Ross A. Lurgio Middle School
Thursday, May 28, 2026
9:00am - 2:30pm St. Anselm College
STAND BY ME
A day of workshops for Ross A. Lurgio seventh graders and their parents/guardians. www.sau25.net/standbyme
The Stand By Me Mission
ThemissionoftheStandByMeprogramistoequipteenagers and their parents/guardians with the opportunities and skills needed to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, andbuildorenhancetrustandself-esteem.
Stand By Me workshops—led by top educators, psychologists, and professionals—are designed to help teens and their companions navigate the challenges and concerns facing today’sfamiliesmoreeffectively.
DearSeventhGradeStudentsandParents/Guardians,
Stand By Me is a unique Bedford program designed to give seventh-grade students and their parents/guardians the opportunity to spend quality time together, enhance communication, and gain a deeper understanding of each other while exploring the challenges and concerns typical of this age. We hope you find this day of learningtogetherbothvaluableandenjoyable!
Students and parents/guardians register together for two workshop sessions. All participants will attend a common third workshop presented by the Browne Center. Speakers and workshop topics have been selected based on suggestions from previous attendees andaredesignedtohelpyounavigatetheroadaheadtogether.
At check-in you will receive a lanyard and copy of your schedule. The following pages provide registration instructions, workshop descriptions,directions,FAQ’s,andotherimportantinformation.
May 28, 2026
Stand By Me Schedule
8:45-9:10 — Parent Check-In (Sullivan)
9:20-10:00 — Welcome & Keynote Speaker (Sullivan)
10:15-11:00 — Workshop #1
11:10-11:55 — Workshop #2/Lunch A
12:10-12:55 — Workshop #3/ Lunch B
1:10-1:55 — Workshop #4
2:10-2:30 — Closing Remarks (Sullivan)
2:30-2:45 — Buses Leave (Outside of Sullivan)
Please see important arrival directions on the next page.
** ARRIVAL DIRECTIONS ** IMPORTANT—PLEASE READ!
St. Anselm College is located at 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102. If you’re using your phone or GPS for directions, it may tell you to enter through the Main Entrance on College Road. DO NOT enter here—there are multiple gates that could block your route to Sullivan Ice Arena where you will be checking in for the keynote address.
Instead, continue past the Main Entrance and take the next right onto Rundlett Hill Road. This is the third entrance option for the school.
Look for signs and Stand By Me volunteers in bright shirts who will help direct you to Sullivan Ice Arena. Ample parking is available. (See the map below for reference.)
Please try to arrive on time. Parent check-in is from 8:45 - 9:10am and the keynote speaker will begin promptly at 9:20am.
REGISTRATION
Online registration will be open: Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 17th.
Principal Joyce will send a registration link via email.
● Studentsandadultsshouldregistertogetherinone accountwithintheregistrationsystem.
● Bycompletingtheonlineregistrationform,youare indicatingyourapprovalofyourchild'sparticipationand courseselections.
● Parent/Guardianwillreceiveanemailwithin72hoursof registrationwhenyourtotalfeehasbeenuploadedto yourEfundsaccount.
● Thecostofregistrationis$25perattendee.
○ If registration fees are a financial hardship for your family, please contact the Lurgio guidance office for confidential assistance.
Arrival
TRANSPORTATION
StudentArrival: On the day of Stand By Me, students should arrive at school as they would for a regular school day. Students will be transported by bus from Lurgio to St. Anselm College.
Adult Arrival: Parents/guardians must provide their own transportation to St. Anselm College. Check-in for parents/guardians is 8:45 - 9:10am at Sullivan Ice Arena. Refer to the Directions page in this brochure for important informationaboutwheretoentertheSt.AnselmCampus.
Departure
Students have a few options for departure. They may return to school via bus for the regular afternoon dismissal or drive home with their parents/guardians. Pleasebesuretoindicate your student’s transportation choice in the online registrationsystem.
LUNCH
All participants will eat lunch together at Davison Dining Hall. Lunch is available for pre-purchase at $15 per person, or you may bring your own lunch.*
Lunch includes a buffet featuring an array of gourmet sandwiches and wraps, including Ham and Swiss on a soft potato roll, Turkey and Provolone on ciabatta, and a Hummus and Veggie wrap. Each meal is paired with house-made potato chips and a selection of fresh-baked cookies. Included in the lunchisyourchoiceoficedtea,lemonadeorsoda.
*You will indicate whether you are purchasing lunch in the registration system. Please note that unfortunately we are
www.sau25.net/standbyme
www.sau25.net/standbyme
Featured Workshop
Digital Boundaries and Screen Time Without the Power Struggle
Presenter: Silvi Zahra, Thisworkshopoffersfamiliesapracticalguidetomanagingscreentime conflict. Attendees will learn how to build healthier tech habits through communication,clarity,andmutualrespect.
The Home Team Advantage
Presenter: Biz Logan, Middle school is often the time when pressure increases-academically and athletically.Explorehowfamiliescanworktogetherasastrong"hometeam" to support performance, confidence, and long-term enjoyment in athletics. Families will leave with a clearer understanding of what supports strong performance and what may contribute to stress or burnout, along with shared language to support effort, resilience, and enjoyment without losing sightofthebiggerpicture.
Influencers: Good or Bad?
Presenter: Dover Youth 2 Youth, This session highlights how advertising and media portray alcohol products in a way that minimizes or undermines actual health risks, while using imagery and techniques that are very attractive to kids and teens. While this session is primarily focused on alcohol, the presenters will demonstrate how these concerns also apply to other substances such as vaping and other nicotineproducts.
The Drug Game Show
Presenter: NH Teen Institute, Join us for an interactive, Jeopardy-style show revolving around drug use and its consequences. This workshop is led by teen volunteers who are excitedtoeducateothersabouttheconsequencesofdrugandalcoholuse.
Mindful Resilience for the Family
Presenter: Dr. Chris Willard, (PsyD), Lecturer on Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School,
When things get hard, how can we bounce back more resilient than ever? Having extensive experience and research with young adults, Dr. Chris Willard discusses the foundations of resilience, stress management, and performance. You’ll leave the workshop with tools to manage stress, boost performance,andbuildresilienceforacademics,arts,andathletics.
Beyond the ABC’s of ADHD and Executive Functioning
Presenter: Sharon Saline,
Dr. Saline is a UMass Chan Medical School instructor, Smith College School for Social Work lecturer, and award-winning author on ADHD. She offers rare insights into how students honestly think and feel about living with ADHD and co-occurring conditions. You'll be able to create more effective strategies to nurture cognitive strengths, improve social-emotional functioning, and reduce procrastination. You will walk away with easy, practicaltoolstoincreaseorganization,cooperationandfamilycloseness!
The Science of Stress
Presenter: Dr. Allison Roy, Dr. Roy is a New Hampshire licensed clinical psychologist with her own practice and has consulted with more than 30 school districts in New England. In this interactive workshop, learn how stress affects the brain and body, whyitfeelsmoreintenseduringadolescence,andhowitcanshowup in everyday life. Participants will learn to identify common stressors in middle school, understand how stress shows up in kids and families, practice simple strategies that families can use at home, and explore the role of technologyandsocialmediaincontributingtostress.
You Feel that Way Also?
Presenter: CAST (Community Action for Safe TeensSouhegan Valley)
Who can relate with you best, but other teens? CAST has empowered local teens with leadership, service, and advocacy opportunities to promote healthy choices. Please join fellow teenagers in this interactive discussion abouttheimportanceofacknowledgingandvalidatingfeelingsandemotions inourdailylives.Eachattendeewillleavewitha“ComfortCase.”
Workshop Descriptions
Strong on the Inside: Building Confidence and Resilience
Presenter: Ed Gerety, www.edgerety.com
In this engaging and inspiring workshop, our keynote presenter Ed Gerety shares practical strategies to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and achieve your goals. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, participantsdiscoverhowtheirattitudeandmindsetformthefoundation theirinnerstrengthandhelpthemperseverethroughchallengingtimes.
ER Cases of Illicit Substances
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Rankins, Elliot Hospital, Emergency Medicine
Join Dr. Rankins in this interactive workshop as he reviews real case studies involving patients he has treated for illicit substance abuse. Find out how these drugs truly affect your body. This workshop is for you if you like real lifeERphotosandwanttopretendtobeafirstaidresponder.
Mental Health Matters
Presenter: BHS Guidance/Students
This session features BHS students who are trained National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presenters. They discuss key terms such as mental health, mental wellness, and coping skills. Through engaging activities, they will guide students and their parents in exploring their own mental health journeys. Our 7th graders enjoy learning from the "big kids", thus helping to normalizethesediscussions.
Strengthening the Parent-Teen Connection
Presenter: Taylor Scull, Lurgio Teacher
This workshop focuses on improving communication and deepening relationships between parents and teens. We’ll explore why connection matters,therealchallengesthatcangetintheway,andpracticalwaystobuild stronger bonds—beyond traditional sit-down conversations. Participants will leave with simple, realistic strategies to create more meaningful everyday momentstogether.
Alcohol, Nicotine, and Vaping Use
Presenter: RAL/BHS School Resource Officers
Officers Adam Bissonnette and Timothy Hayden will discuss the consequences of alcohol and vaping use. What are the legal penalties? Could it impact your driver's license? They will also provide parents with the information they need to raise well-informed teens who grow up healthy, happy,andsubstancefree.
BHS 101
Presenter: BHS Students - Life of a Bulldog Club
Did you know that there are more than 50 clubs at Bedford High School? Do you know what Real World Learning Hours are? How about Intersession? Find out what it is really like at BHS from actual BHS students! They will answer all of these questions and more. Join them for an open and fun discussionaboutthejoysofBHS.
Fill Your Toolbelt: What are Executive Function Skills and Do I Have Them?
Future You: Careers That Fit Your Strengths
Presenter: RAL Guidance Team
Have you ever wondered what you might be when you grow up? Are you already "grown-up" but curious if your current path still aligns with who you've become? Join the Lurgio Counseling team for a fun and insightful session where you will learn what careers might best suit you based on your interests and strengths. The goal of this session is to help students begin to think about their future by increasing awareness of available options and aligning personal strengths with potential career paths. Parents will also walk awaywithanewinventorytohelpguideyouinworkandpersonalgrowth.
Balancing High School Athletics and Activities
Presenter: Corey Parker, BHS Athletic Director & Director of Wellness This session is designed to touch upon various areas of preparing both the student-athlete and family members for the transition to high school. Learn what it means to be a high school athlete and how students can successfully balance sports, academics, and other extracurricular activities. Families will gain insight into expectations, time management, and ways to support a positiveandrewardinghighschoolexperience.
Workshop Descriptions
Teens and Money
Presenters: Lise Lavoie and Ryan Callahan
Have you seen the growing collection of lost AirPods in the main office?
There’s a common remark that follows…”Kids don’t appreciate money!” These interactivesessionswillhelpyoungteensbuildastrongfoundationinearning, saving, and spending wisely. Despite popular belief, teens are eager to learn financialresponsibility—whilestillenjoyingtherewardsoftheirhardwork!
Technology: Staying Safe Together
Presenter: Deputy Matthew Fleming, ICAC Hillsborough County Sheriff’s
Office, K9 Niko
In this session, participants will explore how phones, computers, video games, and social media can be fun and useful, but also come with some risks. We’ll talk about how to spot unsafe situations, understand how people may try to trick others online, and share simple, practical ways families can stay protected. This session is designed to spark open conversation, build awareness, and help both kids and adults feel more confident navigating technologysafely—together.
What’s Next? Career Exploration Pathways at BHS
Presenter: Amy Woods, Dean of Alternative Programming at BHS
At Bedford High School, our Bulldogs have a variety of opportunities to explore career possibilities both in and out of the classroom. This workshop will highlight pathways available for students to explore their career interests and engage in work-based learning. Whether it’s attending Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at Manchester School of Technology (MST) or developing an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO), attendees will be introduced to possibleprogramsandhowtoparticipateinthem.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Our sincerest thanks goes out to our Stand By Me sponsors! We encourage you to click on the businesses and organizations below to learn more and support each one.
Real Estate Shopper’s Pub & Eatery
Nelson
Vachon Dental
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Stand By Me?
All Ross A. Lurgio 7th graders and their parents/guardians are invited and encouraged to attend. This is considered a regular school day for 7th graders—it simply happens off-campus!
What if parents/guardians can’t attend—can students still attend?
YES! While the goal is for every 7th grader to have at least one parent attend, if that is not possible students can still attend. They can also choose to attend with a grandparent other family member or trusted adult.
What do I need to bring with me that day?
You do not need to bring anything to Stand By Me, unless you are bringing your own lunch. Dress comfortably as some of the workshops may involve light physical activity. You will be walking across campus to workshops, so wear comfortable shoes, and bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is in the forecast. How are the speakers selected for Stand By Me?
Each year, students and parents/guardians are surveyed to provide topic suggestions. The Stand By Me committee reviews the survey suggestions and attempts to hire speakers for those topics, as well as for topics that have been popular in the past.
How do I register?
You will register online through the Stand By Me registration link that Principal Joyce will email directly to 7th grade families. Parents/Guardians should register all attendees in the family under one account in the online registration system.
When is the online registration open?
Registration opens Monday, April 6th and must be completed by Friday, April 17th.
What does it cost?
The cost for Stand By Me is $25 for each person attending, including students. In addition, lunch will be served in the St. Anselm dining hall for $15 per person. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch.
What if I have a financial hardship, can my family still attend?
Yes! Please contact the guidance office for assistance. All matters will be treated confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to complete to be registered?
Your completed online registration will include your workshop choices for both student and companion(s), payment of registration fees, and cost of lunches purchased.
How do students get there? How do parents/guardians get there?
Students should arrive at Lurgio in the morning the same way that they normally do. Students will then travel by bus with their homerooms after morning announcements. Parents/guardians should go directly to St. Anselm College for 9:00am check-in at Sullivan Ice Arena.
How do we get home after Stand By Me?
If parents/guardians attend, students have the option to go home with them at the end of the event, or take the bus from St Anselm’s to Lurgio and go home as they normally do at the end of the school day. If parents/guardians do not attend, students take the bus back to Lurgio at the end of Stand By Me and then take their regular bus home. You will indicate your choice for the student’s transportation home in the online registration process.
How is Stand By Me funded?
Stand By Me is fully funded by sponsorships from businesses, and civic organizations in our local community. Check out the amazing local businesses on the previous pages of this brochure and be sure to thank them for their support!
How will I know what workshops I’ll be attending?
You will receive a lanyard the morning of Stand By Me with your schedule included on it. Students will receive theirs at school while parents/guardians will receive theirs at registration.
Additional questions?
More information can be found on our website at www.sau25.net/standbyme. Questions can also be directed to the Lurgio Main Office or to the Stand By Me steering Committee at lurgiostandbyme@bedfordnhk12.net.
2026 Steering Committee
Co-Chairs: Meg Duhaime & Beth Fitzgerald
Amy Dion, Michael Durant, Linnea Hilchey, Edward Joyce, Amy Klagges, Shailagh Klicker, Kara LaMarche, Greia Marlow, Lauren Mix
2026 Student Committee
Front Row: Aideen Durette, David Handy, Annie Klicker, Duncan Reich, Cooper Rivinius, Kaylee Gach, Thomas Ayotte
Middle Row: Wes Walsh, Bryn Thibault, Adam Haggerty, Preston Francouer, Julia Kerns, Hannah McDonnell, Ethan Brelsford, Eva Cochran
Back Row: Ellyet Ouellette, Anna Hinton (8th Grade Advisor), Emma McIver, Leila Pjanic Joey Dak (8th Grade Advisor), Emilie Ellaway-Lunn, Olivia Cataldo, Mila Stucchi
Not Pictured: Emmett Carpenter, Anna Enright, Alice Penn, Ritwik Ramsundar, Genevieve Trope
