I Support Windham Teachers Because...

Christine Carpenter, Lafayette College '17

          Preparation is probably the greatest difference between incoming college freshman.  How well prepared students are for every academic and social aspect of college is the greatest test of primary education. The Windham School District left my classmates and I completely prepared for college in every way possible. Windham High School is ranked among the top five best high schools in the state of New Hampshire.  We have a 100%graduation rate.  Windham students are not only succeeding, we are thriving.  Our varsity wrestling team recently brought home its third consecutive state championship. The Windham High School Concert Band has been awarded the highest possible accolades at multiple national band festivals and is on its way to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  WHS is home to teachers who have received state recognition for excellence in their field.  We have a Math dean who basically modernized the cell phone, a Chemistry teacher who patented the color laser printer, a Humanities dean who quit his prestigious career with a distinguished Boston law firm because he found teaching to be a more fulfilling profession, and English and Language dean who is practically resurrecting the Roman empire in her classroom.  There truly are no teachers like Windham teachers.  I know I am the person I am today because of their constant guidance and support. I am infinitely grateful for everything they have taught me and I can think of no better way to thank them than by voting yes on March 11th.   

          But don’t just take my word for it.  Here’s what other WHS students had to say about their experience with the Windham School District. 

Kate Farrell, Brandeis University '17

          Teachers in all of the Windham schools challenged me to grow as a student and as a person, helping me develop the study skills I needed for college and the values I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I do not know where I would be without these wonderful teachers. I am extremely grateful for the way they reached out to me and my fellow students and spent so much time and effort doing their best to ensure that our futures would be happy ones.

Patrick Stap, St. Michael’s College ‘17 

          I'm voting yes for teacher contracts. Why wouldn't I? A teacher is exactly what the job description says: one who teaches, a mentor, someone a student sees 5 days a week during the 6 hours they are at school and can look up to as a role model. Oftentimes a teacher can be just as influential to a student's dreams as their parents. A teacher has chosen the most honorable and, at times, thankless mantle of directly shaping the future. If we cannot afford to repay teachers do the endless debt we owe them as students, then the education I have received, and am still receiving as a result of their actions is nothing short of undeserved.

Jeff Travato, Boston University ‘17

          Without the teachers of WHS I wouldn't know I want to study Astronomy and Physics. A lot of students hate physics, but we have such a good teacher (PK) at WHS that everyone loved it. Students at WHS are balanced scholars with passionate interests in physical sciences, writing, art, etc. We owe it all to the teachers and the passion that they have for their disciplines and for helping us learn

Lauren Pappalardo, Boston University ‘17

          Personally, I would say that the Windham teachers are not just teachers but a support system. From them I not only learned course material or how to be a good student, but how to endure life problems and maintain a positive outlook and attitude. For me, teachers and faculty members such as Ms. Dunn, Mr. Racki, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Hartmann, and Ms. Anderson (and many more) helped me grow as a person simply due to their actual interest in my success and me as a person. The teachers of Windham High are not just extraordinary teachers, but extraordinary people.

Nicole Garfield, Wentworth Institute of Technology ‘17

          Without the amazing help and encouragement from our teachers we would not be the successful students we are today. For all those college students having the time of their lives remember the teachers that helped to get you there and go out on March 11th to support them and show your appreciation.

Andrew Lowman, Windham High School ‘14 

          The teachers at Windham High School have truly influenced me to be the person I am today. From the day that I stepped into WHS for the first time I knew I was a part of something special. And even though I may be leaving soon, I know that with the amazing teachers at WHS my education and experiences gained are now irreplaceable. As I move on to the next chapter of my life I won't forget WHS and the opportunities that the teachers at WHS have given me. I will be forever grateful for that. 

Alexa Tsao, Union College ‘17

          VOTE YES because Windham's teachers are passionate, brilliant and all around amazing teachers who truly deserve these contracts. I have personally seen these teachers go way above and beyond their required responsibilities for the students (Mr. Bencal, Mrs. McKenna, Ms. Wong & Mr. Racki are just a few). I know they've had a huge impact on myself and other members of my class, and I contribute a considerable amount of my success in college to the educational opportunities and experiences I've had at Windham High.

Anthony Gallo, Windham High School ‘15

          The teachers at Windham High School have changed my life for the better. Ever since first attending class here, I have not once had a bad teacher. Every teacher I have had has put everything they have into not only making class as interesting as possibly but also making sure each and every student is prepared for life after high school. It is because of this that the teachers at Windham High School deserve to have their contracts approved. The community owes it to them to approve these contracts.

Kelsey Kendzulak, Windham High School ‘16 

          For the 10 years I have been in this school district, I was always nervous about moving up to the next grade; I always feared that the teachers would be too strict and demanding. I have always been proven wrong on the first day of school; the teachers are always welcoming and understanding that us students are busy after school with sports and extra curricular activities. The Windham teachers are some of the most important people in my life because they are always willing to stay before and after school with all of their students to ensure their success and they care about the well being of all of their students. The teachers in this school district deserve an approved contract because they are the most hardworking, caring, and the best teachers I have ever met.

Jack Donovan, Boston College ‘17

            I'm voting to give my teachers the compensation and the appreciation they deserve for all their hard work and dedication. I believe that education is the most important thing in a person's life, and without good teachers to build a foundation and a passion for learning, the mandatory 13 years of schooling required of a child is wasted. The teachers of Windham are extraordinary, but you can't expect them to continue to put in the extra hours, their full efforts, and their passion behind their teaching if they are continually shut down and slapped in the face every time the town votes for their contracts. They've been putting up with it for too long. Let's all vote to keep the amazing teachers we have, and create a school system that teachers across the country will envy.

David Crichton, Windham High School ‘14

           What a Windham teacher means to me: to me, a teacher at Windham High is more than just an educator. They are the foundation to our school and community, shaping our young adolescent minds so that one day we can give the world our gifts. They deserve much better than what we give them, which is why I am voting yes on March 11th.

Jeff Travato, Boston University ‘17

          Without the teachers of WHS I wouldn't know I want to study Astronomy and Physics. A lot of students hate physics, but we have such a good teacher (PK) at WHS that everyone loved it. Students at WHS are balanced scholars with passionate interests in physical sciences, writing, art, etc. We owe it all to the teachers and the passion that they have for their disciplines and for helping us learn

Troy Peters, Windham High School ‘15

          The knowledge and inspiration that teachers at Windham High School provide to all students is something that should be noted when considering the approval for teacher contracts. Speaking from experience, every teacher at the high school that I have had has made my education much better. In order to maintain this degree of education that many inside the school speak so highly of, these contracts up for approval must be passed. We owe it to the teachers that make school a more fun environment to learn and grow.

Jessica MacKimm, Ithica College ‘17 

          Through my 1-12 grade Windham education, I entered college being one of the most well-organized and well-rounded students of my friend group. I came in knowing how to take notes on a laptop, study for tests, and, most importantly, think critically. I never would have had these skills without the incredible Windham school district faculty that taught me for 12 years. I am proud to say that I am a Windham High School graduate, and I am confident that Windham students will continue to receive excellent education from outstanding teachers for years to come! Please vote on March 11 to support our wonderful teachers!