Newfound school board OKs 5-week ski program for middle school

BRISTOL — The Newfound Area School Board has approved a five-week winter program for middle school students, combining skiing and snowboarding with in-school enrichment and academic competency recovery.

The decision followed a presentation by Newfound Memorial Middle School Principal Chris Ulrich and members of his staff at the board’s Oct. 26 meeting.

Board members said they wanted to restore “something positive for our kids” lost during the COVID-19 pandemic: a ski program at Ragged Mountain Resort.

Presenters said the program is also intended to build community after fifth graders from the now-closed Danbury Elementary School were reassigned to Newfound Memorial Middle School. The goal is to develop positive relationships, while providing incentives for students to do well academically.

During some of the “darkest, most difficult months of the year,” students will have the opportunity to visit Ragged Mountain five times.

Organizers said the program would be similar to one offered about five years ago, with additional options for students who do not ski or snowboard. Those students will work in small groups with teachers on “re-teaching, re-learning, or quiet dedicated work time.”

The plan also includes teacher-led winter enrichment opportunities, with the possibility of community members and local business representatives joining in as the program grows.

Two transportation options were discussed: one-way transportation to the mountain, with parents responsible for picking up their children at the end of the day, bringing the estimated total cost to $185; or round-trip transportation at an estimated total cost of $205. The board voted to offer round-trip transportation, with the possibility of subsidizing costs for families who find them financially burdensome. Fundraising could also help cover the expense.

Discussion focused on parent chaperones, student eligibility and how the program's success would be evaluated.

Ulrich said the program would benefit both students and the overall school environment.

“There’s a couple reasons why [the program is] important. First is, when you give kids an opportunity to do something enriching, it enriches the culture of a building. One of the things that we keep hearing is we need to give kids more opportunities for physical outlets at school, right? And we struggle with staffing and with scheduling to find times to do that, and in the darkest, coldest part of our school year, here’s an opportunity to get them physically active.”

Noting the district no longer offers a late bus for students participating in co-curricular activities, Ulrich said the program would provide another opportunity for students to connect.

“Here’s an opportunity for the kids who are doing skiing and snowboarding, or even for kids who aren’t, to engage in an activity with kids who they might not ordinarily be able to connect with, on something that they’re passionate about.”

Ulrich also pointed to the importance of bringing staff members together during what has been a difficult year. He referenced confusion surrounding teachers’ contracts after voters defeated the collective bargaining agreement, which the district originally thought had passed.

“I wanted to point out that we had several of our teachers voluntarily come here today, just like several of them voluntarily came up with this program, because this has been a hard year for our community and for our teachers. And I live in fear, a little bit, about what April is going to look like; and one of the ways that I can combat what April is going to look like, and not have to worry about hiring a bunch of new staff, is making sure that the people I work with don’t just come to a workplace; they come to a community. And the way that you do that is by saying you’re passionate about something.

“My job as the building leader’s to help you turn that vision into something that benefits everyone, and so we have this awesome opportunity to bring kids and families and staff together to get an enriching experience.”

The program will take place on Thursdays, from Jan. 7 through Feb. 4, with the possibility of scheduling one makeup day if weather conditions interfere.

On those days, the middle school will operate on a “slightly modified early release schedule,” with lunch served before students leave. The bus will depart at noon, and lessons will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Students who do not travel to Ragged Mountain will participate in enrichment activities from noon to 2:40 p.m.

The cost of skiing and snowboarding for the five-week program is $130 per student. That includes a one-hour group lesson with an instructor, after which students may remain on the mountain for the rest of the day. Equipment rentals will cost an additional $30, and an RFID card will cost $5. Students who have their own equipment or a season pass will not have to pay those additional fees. Transportation will cost $20 each way, or $40 for the round trip.

Ulrich compared the cost favorably with other area ski programs.

“I just bought a similar package for my first grader, who’s going to Pat’s Peak, and the cost is over $400, and it does not include transportation. Parents are required to bring their kids to and from Pat’s Peak, so, for less than half the price, we are able to offer them quite a bit.”

He emphasized academics would remain the school's first priority.

“We’re a school first.”

Ulrich said students must meet all required academic competencies before participating in recreational activities.

“It teaches some real-life skills,” he said. “If you know you’ve got to get your work done before you can enjoy the stuff, it’s a really good intervention tool for us.

"For the millionth time, we have the highest academic standard in the district, and we have consistently had ever-improving academic performance as measured by both our grades at school, but also [standardized] testing. And so, what we’re proposing is consistent with that.”

Before the board approved the request, member Jacob Corneau, of Bristol, expressed his support, noting his children had enjoyed the program.

“My daughter’s in the elementary school, and she cannot wait for the ski program. My son went through it, as well.”

Dana Torsey, of New Hampton, also spoke in favor of bringing back the program, recalling all three of his children participated.

“My kids are 38, 41, and 43. They all did this. We live in New Hampshire, and they all ski to this day.”