Community and state leaders celebrated the reopening of the new and improved planetarium at Nashua High School South on Wednesday afternoon.

"When we first built the planetarium – and some of you and our students may not be aware we have a planetarium right here in our school system – we only had money for an old, used analog system and no chairs," said Mark Conrad, superintendent of schools for the Nashua district. The original planetarium was built in 2004 during the renovation of Nashua High School.

Alderman Brian McCarthy recalled that he advocated for the first planetarium back in 2004.

"I actually had someone ask me why we were putting a planetarium in a high school because it seemed like an unnecessary expense," McCarthy said. "It’s all about reducing the barriers and providing opportunity for our kids … it’s good for them, it’s good for Nashua, and it’s good for our society in general."

Conrad credited the partnership with the Nashua-based planetarium company Sky-Skan for making the upgrades a reality with $72,000 worth of equipment and software.

"They are clearly a company that cares about the community, science and education," he said. In exchange for the upgrades, Nashua students and staff will act as a focus group for Sky-Skan, giving feedback on new and developing products.

Another improvement came courtesy of the Nashua Education Foundation in the form of nearly $8,000 worth of chairs.

"As it turns out, planetarium chairs are actually very expensive, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the Nashua Education Foundation," Conrad said.

Nashua South science teacher Matt Froment gave demonstrations of the new planetarium, showing off constellations, the solar system, close-ups of planets and a preview of a math-based presentation.

"This is just a theater, and how we use it at the elementary, middle school and high school level is only limited by our creativity," Froment told the audience.

Much of the project’s success is due to Froment’s enthusiasm, Conrad said.

"Investing in education really doesn’t matter until it comes to supporting an effective teacher," he said.

Mayor Jim Donchess, members of the Board of Aldermen and Board of Education, and state officials attended the presentations Wednesday afternoon.

"When I was a kid, I loved the planetarium, and what it does for a child is it not only shows how vast the universe is, but it opens their mind," Donchess said.

Representing Sky-Skan, project director George Barnett credited company President Steve Savage for the partnership with Nashua.

"It’s been an awesome journey we have taken with the school district … it’s something we really believe in; it’s part of our core. We really want to give back to the community," Barnett said, adding that the company plans to develop a lasting relationship with the school district.

Future presentations for students may cover many subjects and span the macro to micro level.

"What really excites me is (Sky-Skan) is not only looking toward the sky, but they are looking inward at the molecular level," Conrad said.

Board of Education member Robert Hallowell thanked former board member Kim Kleiner for reaching out to Sky-Skan in the first place.

"There are so many things going on in our schools, and most of us only know a fraction," Hallowell said. He also thanked state leaders for supporting STEM education in public schools.

State Sen. Bette Lasky attended the event to support the planetarium and read a statement from Gov. Maggie Hassan, who was unable to attend.

"Investing in science, technology, engineering and math education leads to better careers and a stronger New Hampshire economy for us all," Hassan said in her statement.

Matt Bartlett read a statement from U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who graduated from the school when it was Nashua High School. Rep. Ann Kuster also wrote a statement of support praising the work of school staff to support STEM education.

South Principal Keith Richard said the planetarium will benefit the entire district, not just South.

"A couple of classes have already come through … I conducted an ‘exit poll’ after the show, and they said it was ‘unbelievable,’?" Richard said. "I know more students are going to fall in love with this."

Tina Forbes can be reached at 594-6402, tforbes@nashuatelegraph. com or @Telegraph_TinaF.