Updated 3/27/2024: View the full press release here.

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are student-initiated and student-centered learning experiences that provide knowledge and skills outside the traditional classroom methodology.

ELOs enhance learning opportunities and their success lie on students’ involvement. Their purpose is to provide meaningful and relevant educational experiences while giving students opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. ELOs are a great way for students to explore non-traditional career pathways and strengthen functional skills. 

Oyster River High School (ORHS) hired its first ELO coordinator, Sean Peschel, during the 2017-2018 school year. Mr. Peschel coordinates ELOs, the Career and Technical Education program (CTE), Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) opportunities, and supports students enrolled in the three categories of Early College. 

Through ELOs, Oyster River students can choose to be exposed to a variety of career pathways, learn more about a specific career, or gain experience in a chosen field.  

ORHS offers five categories of ELOs:

• Independent coursework
• Advanced coursework
• Career exploration
• Internship
• Peer instruction

Through ELOs, Oyster River students can choose to be exposed to a variety of career pathways, learn more about a specific career, or gain experience in a chosen field. ORHS offers five categories of ELOs: independent coursework, advanced coursework, career exploration, internship, and peer instruction. 

On February 7, 2024, ORHS junior Stella Pillet-Shore presented her ELO experience to the ORSCD School Board. During her sophomore year, Stella spent seven weeks at Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Second Healthcare Exploration program in the summer 2023. She was the first ORHS student to partake in this program. 

The highly competitive process involved answering multiple questions, submitting a resume and referrals, and attending multiple interviews. Stella was among 14 students selected for the internship. During the internship, rotations included two weeks on an inpatient unit, two weeks in surgical services, and three weeks exploring other services such as laboratories, imaging, outpatient therapy, and quality.  

Stella, like other Portsmouth Regional Hospital interns, was assigned a leadership mentor, and worked on organizing a healthcare career expo which was held on October 20, 2023. The expo served four purposes; to rebuild excitement for healthcare in the community, show a wide range of career pathways, strengthen relations with schools, and energize Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s staff by working with youth. 

“It all started with a post in Schoology, and this experience really taught me what I value in healthcare. It was a fulfilling experience and was inspired by the teamwork. I worked 5 days a week, in-between life guarding and basketball practices because it was such a wonderful opportunity. My ELO experience is a great example of how Oyster River High School empowers student learning.” 

ELO Coordinator Sean Peschel added, “Stella’s experience is a great example of how impactful ELOs can be for students and how Oyster River is working together to engage every learner. Stella earned valuable experience and credits for her transcript. The expo was such a huge success that Portsmouth Regional Hospital is thinking about expanding it throughout the state.” 

If you are an ORHS student, parent, or caregiver interested in discussion ELO opportunities, please contact ELO Coordinator Sean Peschel at (603) 868-2375, ext. 6010 or click here to email.

Stella Pillet-Shore during her internship (second from the left) with Portsmouth Regional Hospital team members.

Stella's expo was such a huge success that Portsmouth Regional Hospital is thinking about expanding it throughout the state.