Ross A. Lurgio Middle School
Stand By Me
An Adventure in Self-Esteem & Communication
Thursday, May 22, 2025
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
The mission of the Stand By Me program is to equip teenagers and their parents/guardians with the opportunities and skills needed to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and build or enhance trust and self-esteem.
Stand By Me workshops—led by top educators, psychologists, and professionals from New England—are designed to help teens and their companions navigate the challenges and concerns facing today’s families more effectively.
STAND BY ME
A day of workshops for Ross A. Lurgio seventh graders and their parents/guardians.
www.sau25.net/standbyme
Dear Seventh Grade Students and Parents/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 learning together both valuable and enjoyable!
Stand By Me will be held at St. Anselm College on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Both students and parents/guardians register for three workshop sessions. We STRONGLY encourage students and parents/guardians to participate in at least one workshop together. Speakers and workshop topics have been selected based on suggestions from students and parents/guardians, and are designed to help you navigate the road ahead together.
At check-in you will receive a lanyard and copy of your schedule. The following pages provide registration instructions, workshop descriptions, directions, FAQ’s, and other important information!
SCHEDULE:
9:00am – 9:20am Parent/Guardian Check-in Sullivan Arena
9:30am – 10:10am Welcome & Keynote Speaker Sullivan Arena
10:20am – 11:20am Workshop – Session 1 Various Locations
11:30am – 12:30pm Workshop – Session 2 Various Locations
12:35pm – 1:15pm Lunch Davison Dining Hall
1:20pm – 2:20pm Workshop – Session 3 Various Locations
2:45pm – 3:00pm Buses leave for RAL Sullivan Arena
St. Anselm College is located at 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102. Please see important arrival directions on the next page.
ED GERETY, KEYNOTE SPEAKER
In this dynamic, motivational, and engaging keynote address, Ed Gerety delivers a powerful message of resilience, gratitude, compassion, and being kind. Mr. Gerety empowers students to recognize their inner strength, encourages them to care for themselves and each other, and to stand up for their own greatness as well as that of others.
** ARRIVAL DIRECTIONS **
IMPORTANT—PLEASE READ!
If you’re using your phone or GPS for directions, it may tell you to enter through the Main Entrance (College Rd.). DO NOT enter here—there are multiple gates that could block your route to Sullivan Arena.
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 volunteers who will help direct you to Sullivan Ice Arena. Ample parking will be available. (See the map below for reference.)
Please try to arrive on time. Parent check-in is from 9:00 - 9:20am and the Keynote Speaker begins promptly at 9:30am.
St. Anselm College Campus Map
Students will arrive from school by bus and meet parents/guardians in Sullivan Ice Arena (#22). You will receive a lanyard and copy of your schedule at check-in. All sessions will be in the buildings listed and highlighted below, but refer to your schedule for which ones you will be attending.
Alumni Hall (#7)
Sullivan Ice Arena (#22 - Check-in and Keynote Venue)
Davison Hall (#23 - Lunch Venue)
Dana Center (#24)
Goulet Science Center (#25)
The Roger and Francis Jean Student Center Complex (#26)
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
Online registration will be open Monday, April 7th and close on Friday, April 18th. Principal Joyce will send a registration link via email.
● In the registration system, use one account for all attendees.
● Register students and adults together in the one account.
● Students and parents/guardians should participate in at least one workshop together.
● By completing the online registration form, you are indicating your approval of your child's participation and course selections.
● The cost of registration is $25 per attendee, for both students and adults. (If registration fees are a financial hardship for your family, please contact the Lurgio guidance office for confidential assistance.)
RegistrationHelpfulHints:
● Sessions are filled on a first-registered basis. Some workshops fill up quickly as classroom space is limited.
● Register as early as possible for the best opportunity to register for your top choices in each session.
● Before online registration opens, review the workshop descriptions in this brochure to determine your top choices for each session.
● Some sessions are offered three times during the day, others one or two times. The number of sessions each workshop is offered is noted in the description. Coordinate your top choices by the times they’re offered.
● Workshops are offered to both adults and students unless designated as “Adult Only”.
● You’re not required to attend a session together, but we strongly recommend attending at least one session together during the day so you have an opportunity to get the full Stand By Me experience with your student!
LUNCH & TRANSPORTATION
LUNCH
Students and companions will eat lunch together at Davison Dining Hall. Lunch is available for pre-purchase at $14 per person. Lunch is a sandwich buffet and includes a side and a beverage. You may also bring your own lunch!
TRANSPORTATION
Arrival
Student Arrival: 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 9:00 - 9:20am at Sullivan Arena. Refer to the Directions page in this brochure for more information on the St. Anselm Campus.
Departure
Students have a few options for departure. They may return to school via bus for regular afternoon dismissal, drive home with their parents/guardians, or carpool with another friend/adult. Please indicate your student’s transportation choice in the online registrationsystem.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Workshop Descriptions
1. Catching Waves: Shaping Your Future Today, Sessions 1, 2
Ed Gerety, Author/Youth Leadership Development Expert, www.edgerety.com
In this dynamic and inspirational workshop, Ed delivers a powerful message of resilience, gratitude, compassion, and kindness. He empowers participants to recognize their inner strength, encouraging them to care for themselves and each other, and to stand up for their own greatness as well as that of others.
2. The Healing Power of Kind Communication, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Michael Bodhi, Bestselling Author & Mental Health Activist, www.MichaelBodhi.com
Speaking from the heart can feel scary! Michael will explain how it can build trust, lower stress, and strengthen relationships. In this session, parents and students will learn how to connect in a real and meaningful way. They’ll also discover the benefits of communicating with kindness, empathy, openness, and understanding. These simple wellness strategies can help reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your relationships.
3. Mindful Resilience For the Family, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Dr. Chris Willard, (PsyD), Lecturer on Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, www.drchristopherwillard.com
When things get hard, how can we bounce back more resilient than ever? Join Dr. Chris Willard as he discusses the foundations of resilience, stress management, and performance. You’ll leave the workshop with tools to manage stress, boost performance, and build resilience for academics, arts, and athletics.
4. Talking About Mental Health is OK, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Trenni Casey, American sports anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston
Trenni Casey, a passionate sports enthusiast and studio reporter for NBC Sports Boston, will share her powerful message about the importance of mental health in everyday life. Join this session to discover why everyone needs support and why it’s okay to ask for and accept help!
5. Teen Brains and Social Media, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Dr. Sarah Rocha, Psychiatrist Elliot Hospital, Medical Director of Elliot Substance Use Services, Section Chief Department of Psychiatry
Do you have a love-hate relationship with your phone? You're not alone—but there’s a way to break free. Join this session to explore the science behind social media’s impact on the adolescent brain and learn strategies to reduce its harmful effects.
6. Teens and Money, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Lise Lavoie and Ryan Callahan, Financial Advisors, Ameriprise Financial
Have you seen the growing collection of lost AirPods in the main office? There is a common remark that follows…”Kids don’t appreciate money!” These interactive sessions will help young teens build a strong foundation in earning, saving, and spending wisely. Despite popular belief, teens are eager to learn financial responsibility—while still enjoying the rewards of their hard work!
Workshop Descriptions
7. ER Cases of Illicit Substances, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Dr. Kevin Rankins, Emergency Medicine, Elliot Hospital, BeBold
What do drugs actually do to a human body? Dr. Rankins will share a powerful slideshow featuring case studies about patients who have faced the consequences struggling with the results of drug and/or alcohol abuse. Engage with real-world scenarios and deepen your understanding of the serious health impacts of substance use.
8.
Current Drug Issues Affecting New Hampshire, Sessions 1, 2, 3
Retired Captain Brian N. O’Keefe, Community Outreach Specialist, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Captain O’Keefe shares his extensive real world experience in the DEA to explain the effects of the opioid crisis (a type of drug) on middle schoolers. He’ll also provide guidance on what parents can do to help safeguard their children from substance misuse.
9. The Dark Side of Social Media & Internet Safety, Sessions 2, 3; Adult Only
Deputy Matt Fleming, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) NH Task Force
Learn about the online dangers that teens face every day. This session will discuss how computers, cell phones, gaming systems, and social networks all play a role in placing students and families at risk. This presentation is specifically geared towards parents, educators, and community leaders looking to better understand the technology available to teens and the ways in which child predators use it to exploit them.
10. From Classroom to Home: Digital Tools, Safety, and Independence, Sessions 2, 3; Adult Only
Donna Dennis, RAL Digital Learning Specialist
Join RAL Digital Learning Specialist, Donna Dennis to learn how to confidently navigate essential school platforms like Google Classroom, ParentSquare, and PowerSchool, while also gaining vital online safety resources. Discover effective strategies to balance academic oversight with fostering student independence. Empower yourself to support your child's success in the digital age, both academically and safely.
11. The Consequences of Alcohol and Vaping, Sessions 2, 3
Officers Eli Krause and Adam Bissonnette, RAL/BHS School Resource Officer
Officers Eli Krause and Adam Bissonnette will discuss the consequences of alcohol and vaping use. What are the legal repercussions? 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, and substance free.
Workshop Descriptions
12. Healthy Teen Relationships, Sessions 2, 3
Kari Bettencourt, Kate Costello, Donna LaRue, Ellen Vigneault — RAL Guidance Team
Have you ever wondered…"Are they really a good friend?", "How do I find my real friends?", or "Is this a positive relationship or toxic one?" Join the RAL Guidance Team to learn what it takes to form the foundations of positive connections during middle school. Explore the ideas of respect, communication, trust, boundaries, and resolving conflicts.
13. Mental Health Matters, Sessions 2, 3
Jessica Bennett, LADC/LCMHC, Bedford High School Guidance; Bedford High School 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.
14. Success On & Off the Field: Navigating High School Athletics, Sessions 2, 3
Corey Parker, Athletic Director, Bedford High School
Plan on joining a high school sports team? Mr. Parker, the BHS Athletic Director, will share practical strategies for balancing demands of schoolwork, sports commitments, and personal well-being. Participants will gain insights into time management, teamwork, team culture, individual and team expectations in all areas of high school life.
15. Bedford High School 101, Sessions 2, 3
Bedford High School Students
Did you know that there are more than 50 clubs at BHS? 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 discussion about the joys of BHS.
16. Recipe for Success, Sessions 2, 3
Amanda LaRocca and Tammy Zelanes, RAL Academic Support Teachers Students, does it drive you crazy when your parents say you're not working hard enough? Parents, do your kids' study habits leave you frustrated? Amanda and Tammy are here to help with their "Study Strategies Menu!” Build your own personal planning menu to balance activities and school commitments, so you can get everything done—confidently and efficiently.
17. Independent Kids, Sessions 2, 3; Adult Only
Dr. Rachael Ramsey, 6th grade teacher at McKelvie Intermediate School
Are you interested in seeing your children take charge of their own daily routines and responsibilities? How about preparing for the day, planning ahead for the week, and completing tasks like homework or tidying up their space without being asked? In this session, we will unveil five effective strategies for parents to nurture independence in their children, exchange stories of parenting victories, share valuable tactics, and discuss common challenges. Executive skills, such as memory retention, self-control, and adaptability, will also take center stage.
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.
EVENT CHAMPIONS
Bedford PTG
Bedford Men's Club
WORKSHOP PARTNERS
American Legion & Veterans of Foreign Wars
Elliot Health System
Mercedes-Benz of Manchester
Moin Orthodontics
Source1 AV
FUTURE SHAPERS
A.J. LeBlanc HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical
Bedford Athletic Club
Bedford Animal Hospital
Bedford Lions Club
Bedford Rotary Club
Catholic Medical Center
DMC Primary Care
Eastern Bank
Elliott Orthodontics
Executive Health & Sports Center
Goedecke Paint, Flooring and Design Center
Integrated Pain Care of Bedford
Liberty Hill Construction
London Family Orthodontics
Millennium Running
Northeast Delta Dental
Viking Medical Group
Vachon Dental
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES & IN KIND DONATIONS
Apex Wealth Management
BYPC
Cohen Closing & Title, LLC
Eckman Construction
Ethan Allen
Lindner Dental
Wicked Good Butchah
Great NH Restaurants
Spectrum Signs & Graphics
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. It is best to register all participants at one time to increase the likelihood you will be in workshops together. If you do not see a specific workshop listed, that means it is FULL and you need to make another selection. The workshop may be available in another session.
When is the online registration open?
Registration opens Monday, April 7th and must be completed by Friday, April 18th.
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 $14 per person. You are also welcome to bring a 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 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.
Will parents/guardians and students spend the whole day together?
That depends on each family's workshop choices. The more workshops you sign up for together, the more time you'll share! To make the most of the day, we recommend attending at least one workshop together and enjoying the lunch break together as well.
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 confirmation of your workshop schedule when your online registration is complete. You will also 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. Workshop registration is first come, first served, so be sure to register online as soon as possible.
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.
2025 Steering Committee 2025 Student Committee
Co-Chairs: Meg Duhaime
& Beth Fitzgerald
Amy & Josh Dion, Michael Durant, Linnea Hilchey, Edward Joyce, Amy Klagges, Shailagh Klicker, Kara LaMarche, Tejal Saraiya
Back row: Collin Plourde, Aislinn Ludwig, Evan Gardner, Anusha Thapa, Alyse Buschmann, Serena Race, Vivian Bellinger, Harper Casey, Whitney Brooks, Sophia Suozzo, Charlotte Stead, Sophia Collins, Isabella Bourgault, Lexi Klicker, Anna Hinton, Jackson Romanowski
Middle row: Dylan Baines, Sophia Dion, Siena Fabrizio, Mary Driscoll, Ellery Sellers, Emerson Desrosiers, Vedha Balajiviswanathan, Caroline Sullivan, Nathalie LeClaire, Sadie Glover, Ellie Torres
www.sau25.net/standbyme
May 22, 2025 Ross A. Lurgio