As we conclude our 2023-2024 academic year, we are delighted to share some of the numerous accomplishments and milestones our students and staff have achieved.

This year has been marked by remarkable academic progress, enhanced extracurricular activities, and a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Here are some highlights from this memorable year:

Academic excellence and enrichment

-- Standardized test improvements: Our students' performance on the NHSAS improved significantly. In science, 54% of students achieved proficiency or advanced levels, up from 24% last year. The math and ELA scores are not ready to be released.

-- SAT: Our scores improved 12% with our school’s average now above both the averages of New Hampshire and nationally.

-- Running Start and Advanced Placement courses: Our Running Start program potentially saved students up to $87,300 in tuition. Courses offered included honors pre-calculus, college composition and more. Advanced Placement courses saw strong participation, with subjects ranging from environmental science to U.S. Government & Politics.

-- National Honor Societies: This year, we inducted a remarkable number of new members into both the National Honor Society (18) and the National Junior Honor Society (22), reflecting our students' dedication to scholarship, leadership and community service.

-- InvestWrite competition: A senior was recognized as a winner in the New Hampshire High School division for her insightful essay on investing, part of the Stock Market Game curriculum.

Staff stability and growth

We are pleased to report a significant improvement in staff retention. Last year, 11 teachers were replaced and two positions were left unfilled. As of May 31, we have replaced four of the five open positions, including successfully filling a critical math position. We continue our search for a dedicated computer science teacher.

Student experiences and extracurricular achievements

-- Travel opportunities: Students broadened their horizons with trips to Italy, where they explored Venice, Florence and Rome. Closer to home, eighth-graders visited Boston, sixth-graders attended Ecology Camp in Maine and seventh-graders enjoyed "A Christmas Carol" at the Palace Theater in December and recently traveled to Canobie Lake Park.

​​​​​​-- Athletics: Our student-athletes excelled, with four maintaining a B-plus average or above while participating in two or more varsity sports. The girls varsity basketball team made it to the semifinals, and the girls softball team also reached the playoffs. We proudly launched Unified Sports in basketball and volleyball.

-- Performing arts: The dance team competed nationally in Orlando, Fla., and hosted multiple performances, including a “Nutcracker” show and an end-of-year event. Our fine arts program held concerts and showcases, enriching our school's cultural life.

Our art program hosted several festivals this year, was involved with an artist-in-residence program and exhibited AP art work at the town library. 

Our band and chorus program continued to wow us with their many talents. Most recently, the chorus perfected a 13-minute medley of original Disney songs with several solos.

Initiatives and innovations

-- Warrior Winner postcards: To promote and recognize student achievements, we sent 622 postcards home (108 in May) to celebrate positive behaviors and accomplishments.

-- Recycled Percussion visit: This event inspired students to pursue their "Best Version of Self" and strive for academic excellence.

-- Emergency operations protocol: We implemented the A.L.I.C.E. protocol, ensuring safer emergency procedures.

-- Internet safety awareness: We hosted assemblies and a parent meeting on internet safety, featuring the Internet Crimes Against Children (I.C.A.C) unit.

Community and collaboration

-- Student-led conferences: Middle school students took charge of their learning by leading conferences, fostering responsibility and self-reflection.

-- Vision screenings: Sponsored by the Lion’s Club, these screenings ensured our students' health needs were met.

-- Field trips to higher education institutions: Students visited UNH's biotech program and SNHU's engineering program, broadening their academic perspectives. Students also competed against students throughout the state.

-- Robotics team: Our middle school robotics team excelled, advancing to the championship event and securing first place in the Innovation Project Event.

-- We began promoting our school through the use of social media’s platform on Facebook at Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle High School.

-- Inducted five new Athletic Hall of Fame members.

Additional highlights

-- Teacher achievements: Stephanie Erikson published a book titled "Islands of Southern Lake Winnipesaukee," adding to our faculty's accolades.

-- Awards and scholarships: We are proud of our seniors who received numerous scholarships. Additionally, 12 students participated in Apply NH Day, sending 60 applications and saving $1,000.

-- Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy winners: Our students excelled in these essay contests, with four winners at the post level and two placing at the district level.

We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements of our students and staff this year. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have created a vibrant and thriving school community. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success in the coming years.

Tom Ronning is the principal of Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle High School.