Intro to Corrections Launched at Berlin High School

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections (DOC) has teamed up with Berlin High School to offer students a nine-week course on Introduction to Corrections. The course provides students with elective credit and in-depth knowledge of the corrections field. 

Prison Warden Corey Riendeau consulted with high school guidance counselors and Administrator of Programs Jessica Riendeau to develop the program before seeking approval by the school board.

DOC staff from various divisions alternate teaching the course, while weekly guest speakers contribute to each class. TAlso the course is half participation and half writing essays as an essay is due the following week for each topic covered the previous week. Classes are 90 minutes two to three times a week during the second and third quarters. On the ninth week, students take a tour of the Northern NH Correctional Facility in Berlin led by Riendeau and Commissioner Helen Hanks.

“This has been such an exciting opportunity for the students and also for those of us instructing them,” said Riendeau.  “It has been a pleasure working with the students from Berlin High School and we look forward to expanding the program to include additional districts in the future."

“The capstone visit to the prison allows students to see, in action, all they have learned” said Superintendent of Berlin Public Schools Julie King. “We are most thankful to our corrections partners for their work with our school community.”

Students learn about a new career pathway, and the feedback from the first class launched was extremely positive. Student Brayden Riendeau shared, “The class was great. The presenters showed us all the different areas of the prison and career options. I personally liked the K9 class the best.”

The course is wrapping up its second and final session of the 2021-2022 school year and, with increased interest, doubling in size from the initial kick-off class. The course will be open again during the 2022-2023 school year at Berlin High School. The DOC appreciates the partnership with the school administration and students and looks forward to more opportunities in the future.

Other schools interested in learning more about the Introductions to Corrections, offered by the NH Department of Corrections should contact Administrator Tina Thurber at (603)271-5648.

(Pictured: Warden Riendeau, Commissioner Hanks and DOC Corrections Officers lead the Berlin High School group on a tour of the Northern NH Correctional Facility in Berlin as part of their final class.)