As we approach the end of the 2025-26 school year, the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District reflects on our wonderful achievements while looking forward to a bright future. Our mission is to “Inspire, Engage, and Empower all learners to thrive in their lives and communities,” and we are committed to making that mission a reality. Despite challenges such as budget cuts and limited resources, we remain determined to create the best learning experiences for our learners.
Commitment to Excellence
Our district focuses on nurturing strong leaders and collaborating to help our learners grow academically and socially. We want our learners to think critically, solve problems creatively and engage with the world around them with love, kindness and empathy. A standout in our district and throughout the region is Conant Middle High School, which has earned the title of New Hampshire’s 2025 School of Excellence under the exceptional leadership of Principal David Dustin and his team of administrators and teacher leaders. Their dedication fosters a positive learning environment and drives exciting changes in our curriculum. Starting this fall, Dustin will oversee teaching and learning throughout the district.
Conant recently received Silver recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, highlighting its commitment to advanced learning. This year, we introduced several new AP courses, including AP Seminar and AP Government. Next year, students can look forward to even more AP options, such as AP African American History, AP Chemistry and AP Biology.
Additionally, Conant achieved its highest enrollment in early college courses this year, thanks to our partnership with Nashua Community College. Conant has also teamed up with River Valley Community College to introduce early college programs in Computer Science, Python Coding and Cybersecurity for the upcoming school year, which could enable learners to earn more than 24 college credits.
The middle school has experienced growth in English language arts and mathematics since implementing several instructional and curriculum changes. The increased focus on mathematical problem-solving and complex reasoning, along with the adoption of Wit & Wisdom for reading and writing, has led to positive outcomes. This coming fall will mark the kickoff of a multi-year plan to improve mathematics education throughout the district, supported by a PK-12 mathematics committee.
Rindge Memorial School students learning Deck Hockey. Credit: Courtesy
Children participated in a circus residency at Rindge Memorial School. Credit: Courtesy
Mixed grade group of learners have been working to develop skills such as collaboration, communication, setting and accomplishing goals, and perseverance. Credit: Courtesy
Exciting Learning at the Elementary Schools
As spring arrives, our elementary schools buzz with excitement and growth. Each grade features engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. Our literacy programs thrive. In second grade, learners explore civil rights through the Wit & Wisdom curriculum, diving into the stories of important figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
Third graders wrap up a unit on immigration, learning why families move and how they adapt. Wit & Wisdom is a knowledge-based curriculum that enhances reading, writing and thinking skills. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education is another exciting aspect of our curriculum. Fifth graders investigate ecosystems and simulate life on Mars, while fourth graders test their engineering skills by creating egg drop prototypes. Our younger learners also join in the fun; second graders learn to program Ozobots, and first graders explore the wonders of sound.
These hands-on activities ignite curiosity and help our learners develop essential skills for the future.
We cherish our partnerships with local organizations like the Harris Center. For example, preschool learners enjoy interactive lessons about worms, connecting their studies to the real world and promoting environmental awareness.
Supporting Mental Health
The Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District makes significant strides in supporting learner mental health through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavioral Health (MTSS-B). This initiative, overseen by our director of school counseling, Kim Baker, and backed by the Safe and Supportive Schools grant, aims to provide vital mental health services while creating a safe and nurturing environment for all learners. MTSS-B focuses on improving access to mental health support through three levels: universal support for everyone, targeted help for those who need extra assistance and intensive support for learners facing significant challenges.
We commit to training our teachers and staff to ensure they are well prepared to support our learners effectively. We also partner with local mental health agencies to connect learners with community resources. Additionally, we provide valuable resources for parents, including a video series by mental health expert Lynn Lyons that offers strategies to help children manage anxiety and stress. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to mental health and well-being while fostering a caring school environment.
Looking Ahead
The Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District is committed to creating a positive educational environment for every learner. With the continuation of successful programming and exciting initiatives on the horizon, the future looks bright for learners and families in the Jaffrey-Rindge community. Together, we shape a generation of thoughtful, creative problem-solvers ready to engage with the world around them.
Reuben Duncan is the superintendent of the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District.