Elizabeth Benestad, Mark Nadeau, and Gersende Chanfrauattended The Association of Boarding Schools workshop on mental health and suicide awareness. The training focused on recognizing warning signs, starting supportive conversations, and connecting students with appropriate care. Benestad, head of Classics, recalls, “I liked the idea that there is a difference between good stress and real mental illness. The challenge and stress of academics and athletics are something all teenagers must work through. But there is a line when stress leads to poor mental health. I look forward to helping students distinguish between the two.”
Dr. Kristin Harperparticipated in a Digital Inquiry Group workshop focused on using historical evidence and primary sources to strengthen student engagement and critical thinking. She plans to incorporate new “outside the bubble” assessment strategies into lessons on Athenian democracy, Thermopylae, Augustus, and other topics in the ancient world.
Susan McCarthyexplored renewable energy at the WindWinRI Renewable Energy Workshop. Through hands-on activities, she installed solar panels and designed wind turbine blades to test in a wind tunnel. She returned with new resources and ideas for bringing renewable energy concepts into her classes, including a potential student for wind turbine competition.
Colin McKay and Jackson Lalonde attended the TABS Admissions Institute at Miss Porter’s School. The program provided training in interviewing prospective students, coordinating admissions events, and evaluating student files. Through simulated file reviews and committee meetings, they gained a deeper understanding of the admissions process and skills they can bring to their roles at Portsmouth Abbey.
Will Pittmanspent six weeks in Xela, Guatemala, immersed in Spanish language and culture. His experience included five hours of daily one-on-one instruction, cultural excursions, and presentations on topics including Guatemalan history and deforestation. A homestay with a local family provided additional opportunities to practice Spanish and experience everyday life in the community
Mackenzie Smithparticipated in professional development focused on classroom management, student engagement, and effective instruction. She gained practical strategies for creating positive classroom environments and keeping students engaged. As part of the program, Ms. Smith taught mini lessons to colleagues, an experience that strengthened both her confidence and instructional skills.
Mary Fran Vesey completed “Caring for Museum Collections,” an intensive course through the American Association for State and Local History. The training focused on protecting artifacts and historical papers from threats including light, water, fire, and structural damage. She will bring this expertise back to Portsmouth Abbey to strengthen the preservation and care of the school’s archives.
