Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middle- and high-school students describe new civics, lab and biomedical programs to Exeter Region Coop board
Summary
Students told the Exeter Region Coop School District board about a new civics class, lab and literacy projects and the honors biomedical program at SECO/SST, highlighting hands-on lessons, a mock election and college credit opportunities.
Students at Cooperative Middle School and Exeter High School used the board meeting podium Tuesday to showcase new courses and hands-on learning that administrators said support both academic and career pathways.
"Having civics has given me a better understanding of what I can do in my future," said Kala Harris, an eighth‑grade student at Cooperative Middle School, describing a mock election in which students handled ballots, checked in voters and counted votes to learn how elections work. Harris said the experience "helped me grow as a person, not only in the classroom, but also outside in the real world."
Lucy Blackburn, a seventh‑grade student, told the board about two new classes — a lab course emphasizing safe handling of warm temperatures and glassware and a literacy unit built around a "history mystery" short‑story project — and said the work taught research, public speaking and professional writing skills.
At the high school, senior Margaret Cozza described the honors biomedical science and technology program at SECO/SST, including earning a cell‑culture certification and accumulating 17 college credits through dual enrollment with Great Bay Community College and SNHU. "This experience has enabled me to explore various biology‑related fields, deepening my understanding and confidence in the subject," Cozza said.
Board members praised the student presentations and urged wider public attendance, with Chair Bill Gauthier noting that student reports are a direct way for the public to see classroom outcomes.
The presentations came at the start of the board's Dec. 17 meeting and were followed by routine business and a longer superintendent briefing on special‑education funding.
The district did not provide enrollment or longitudinal performance data during the remarks; students and the board framed the presentations as snapshots of class projects and career‑focused training.
