NHCSB Spotlights

BOT 2023-2024

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Alumni Spotlight

Etinosasere Woghiren -21’

UMass Amherst- Class of 2023

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

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• Certified Pharmacy Technician. Employed part-time at Walgreens as a Pharm Tech.�
• Interning as a Program Coordinator at Outlets of Hope in Brockton.

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• Volunteering at NHCSB- Enrollment Coordinator

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• Master’s in Public Health- Start date, Spring 2024

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• Dream Job- Work as a Global Leader in Public Health and Health Promotion

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Staff/Teacher Spotlight

• Dr. Stacy Horner

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• Psychologist

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• Why are they being spotlighted:
• Dr. Horner previously provided contracted services to New Heights for several years, but this year she is now our first ever Psychologist on staff at New Heights.
• As a part-time New Heights employee, she has increased ability for student observations and evaluations to take place, and a greater presence at New Heights.
• Dr. Horner is now able to participate and provide valuable insight in Whole Child Study Team, Grade Level Meetings, Department Meetings, and more!

Department Spotlight

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The Tech Department

October

Student Spotlight

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• Edney
• Class of 2023. Edney has been a New Heights Scholar since his Sophomore year.
• Edney is currently in the spotlight for his extreme focus to his academics. He is ‘Locked in” as his peers would describe. He is a role model for his peers and can be heard often saying “Just pay attention. Everyone is trying to help you succeed, Bro.” We are very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to him walking across the stage in June.

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Support Staff Spotlight

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• Mr. Walter Medina
• Paraprofessional - since March 2023
• First NHCSB staff member to be a New Heights graduate! Mr. Medina was a NHCSB scholar from 8th grade through his graduation in 2022.
• Mr. Medina is dedicated to learning more about education, to supporting our scholars, and to “giving back” to our school.
• Mr. Medina was a soccer coach this fall.
• Mr. Medina is also an Army National Guardsman in Artillery and serves his duty monthly.

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Teacher Spotlight

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• Ms. Burnetta Bates
• Middle School Art Teacher - 6yrs
• Ms. Bates is currently in the spotlight due to all of her hard work, dedication to what she does in and out of the classroom and always being readily available to assist staff and scholars at any moment. Ms. Bates started out as a doting paraprofessional and has gone on to become a teacher highlighting creativity in all facets - Music, Art, Step Leader, etc. Ms. Bates does not get enough recognition and she most definitely deserves it!

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Department Spotlight

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• Engagement Department
• School Community
• Family and Community
• Workforce Partners
• Alumni
• Higher Education Partners

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• Outreach (newsletter, social media, community events and meetings, school visits)
• Events (field trips, tours, college fair, College Knowledge, Gift Drive, Resource Fair)
• TEAM PLAYERS!

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November

Student Spotlight

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• Jonathan Morency
• Class of 2025. NHCSB Scholar since the 6th grade. Started taking college classes his Freshman year, Accelerated and became a full time EC student his Sophomore year.
• 4.6 GPA Phi Theta Kappa
• Selected for pilot Bridgewater State University Program majoring in General Management. Will begin classes in the spring.
• Leader in and out of the classroom as a member of the NHCSB soccer team

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Support Staff Spotlight

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• Moudestine Williams
• Culture Coordinator - 2 years on staff
• Ms. Williams is a driving force behind school culture helping to coordinate and plan all school based events (such as homecoming). She also coordinates the New Heights after school program and created/launched the new GEM program for the middle school.

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Teacher Spotlight

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• Sophia Smith
• 3 yrs as ELA Teacher

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• Strong classroom management
• Strong relationship building with students and families
• Engaging and Culturally Responsive lessons

Department Spotlight

• Academic & Instruction Team
• Renee Lewis, Chief Academic Officer
• Shana Cunningham, Director of Scholar Success
• Dr. Kandice Sumner, Director of Culturally Responsive Practices
• Nicolas Jackson, Data Analyst

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• Designs New Heights Instructional Program around practices related to 4 area specific areas:
• Teacher Clarity
• Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
• Alternative Teaching
• Scholar Success Learning Time
• Direct Instructional Coaching
• Strengthens Teacher Leadership Capacity (Coaches, Department Heads, PLC’s)
• Highly-Skilled, High-Powered Team!

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January

Student Spotlight

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• Brianna Docanto, Class of 2026
• Brianna ended the first semester of her 10th Grade with straight A's. She is consistently a role model for other students in her class, always offering help and assistance to any scholar struggling to grasp some of the more complex ideas in class.
• More importantly, she is a role model for her peers because she always treats everyone with kindness. She does not tolerate bullying or negative talk from her classmates and is always the first to call in a scholar to encourage them to use more kind language when speaking with their peers.

Staff Spotlight

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• Janelle Watty
• Middle School Dean of Students
• Dedicated to the success of students in and out of the classroom
• Holds students accountable on a daily basis

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Student feedback -

• “Ms. Watty wants to see the best version of everybody”
• “She is someone you can talk to all the time whenever you need”

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Teacher Spotlight

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• Ms. Savina Pires
• MS Special Ed Co-Teacher (English, Math & Comp)
• 7 years at NH (grades 6th-9th)
• After School Tutoring, Community Service Projects, Sports, School Events
• What scholars say about her: “kind, supportive, patient, SHE IS EVERYWHERE!”

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Department Spotlight

The Nurses Office

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Debby Brocklesby, RN - Lead School Nurse

Shirley Hargett, RN – School Nurse

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Debby and Shirley care for our scholars on a day to day basis, in a warm and caring manner. The school nurse's office serves as a cornerstone of student well-being, providing essential healthcare services. From first aid for minor injuries to health screenings, medication administration, and health education, they contribute significantly to the overall health and academic success of our scholars.

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February

9th Grade

Student Spotlight

Isabella Duarte-Olivera, class of 2027.

• Isabella is the epitome of what it means to be a New Heights Scholar. She has been a straight A student since she started at New Heights, she is taking college classes as a freshman, and consistently performs at the top of her class.
• She is widely known as one of the kindest and most respectful scholars both in the 9th grade and in our school. She is the first person to volunteer to do a task for or to help someone in need. Her kindness and capacity for empathy are truly endless.
• She is on the cheerleading team and shows up to almost every single school event, regardless of if it is 9th grade specific or not.
• She embodies each and every one of our core values and contributes so much to our community!

Staff Spotlight

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• Steve Fernandes
• Operations Coordinator - Operations Dept.
• From the moment Mr. Fernandes walks into the building, he is all hands on deck and ready to support and diligently do his job!
• You can count on Steve to be there at a moment’s notice (literally as soon as you ask) to help with any task, show up and be fully present and not complain!
• We appreciate Steve for how smooth the operation of the building along with Mr. Chin runs, dismissal, and manual labor. He’s that guy and we’re grateful!

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Staff/Teacher Spotlight

• Dr. Hannah Vidmar
• Teacher
• Why are they being spotlighted:

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• High School History teacher
• Grade Level Lead for 10th Grade
• Co-advisor for Yearbook
• Coordinator of the 10th Grade Washington DC Trip
• Grant Writer
• Avid Phoenix basketball fan

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• Her educational philosophy is centered on the fundamental belief that every individual deserves equal access to high-quality education. Through intentional efforts to address systemic inequities, we can create classrooms that serve as spaces of empowerment, belonging, and transformative learning for all students.

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Her commitment to the development of the whole scholar is unwavering. She enriches the school culture with her intellect and and cheerfulness. Students like and trust her.

Department Spotlight

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• Athletics Department
• Athletic Directors - Steve Dalton and Aurian Dawkins
• Dalton and Dawkins contribute significantly to the overall success and positive reputation of all NHCSB Athletics programs/teams
• Commitment to all scholar-athletes by providing guidance, support, and encouragement to reach their full potential
• They go above and beyond!

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March

8th Grade

Student Spotlight

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• Fatima Kaba
• Fatima is one of the 8th grade ‘Role Model’ student. She’s highly motivated and willing to assist her peers and teachers at any time.
• Fatima pride herself on doing her best in every class she attends. When given a task, she puts 100% time and effort to ensure she receives the best grade possible.
• She aspires to be an Orthopedic Surgeon when she grows up.

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Staff Spotlight

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• Mike Gilbert
• Bus Driver
• Dedicated bus driver - assists in planning routes, scheduling field trips, etc
• Engaged in the NHCSB and larger Brockton community (i.e Umbrella Project, District Attorney’s Office, Red Cross, United Way, & DPH to name a few)
• Helped promote NHCSB via Shaw’s Supermarkets and their Black History Month Celebrations raising $5000 for senior scholarships

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Teacher Spotlight

• Malik Harris
• Math Teacher
• A founding member of NHCSB.
• Mr. Harris is a dedicated teacher. His commitment and loyalty to our scholars and school is awe-inspiring. He has a great sense of humor, but most of all he has the ability to connect with his students.
• He prides himself on giving his students his best version of himself.

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Department Spotlight

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• Operations Department
• Encompasses front office, nurses, custodians, transportation, nutrition, and maintenance
• Ops team works hard to keep the building running smoothly

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April

7th Grade

Student Spotlight

Oluwatimilehin Akere

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• Timi is an amazing 7th grade scholar who is a role model for his classmates.
• Timi recently tested out of ESL and is achieving all goals that are set
• He has achieved honor roll all 3 terms that have passed
• He wants to be an entrepreneur when he grows up

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Staff Spotlight

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• Melissa Jean
• Chief of Staff & Student Assessment Coordinator

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• Melissa is a founding staff member and throughout her tenure at NHCSB, she has proven her commitment to NHCSB and the Early College Mission
• Melissa demonstrates a desire to learn and always leads by example
• In all of her positions at NHCSB, Melissa has consistently shown support and advocacy for students and families.

Teacher Spotlight

• Shanyce Morgan
• Substitute Teacher
• Ms. Morgan is dedicated to fostering student success, she epitomizes commitment to academic growth and support of our students.
• She went from supporting classrooms in the capacity of a substitute teacher/para, to now managing and running her own classes in the early college department as a Liaison for 9th grade Speech College Class and 9th grade Math Lab.
• Her dedication to students is evident through her tireless efforts and her ability to build relationships with our most challenging scholars Moreover, her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty ensures that every student receives personalized attention and guidance tailored to their needs.

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Department Spotlight

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• ESL Department
• Our ESL teachers go ABOVE and Beyond to support our MLL scholars
• All of our MLLs have individualized goals and monitor their own growth and progress towards those goals throughout the year!
• We are exiting our MLL scholars very quickly, which is the GOAL of ESL!

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Departmental Spotlight

Introducing our AMAZING

ESL Department

Mrs. Koul, MS ESL Teacher

Ms. Burns, HS ESL Teacher

Mr. Butler, MS ESL Teacher

Departmental Spotlight

Introducing our AMAZING

ESL Department

Shana Cunningham, ESL Department Head and Director of Scholar Success

Yesenia Palacios, Scholar Success Admin Assistant

Our Scholars Are Developing English Language Proficiency at rates Higher than the State Averages!

Former English Learner (FEL) Comparison Data

(NHCSB vs State)

We are exiting our MLL scholars very quickly, which is the GOAL of ESL!

Our ESL teachers go ABOVE and Beyond to support our MLL scholars

All of our MLLs have individualized goals and monitor their own growth and progress towards those goals throughout the year!

May

6th Grade

Student Spotlight

Jeremy (JJ) Leveque

• JJ has exhibited a growth mindset throughout the year.
• JJ has made over 200 points of growth (2 grade levels) in Math IXL this year.
• A role model to his peers and is always willing to help during class time.
• Aspires to attend Boston College and earn a degree in Sports Management

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Staff Spotlight

Bianka Peluso

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• Epitomizes “service” and “team”
• Goes beyond any title that can be placed on her.
• She brings joy and enthusiasm for our students, staff, and the New Heights’ community.

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Teacher Spotlight

Ms. Josephine Farah

Grade 7 ELA Literature Teacher & Grade Level Lead

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• Great Family Engagement
• Authentic Relationships with Scholars
• Upholds HIGH EXPECTATIONS for all scholars
• Continuously seeks learning and growth opportunities (leadership, data, instructional priorities, etc...)
• Organizes field trip learning experiences for scholars

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Department Spotlight

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• Clair Fernandes, Early College School Adjustment Counselor
• Niamh Ryan, 8th & 9th Grade School Adjustment Counselor
• Cara Fuller, 6th & 7th Grade School Adjustment Counselor
• Katie Darmody, Student Center School Adjustment Counselor
• Linda Edmond, Academic Counselor
• Laurie Felix, Expressive Arts Counseling Intern

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Why are they being spotlighted?

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• They are the heart of the school
• They go above & beyond to keep our students feeling safe & supported
• Our 2nd annual May Mental Health Awareness Community

Day was a success! Thanks to them!

• Minding Your Mind Speaker
• Emotional Support Animals
• Mental Health Resources from Brockton,Taunton & Randolph came to meet our students

The Counseling Department