3D printed Native American Village

Imagining the Past

Mount Prospect Academy students from Campton, Plymouth, and Rumney proudly displayed their individual projects last week at the campus locations. Students at MPA campuses learn using a variety of traditional and nontraditional modalities to gain academic skills. These projects provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, develop essential skills, and foster creativity. To further MPA’s Mission, student’s academic competencies and sense of connection, the projects presented by students reflected their own interests and subject.  Thematic and processing guidance provided MPA Faculty continuously encouraging students throughout the multi-step and multi-week projects.

One of the key advantages of student school projects at MPA is the hands-on learning experience.

3D printed medieval dragon

Some students used a 3D printer to create an amazingly detailed life-like display of a medieval dragon overwatching a field. Others produced a finely scaled model of a Native American Village.

3D printed Native American Village

Additionally, more traditional backboard displays highlighted the role of African Americans in the Second World War, and the innovative armaments and weapons developed during the war.

weapons used during second world war

When reflecting on the student’s final projects, MPA Faculty members Juliano Bigio, Dewitt Lightsey, and Derek Plichta, among others, explained how the projects served as foundation for additional learning. The students spent the weeks prior researching their topics, reading literature, stories, rulebooks, and character analysis, in addition to the history before moving on to the actual physical displays.

“Getting our students to understand the whole picture of an event, the scene, the people, and characters involved, and the connections between them is critical to the learning process. The therapeutic environment of MPA is a place where we want our students to have the opportunity to grow and acquire the skills needed for life. As such, for our students, the process itself is as equally important to the learning experience.”

The variety of projects was extensive, and it was clear after speaking with the MPA students that completing these school projects had instilled a sense of accomplishment. Their eagerness to discuss their projects and their sense of pride in their effort was evident to all who viewed them.

Congratulations!

Pictured, John Mozley of MPA and Pease Library Director Rebecca Whitney

Give a Book, Take a Book

Mount Prospect Academy’s involvement in the Little Free Library movement began as an outgrowth of its Experiential Literature Adventure-based Trauma Informed Treatment program. The concept was simple enough- get students outdoors to explore the beauty, sublimity, and wonder of the New Hampshire woods. Use trail maps, geography, and literature to connect students mentally and physically to nature by challenging their perceptions and behaviors.

According to John Mozely, MPA’s Student Council Advisor, the turn to the “little libraries” was triggered by one student’s interest in exploring more of the literature relating to the NH Woods, particularly poetry.

According to their website, “The mission of the Little Free Library organization (LFL) is to build community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access through a network of volunteer-led book-exchange boxes.” The boxes are “mapped” and registered interactively online- anyone can find one and travel to it using the map. Mozely says he and students in the program began to include the stops on their trail hike days in transit expanding the educational component of the program.

Viola! The idea was born.

Pictured, John Mozley of MPA and Pease Library Director Rebecca Whitney

Pictured, John Mozley of MPA and Pease Library Director Rebecca Whitney

Why not create an exchange box in Plymouth under the stewardship of Mount Prospect Academy?

Paul Guldemond, who leads MPA’s Woodworking Program, together with MPA students, built the exchange box in the shop making the adjustments to match the necessary ordinances.

LFL in PlymouthThe LFL is shared space that brings together people of all ages and creates the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read not limited by time, space, or privilege.

The collaboration between Mount Prospect Academy, the Town of Plymouth, and Pease Public library is “on the map”- ready to serve the wider community, residents, and travelers alike.

Thanksgiving meal at Mount Prospect Academy

Let’s Talk Turkey

In a display of community spirit, the Faculty and students of Mount Prospect Academy gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday. This year’s Thanksgiving buffet luncheon was not only a feast for the stomach but also a celebration of gratitude and togetherness. The opportunity to share the meal extended to all students. Those able to gather at the Career Development Center (CDC) in Rumney, New Hampshire with Mount Prospect’s leadership team were able to enjoy each other’s company in a safe, supportive, and festive environment. The annual holiday tradition exemplifies the values of belonging, sharing, and teamwork that defines Mount Prospect Academy.

Thanksgiving embodies the spirit of hospitality and as such members of Mount Prospect’s leadership team decorated and served the meals to the Faculty and students for the event.

Jay Marshall, Head of School, who donned a bicycle emblazoned service apron (see below) for the occasion noted, “The immense value of occasions such as this are in the unifying sense of camaraderie and equity the staff, leadership, and students share together- the connection made is critical to our mission.” In his view, “It really reminds us all why we do what we do- and what we want our students to learn while they are with us- service, compassion, and commitment.”

Thanksgiving meal at Mount Prospect Academy

This year’s classic Thanksgiving dinner was prepared by students in Mount Prospect’s Culinary program. If the line for seconds and thirds was any indicator, the thick slices of turkey and whipped mashed potatoes, hearty stuffing and chilled cranberry sauce, and creamy butternut squash all smothered in hot gravy satisfied all!

Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Chocolate Crème Pie, dozens of Chocolate Chip Cookies washed down with ample amounts of Eggnog and Apple Cider ensured that following dessert each stomach was filled with the delicacies of the fall holiday season. The gathering brought the tastes, smells, and a reminder of the interconnectedness and need to be mindful of recognizing the value of our shared experiences no matter the difficulties we face.

If one listened in on the conversations among the group present, the clarity that events such as this play a critical and equal part in fulfilling the educational and clinical mission of Mount Prospect Academy would be easily apparent. The resounding “Thank-Yous” that echoed from the students as they departed to continue their daily schedule, mixed with the reinforcing well-wishing smiles and “Good-byes” of the Faculty made this occasion far more than just a meal.

We are all aware that sharing a meal can provide support during challenging times. It is a time when people can come together to share not just food but also a social-emotional bond. This annual Thanksgiving feast stood to remind each of the attendees of the transcendent power of compassion, being mindful of others, and the value of service that ties the Mount Prospect community together.

Turkey Bowl at Mount Prospect Academy

Wet and Cold = Fun!

Mother Nature brought her best team to the “Turkey Bowl” at Husky Field in Plymouth, but she proved no match for the team of students of Mount Prospect Academy.

The victory on this day went to the students.

The event, which has taken place for more than 30 years, brought together more than 50 students and faculty to test more than simply their skills on the gridiron.

Turkey Bowl at Mount Prospect Academy

To be outdoors with friends, to socialize, to make and share the memories of how cold it was, to laugh about who crashed the worst in the snow, or who was a candidate for MVP, or to simply be a spectator and watch the game- each student present was a part of the day’s excitement and challenges.

Either way, the first challenge was to simply find the field!

For that to happen a little teamwork, some shovels, a few snowblowers, and some patience mixed with a healthy bit of determination was needed.

Turkey Bowl at Mount Prospect Academy

The annual Turkey Bowl game allows for a healthy, relaxed, and inclusive competition among peers guided by the staff of Mount Prospect Academy. Students are instructed and required to respect the rules and their fellow competitors. For all involved this football game is a learning experience as well.

Like all teams, understanding the abilities of their teammates and acceptance of the diversity of personalities and skills each “player”, as individuals, brings to the field is equally as important to the competition. Fostering such respectable, unifying, and self-regulating experiences is a key component of the mission of Mount Prospect Academy.

The slipping, sliding, and stumbling that came with this year’s Turkey Bowl served as a reminder to faculty and students alike- that getting up and getting “back in the game” after falling is a critical part to the experiences and challenges in life that we all share.

Field Of Dreams

The 2023 Plymouth Area Softball League wrapped up its season and our MPA team came out winners! . . . well, not necessarily in the standings, but sometimes accomplishments can’t be measured by a scoreboard. 

2023 marked the first year MPA has ever fielded a team in this popular area league. And it wouldn’t have happened had it not been for Jessie Gaudioso and Steve Meier.

“I had achieved some success playing sports in college and was looking for a way to stay active locally,” says Jessie Gaudioso, Principal, Karen Langley Learning Center, Mount Prospect Academy. “Steve & I had known about the local softball league, there is history for us, and thought it might be a great way to get involved again in competitive sports, while also engaging with our workmates outside the office.”

In order to start a team, they needed a sponsor. That’s when Jessie approached Jay Marshall, Head of Schools at MPA.

“He jumped at the opportunity to help out. He not only offered to sponsor an MPA team for the Plymouth league but the neighboring Lincoln League as well.”

The core group of 2 quickly recruited nearly 40 of their workmates, friends and family and the inaugural MPA Softball Team was born. They competed on Monday and Tuesday evenings throughout June and July in Plymouth, and Sunday mornings in Lincoln. It’s a coed, slow-pitch league so everyone is encouraged to play, although each team is required to field at least 3 women at a time to keep the teams on par every inning.

“It’s a very family-friendly atmosphere. That isn’t to say we’re not out there every day looking to win. Some of our teammates have never played softball before, but a core group of us are able to play alongside them, teach them the basics and cheer alongside them when we record an out or drive in a run.”

In the end, they finished in the back of the pack of 9 teams but consider the experience a huge success. They created quite the buzz in the MPA community, with aspirations of recruiting enough players next year to field 2 teams. And those outside the MPA community, in the form of opposing teams, got to learn a little more about the school by meeting, interacting and learning first-hand what MPA does and who they service.

“What got me most excited was the camaraderie we built over the course of the summer. You’re playing with workmates who you sometimes only speak with over the phone. It fits in so nicely with our wellness initiative here, which is basically to take care of yourself outside of work. There’s also so much to learn out there on the ball field: How to strike out and get back up there and try again; lift each other up; celebrate the highs and lows, together. It’s what we try to instill in our kids in the classroom. Putting it to work on the ball field.”

AJ’s Journey

Antoine Joseph (AJ) is a paraeducator, youth counselor and basketball coach at MPA’s Plymouth campus. His journey to MPA has all the twists and turns of a major motion picture, complete with happy ending, we like to think, because he ended up with us!

He was born in Saint-Marc, Haiti, a small village outside of Port-Au-Prince, and raised by a single mother who worked as a housekeeper to support herself, AJ and his little sister. “You would expect me to say life was hard,” he explains when asked about his childhood. “My father walked out on us when I was very small. We had very little but I never felt worry, sadness or helplessness. That’s because my mother worked hard to get us an education and raised us to believe we could achieve great things if we put the work in and always tried to be the best at whatever we did.”

And soccer was what AJ was best at. From an early age he was running circles around players on opposing teams; winning games and championships. At the age of 15 he earned a spot on the National Team for Haiti. It was there a scout took notice of his skills and recruited him for the French Guiana Football League. His dream of becoming a professional soccer player was one step closer to being realized. Fame and, hopefully, fortune would surely follow. Only one obstacle now stood in his way. As he was still, technically, a minor, he would need permission from his mother.

“My mother was less than enthusiastic,” AJ explains. “Here was the chance of a lifetime. A team that would allow me to travel all over the world doing what I loved most, all expenses paid. And she was skeptical. ‘Who are these people’ she said. ‘I’ve never met them and this contract does not fully explain to me what you are signing up for.’ I was angry with her and couldn’t understand why she was questioning anything about this golden opportunity.”

AJ reluctantly called the scout and explained he would need to speak directly with his mother before any contract was signed.

“He scoffed at me and reminded me how many kids would jump at the opportunity to take my place. My mother held firm and with that, the offer was rescinded. My soccer career was over.”

While AJ remained heartbroken, his body was going through dramatic changes. A growth spurt put him head and shoulders above his peers, leading him to try his hand in a new sport: Basketball. By age 22 he was 6’ 9’’ and dominant on the courts, drawing on his footwork skills and the competitive edge that came naturally from years of playing soccer.

“I was at a level where I was drawing interest from colleges in the United States. Partial scholarships were offered, which was like no offer at all to me. I couldn’t even afford basketball shoes.”

With all the attention he was receiving, AJ, and even his mother became determined to use his new sport to get him out of Haiti. There were opportunities overseas far greater than what his village or anywhere else in his country could offer. And to make matters even more pressing, political instability and a rise in gang violence was making Haiti a dangerous place to live.

“I spent every day visiting my church and praying,” he explains. “My mother’s work ethic is ingrained in me. I was using everything at my disposal, physically and spiritually, to get myself out of Haiti. I’m proud to say, God answered my prayers.”

At age 22 AJ was offered a full basketball scholarship at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee where he thrived as an athlete and student, despite not knowing not one word of English. Within 6 months he was fluent and a star basketball player. He went on to play professionally in Argentina, while also finding time on the side to coach and mentor kids. As someone whose journey had not been an easy one, this came naturally to him.

He eventually returned to Haiti and became captain of the Haitian National Basketball Team, where he witnessed, first-hand the unrest in his home country. He was convinced, once again, that he needed to leave and got to work using his extensive overseas contacts for a way out.

His agent put him in touch with Moses Jean-Pierre, former basketball star of Plymouth State University.

“We hit it off right away. We both played at a high level and he is the son of Haitian immigrants so we have a lot in common. He also knew about my passion for mentoring kids so immediately told me about MPA. It seemed like a perfect match for me, particularly after I spoke with Jim Carey, Director of Recruiting at MPA.”

“He’s an extremely likable guy,” says Jay Marshall, Head of School. “And what he’s done for the kids in this school is invaluable. MPA is a community built on helping the most at-risk, overlooked, forgotten kids. It’s just not in our nature to give up on anyone.

“Everything happens for a reason,” says AJ. “It was my faith in God and the relentless love, guidance and hard work of my mother that brought me to where I am today. I was recently offered a contract to play basketball professionally in Spain, but turned it down. I feel I belong here and owe it to this place and the community that adopted me to fulfill my passion for helping kids. It’s bigger than money. It’s about making an impact. And I feel like I’m just getting started .

Mount Prospect Academy Scores Big At Robotics Competition

Karen McAlpine, a teacher at Mount Prospect Academy couldn’t contain her excitement when she heard the news. Just days after returning from the SeaPerch Robotics Competition in Durham, New Hampshire, she learned her students had earned top 10 honors.

McAlpine, along with fellow instructor, Connor Sullivan assembled their team of 2 middle and 4 high schoolers back in January as part of their Adventure Science class. Their goal was to participate in the competition while incorporating the rigorous process of preparation into their curriculum.

“It starts with a kit,” she explained. “The kit contains everything you need to assemble a remote operated vehicle (ROV), designed to not only follow the commands of its human operators but to endure the challenges of functioning underwater. We actually ordered 3 with the intention of putting the best performing ROV into the competition.”

Assembling the robots was no easy task. The accompanying instructions were limited and the whole process required lots of problem solving and ingenuity. McAlpine’s students proved up to the task. The whole MPA campus was abuzz with how quickly they took to designing and creating their vehicles. By the end of February they were ready to test them. The challenge was, they didn’t have a facility on campus in which to do so.

“That’s where Alex Ray stepped in,” McAlpine said. “You can’t just wait until the day of competition, throw them in the water and cross your fingers. Alex gave us access to the pool at the Common Man Spa so we could see first hand how each ROV was responding and practice maneuvering and working as a team.”MPA Robotics

The competition itself consisted of 3 separate judging categories. The first was a technical design report, where students include data analysis to describe the process of their engineering design. The remaining two involved actual operation, which included maneuvering the ROV underwater through a series of hoops, around obstacles and in patterns that simulate ocean mapping techniques. One task even included pushing and picking up odd shaped objects on a steep ramp. At no point were adults permitted to assist. 2 students were in charge of operating the vehicle; 2 guiding the tether, while the others provided technical support and helped document their experience.

“We placed 10th out of 26 high school teams. Pretty good considering our team included middle schoolers and we were competing against some formidable opponents like Phillips Exeter Academy.”

For now, McAlpine plans to keep the ROV and other competition mementos on display at the school so others can share in their accomplishment. But there’s no resting on laurels, as she and the students are already preparing for an even better showing at next year’s competition.

“I think what Karen, Connor and the rest of our team here at Mount Prospect Academy does is incredible,” says John Fulp,” Superintendent and Director of Operations at MPA. “Remember, we’re a placement school, committed to taking in kids who are having difficulties being successful anywhere else. It just goes to show that everybody has the potential to achieve great things. Sometimes we just need to teach differently; get kids excited about something and let their natural curiosity take over. I couldn’t be more proud of our team here and what they accomplish, every day, with our amazing students.”

Ice Climbing at MPA

New Ice Climbing Program Takes Students To New Heights

Imagine being suspended nearly 50 feet off the ground, clinging to a frozen column of ice! Such was the scene this past winter for a daring group of MPA students as part of the school’s adventure-based learning program. Led by Outdoor Paraeducator, Connor Sullivan, the group was outfitted with crampons, mountaineering boots, harnesses, ice 

picks and other climbing equipment before they headed north to the east side of Franconia Notch near Cannon Mountain. 3 students were led into the woods on a cold, blustery day faced with wind and snow squalls. After hiking for a half hour, they reached their destination, a 45 foot series of frozen waterfalls jutting from a mountainside. Instructors set up and anchored rope at the top and students took turns finessing their way up the ice, hours of training put to work navigating the ice pockets, crags and steep gullies.
“It’s certainly not as dangerous as it sounds,” explains Sullivan. “Climbers are secured by safety ropes at all times, with belayers on hand to assist if a student needs assistance or encouragement.” 
Still, the ascent presented a formidable challenge for the students, 2 of whom had never climbed. Sullivan reported that each picked it up quickly, putting their training to work by relying on all their senses, not just brute strength. Although there was little danger given the team’s experience and all the safety protocols, falling debris in the form of ice fragments chipped loose by each climber posed the greatest danger, so a safe distance was maintained by those waiting below. Which isn’t to say there was time to stand around, idly . . .
“It was great to see students helping and enc
ouraging one another as they climbed. It really highlighted what adventure based learning is all about: communication, creative thinking, problem solving; all at work in one activity.”
The trip lasted over 4 hours, with plenty of stories to follow when the students returned to school. Look for even more adventures with Sullivan and his team this year, including several backpacking trips over the spring and a presidential traverse this summer.
MPA Donates to Plymouth Police Department

Mount Prospect Academy donates $10,000 to Plymouth Police Department

At a luncheon ceremony in their Career Development Center in Plymouth, Mount Prospect Academy presented the Plymouth Police Department with a check for $10,000. The donation stems from a phone call Plymouth Police Chief Alex Hutchins had with MPA’s President, Jeffrey Caron.
Jeffrey Caron
“I recently assisted Mount Prospect Academy staff here in Plymouth in a high-stress situation involving one of their students,” explained Hutchins. “I was impressed with how the staff conducted themselves in a professional manner while de-escalating the situation. It was obvious to me that these staff members had been well trained for these types of situations. I really felt that they needed to be recognized, so I contacted Jeff to offer my commendation to his team. Jeff was very appreciative and asked if they could assist us in any way.”

The result was two financial donations, totaling $10,000 to be used towards active threat resources for the town of Plymouth and surrounding communities. “MPA never overlooks the fact that we are more than just a school for at-risk kids,” said Jeffrey Caron at the presentation ceremony. “We’re a part of several communities, including Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Warren and Pike. As such, we’re not only here to help our kids, but our communities. When Alex mentioned initiatives that would benefit from community support, I saw an opportunity for us at Mount Prospect Academy to help out.”

On-hand was the MPA Plymouth team recognized by Chief Hutchins. They included Nayou Shar, Devin Michalewicz, Clayton Scala-Habert, Andrew Fosher, Adelaide Schumaker and Hilel Gubenko. The funds will be used to purchase equipment, tools and supplies to better prepare the department in case of an active threat situation in Plymouth or area towns. In keeping with MPA’s mission, a portion of the money will also be used to purchase supplies for community events to continue to connect the police department and the community.

MPA golf tournament at Owl's Nest

MPA hosts 9th annual Mayhew/McDermott Memorial Golf Tournament

This fall, over 84 golfers converged on Owl’s Nest Golf Resort in Thornton for the annual Mayhew/McDermott Memorial Golf Tournament, an event MPA has hosted since 2013. It was a beautiful fall day, with unseasonably warm temperatures and a backdrop of fall foliage on full display.

MPA golf tournament at Owl's NestThe tournament is named after Dave Mayhew and John McDermott who both tragically passed away in 2013. Dave worked at MPA as Assistant Director of Academics. John was a Director of Operations.

After their passing, MPA leadership decided to start the tournament, with monies raised to benefit the aptly named Mayhew/McDermott scholarship fund, which provides current and former students with independent life skills assistance. Any current or former student can apply, which includes an essay submission as well as information about the request and their budget needs. Past scholarship recipients have used the funds for such things as the purchase of a bicycle for transportation to work, tools to help further a career, summer camp tuition, job interview clothing and job-related laptops.MPA golf tournament at Owl's Nest

The tournament would not be possible without the financial assistance from individuals and sponsors. In particular, companies such as Kinney Pike, Lockton, One Digital, PretiFlherty, Passumpsic Bank and White River Toyota have consistently stepped up to the plate over the years to sponsor holes and foursomes, allowing organizers to not only cover the expenses of hosting the tournament but growing the Mayhew/McDermott scholarship fund. To date, the scholarship fund has supported numerous students through the years.

Winner’s of this year’s tournament were the team from Becket: Christian Wolter, Dan Elliot, Tom Peters and Ben Peters. They shot 18 under which is commendable, a birdie on every hole! They were presented with a custom-made trophy, built and designed by MPA wood shop students. In the end, all the golfers left winners, having experiencing a day of golf with friends on a stunningly beautiful day. Organizers noted that the weather is always superior for this late fall event. It’s as if Dave and John are there in spirit, smiling down on their MPA friends and family.