A VALUE ADDED EDUCATION offered through Londonderry School District, Londonderry, New Hampshire
Londonderry
High School
Students
in the LIFT Program which stands for Londonderry Incoming Freshman Transition
An
exceptional summer program
A School, a community, business support and two totally dedicated
teachers make a team effort to help all youth in the community to have a highly
educational and beneficial experience through high school years in Londonderry
New Hampshire.
The program is a five week
summer course offering students preparatory information to enter the high
school community. The focus strengthens study skills, community interaction,
educational goals and self worth. The result is
better retention of students to graduation. Higher performance levels for the
student and the opportunities they encounter.
A Native Fabric program has
been included in the program for the past six years. This part of the program
provides an interesting and colorful educational opportunity to the students. Cultural
teachings focus on self worth, balance and centering, community values and
making life choices. This part of the program is small. (two hours per week).
The program is only a part of the whole that is offered in this highly
beneficial summer course. Native Fabric provides, as a part of the course, a
Hike to the summit of the Grand Monadnock Mountain in the beautiful hills of
South Western New Hampshire and a Native ceremony at the end of the hike with a
gifting to each of the students who participate.
Unsung Heroes! Much
gratitude and recognition should be given to Kara Gagnon and Ryan Barry
for the work they are doing. As teachers they have changed the course for
many young people through the guidance of this program.
There are many programs
offered in the educational system to enhance the educational experience. LIFT
is one of those and in my humble opinion stands out as one of the best.
Article by James B. Beard
aka Noodin
Updated June 27, 2014
