Unified Arts

MUSIC

jARED STEER

Jared Steer is an active performer/educator based in central NH. He began studying percussion at the age of 8 and has been playing for 36 years. He received a BA in Music Performance from Plymouth State College. There he studied drum set and percussion with Tim Gilmore, Eric C. Hughes and Craig Fahey. After receiving his degree he continued studies with Rakalam Bob Moses, Bob Gullotti, Jeff Ballard, Dave Dicenso, Jerry Leake, Steve Michaud, Thierry Arpino and Greg Hutchinson. In 2017 he went back to PSU to take classes toward obtaining a music education degree.

Jared either currently or has held faculty positions at the Manchester Community Music School, Concord Community Music School, Holderness School, New Hampton School, Fryeburg Academy, Tilton School, Waterville Valley Elementary School, Interlakes School District, The Bedford Youth Performing Company, Shaker Road School and Sant Bani School. He facilitates drum workshops from school to community events. He has been asked to be an artist-in-residence for programs such as Artward Bound at the Holderness School, Arts Day at New Hampton School, and the A.I.R. program at Holderness Central School. He performs and records regionally as well as nationally with a variety of groups and ensembles. He can be heard with various groups on Sirius Radio, Nickelodeon’s Noggin, Continental Airlines, and a variety of local/national radio stations.

Welcome to Waterville Valley Elementary Music! I'm excited to work with the WVES students and share my love of music. p

Health

Wendy Dropkin

I have been teaching Health Education for 23 years, most of them at Waterville Valley Academy. One year I developed, initiated, and directly ran a community outreach program that incorporated Waterville Elementary School students in Waterville Valley Academy’s health program. I have also taught Wellness at PSU. Three years ago I was hired by WVES to help plan and implement virtual curriculum for WVES students. For the last two years, I have been the Health and Fitness Educator at Franklin Middle School. I am certified in Health Education (K-12). I also am a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Lifeguard Instructor, CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor and a L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) Instructor K-8.

I believe that Health Education is an important part of a students education and growth. I will be focusing on Social Emotional Health, covering topics such as Respect, Kindness, Empathy, Communication, Mental Health and Stress. I will also cover topics of alcohol, vaping, drugs, relationships, puberty and reproduction(grades 6-8). This curriculum runs in a 2 year cycle and the subjects are age appropriate, following state guidelines. I believe that learning is facilitated by project based curriculum, games and discussion.

I am excited to back at WVES.

Hello, I’m Mrs. Beth Harrington. I’ve been a certified teacher and school counselor in several states across the country and have worked in many diverse schools. I’m excited to be part of the Waterville and Wentworth Communities this year and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.

As a school counselor, I work with all students to assist in growing their individual academic, career, and social/emotions skills. Additionally, I continue to stay on top of current best practices in school counseling through state and local associations. Supportive services include individual or small group work with students, and classroom guidance lessons on various topics.

I also serve as the school 504 Coordinator and McKinney Vento Homeless Liaison.

When I'm not working, I’m outside walking, hiking or visiting a beach with my family.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns by calling the school number or by emailing me at bharrington@pemibaker.org.

Wentworth Elementary Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Waterville Elementary Hours: Tuesday and Friday

Resources:

Pemi-Baker Region Counselor List

Crisis Information:

NH Homeless Hotline

1-800-852-3388

New Beginnings

(603)528-6511