The EDies committee was established to provide a process that honors exemplary practices and excellence at the elementary, middle, K-8, and high school levels throughout the Granite State. The application process will help you and your school team engage in a collaborative and self-reflective dialogue focused solely on continuous improvement and excellence in education. The winning school at each level will receive state-wide recognition as the EDies School of Excellence, $2,000, a school banner, and a beautifully engraved school bell signifying excellence in education.
The EDies is thankful for our partnership with McDonald’s, which generously awards the $2,000 to each School of Excellence.
To be considered for a School of Excellence, please submit your Intent to Apply by December 22, 2023 and follow the steps below. Dates and deadlines that occur after award recipient announcements are also included below. If you have any questions, please contact Amie Pariseau at info.nhedies@gmail.com or 603-228-9585.
Step 1: Applicants will need to submit a written response that does not exceed five pages in length. The written response is due by January 12, 2024.
Applicants will be assessed against the following competencies. Please provide a description of how each is addressed at your school. Please clearly identify each area of your response and number all pages. Remember to include the name of your school, contact person, and phone number.
School Excellence Competencies:
- The curriculum and instructional practices are presented in a rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning environment.
- The school organizes community members, ensuring they all have a role in building the school’s climate and culture.
- The school’s vision, mission, and goals are clearly articulated, well communicated, and guide practice.
- The school has an effective system for utilizing data and information that supports personalization.
- There is a culture of empowerment among students, staff, teachers, administration, and community members.
Submit your materials through to info.nhedies@gmail.com.
Step 2: The EDies Committee will notify all schools that apply by January 19, 2024 as to whether or not they will be invited to present to the selection committee.
Step 3: Presentations to the selection committee will occur prior to February 14, 2024 and will be 30 minutes in length with 15 minutes for questions/answers. The time and location will be announced at the time of notification.
Step 4: All schools will be notified by February 16, 2024 as to whether or not they will receive a visit from the selection committee. Date and time of the visit will be announced at that time.
Step 5: Visits will take place by March 29, 2024 and will be at least a half-day in length. Exact times are to be determined.
Step 6: Email announcements will be made by April 5, 2024 recognizing the recipient of the award and any finalists. (Finalists, if any, will be determined after all visitations have been completed.)
Step 7: To celebrate with the school community, in-person announcements will be made prior to the schools’ April Vacation.
Step 8: The McDonalds photo shoot will be scheduled the week of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024).
Step 9: Awards Ceremony attendee list and additional ticket purchases are due by May 17, 2024.
Step 10: Attend the Awards Ceremony and CELEBRATE on June 8, 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester, New Hampshire.