Our School
Welcome to Smyth Road School!
Principal: Jennifer Briggs
When you find a place you love, you never want to leave!
I have been at Smyth Road School my entire adult life! From the time I graduated from UNH 35 years ago, I have dedicated myself to Smyth Road.
I started at Smyth after graduation as a student teacher doing half the year in a first grade classroom and the other half in 6th grade. I was then hired the following year by the Principal, Mr. Edward Ganem, to be one of the two 6th grade teachers . Back then Smyth Road was only one long hallway. We didn't have the library or the 4th/5th grade wing.
I spent many years teaching 6th grade and then moved down to 5th grade when the 6th grade students were moved to middle school. I also spent a year teaching 4th grade and another year teaching 1st grade. All together I taught for 18 yrs before becoming the Principal of Smyth Road School! I enjoy the students every day, and am honored to call the best school in the city my second home!
Assistant Principal: Charlene Kurtz
Ms. Kurtz maybe new to Smyth Rd. but she is not new to the Manchester School District. She is not only a product of the Manchester School District, but has spent her professional career in Manchester. In 1997 she started as a paraprofessional in the district. Prior to that she was a substitute teacher. She has taught all grades at the elementary level. Ms. Kurtz says that her many different roles in the district have given her a great deal of perspective to better meet all the needs of a school.
Ms. Kurtz holds a bachelor's from Syracuse University, a master's degree from Boston College and Southern New Hampshire University. She has a future goal of achieving her Doctorate. Ms. Kurtz is overjoyed to be at Smyth Road and has found the staff, students and families to be exceptional!
She is honored to now be a part of the long standing Smyth Road tradition.
Administrative Assistant: Moira Philbrook
Mrs. Philbrook's friendly face has been greeting families at Smyth Road for over five years now. She is an integral member of our staff keeping all the behind the scene workings functioning. However, Smyth Rd. has had a place in her heart practically her whole life. She was a student here in grades 3-6 as was as her husband. All three of her children attended Smyth Road as well. In addition, before her time with us, she was an English teacher in the Manchester School District.