Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
We hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. Our teachers spent some time together on Friday engaging in a variety of professional learning activities. We are grateful for these valuable opportunities to learn together and find ways to implement that learning into our classrooms. We believe that when educators invest in their own learning, it positively impacts every student’s experience. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to provide the best education possible for your children.
Here is some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
Pink Out Day - October 17
Student Council is sponsoring Pink Out Day on Friday, October 17. Staff and students are asked to dress in all pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness. The Student Council is also selling bracelets at lunches on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (October 15-17) for $1. Proceeds go to Dana Farber in Londonderry. (Flyer: Pink Out Day)
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Many of our advisories will participating in a Pumpkin Decorating Contest this month. Thank you in advance for your support as you may be asked to donate some supplies for this fun community-building activity. We can’t wait to see a great display of creativity and teamwork! Contest winners will be announced on the Husky Morning Show on October 31.
Halloween Dance - October 24
The Halloween Dance sponsored by The PTSA and the National Junior Honor Society are sponsoring a Halloween dance on Friday, October 24, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tickets will be sold for $5 each, during all lunches October 22-24. Tickets will be limited to 250 students and will not be sold at the door. (Flyer: Halloween Dance)
Annual Information Update
If you have not already done so for this school year, please complete your child's Annual Information Update through PowerSchool. Here is a link to the PowerSchool Parent Portal sign in page: https://sau10.powerschool.com/public/home.html
Information about Pinkerton Academy
For current eighth graders who plan to attend Pinkerton Academy, please check out their revamped website specifically designed for you: link
In addition, please make note of these upcoming events for current eighth graders:
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January 6,: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Preview Night, 6:00 pm, Stockbridge Theatre (live stream, recorded, and in-person)
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January 15: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Course Night, 5:30-8:00 pm, Academy Building (snow date: January 22)
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January 26: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Electives Information Day (during school day)
(Flyer: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Events)
Holiday Support from the Salvation Army
Please refer to the flyer below for information for holiday support from the Salvation Army. If you have any questions, please contact Lee Holder, Home-to-School Coordinator, lholder@sau10.org.
Upcoming Dates:
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October 14: PTSA Meeting, 6:00 pm
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October 15-17: Pink Out bracelet sales at lunch
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October 17: Pink Out Day (Wear pink for breast cancer awareness)
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October 17: Teams 7-1 & 7-2 Field Trip
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October 20-31: Animal Rescue League Collection (House B)
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October 22: Early Release Day , 11:45 dismissal
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October 22-24: Dance ticket sales at lunch
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October 24: Halloween Dance, 6:00-7:30, sponsored by PTSA & NJHS
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October 28: Team 8-3 Field Trip
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October 28: Team 7-1 Field Trip
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October 30: Picture Retake Day
**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.
From the Nurse’s Office
Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) Information
As part of our commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe school environment we are providing this periodic information on Head Lice as a resource to families. Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) can be a common occurrence with children .
What Are Head Lice? Head lice are small, wingless insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. Lice cannot fly, jump or crawl long distances. They are not dangerous and do not spread disease, but they can cause itching and discomfort. They are transmitted from one person to another through direct head to
head contact or, much less commonly, by sharing combs, brushes, hats, or bedding. Head lice are not associated with poor hygiene and can happen to anyone.
Parents and family members are often the first to recognize the most common symptom of head lice which is constant itching of the head, particularly behind the ears or at the nape of the neck. This is a reminder that it is important to check your child’s hair regularly.
How to Identify Head Lice:
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Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and can be white, brown, or tan and move quickly.
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Nits (lice eggs) are tiny, oval-shaped, and yellowish or white. They are firmly attached (glued) to the hair shaft, close to the scalp.
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Common signs include persistent itching of the scalp and the presence of nits or live lice.
Steps for Prevention:
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Encourage children to avoid sharing hats, combs, brushes, hair accessories, and headphones.
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Remind children to keep their heads away from others during play or group activities.Keeping longer hair pulled up/back would be helpful in limiting direct hair to hair contact.
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Regularly check your child’s scalp and hair for signs of lice, especially if they complain of itching.
What to Do If Your Child Has Head Lice:
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Check with your healthcare provider, school nurse or pharmacist for instructions on how to treat an infestation. Begin treatment recommended immediately. Follow the directions carefully.
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Refer to these resources for further guidance
b. Treatment of Head Lice | Lice | CDC.
d. PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS (Head Lice) CONT
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Inform the school nurse and inform the parents of your child’s close friends or playmates.
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The school nurse will give ongoing support aligned with the school board policy (JLCC) and ensure student confidentiality.
On-Going Reminders
Reminders about Morning Drop Off Procedures
If you are driving in the morning car rider line behind the building, please wait to drop of your child(ren) until you are in the drop-off zone and signaled by a staff member to do so. The drop-off zone is between the crosswalk near the dining hall doors (Door 16) to the corner of the building. When students are dropped off before that zone, it affects the safety and efficiency measures put in place. Your attention and cooperation in this process is greatly appreciated.
Student Pickup from Afterschool Clubs
Many of our afterschool clubs dismiss at 3:00 pm, or soon after. Keep in mind that the Derry Early Education Program (DEEP) may still be dismissing their students around that same time. DEEP families form a double car line along the front of the building to pick up their children. Please do not attempt to go around these cars, which can cause a serious safety issue. You are welcome to use the middle staff parking lot or wait for the DEEP pick up line to subside. Thank you for your cooperation as we work together for the safety of all students in our school community.
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
Afterschool Clubs & Activities
Students should pay attention to the announcements during Morning Meeting to get information about clubs they may be interested in joining. These daily announcements are also posted on our school website under the “Resources” tab. The Morning Meeting Notices spreadsheet is constantly updated and available for reference.
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