Apply to be a School of Excellence

The EDies committee was formed to recognize exemplary practices and excellence across public elementary, middle, K-8, and high schools throughout the Granite State. Participating in the application process will enable you and your school team to engage in collaborative and self-reflective discussions aimed at continuous improvement and educational excellence. Winning schools at each level will earn statewide acclaim as an EDies School of Excellence, a commemorative banner, a $2,000 award provided by our Premier Sponsor, McDonald’s Restaurants of New Hampshire, and an engraved school bell symbolizing excellence in education.

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​Dates and deadlines that occur after award recipient announcements are also included below.

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Intent to Apply: December 18, 2026.

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​Step 1: Applicants will need to submit a written response that does not exceed five pages in length. Due by January 8, 2027..

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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.

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​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.

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Submit your materials through email to info.nhedies@gmail.com​​

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Step 2: The EDies Committee will notify all schools that apply by January 15, 2027 as to whether or not they will be invited to present to the selection committee.

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Step 3: Presentations to the selection committee will occur before February 5, 2027 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.

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Step 4: All schools will be notified by February 8, 2027 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.

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Step 5: Visits will take place by March 26, 2027 and will be at least a half-day in length. Exact times are to be determined.

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Step 6:  Email announcements will be made by April 5, 2027 recognizing the recipient of the award and any Special Recognition Awards.

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Step 7: To celebrate with the school community, in-person announcements will be made prior to the schools' April Vacation.

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Step 8: The McDonalds photo shoot will be scheduled the week of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-7, 2027).

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Step 9: Awards Ceremony attendee list and additional ticket purchases are due by May 14, 2027.

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Step 10: Attend the Awards Ceremony and CELEBRATE on June 5, 2027 at the Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester, New Hampshire.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Amie Pariseau at info.nhedies@gmail.com or 603-228-9585.