The PHS strings ensemble performs prior to an opening program on Sunday. The PHS vocal ensemble and actors in the upcoming school production of the musical “Grease” also performed.

Anticipation of this day is a source of great anxiety for a principal. After all it, happens only once every 10 years.”

PHS Principal Robert Littlefield

Reporter barred from Q&A session

A Portsmouth Times reporter was asked to leave a meeting Sunday between local parents and visiting representatives of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

The forum, which was intended to garner feedback on Portsmouth High School’s performance, was attended by more than 20 parents.

The meeting started with W. Scott Prescott, co-chairman of the NEASC visiting committee, asking attendees to introduce themselves. Portsmouth Times editor Jim McGaw identified himself as a reporter, a 1982 graduate of PHS and a parent of a son who graduated from the school two years ago.

When the introductions were over, Mr. Prescott, director of instruction at the Virtual Learning Academy in New Hampshire, asked the reporter if he intended on writing about the forum. When he was told yes, Mr. Prescott asked the reporter to leave, saying the forum was intended to be confidential.

Although the reporter assured the panel he would not identify any local residents in the story, another committee member said parents would not be as candid in their responses if a reporter was present.

A parent who spoke up in support of the reporter’s presence asked for a vote on the matter, but Mr. Prescott declined the request.

The reporter had earlier asked PHS Principal Robert Littlefield if he could sit in on the meeting, and the principal said yes. Mr. Littlefield was not present, however, during the parents’ forum, which was run by the NEASC team.

In an e-mail sent to parents prior to the forum, Mr. Littlefield included examples of some questions the NEASC team could have posed to parents:

• What do you like best about PHS?

• If you could change one thing, what might it be?

• Does the school live by its core values of Perseverance, Respect, Innovation, Dedication, and Engagement?

• Are your children properly challenged in school?

• Does the school communicate properly with parents about their programs, services, etc.

Ever since he was in the first grade, Bob Littlefield said he’s been plagued by “horrible dreams” of not being able to make it to school.

“Last night was no different,” said the Portsmouth High School principal, who was nervously anticipating Sunday’s visit by a team of educators from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). And, of course, it was snowing.

But despite brief, near-blizzard conditions outside the school’s doors at one point, the 16 educators from around New England arrived as scheduled to begin their four-day, decennial accreditation visit. The association has been accrediting schools for more than 130 years and reviews more than 600 public high schools in New England. PHS has been a NEASC member since 1966. 

A visiting committee took tours of the building, interviewed teachers and parents and met with the School Committee before a closing reception. From Monday to Wednesday, NEASC visiting team shadowed students, conducted random classroom visits, inspected the facility, examined curriculum and reviewed student work.

Their findings will eventually be published in a 100-page report and the Commission on Public Secondary Schools at NEASC will vote on the school’s accreditation.

“Anticipation of this day is a source of great anxiety for a principal. After all it, happens only once every 10 years,” Mr. Littlefield told an audience of NEASC team members, teachers, students and parents during an opening program in the school auditorium Sunday. “This is the single most authentic assessment of a secondary school.”

Superintendent of Schools Ana Riley agreed, saying it was important “to look at ourselves in a way that isn’t always flattering to us” and “to receive feedback that will help us grow and get better.”

Ms. Riley, who’s served on a visiting NEASC team herself, said she knows “it’s quite a responsibility to really look at things objectively.”

Looking for improvements

PHS librarian Sarah Hunicke, co-chairwoman of the school’s NEASC Steering Committee, acknowledged the challenges the school is facing.

“We have not fully integrated technology in our teaching and learning. The faculty has not received adequate training to move forward in this initiative,” said Ms. Hunicke.

The librarian noted that the school’s BYOD (bring your own device) program is a prime example. Launched in 2013, BYOD enables students to use their own internet-enabled devices. “Portsmouth High School has struggled in keeping up with changing initiatives,” she said.

Another challenge is the high turnover in the school district administration, according to Ms. Hunicke.

“The school department has seen four superintendents” since the last NEASC visit,” said Ms. Hunicke, before telling the visiting committee, “We look forward in hearing your feedback to help us improve.”

Math teachers Laurie Izzi and Tim Marum, both PHS grads — ’08 and ’03, respectively — touted the strong academic programs and extracurricular activities at the school. “All of our graduates will be college- and career-ready,” said Mr. Marum. “There’s something for every one of our Patriots.”

PRIDE

Five students explained the school’s core value and beliefs, represents by the word PRIDE: perseverance, respect, innovation, dedication and engagement.

Sophomore Tara Iadevaia lives in a group home, which she said gives her a unique perspective as a student. “I take perseverance with me wherever I go,” she said.

Being away from her family after being placed in the state system is challenging, she said, but she’s never lost hope. Tara has not only taken all honors classes this year, but she also started playing on the varsity football team — the only girl on the squad. It wasn’t easy at first, she acknowledged.

“Quitting was never an option, I’m now a proud member of the PHS football family,” Tara said.

Junior Kyle McGowan said PHS is “one big learning community,” but it’s diverse and respectful. “Showing respect and giving respect are sometimes difficult things to do,” said Kyle. “Here at Portsmouth High School, that is what we do — respect others and respect ourselves.” 

Senior Jarryd Kucera spoke of innovation at the school and the growing use of technology. He said Wi-Fi has opened new grounds for learning opportunities at the school, as has Google Drive and new programs in engineering design, robotics and other technology based classes. 

Senior Amanda Larson started her talk about dedication by quoting Apple founder Steve Jobs: “The people who are crazy enough to change the world are the ones who do.”

She credited teachers who pushed her and fellow students who pushed themselves toward academic success. “We never stop,” said Amanda. “Between sports and clubs, community service and music, we barely have time to breathe.” 

Sophomore Allie Armin said many students are actively engaged in extracurricular activities at PHS. Although she’s a member of two sports teams, last year Allie also joined the student-run Community Service Club after being encouraged to do so by teachers.

“We are told every day we are a community of learners,” Allie said.

High/low points

The program’s master of ceremonies, senior Jackson Levine, was asked about the high and low points of his high school career thus far. 

For his low point, Jackson recalled entering a sophomore AP class and seeing how many tests the teacher had scheduled. 

“It freaked me out,” said Jackson. “I may have peed my pants a little bit.”

The high point came last fall, when his soccer team made it to the state semifinals. What made it particularly special, he said, was the fact that the team was performing well past its expectations.

“I’ve played with these kids since I was 6 years old,” said Jackson. “We came together this year like I’ve never come together with a team before. I’ve never been on a team that was so cohesive and so united. We worked together and our coach helped us get to that point.”