Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

This month is so busy with fun, fall events and festivities. As we enjoy these events as a school community, it’s important not to lose sight of learning.  Please join us in encouraging our students to stay focused and give their best effort each day. Your support in helping them maintain good habits and stay motivated is so valuable. Together, we can continue to do amazing things!

 

 

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

 

 

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

 

Many of our advisories are 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 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 are limited to 250 students and are not sold at the door.  (Flyer:  Halloween Dance)

 

>>Reminder <<

 

Costumes may not include masks, weapons, or blood/gore.  

All costumes must also be school appropriate.

 

Halloween Costume Contest - October 31

 

The Student Council is sponsoring the annual GHH Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, October 31.  (Flyer:  Halloween Costume Contest)

 

Picture Retake Day - October 30

 

If your child was absent on the original picture day in September, or you are unsatisfied with the pictures, your child should be prepared to participate in the Picture Retake Day scheduled for Thursday, October 30. Additional details are provided on the attached flyer.  (Flyer:  GHH Picture Retake Day Notice)

 

Pinkerton Sponsored Prevention Night - October 23

 

Pinkerton Academy is hosting a Prevention Night on Thursday, October 23, 6:00-8:00 pm, in the Stockbridge Theatre.  Additional information is provided on the attached flyer. (Flyer:  Pinkerton Prevention Night)

 

Coming Soon - Military Holiday Card Challenge

 

The GHH National Junior Honor Society is organizing a district-wide challenge to send holiday cards to our service men and women.  Details coming soon on how your child can participate.

 

Coming Soon - Annual Food Drive - November 3-21

 

We will be accepting donations for the district’s annual food drive for the End 68 Hours of Hunger organization November 3-21. (Flyer:   End 68 Hours of Hunger Food Drive)

 

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:

• January 6,: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Preview Night, 6:00 pm, Stockbridge Theatre (live stream, recorded, and in-person)

• January 15: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Course Night, 5:30-8:00 pm, Academy Building (snow date: January 22)

• 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:

 

 

• October 20-31: Animal Rescue League Collection (House B)

• October 21: Fiscal Advisory Committee, 6:30 at WRB

• October 22: Early Release Day , 11:45 dismissal

• October 22-24: Dance ticket sales at lunch

• October 24: Halloween Dance, 6:00-7:30, sponsored by PTSA & NJHS

• October 28: Team 8-3 Field Trip

• October 28: Team 7-1 Field Trip

• October 28: School Board meeting, 6:00, Derry Municipal Center

• October 30: Picture Retake Day

• October 31: Halloween Costume Contest

• November 2: Daylight Savings Time ends (turn clocks back)

 

**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

 

 

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 signalled 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