Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

As we enter this festive week of Halloween, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the creativity, kindness, and cooperation that help our school community thrive. Together–staff, students, and families–we can continue to build a strong, positive environment where students can connect and learn.  Thank you all for being an essential part of our school community. We wish everyone a safe, joyful, and maybe even  spooky week ahead!

 

 

Halloween Costume Contest - October 31

 

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

>>Reminder <<

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

All costumes must also be school appropriate.

 

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)

 

Military Holiday Card Challenge - Week of November 3

 

The GHH National Junior Honor Society is organizing a district-wide challenge to send holiday cards to our troops. Their goal is to collect  4,000–5,000 cards from all Derry schools and across the community to spread holiday cheer to military personnel who are away from home during the holidays. They are asking for donations of blank or unused cards—they can be store-bought or homemade. Donated blank cards should be brought to the main office by November 3. GHH students will be adding messages and preparing them for shipment by mid-November.  Your contribution of cards can make a real difference to a soldier spending the holidays far from home. 

 

Family-Teacher Conferences - November 10

 

Student Led Family-Teacher conferences will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025.   You should have received a message from your child’s advisor with a link to book a 20-minute conference on that day.  If not, please email your child’s advisor.   Your child must also attend the conference with you and the advisor on November 10.  The students have been working with their teachers to prepare for this student-led meeting.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s advisor.

 

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. Each team will collect the donations.  Please refer to the flyer for a list of suggested items.  (Flyer:   End 68 Hours of Hunger Food Drive)

 

Pinkerton Event: C.T.E. Career Awareness Program (CAP) Night - November 20

 

Pinkerton Academy is inviting eighth grade students and their families to an informational night on Thursday November 20 from 5:00-6:30pm (at Pinkerton). This event is designed to share information about their CTE Career Awareness Program. Information is also available on their website:  link

 

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 28: Team 8-3 Field Trip

• October 28: Team 7-1 visit to Derry Public Library

• 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)

• November 4: Team 7-2 visit to Derry Public Library

• November 10: Family-Teacher Conferences

• November 11: No School  (Veterans Day)

• November 12: PTSA Meeting, 6:00 (Library)

• November 18: Team 7-4 visit to Derry Public Library

• November 25: Team 7-3 visit to Derry Public Library

• November 26-28: No School  (Thanksgiving Break)

 

**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