SAU50 Archives - Granite Grok

BANFIELD: Are Some Portsmouth Students More Equal Than Others?

October 24, 2025 Ann Marie Banfield

The Portsmouth School District seems to hold some students in higher esteem than others. The latest controversy centers on Anthony Ferola, a 17-year-old senior at Portsmouth High School, who has been told to refrain from praying publicly during basketball games. According to Seacoast Online, Ferola prayed before games for his teammates’ health and to express … Read more

More SEL Group Therapy in Schools: Training Kids to Keep Information Secret

October 24, 2024December 9, 2022 Ann Marie Banfield

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is now a way for group therapy sessions to be held inside your child’s classroom. We already know that this is happening in Greenland, but what does this look like?

Complaint Filed in SAU50 Over SEL Social and Emotional Learning–Failure to Obtain Parental Consent

December 4, 2022 Ann Marie Banfield

Dear Ms. Fenton;

Please review the following emails I sent to the Superintendent in SAU50 regarding the Social and Emotional Learning taking place in the district. There is a difference of opinion on what constitutes assessing and servicing the mental health of children through SEL.

SEL/ Psychology in the Classroom: Public School’s Denial and a Violation of Federal Law?

October 13, 2022 Ann Marie Banfield

SAU 50/Greenland is using Kimochis therapy in the classroom. However, the Superintendent is in denial that this SEL program is not providing group mental health therapy in the classroom. This kind of denial is not the first I’ve encountered by administrators in New Hampshire.