Family Support
As a public school, MVCS is committed to educating children, regardless of financial resources. For this reason, the Family Committee, together with the MVCS administration, is currently developing a Family Support Program to help families connect with resources that they may need (food, clothing, transportation, etc).
While MVCS does not participate in the Free Lunch Program, we have compiled locally available resources for Summer Lunch Programs (see below).
MVCS also has special requirements for outdoor gear needs: all students are required to have appropriate outerwear so they are comfortable outside, regardless of the weather. The administration and Family Committee recognize that this can present an insurmountable financial burden for some families and so we are taking steps to create a “Gear Closet,” where any family can find the gear they need for their child to be well equipped throughout the year. While we are developing this program, please see below for local programs capable of fulfilling this need.
If you are interested in enrolling your child at MVCS, but you feel there are financial barriers preventing this, please call or email our office- we can help.
food resources
Summer Healthy Lunch Program (Got Lunch):
“We deliver supplementary food to families throughout the summer break. Each child receives supplies for a week of lunches including whole wheat bread, sandwich fillings, a serving of a fresh fruit and vegetable for each day, and coupons for milk or other dairy product and for fresh vegetables at a local farmstand.”
Newfound Area Run through Bristol Community Services; they send sign up flyers home in school backpacks
free pantries
Holderness Free Library: In the Friends Room. M, T, W, F 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-2pm.
Byron G. Merrill Library Stone Soup Pantry: Basement. M 10-1, 3-5:30; W 1-5:30; Sa 10am-2pm
clothing support
MVCS Winter Gear Swap
Every October, the MVCS Family Committee hosts a Winter Gear Swap. Families bring their outgrown, lightly worn gear of all sizes (baby through adult). Families take what they need!
Operation Warm- winter coats for kids in need
Operation Warm is a collaboration of the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, Bristol Community Services and the Bristol Fire Department with assistance from the Santa Fund of the Greater Lakes Region. It provides winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens to families with elementary-aged children in need. This program has been partially funded by the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Charitable Fund for Children.
Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC) serves Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Danbury, Groton, Hebron, Hill & New Hampton
special education and needs resources
Very comprehensive website with resources for children with special educational needs or disabilities
This statewide program assists families with youth with disabilities or special health needs to. navigate special programs and education. They are very informed on the IEP process and student rights; have questions about the IEP process or your child’s rights? This should be your first phone call.
Family support for Substance abuse
A program based in NH and southern Maine, Step Up Parents offers financial assistance and support to relative caregivers who have selflessly stepped up to care for children whose biological parents struggle with substance use disorder.
Summer Camp Support
Doug’s Camp Fund Annual camp scholarship fund
2022 Summer camp scholarships