Press Release
2025-26 Principal of the Year
2025-26 Assistant Principal of the Year
At last night’s EDies Awards, NHASP proudly recognized Tiffany Eaton, Assistant Principal of Danville Elementary School, and Kristen Perron, Assistant Principal of Oyster River High School, for their remarkable leadership achievements. The event drew over 600 attendees, making it a memorable evening. We extend our gratitude to the EDies Committee for hosting another exceptional evening honoring NH educators.
This week, I had the privilege of learning from outstanding leaders across the country, and I feel energized and motivated to apply the valuable insights I acquired. This professional development opportunity was a game-changer! – Bridey Bellemare
Commencing National Assistant Principal’s Week with our annual AP Conference! In the morning, attendees participated in insightful discussions on the implications of school law in varied scenarios, led by Meghan Glynn and Jim O’Shaughnessy from Drummond Woodsum. In the afternoon, attendees examined the intricacies of workplace relationships and conflict resolution through interactive scenarios performed by professional actor improvisers, facilitated by members of the NH Theater Project. A special acknowledgement to our partners at SNHU for hosting today’s event!
Long-time corporate supporter, Horace Mann, has teamed up with My Education
Discount to bring you and your school staff even more savings and benefits! From
classroom essentials to everyday purchases, we’re making it easier to stretch your
hard-earned dollars. Unlock educator discounts here: https://www.horacemann.com/my-
education-discount?utm_source=associations&utm_medium=apr-nhasp
Exceptional Event! This year’s Women in Educational Leadership conference was a resounding success! We extend our sincerest gratitude to all our partners and sponsors who contributed significantly to making this year’s event truly exceptional!
Members of the NHASP board just returned from the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. This event brought together school leaders from across the country to discuss critical education issues and advocate for policies that support principals, educators, and students.
During our time in D.C., we had the opportunity to collaborate with principals nationwide and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of education. We also held meetings on Capitol Hill with lawmakers to advocate on behalf of our schools and principals. We were able to meet with Senator Hasson, Rep. Pappas, Senator Shaheen’s team, and Rep. Goodlander’s team. We even had an impromptu meeting with Rep. Goodlander in the airport on our arrival day! In our meetings, we focused on:
* Recruiting and retaining high quality educators and growing the principal pipeline
* Federal funding (Title I, Title IIA, IDEA)
* EFAs and challenges in meeting the needs of all of our students
We were proud to represent NHASP and New Hampshire’s principals on a national level and appreciate the opportunity to bring your voices to these important conversations. We are in unprecedented times in public education and we felt fortunate to have our senators and representatives engaged and genuinely interested in learning more about our work.
Assistant Principal of the Year 2025-2026
The NHASP selection committee is pleased to announce that Ms. Kristen Perron of Oyster River High School has been named Assistant Principal of the Year, for 2025-2026, a recognition that underscores her exceptional leadership and profound impact on students, parents, and staff. Click here to read on.
New England Regional Conference, Plymouth, MA
NHASP and NHASCD were honored to cohost Kim Marshall, who presented a detailed examination of his recent publication focused on innovating teacher supervision and evaluation frameworks. We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors from the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.
Copy of Kim Marshall 11.14.25 by Chantal Alcox
NHASP Fall 2024 Professional Development Opportunities
This Life Insurance Awareness Month, long-time corporate supporter Horace Mann, is here to help increase
awareness and enhance education to help you get the coverage you need. #GetLifeInsurance #LIAM24
Learn more about life insurance coverage today at http://www.horacemann.com/insurance/life-
insurance?utm_source=nhasp&utm_medium=social
Kudos to NAESP/NASSP for organizing a phenomenal UNITED conference. So many diverse learning options and exceptional speakers. Went to see Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey twice….Leadership Credibility and Building Strong Distributive Leadership Models….so good!! Had the chance for a photo op and to see if I can get them to come to NH. Ironically, enough their publisher lives in NH….maybe it’s fate!
Awesome kick-off to the NAESP/NASSP United Conference, in Nashville, TN
NHASP proudly presented our annual leadership conference in Portsmouth, NH, offering attendees a packed schedule of insightful sessions, opportunities for networking, and memorable moments. We graciously thank our partners and vendors for their unwavering support in making this SOLD OUT event a huge success. We also appreciate the Bedford School District for sharing their AI integration best practices.
Celebrating another great year at this year’s EDies Awards!
Long-time corporate supporter, Horace Mann, recently collaborated with My Education Discount – a comprehensive directory of discounts for educators and school support staff. To learn more, contact your local Horace Mann agent or visit https://www.myeducationdiscount.com/horace-mann .
New Hampshire State Board of Education Proposed Changes to Standards
Did you know that New Hampshire’s commissioner of education‘s proposed revisions to the 306 rules (which define the minimum standards for public education) would significantly impact our students’ access to an equitable education in our state?!
We encourage you to PLEASE preview the following video for more detailed information.
NHASP strives to support a viable, equitable and thriving public education system in NH!
Please reach out to your local legislators to encourage them to vote in opposition of the proposed 306 rules!
2024 Women Educators in Leadership Symposium
NHASP and WELL celebrated another successful year hosting the Annual Women Educators Leading Learning Symposium at the Common Man Inn and Spa, in Plymouth, NH. This power-packed agenda layered with rigorous professional learning and networking opportunities resulted in another “sold out” event.
Looking forward to next year!
Interactive murals in the Hall of Femme 
Breakout session of differentiating the urgent from the important in the workplace 
Celebrating women change agents in NH. Kimberly Rizzo-Saunders, NH Superintendent of the Year 
Robin Melone, speaker :Negotiations 
Eugene Newsome: NHASP partner and sponsor with Franklin Covey 
Desiree Cocroft: Keynote speaker 
Kurt Meader (speaker), Kendra Bostick (speaker and co-founder of Kilori), Ron Pedro (sponsor, SNHU) 
Bedford School District represents! 
Ann Marie Anderson, Keynote with Anna Parrill, Assistant Principal at Clark Wilkins, in Amherst 
Bridey Bellemare, Executive Director, NHASP, Desiree Cocroft, keynote speaker, Anna Parrill, Assistant Principal at Clark Wilkins, in Amherst 
Eugene Newsome, NHASP partner rep, Franklin Covey 
Celebrating women change agents in NH. Asst. superintendent, Christine Downing leading the 306 charge in the 603! 
Asst. Superintendent, Christine Downing and Superintendent, Sydney Leggett (also the co-founder of WELL) 
Superintendent, Sydney Leggett, Superintendent, Meredith Nadeau, and Superintendent, Kimberly Rizzo-Saunders, NH’s Superintendent of the Year 
Speaker, Kurt Meader…the importance of male role models in elementary schools. 
Keynote speaker, Desiree Cocroft (Franklin Covey) 
Speaker, Christina Strunk with EdElements 
Hall of Femme!!! 
Stoke Quotes! 
Take a stoke quote, or leave one for a colleague 
Courtney Flanders, speaker with EdElements 
Kendra Bostick, speaker on the effects of workism and mental health 
Keynote, ESPN, sportscaster and Emmy Award winning journalist, Ann Marie Anderson. 
Guided meditation with attendees 
Guided meditation with attendees 
Guided meditation with attendees
New Hampshire Elementary Principal of the Year for 2024-25, Becky Wing
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the NH Delegation for meeting with us today. Today’s meetings on Capitol Hill were the culminating event of a 4-day National School Leaders Advocacy Conference hosted by NAESP and NASSP.
We are grateful for the delegation’s ongoing support of public education at both the national and state levels and for their continued advocacy of federal policies that benefit students, educators and leaders in our state.
Jeff Drouin, Principal of Boscawen Elementary School and NAESP state Rep, Dave Levesque, Principal of Franklin High School and NHASP President, Bridey Bellemare, Executive Director, NHASP, and Bill Mc Gowen, Principal of Winnacunnet High School, NHSASP Treasurer, and NASSP State Rep. 
Visit with Congressman Pappas 
Bill McGowan, Treasurer and state rep for secondary leaders, Dave Levesque, President, Jeff Drouin, state rep for elementary leaders. 
Outside of Congressman Pappas’s office in the House of Representatives 
Riding the underground train from the House of Representatives to the Senate 
Meeting with Senator Hassan’s staffer, Megan 
Bill passed on the floor past while we were in the Senate today to ban TikTok. 
Meeting with Senator Shaheen’s lead Education Policy staffer, Erica and intern 
Meeting with Congresswoman, Annie, Kuster’s staffer, Tamar 
Outside Congresswoman Kuster’s office 
Standing on the steps of the Capitol Building 
Day Three of the National Advocacy Conference, in Washington, DC
NH Represents!!
Off to Capitol Hill to meet with our national delegation!
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in Washington, D.C.
Honored and thankful to @seccardona for jointing us at the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, providing impactful insights and constant support for our principals!
“Results, not rhetoric.”
Great day with emerging leaders; their optimism is contagious and I’m excited about their potential!
The administrative team at Goffstown High School hosted a productive meeting for the statewide assistant principal cohort, focusing on alternatives to traditional discipline and effective supervision and evaluation techniques.
Additionally, conversations focused around intervention and supports, culture and climate and shifts in educational pedagogy. We look forward to continuing our work with this cohort of leaders!
It is my distinct pleasure to announce that your Assistant Principal, Ms. Andrea Castaldo, has been selected, by our organization, as New Hampshire’s Assistant Principal of the Year for 2024-25.
During a recent school visit, members of the selection committee met with parents and community members. Ms. Castaldo was commended for her exceptional communication and listening skills, her partnership with families, and her objective, supportive, and empathic approach when engaging with students and families. Educators at KRMS stated that Ms. Castaldo is “fearless” when it comes to navigating difficult conversations…yet she approaches each situation ethically, with compassion and kindness. They shared that they truly appreciate her inspiring “boots on the ground” mindset. She really “walks the walk” and willingly and enthusiastically works alongside her staff, in partnership and in collaboration, when designing and implementing school-wide initiatives. One veteran staff member attested to Andrea’s unwavering commitment to the staff in her school, stating that “she motivates, educates, and inspires us to be better. She values her relationships with her staff making them feel valued and respected, which really sets her apart.” Students shared that they find Ms. Castaldo to be accessible, kind, and upbeat in nature. One student shared, “she is so trustworthy that I would willingly share all my passwords with her.” Others shared that “Ms. Castaldo makes learning fun…she creates a fun learning environment and I feel safe coming to school,” and “I know she will be there for me when I need help solving a problem.”
Members of the building and systems level team emphasized that Ms. Castaldo is highly regarded as an equal member of both building and district administrative teams. Mr. Paterson shared that he values and respects his partnership with Ms. Castaldo. “I view Andrea more of a co-principal than an assistant. She is highly regarded and extremely competent when it comes to instruction and assessment and in understanding the most current pedagogy. Her leadership and oversight of major initiatives, such as MTSS-B and Competency Based grading have directly impacted our school culture.” Superintendent Winfried Feneberg shared that, “Andrea’s optimism shines through, making her not only a competent administrator, but a highly respected leader in the district. She possesses the ability and capacity to go far in this profession…and when she’s ready for more opportunities, they will be waiting for her.” As this year’s NH Assistant Principal of the Year, Ms. Castaldo will be invited to attend the National Association of Secondary School Principal’s Conference (NASSP), to be held in July 2024, where she will have the opportunity to engage with school leaders from across the country, gain unique recognition before a national audience, and benefit from complete access to premier professional learning offerings. Ms. Castaldo will also receive recognition at this year’s NH EDies Awards ceremony and at NHASP’s Annual Leadership Academy, scheduled in June 2024.
It is evident that Ms. Castaldo has positively impacted the KRMS community and takes great pride in celebrating the growth and achievements of the school. We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Castaldo’s well-deserved recognition as Assistant Principal of the Year.
Sincerely,
Bridey Bellemare,
Executive Director, NHASP
We would like to thank John Vaccarezza Principal of Timberlane High School, and his outstanding staff and leadership team, for hosting our state-wide high school leader’s monthly meeting this morning.
We were treated to an amazing breakfast then learned about the school’s Life of an Owl Student Leadership Program.
School Leaders in attendance were able to collaborate on timely topics related to student safety, curriculum and staffing needs.
A great morning working with and learning from our colleagues in this very powerful think tank of thought-partners.
Thank you TRHS! Go Owls!!
Longtime corporate supporter, Horace Mann, is grateful for clients, colleagues, family and friends this holiday season (and all year long). From all of us at Horace Mann, we wish you peace, connection and joy in the year to come! Horace Mann is here to help, and we’re just a click away.
https://www.horacemann.com
Great day to be a member of NHASP at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference
Special thanks to the Manchester School District and the Manchester School of Technology for hosting NHASPs Legislative Breakfast this morning. Talented students from MSTs culinary department prepared a delicious breakfast buffet for all of us!
Additionally, we would like to thank Representative M. Hall for engaging us in meaningful constructive dialogue regarding policy issues impacting public education.
Lakes Region Community College hosted members of the NH Association of School Principals on November 14th. Local administrators met with LRCC leadership to learn more about programs the school has to offer. NHASP has been leading the way across the state by connecting with principals and industry leaders.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
Special thanks to Mike Perez, Principal, at Pinkerton Academy, and his amazing team of Associate Deans for hosting me at their school today.
Once I was officially checked in, I was welcomed outside the office by Julia and Linda, who transported me to my meeting location while providing me with some historical context of the buildings we passed along the way to my destination.
I enjoyed the opportunity to join the ADs PLC team meeting then take a tour of the campus with Principal, Perez.
It was a privilege to also have had the opportunity to meet and greet several staff members and students in the CTE building and in other buildings throughout the campus.
We spent some time with Eric, PAs full time School Marshall discussing safety protocols and the ways in which the broader leadership team is leveraging the use of innovative technologies to keep students and staff safe.
It was a wonderful visit. I learned so much about the Astros’ culture, the leadership team’s future aspirations and it just felt great to be with students!
Thank you to the staff at PA for all the ways in which they continue to show up in service of students and the school community!
NHASP and NHASEA are pleased to partner again this year to support educators and school leaders working towards various stages of MTSS-B implementation.
During the first day of this year-long training, teams worked collaboratively to: Assess Barriers to Practice, apply a problem-solving framework to one of those problems/gaps, and develop actionable outcomes to address those problems/gaps. Teams leveraged this data to begin planning for site-based implementation readiness.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness can eliminate far more debt than a one-time $10,000 or $20,000 impact, but many educators find the process complicated and time-consuming to navigate. That’s where long-time corporate supporter, Horace Mann, can help. Sign up on our website for an account with no-cost access to tools and resources to help you navigate the process. Learn more about the importance of existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for educators.
https://investors.horacemann.com/news/news-details/2023/Supreme-Court-decision-amplifies-importance-of-existing-Public-Service-Loan-Forgiveness-program-for-educators
Are you seeking highly qualified mentor-coaches to support new leaders in your district?
Click here to learn about the NHASP Mentor-Coach Program
Register For Upcoming Events
NHASP
PO Box 8617
Concord, NH 03303
Fax: (603) 224-3766
Bridey Bellemare, Executive Director –bbellemare@nhasp.org Cell# 1-603-620-5797
Email for accounts payable/receivable inquiries and questions : info@nhasp.org