SPAN: August 1996

A Communication from the Oyster River School Board

O. R. WELCOMES NEW ADMINISTRATORS

[Picture of Mr. Cairns]

Christopher Cairns
High School Principal

Mr. Cairns comes to Oyster River from San Clemente, California, where for the past 20 years he has held positions at both the middle and high school levels as an English teacher, counselor, and administrator. Since 1992 he has been principal of San Clemente High School, recently recognized as a "distinguished school" by the California State Department of Education. At San Clemente High School, Mr. Cairns facilitated a number of restructuring initiatives, including: a shared decision making model involving staff, students, parents, and community; block scheduling; and a tutorial program for more effective use of instructional time. Mr. Cairns is a graduate of Princeton University with an English major, holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science degree in counseling psychology from the University of Laverne.

[Picture of Ms. Ross]

Marcia Ross
Middle School Principal

Ms. Ross comes to Oyster River from Gilford, NH, where she was assistant principal at the middle/high school for the past seven years. Her career has a strong middle grades focus with past teaching assignments in geography, U.S. history, social studies, reading, and art. Recently she has been appointed to the Executive Board of the New England League of Middle Schools, and was the NH Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1987. Ms. Ross holds BA and MA degrees from the University of New Hampshire, where she is now pursuing a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies. She became familiar with Oyster River in 1988-89 through an honorary appointment as "teacher in residence" at UNH, a position which included the supervision of interns at the former Oyster River Elementary School. Ms. Ross will build a new leadership team with the newly-elected assistant principals.

[Picture of Ms. Cushing]

Patricia Cushing
Middle School Asst Principal

Ms. Cushing is from the North Hampton, NH, school district where she served as the enrichment and technology coordinator, and played a key role in staff development. Previously she was the coordinator/teacher of the gifted and talented program in Litchfield, CT. She began her career in Montana where she first taught grade 4, following which she taught junior high language arts and social studies. She later served as coordinator of the Community Education Program for the Fromberg, MT, public schools. Ms. Cushing has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education/Social Sciences from Eastern Montana College. Her Master's degree is from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology and Special Education, and she is currently enrolled in the Advanced Administrative Studies Program at UNH.

[Picture of Ms. Pollet]

Christopher Pollet
Middle School Asst Principal

Mr. Pollet is from the Rochester Middle School where he served as assistant principal. Earlier he taught middle school social studies and served as leader of his instructional team. Mr. Pollet is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He holds a Master's degree from the university, with a concentration in special needs. He is continuing his program at the university as a students in the Advanced Studies Program in School Administration. Mr. Pollet is familiar with the Oyster River School District, having served his undergraduate internship at Oyster River High School, where he also served as junior varsity baseball coach from 1989-95. Mr. Pollet brings a youthful energy level to the school, a clear student focus, and important scheduling experience.

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