Exeter Developmental Preschool

East Kingston Elementary

Kensington Elementary School

Lincoln Street School

Main Street School

Newfields Elementary School

Stratham Memorial School

Swasey Central School

Cooperative Middle School

Exeter High School

Exeter Adult Education

Seacoast School of Technology

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**SAU 16 creates and sustains school communities where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered. We prioritize equitable school experiences and outcomes for all learners through supporting growth mindsets and curriculum that centers positive identity development, empathy, and stewardship of our global community.**


Vision Statement

**In SAU16, educational equity means assessing the unique and different needs of our learners and meeting those needs by fairly allocating resources, access, support, and opportunity so that all students can achieve optimal learning outcomes. Through the framework of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), we work to ensure that students receive the appropriate interventions and resources to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. Working towards equity may also involve addressing barriers that students face as well as assessing policies, practices, and institutional cultures (e.g. core values, norms and expectations, communication styles, etc.) for fairness.**

**Resources on MTSS**

[**https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb**](https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb)[](https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb)

[](https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb)

[](https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb)[](https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-student-wellness/office-of-social-and-emotional-wellness/mtssb)**Belonging in SAU16 means that students, families, and staff are valued as full members of their schools and broader communities, are accountable to one another, and can thrive.**

SAU 16 engages all community members from the organization’s seven school districts. Collectively, we aim to ensure that our schools are places where individuals of all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed and where personal narratives are heard, included, and valued. Our vision is that all students will grow with confidence, empathy, and understanding of what is right so that they may advocate for these ideals in the world.

SAU 16 holds as a core value the respect and celebration of all human differences. We believe it is our moral responsibility to share with our students and families their power to pursue justice for all people. We are committed to taking risks and making mistakes, learning how to try on new ideas and perspectives and being vulnerable to opportunities in which we have no experience.

SAU 16 also addresses barriers that students face through the Anti-Discriminatory Task Force (ADTF). The ADTF, established at the end of the 2018-2019 school year, is a collaboration of school system staff and community members from the Greater Exeter area who respond to cases of alleged discrimination in our schools. While not the primary investigators of school incidents, the ADTF reviews redacted information from school cases to determine root causes and makes recommendations for corrective action.

These are a few of the examples of the steps we are taking to support our mission around creating equitable educational experiences for everyone. They are initial building blocks that we will add to and expand upon in the coming years. Please continue to visit the SAU 16 website for updates and ways to engage in this critical discussion.

**Related Policies:**

[NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT and](https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Tn5GO677TUfP3Y\_9KkE8XMxRrUvqd8w/view)

[DISTRICT ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PLAN](https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Tn5GO677TUfP3Y\_9KkE8XMxRrUvqd8w/view)

[TITLE IX PROHIBITION OF SEX DISCRIMINATION AND SEX-BASED](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L8ZYjYQSmZtMGDuDPsZrxdp8X5635Lpg/view)

[HARASSMENT: POLICY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1\_tNKEdo57j_Cuzb3NWcpIszKwanQyojH/view)

[NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1snWUZusU8e3SPYVzg-LzF35z7-zKWWmK/view)

[STUDENT SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION JICK](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFkbUvBL2dUY3vA2T5PDtBeMYVR-AHu2/view)

[– BULLYING](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFkbUvBL2dUY3vA2T5PDtBeMYVR-AHu2/view)[](https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Tn5GO677TUfP3Y\_9KkE8XMxRrUvqd8w/view)


Educational Equity & Belonging

> [*Click the link to learn more*](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nRjYP1t3QiDhUPGFUu5_mwq8a2rk8YoP/view?usp=drive_link)

Equity & Belonging

Meet the Anti-Discrimination Task Force

Students from the EHS Roots & Wings Club joined SAU 16's Chief Equity Officer, Arlynn Polletta, to offer a presentation titled *Dialogue Across Differences: Strategies for Navigating Conversations on Challenging Topics* for residents at RiverWoods in Exeter. Participants were introduced to the key components of dialogue and practiced their skills in small group activities facilitated by students. The event was hosted by the Inclusivity Committee at RiverWoods, and we hope to continue this multigenerational partnership in the future.

Roots & Wings at RiverWoods

**Exeter, NH** – July 9, 2024 – Dr. Esther Asbell, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Arlynn Polletta as the new Chief Equity Officer in SAU 16. With a distinguished career in equity and inclusion, Arlynn brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role.

![](file:///C:/Users/sgullage/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg)

Arlynn Polletta has a broad background in non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and higher education settings. Currently, she serves as the Director of Equity, Inclusion & Outreach at The Aloha Foundation, where she leads numerous initiatives, including developing long-term strategic goals, designing staff trainings, creating inclusive programming for youth, spearheading outreach efforts, and mentoring the Equity & Inclusion Fellowship Team.

In addition to her work at The Aloha Foundation, Arlynn co-founded the Liberation Learning Collective, which provides Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice educational consulting across New England. She also serves as a Master Instructor for Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont, leading the Exploring Anti-Bias Education series.

Arlynn's educational credentials include an Ed.S. in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an M.A. in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre from Emerson College, and a B.A. in English Literature & Theatre/Movement Studies from Manhattanville College. Her experience at UMass Amherst includes facilitating student-led initiatives for underrepresented students and supporting the Center for Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research.

Previously, Arlynn worked as the Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Pingree School, where she collaborated with faculty to develop inclusive curricula and training programs. Her earlier roles include Associate Program Director at Charles River Creative Arts Program, where she supervised staff and managed outreach programs.

Arlynn Polletta's work focuses on advocating for youth agency, creating inclusive programming, and building coalitions to address inequitable systems. She is dedicated to centering student voice and supporting communities in reimagining educational possibilities.

“We are excited to welcome Arlynn to our team,” said Dr. Asbell. “Her extensive experience and dedication to equity and inclusion will be invaluable as we continue to strive toward our Vision of a Graduate and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.”

ARLYNN POLLETTA NAMED CHIEF EQUITY OFFICER IN SAU 16

**SAU 16 creates and sustains a trusting, diverse, inclusive school community where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered. We prioritize equitable school experiences and outcomes for all learners through anti-oppressive mindsets and curriculum that centers around positive identity development, empathy, and justice in stewardship of our global community.**

**Please click** [**here** ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1APDCs3uksmsTi5eWu1rxeeOuiMzptnx5/view?usp=drive_link)**to read the SAU 16 Anti-Discrimination Plan in its entirety.**

SAU 16 Anti-Discrimination Plan

[**Click to read**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Udkcz5SseprBpl53q6SAlTSPSZLjjB1A/preview)

Four SAU16 Students Named Winners of Annual Art and Poetry Contest

[**Seacoast Online**](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2021/08/02/exeter-nh-schools-hire-new-director-focus-diversity-and-equity/5455939001/)

'Deep understanding': Exeter schools hire new director to focus on diversity and equity

Community News

Congratulations to the select CMS Jazz Choir performing at the NHSAA conference last week!

SAU 16 - Exeter NH

CMS Jazz Choir Performs at NHSAA Conference

**For Immediate Release**

SAU 16 was informed of an active police investigation around 1:00 pm on Tuesday April 1, 2025. As a result SAU 16 placed Exeter Developmental Preschool, Lincoln Street School, Main Street School, Seacoast School of Technology and Newfields Elementary School on secure campus status. This precautionary measure was being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

The decision to initiate the secure campus protocol came following information from local law enforcement regarding a potential threat in the surrounding area. During this time, the safety of our students and staff remained our top priority. We worked closely with local authorities and  continued to provide updates as new information became available.

While on secure campus status entry and exit were restricted. We understand the concerns this situation may have caused and want to assure families and the community that we took all necessary steps to keep everyone safe. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

SAU 16 Issues Press Release

The Stratham School District (the “Owner”) is in the process of seeking proposals from qualified Owner’s Project Manager firms or individual to function as the "Owner's Project Manager" (”OPM”) in connection with the SMS building additions and renovations project at 39 Gifford Farm Road, Stratham, NH, 03855. To assist the Stratham School Board in this effort, the Stratham School Board is issuing this RFP [(click here for RFP)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZdkaX0q0pkZHBpg9bq8w3zBI-TiI0lM/view?usp=drive_link) to solicit responses from qualified firms who can meet the Project requirements stated herein.

Stratham School District - Request for Proposal for Owner's Project Management for SMS

New England League of Middle Schools has awarded CMS Eighth Grade Assistant Principal Melanie Faulkner with the A+ Administrator Award! NELMS seeks to honor administrators who value, understand, and support effective middle level education.

Criteria:

*   Understands how young adolescents learn

*   Champions middle level education by

    \- actively promoting middle level education

    \- building community support

    \- recognizing middle level as a distinct entity of education

*   Support and models effective middle level philosophy

*   Encourages professional development in middle level best practices

*   Provides leadership & supervision of effective instructional practices and student outcomes

Congratulations to Melanie Faulkner (CMS 8th Grade Assistant Principal) Recipient of the  NELMS A+ Administrator Award

Congratulations to Melanie Faulkner (CMS 8th Grade Assistant Principal)  - NELMS A+ Administrator Award Recipient

**Exeter, New Hampshire – SAU16 Superintendent Esther Asbell wishes to announce Tonja Neve as the incoming principal of Exeter High School. “Tonja is a dedicated and student-centered educational leader with extensive experience as a principal, school administrator, and high school English teacher”, said Asbell in a letter home to EHS Families. Read the the full release** [**here**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Iq47cp_xGEb-k-QjfZGKhI0KmqwtYS36/view?usp=drive_link)**.**

SAU16 Announces Tonja Neve as Incoming Principal of Exeter High School

We are excited to bring to life the beginning of our Strategic Planning Process. Please join us on March 27 & 28 from 5pm - 8pm and March 29 from 9am-12pm to workshop common themes while collaborating as a community to share ideas that will help the process of developing our Strategic Plan.

Light meals and childcare will be provided each day. We encourage all SAU 16 families and community members to join us! Click [here](https://forms.gle/p4V8rXjujxkQhSnh7) to register by March 17, 2025.

SAU 16 Strategic Plan Summit

**ATTENTION:** Caregivers & Parents please join us for a workshop entitled: From Chaos to Calm - *"Executive Function Strategies for Families”*

By attending this workshop, we hope to provide **YOU** (families) with tangible resources and tools to help support yourlearners and students.

*This workshop is open to ALL surrounding towns. We hope to see you there!*

SAVE THE DATE: February 12, 2025 @6pm - 7:30pm at EHS

This Halloween, Exeter High School Student Senate participated in their 10th annual Trick-or-Canning event.

Instead of asking for candy, more than 60 students asked for food donations throughout over 40 neighborhoods in all six SAU-16 towns. The food was collected and brought into school, where it was sorted and organized. This year was the most successful by far in both the number of collected goods and student participation. Items collected for this service project go to End 68 Hours of Hunger, a volunteer organization that packs backpacks that students in our community can bring home to help fight food insecurity during the 68hours between school lunch on Fridays and breakfast on Mondays.

EHS Annual Trick-or Canning Event 2024

District News

Click [here ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fIEO2pbVHvjvpedIpQi80cFZWMhND57x/view?usp=drive_link)to review the protocol and to access the anonymous incident reporting form.

SAU 16 - Exeter NH

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