Oyster River Middle School earns coveted LEED Gold Certification
DURHAM — The Oyster River Cooperative School District announced that Oyster River Middle School has achieved the much sought-after LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold status for its innovation.
The Middle School opened in February 2022, following a multi-year project focused on four pillars: energy sustainability, academic mission, wellness and safety, and acknowledgment of local, regional, and state history.
Lavallee Brensinger Architects of Manchester developed the building plan to include state-of-the-art technology and energy efficient design.
The building roof includes a solar array. The parking lot features a canopy with solar panels, and an underground geothermal well.
Inside the school, hallways have been minimized. Classrooms were designed for maximum natural light, and include modern climate-control systems. Some art classrooms have access to a “living roof” with vegetation.
The lobby includes a dedication to the First Nations in the region, and the school’s effort to protect the environment.
Initial data shows that the school is creating 30 percent more energy than it consumes, exceeding projections.
“The Oyster River School District knows sustainability and wellness are critical to success – these are two of their four pillars,” said Doug Shilo, Sustainability Leader at Lavallee Brensinger. “In this project, these values are on full display, and we are proud to meet the rigors of LEED Gold certification. We are even more proud to inspire these students to become stewards of their environment and leaders in their communities.”
This project has earned Oyster River several milestones:
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The Middle School is the first New Hampshire project to achieve Eversource’s Zero-Net Energy/Deep Energy Savings incentive program. The District estimates it will earn almost $300,000 in rebates once verified.
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This project is the first in New Hampshire, and the eighth school project in New England, to achieve LEED V4 Gold for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C): Schools.
“ORMS students had a significant role in shaping the project. Their feedback regarding the new building was solicited early on and their responses demonstrated a clear respect for the world around them,” Principal Jay Richard said. “Our students can be proud of having a positive impact on the world.”
Superintendent James Morse applauds the awarding of the coveted certification. “The Durham, Madbury, and Lee communities have again demonstrated their deep commitment to sustainability. The bond for this locally funded project received the support of 76 percent of voters and will enhance our learning environment for generations to come.”
ReKINDling Curiosity launches its third year
CONCORD — The New Hampshire Department of Education is launching its third year of ReKINDling Curiosity – hoping to ensure that every child who wants to attend a fun and engaging summer camp this year has the opportunity.
“Summer camp is the perfect time to play outside, escape from the everyday pressures of school, meet new friends and make new memories,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education. “ReKINDling Curiosity is a program that offers low-income families or children with disabilities a scholarship to attend a New Hampshire-approved overnight or day youth recreation camp.”
In its third season, ReKINDling Curiosity has been a lifeline for 1,475 children who have been able to take advantage of scholarships to attend summer camp, which includes 318 recipients in the summer of 2021 and an additional 1,157 recipients in the summer of 2022. Since its inception, the program has provided $730,820 in summer scholarships using COVID-relief funding.
In 2021, 40 camps participated in the program. With the growth of the program last summer, 97 camps participated and received funds.
Using federal COVID-19 response funds, students with a disability are eligible for a $750 camp fee, and other eligibility of $600 or $450 are possible depending on the family’s federal poverty level. For more details on the program, or to apply, visit ReKINDling Curiosity.
Coe-Brown students receive statewide recognition at The Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire 2023
NORTHWOOD — The Art Department announced that the following students received recognition in the 2023 Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire Competition– An Affiliate Partner of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Inc. The exhibition opens at Pinkerton Academy on Jan. 23 and runs through to the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 5. Two ceremonies will take place: Awards for Grades 7 to 9 will begin at 11 am, and awards for Grades 10 to 12 will begin at 12 pm
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy student recipients are as follows:
Barrington
Drew Byers, grade 9
Honorable Mention – Drawing & Illustration. Title: Dairy for Breakfast
Honorable Mention – Printmaking. Title: Dynamic Danny
Lauren Gibson, grade 12
Gold Key Award – Painting. Title: Are You Okay?
Silver Key Award – Painting. Title: Just Smile
Silver Key Award – Ceramic & Glass. Title: Maneki Neko
Honorable Mention Award – Portfolio
Ava Hussey, grade 12
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Are We the Same?
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Self Abandonment
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Drowning in a Lost Mind
Silver Key Award – Portfolio 1
Honorable Mention Award – Portfolio 2
Northwood
Jeiza Chacha, grade 10
Silver Key Award – Photography. Title: New Leaf
Allie McGuigan, 12th grade
Silver Key Award – Ceramics & Glass. Title: Handsy
Silver Key Award – Printmaking. Title: Autumn Again
Olivia McGrail, 12th grade
Honorable Mention Award – Ceramics & Glass. Title: Pot Head
Nottingham
Rowan Carr, grade 12
Honorable Mention Award – Mixed Media. Title: Dreamscapes 1
Anushka Chavda, grade 12
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Kisses from A Seal
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Life’s Precious Moments
Sawyer Pedersen, grade 11
Silver Key Award – Photography. Title: Seaside Sunset
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: 1:55 pm
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: 300 Years
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Mountain Road
Honorable Mention Award – Photography. Title: Fall Evening
Lillian Wotton, grade 12
Silver Key Award – Mixed Media. Title: Preserved Flowers
Strafford
Ze Bernard, grade11
Silver Key Award – Drawing & Illustration. Title: Escape
Nathaniel Ford, 12th grade
Honorable Mention Award – Printmaking. Title: Panama Jack Hat
Stella Harrison, 9th grade
Silver Key Award – Photography. Title: Lilly Pad
Isabella Naves, grade 12
Honorable Mention Award – Ceramics & Glass. Title: The 70’s
Marlee Neuschuez, grade 9
Honorable Mention Award – Painting. Title: A Shadow
Sydney Smith, grade 12
Gold Key Award – Painting. Title: Our (*Best of Show Nominee)
Silver Key Award – Painting. Title: Bella Donna
Honorable Mention Award – Mixed Media. Title: Gone Bad
Honorable Mention Award – Painting. Title: Queen
Silver Key Award – Portfolio
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: LEED Gold Certification, Scholastic Art Awards: Education news
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