Principal's Message - 09.14.2025

  • Posted September 14, 2025
Husky picture

Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

This past week was our first full week of school, and our staff and students rocked it!  

 

The Fall NWEA assessments began with the Reading test.  Students worked hard, stayed focused, and did their best to show what they have learned.  We are so proud of the effort and attention the students have been giving to these district-wide assessments. We also had a great family turnout to our annual Fall Open House on Thursday.  Thank you to all who attended. A special lift-up to our staff as they welcomed our GHH families, as well as to the students of the National Junior Honor Society who helped families navigate through the building.  We ended the week with practicing our big smiles our Picture Day.  If your child missed picture day, or forgot to smile for the photographer, picture retakes are scheduled for October 30.   

 

We hope you have enjoyed this beautiful fall weekend, and we look forward two another great week of learning, making connections, and growing as a school community.  Through it all, we will work together to Be Husky Strong–Work Hard, Make Good Choices, and Be Kind. Working together, we can do amazing things.

 

Here is some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:

 

 

Fall NWEA Testing (9/15, 9/16)

 

The Fall NWEA testing window continues this week. The Mathematics assessment will be administered on 9/15 and 9/16. Assessments will be taken in the morning, immediately following Morning Meeting.  Please be sure that students arrive to school on time to avoid having to makeup the tests on another day.   Students need to bring their Chromebooks to school fully-charged for testing.

Dominos Fundraiser (through 9/21)

 

The PTSA sponsored Dominos fundraiser is in full swing, and runs through September 21. As of earlier this weekend we have raised over $2700, which surpasses half-way towards our goal.  Thank you to everyone who has participated for their support.  Here is how you can participate:

  • Every student should register for the fundraiser: https://register.dominos.cards/49869 

  • Once you register you will get your own personal link to share with friends and family. 

  • If you choose not to register, you can still support us by sharing our general online store, where friends and family can purchase a Buy One, Get One large pizza card for just $20:  https://store.dominos.cards/49869

Constitution Day (9/17)

 

On Wednesday, September 17, Derry schools will celebrate Constitution Day. We invite students and staff to wear red, white, and blue to mark the occasion. Beginning this year, a new New Hampshire law (HB 571 (2025)) requires public schools to devote one session during the week of Constitution Day to patriotic exercises. We’ll provide age-appropriate activities in class to honor this requirement. Thank you for helping us celebrate this important part of our nation’s history. We look forward to a thoughtful day of learning and community pride.

Challenge Day Events (9/22-9/25)

 

We are excited that our eighth students will be participating in an exciting program called Challenge Day. Challenge Day is a powerful and transformational day designed to help school communities break down barriers and build connection. With activities directly aligned to our CARES competencies, it will be a day of fun, friendship and new possibilities.  

Derry Cooperative School District Free & Reduced Lunch Application

 

We invite you to watch this informative video regarding filling out the free and reduced lunch application:   https://youtu.be/V6Y8kMqapgc

 

Free Event: Internet Safety for Parents - 9/18

 

At the Upper Room, the Derry Police Department is offering a free presentation for parents/caregivers that will focus on internet safety.  Details can be found here: link

Upcoming Dates:

 

  • September 15 & 16: NWEA Math assessment

  • September 17: Constitution Day; Spirt Day: Wear red, white, and blue

  • September 18: Internet Safety for Parents, Upper Room, 6:30-8:00

  • September 22: Team 8-1 Challenge Day

  • September 23: Team 8-2 Challenge Day

  • September 23: Derry School Board Meeting, 6:00 (Derry Municipal Center)

  • September 24: Team 8-3 Challenge Day

  • September 24: Early Release Day (11:45 dismissal)

  • September 25: Team 8-4 Challenge Day

  • September 26: Back to School Dance (sponsored by PTSA), 6:00-7:30 pm

 

**To keep up to date on the daily happenings at GHH, be sure to check our daily announcements that are posted on our school website under the “Resources” tab.   The  Morning Meeting Notices spreadsheet is constantly updated and available for reference.

 

On-Going Reminders

 

Afterschool Enrichment Program 

 

The Gilbert H. Hood Middle School Afterschool Enrichment program is a FREE program that runs September 2, 2025 to May 28, 2026 every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 2 to 5:30 pm . Students enrolled in this program are expected to attend 3 days a week. Students can ALSO attend any clubs or sports offered at the school. Further details are provided on the attached flyer.  The program is FUN, keeps students safe, provides engaging activities, and positive social interactions with a long-term goal of increased community engagement. To register:  https://bit.ly/AfterschoolEnrichment

Cell Phone and Device Use

 

  • Students may not use personal devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, or gaming devices—during the school day. This includes lunch and other non-classroom times. 

  • Devices must remain off and stored away throughout the day. 

  • If students need to contact their parent/guardian during the school day, they should ask to use a school-based phone in the classroom or office. If a parent/guardian needs to get an urgent message to their child, they should call the school office. 

  • A new state law was signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte that sets strict limits on student cell phone use during school hours. For a quick overview of how this law affects students and families, please take a moment to watch  this short video.