DURHAM – Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Principal Bill Sullivan are delighted to share that Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) has been named the 2025 Middle School of Excellence in New Hampshire by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards (EDies). 

Members of the EDies Board of Directors, CardMyYard, Booster, and Geskus were on-site at ORMS on Monday, April 21, to officially announce the school as the 2025 Middle School of Excellence. 

The EDies recognize exemplary practices and excellence across public elementary, middle, K-8, and high schools throughout the Granite State. Winning schools at each level earn statewide acclaim as an EDies School of Excellence, along with a $2,000 prize, a school banner, and a beautifully engraved school bell symbolizing their commitment to excellence in education. 

Schools are assessed against the following competencies:  

• The curriculum and instructional practices are presented in a rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning environment. 
• The school organizes community members, ensuring they all have a role in building the school’s climate and culture. 
• The school’s vision, mission, and goals are clearly articulated, well communicated, and guide practice. 
• The school has an effective system for utilizing data and information that supports personalization. 
• There is a culture of empowerment among students, staff, teachers, administration, and community members. 

ORMS was selected for recognition for its competency-based curriculum and assessment system, intentional integration of student voice and agency, its inclusive, welcoming climate and student-centered model, and its forward-thinking design and sustainability achievements that support its academic mission by fostering a creative, wellness-focused, and connection-oriented learning environment. 

"We are beyond proud to have earned this recognition by the EDies," said Principal Bill Sullivan. "Our students, staff, and faculty are committed to academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. I would like to thank our Oyster River families and community members for their support and engagement, and for making our school such a great place to learn." 

ORMS will be formally honored at the NH Excellence in Education Awards Celebration on June 7, where it will be recognized as a model of student-centered excellence for the state.  

"We are honored that ORMS has been named the 2025 Middle School of Excellence in New Hampshire," said Superintendent Dr. Shaps. "This distinction would not have been possible without the collective effort of our students, staff, faculty, and community. We celebrate this achievement and remain committed to fostering a learning environment where everyone feels valued, challenged, and embraces the pursuit of continuous growth." 

Pictured from the left: Paul Yegeau, EDies Board of Directors Vice Chair, Stacey MacStravic, EDies Board of Directors Treasurer, ORCSD Assistant Suzanne Filippone, Fred Bramante, EDies Board of Directors, ORCSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps, Beth Piroso, EDies Board of Directors, Megan Tuttle, EDies Board of Directors, ORMS Principal Bill Sullivan, ORMS Assistant Principal Alida Carter, ORMS Special Services Director Nancy Michaud.

 Oyster River Middle School faculty and staff, and EDies board of director team members.

The EDies provided lawn signs to be displayed near ORMS' main entrance.