25%

22%

$38,700-$82,500

$77,400-$165,000

28%

24%

$82,500-$157,500

$165,000-$315,000

33%

32%

$157,500-$200,000

$315,000-$400,000

33%-35%

35%

$200,000-$500,000

$400,000-$600,000

39.6%

37%

$500,000+

$600,000+

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 35

How the new tax code might affect a typical family

This family of four, with two children, earned the same $125,000 salary in 2017 as they did 2018. They own a house with about $12,000 paid annually in mortgage loan interest and pay a $5,000 property tax.

Annual Salary

2017

125,000.00

2018

125,000.00

Exemptions

16,200.00

NONE

Standard Deduction

12,700.00

24,000.00

Itemized Deductions

18,500.00

18,500.00

AGI

90,300.00

101,000.00

Tax Rate

14,400.00

23,600.00

Tax Due Before Credits

14,052.50

13,289.00

Child Tax Credit

(1,250.00)

(2,800.00)

Tax Due After Credits

12,802.50

10,489.00

For 2018, this family can claim a higher standard deduction that surpassed their itemized deductions and the standard deduction offered in 2017.

OR

Increase (decrease)

(2,313.50)

With the increase in the child tax credit, they now would see a total reduction in taxes of $2,315.50

36 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

Taking the $24,000 standard deduction, they reduce their adjusted gross income to $101,000, which is $10,700 more than the $90,000 adjusted gross income they were taxed on last year; however, they now fall into a lower tax bracket due to the change in tax brackets.

This reduces their taxes, before credits, down to $13,289, about $763 less than their taxes before credits last year.

THE STANDARD DEDUCTION HAS NEARLY DOUBLED If you aren’t a fan of itemizing your deductions or you have little to itemize, the increase in the standard deduction this year might significantly reduce your taxable income.

For example, couples who are married and filing jointly could deduct $12,700 last year; this year they are able to deduct $24,000. Single-parent families benefit, too, as the standard deduction has also nearly doubled to $12,000 in 2018 from $6,320 in 2017.

While you still have the choice to itemize expenses such as property tax, mortgage interest and charitable contributions, itemizing will not benefit you if your standard deduction is higher than all your total itemized deductions. (If you think there is a chance they may be, you can file a Schedule A form, itemizing all your deductions.)

But while the standard deduction has increased, the new tax code no longer includes personal exemptions, which used to reduce your taxable income. For example, you can no longer claim a personal exemption for yourself, spouse or your dependents. (The exemption amount in tax year 2017 was $4,050 per person, subject to a phaseout at higher income levels.)

A family of four could deduct $16,200 last year in personal exemptions, which they cannot do this year — hence the increase in the standard deduction, Glines said.

Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village with half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed for boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participate in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, party apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and more.

Registration for summer camps and recreational classes begins April 1st. Call 603.889.8092 or visit gymnasticsvillage.com.

Gymnastics, Ninja, Tumbling, Baby Classes for Girls and Boys, Birthday Parties and more!

THE CHILD TAX CREDIT HAS ALSO DOUBLED

DEDUCTIONS ON PROPERTY, STATE, AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES MAX OUT AT $10K In New Hampshire, it’s not unheard of for families to pay more than $10,000 in property taxes on their homes, which they used to be able to itemize and deduct in full. Now, the deduction limit for all combined state, local, and property taxes is capped at $10,000.

With the standard deduction now up to $24,000 for married joint filers, most New Hampshire families may not be affected much by the new cap; homeowners filing in California, New York, and New Jersey — all states with a combination of high property, state income, and local income taxes — will feel more of a pinch, Talcott said.

Summer STEM Programs

AMUSEMENT

2019

If you have children, you’ll get double the tax credit for each of them this year. The child tax credit doubled from $1,000 per child to $2,000 per child. It’s important to remember that the child tax credit is not a tax deduction, but an actual reduction in your tax bill — even if you don’t owe Uncle Sam. Alex Talcott, managing partner of Seacoast Tax Services and an instructor at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, said that even if families do not owe taxes, they can still get back $1,400 of the $2,000 tax credit per child.

“It’s a good example of how the tax code incentivizes behavior. It favors child-rearing and home ownership,” he said.

Families can also receive a new $500 credit for other dependents other than children such as college students or older relatives in your household, according to the IRS.

PARK RIDES

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ITEMIZING For some families, it will still make sense to itemize before deciding whether to take the standard deduction.

Here are some things you can still itemize, according to the IRS: • Mortgage loan interest on your main home or second home for homes up to $750,000 (married, filing jointly) • Property, state, and local income taxes up to $10,000 • Unreimbursed medical and dental expenses if they exceeded 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income And what you can’t: • You can no longer itemize many miscellaneous expenses — such as moving expenses, uniform allowances or car registrations.

Small contributions to charities may also not make sense to deduct, as they might not be enough to exceed the standard deduction. Finally, tickets to college athletic events are no longer considered charitable deductions, according to the IRS. • If you pay alimony to a former spouse, you many no longer reduce your adjustable gross income for any divorce executed after Dec. 31, 2018. For example, if you made $100,000 and paid alimony to a spouse in the amount of $20,000, this is the last year you would only pay taxes on the $80,000, Glines said.

EXTRA CREDIT You can still get credit for child care expenses — including summer camp — for up to $3,000 for one child, or up to $6,000 for two or more children under age 13, depending on your income. It’s not a deduction, but a credit that reduces the amount of federal income taxes you owe, which can in turn increase your refund.

It still benefits your family to pursue higher education, according to Glines. The American Opportunity Credit is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student. (Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time for at least one academic period and must be pursuing a program leading to a degree or other recognized credential.) Up to $1,000 of the credit is refundable.

38 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

If you or your dependents don’t qualify for the AOC, you can still take advantage of the Lifetime Learning Credit, a credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all eligible students included on the taxpayer’s tax return. There is no limit on the number of years the lifetime learning credit can be claimed, and the student does not have to enroll in a minimum number of hours to claim the credit.

ULTIMATELY, IT PAYS TO SAVE One of the easiest ways to reduce your tax burden to is to put money away and reduce your taxable income, said Talcott.

The IRS raised the ceiling for tax-free 401K contributions (up $500 to $18,500 for filers under age 50) this year, and the income limits for eligibility for Roth IRA contributions (paid with after-tax contributions) rose, allowing married couples under 50 to contribute up to $5,500 each annually, if they are making $199,000 or less. The IRS continues to use the tax code to encourage Americans to save, Talcott said.

“If you start saving in your 20s and living on less than 100 percent of your income, you start running into compound interest, and it’s easy for money to grow,” he said. “It’s hard to get rich quick, but to get rich slow is really easy.”

STILL CONFUSED? The 1040 tax form will look very different, shrinking from 79 lines to 23. But it will also come with additional forms — many of which won’t affect those filing simple tax returns. Still, many filers feel more comfortable with software or preparers who can walk them through the process.

Glines encourages filers to first look at the IRS’s Free File electronic filing system, which takes preparers through the 1040 form stepby-step. If you are completely overwhelmed, commercial tax preparers can be more knowledgeable, but also cost more money. There are also popular commercial tax filing programs — such as TurboTax — that can help you prepare and file your taxes for a fee, Glines said.

If you have a simple tax return and made less than $55,000 this year, you can get your taxes prepared for free at the VITA in Manchester or one of the other New Hampshire VITA sites, Glines said. At the VITA sites, volunteers certified with the IRS provide free assistance to filers and can even help non-residents on educational visas with their returns.

To learn more, visit www.irs.gov.

Krysten Godfrey Maddocks is a former journalist and marketing director who now regularly writes for higher education and technology organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mom to 4-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast for the past 20 years.

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 39

dad on board Nashua

Saturday, March 2, 2019 10 a.m.-1p.m.

Courtyard

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Want to send your child to summer camp but don’t know where to start? Swing by one of ParentingNH’s Summer Camp & Program Expos.

Meet with representatives from over 50 overnight, day, arts, sports, adventure & abroad camps.

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Saturday, March 16, 2019 10 a.m.-1p.m.

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37TH ANNUAL

WEDDING SHOWCASE

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The Z107 Wedding Showcase held in Durham at The Whittemore Center Arena and sponsored by Planet Fitness, is the seacoast area's premier wedding event, featuring over eighty exhibitors and hourly prizes including 2 round-trip domestic airline tickets and a $1,000 gift card to a local jewelry store. Come early for the spectacular runway fashion show provided by 125 Bridal of Plaistow & Madeleine’s Event Central which begins promptly at 11:00am.

Doors open at 10:30am for fashion show seating! Over 80 vendors will be on hand to help you plan your special day!

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THE EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT WHEN MY DAUGHTER GETS HER LICENSE I’M GOING TO MISS OUR TIME TOGETHER

BY BILL BURKE I’ve been terrible about helping my 16-yearold prepare to get her drivers’ license. In fact, her mother seems to think I’m actively working against her achieving this milestone.

Bust out the Worst Dad Ever sash, because I have to admit, she’s not wrong.

I’m not a George Bluth Sr./Darth Vader level bad-dad, but I certainly could’ve helped expedite things. Only I didn’t.

To get her license, she has to amass 40 hours of driving practice. Every time I take her anywhere or pick her up from school or play rehearsal or band practice, my wife will ask, “did you let her drive?” And every time I answer, “no.” I claim that I love driving so much that I just can’t bear the thought of not doing it, which is of course not exactly true.

From the time she first got behind the wheel, I’ve had the typical visions going through my mind that every parent has to deal with: the risk of fender-benders, possible speeding tickets, and the unthinkable – what if Bon Jovi comes on the radio and she can’t figure out how to change the station?

All very real concerns, of course, but even that’s not why I’ve delayed things. Here’s the truth of it all: I just don’t want that passenger seat next to me to be empty.

Whenever I get in the car, she’s there. We play Name That Tune. We talk about school and work and family and life. We make plans and talk about her future. We live in the middle of nowhere, so everything is a half-hour away. Her high school, the mall, the movie theater – everything. So if I have to take her somewhere, I get a full hour of her undivided attention. Some of the best conversations we’ve ever had have been in the car.

When she was still strapped into the baby seat she uttered her first song request: “Please put on ‘Dear Prudence.’” When she was in first grade I convinced her that the car’s ignition button actually controlled the ejection seat that would launch her into the woods across the street. While waiting for the bus one day at the end of the driveway she tried to convince me that the name of the NHL team in Toronto was the Fish Sticks.

Once she has her license, she won’t need me to drive her around anymore, those weird conversations will be in the rear-view mirror and that passenger seat will be empty.

There was a time a year or so ago when I complained about carting her around after a long day. A friend, who has a son two years older than my daughter, offered a valuable piece of advice: “Don’t rush it, because you will miss those times.”

And now that we’re on the verge of sending her off on her first maiden voyages down the road, those words are ringing in my ears. Better than Bon Jovi, I suppose.

Bill Burke is a writer who lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and daughter who only listens to good music while she’s driving. He is also the Managing Editor of Custom Publications at McLean Communications.

40 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

house calls THE HEALTHY EATING CHALLENGE TIPS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR FAMILY MAINTAIN GOOD HABITS AND EAT BALANCED MEALS

BY TARA EFSTATHIOU Cooking nutritious dishes and making sure your family is eating healthy is important, but it can also be a challenge, particularly around the holidays and other social gatherings.

These tips will help your family maintain healthy eating habits, and build balanced food plates: • Build a balanced food plate by filling half your plate with vegetables. Kids may prefer them raw with dip, or roasted with their favorite seasoning.

• Limit your child’s free grazing. Too many snacks all day long can reduce the chance your child will come to the table hungry and ready for a healthy meal.

• Be a good gatekeeper. Keep sweets and treats out of sight or out of your home to help your child be successful in making healthier choices.

• Be a role model in making healthy choices. Children are more likely to eat healthy foods when they see their parents doing the same.

• Be prepared with healthy snacks that travel well – apples, clementines, cheese sticks and small servings of nuts with dried fruits are good options.

• Plan ahead for special occasions. There may be many treats offered at a friend’s or relative’s home, so aim to stay on track in your home.

Getting the family involved in making healthy food choices and preparing meals encourages the whole family to choose well. One approach can be to ask, “What vegetable would you like with dinner tonight?” Involving children in making decisions gives them a sense of control and encourages them to be open to trying new foods.

Some children may struggle with limited food preferences. To help broaden your child’s food preferences offer one food that your child likes while introducing new healthy foods you want your child to eat.

The goal is to avoid a food battle at the table, but you might encourage a “polite bite” or a “no thank you bite” as it may take many tries before your child accepts a new food.

The author of How to Get Your Kid to Eat: But Not Too Much, Ellyn Satter, MS, RD, CICSW, BCD, notes, “The rule to good gatekeeping is to remember that it is the parent’s job to offer the what, when and where, and the child’s job to decide if and how much they will eat.”

Holidays and birthdays are special times, and we want to fill them with family fun. Many of our traditions center on certain foods. Instead, try making new traditions like taking a family walk, making a snowman, sledding at your favorite childhood hill or even making a tasty homecooked healthy meal.

Tara Efstathiou, MS, RD, LD, is the lead clinical dietitian for DartmouthHitchcock’s Weight and Wellness Center.

SPONSORED BY

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 41

out & about

COURTESY PHOTO

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

17 THURSDAY – 21 MONDAY MANCHESTER – SNHU Arena, Elm Street. Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate Disney experience when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes skating into Manchester. Be charmed by a cast of over 50 of Disney’s unforgettable characters, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and many of the Disney princesses. Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Sing along to over 30 songs during moments from Toy Story, Finding Dory, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more. Tickets start at $23. Show times: Thursday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Monday, 1 p.m. 644-5000; www.snhuarena.com

42 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

RECYCLED PERCUSSION DEC. 28 – JAN. 1 MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Legendary New Hampshire drumming group Recycled Percussion is back in the Granite State to rock the Palace Theatre for 10 shows. You may have seen them impressing the judges on America’s Got Talent, or even

seen them perform in Las Vegas or maybe as they opened the 2017 Super Bowl or on their new TV show “Chaos & Kindness”! Whether it’s your first show or your 10th, a Recycled Percussion show always rocks.

Don’t miss this show packed full of surprises and crowd favorites. Go to website for show times. Tickets: $35.

668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org

COURTESY PHOTO

Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of magic

Full Wolf Moon Hike 21 MONDAY AUBURN – Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way. Howl at the moon on this first full moon of the New Year, commonly called the Full Wolf Moon. After an invigorating walk through the fields and forest toward Battery Point, enjoy the camp fire and hot cocoa with marshmallows. Hike is led by Jake King of Thrive Outdoors. Bring your snowshoes or rent a pair for $5. Pre-registration required. Cost: $15 individuals; $30 families (less for members). 7-9 p.m. 6682045; www.nhaudubon.org

FIRST DAY HIKES 1 TUESDAY VARIOUS LOCATIONS – First Day Hikes offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking an organized hike. Join New Hampshire State Parks and partners with a rejuvenating family-friendly outing. Participants can enjoy pet-friendly hikes on their own or discover and experience nature with a guided hike led by park staff and volunteers. Locations include Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site, Portsmouth; Silver Lake State Park, Hollis; Milan Hill State Park, Milan; Pisgah State Park, Winchester; and Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown. Free. For more information and to register, go to www. nhstateparks.org.

ANNUAL BIRD BANDING OPEN HOUSE 5 SATURDAY HOLDERNESS – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road. For over 30 years Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has started the year with a bird banding open house.

For tracking purposes, the US Fish & Wildlife Service designates that all birds become a year older on Jan. 1. Celebrate

their birthday and the New Year.

Find out all about banding and help band and release some hardy feathered creatures. For all ages. Free, but reservations requested. 9 a.m. to noon 9687194; www.nhnature.org

12 SATURDAY MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. Drive away the winter blues with a pizza party. Families will meet friendly reptile ambassadors during an interactive presentation about the extraordinary turtles and snakes of New Hampshire. The program will discuss how to treat our slithery, slimy friends with the respect and goodwill they deserve, make a peek-a-boo turtle craft to take home, and watch the painted turtles enjoy their lunch while we eat pizza. $15 per family (includes lunch). 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 626-3474; www.amoskeagfishways.org

characters learn from their experiences are just as relevant today as they were in their time. Tickets start at $35. 7 p.m. 225-1111; www.ccanh.com

AMERICAN GIRL LIVE

THAT PHYSICS SHOW

10 THURSDAY

12 SATURDAY

CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. This new song-anddance, Broadway-style show is set at Camp American Girl, a fictitious sleep-away camp. It’s about the summer adventure of five campers, their counselor, and their American Girl friends.

The experiences the girls have at camp help them to understand that the lessons American Girl

PIZZA PARTY WITH THE PAINTED TURTLES

PLYMOUTH – Flying Monkey Performance Center, 39 Main St. Lifetime professional physics demonstrator David Maiullo brings his scientific “magic” to the off-Broadway stage. That Physics Show features segments on motion, momentum, vacuum, friction, energy, density, fluid motion, sound waves and sound vibration, light waves, temperature and more from the world in which we live: a world controlled by physics. For all ages. Tickets start at $35. 6:30 p.m. 536-2551; www.flyingmonkeynh.com

MUSIC MAN JR. 25-27 FRIDAY – SUNDAY DERRY – Derry Opera House, 29 West Broadway. The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts presents Music Man Jr. Based on Meredith Willson’s six-timeTony-Award-winning musical comedy, Music Man Jr. features some of musical theatre’s most iconic songs and a story filled with wit, warmth and good old-fashioned romance. Tickets: $10 to $15. Show times: Friday, 7 p.m.; Sautrday 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. 669-7469; www. majestictheatre.net

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 43

time out

PAIR UP FOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

O

ne of the best things about living in New Hampshire is the easy access residents have to ski areas and resorts. No matter what part of the state you are driving from, skiing is never far away.

But, wait. You say that you don’t know how to ski?

No problem. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, which makes this a great time to steal away your partner, or a few friends, for a day or a weekend to finally learn the difference between packed powder and crud.

Many of the Granite State’s ski areas are offering deals and discounts specifically for those who have never skied. It’s $39 for a lift, lesson and rentals beginner package for downhill skiing and riding, and a $19 for a trail pass, lesson, and rentals beginner package at cross-country ski areas.

Call the resort you are interested in to see its availability, make your plans then check out the First-Time Skiier/Rider Guide at www.skinh.com to get tips on what to wear and what to expect at your first lesson. You’ll also find a list of participating alpine and cross-country ski areas.

PRIVATE LESSONS: If you are looking for a more intimate experience, or if you are self-conscious or learn better one-on-one, you can also opt for private lessons. Private lessons are not just for beginners, but also those who are trying to improve and learn new skills.

Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch offers private

44 www.parentingnh.com | JANUARY 2019

and semi-private lessons (for two to five people) with similar abilities. If you live in the southern part of the state, McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, a short drive away for many, has private, semiprivate, and group lessons for adults on Saturdays and Sundays, and multi-week programs that run during the week.

King Pine at Purity Spring Resort also offers private lessons for skiing, snowboarding, terrain park or Nordic skiing.

WHEN YOU AREN’T SKIING: New Hampshire’s resorts offer a lot more than skiing. For example, Waterville Valley offers snowshoeing and fat biking; Gunstock in Laconia has skijoring, a hands-free experience where you can be pulled by your canine companion; and you can go snow tubing or try out the winter zipline at Loon Mountain in Lincoln.

Of course, after a day outdoors you’ll want to take part in the après-ski experience, whether that is sitting by the fire with an adult beverage at the lodge or relaxing at a spa as part of a Ski & Stay package.

It’s up to you what experience you want to have, but be sure to make the most of it learning, laughing, and maybe falling down a few times, with your loved ones.

For more information Ski NH and Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month: www.skinh.com Gunstock Mountain Resort: www.gunstock.com King Pine at Purity Spring Resort: www.kingpine.com Loon Mountain: www.loonmtn.com McIntyre Ski Area: www.mcintyreskiarea.com Waterville Valley: www.waterville.com Wildcat Mountain: www.skiwildcat.com

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| JANUARY 2019 3

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Lebanon

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Manchester

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Nashua

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Keene

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St. Johnsbury, VT

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Bennington, VT