Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
We want to begin this week by expressing our deep gratitude for your continued partnership, support, and involvement in our school community. We wish our staff, students, and families a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with good food, laughter, and time together. Stay safe and enjoy this special time with family and friends.
Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
Video: Thank You
Once again, we would like to thank all the families and community members who supported the Cards for Troops project. Please take a moment to view this “Thank You” video from National Junior Society students.
Cards for Troops -Thank You Video
Annual Food Drive
GHH collected over 1100 items to donate to the End 68 Hours of Hunger program. Well done! The two teams that collected the most items are Team 8-4 and Team 7-3. We will plan a special treat in December for these two teams. A special lift up to all the families who supported this important cause. Thank you!
Caffeinated Beverages and Energy Drinks
Reminder: Students are not permitted to have soda, coffee-based drinks, or other caffeinated beverages during school hours. If they enter the building in the morning with coffee-based beverages (ex: Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks), they must finish it before the end of the Advisory block. Any unconsumed portion of these drinks must be disposed of before going to first period. However, energy drinks are not permitted at all. Thank you in advance for your support and reinforcing these guidelines.
Trimester 2 begins - December 1
Reminder: Trimester 2 begins on Monday, December 1. Trimester 1 Report Cards will be posted to Power School on December 9 at 3:00 pm.
Yearbook Cover Competition - due December 1
Interested GHH students are invited to enter an original drawing into our annual Yearbook Cover Competition. The winning artwork will be displayed on the front or back cover of this year's yearbook. Two winning entries will be selected, one for the front cover and one for the back cover. More information is provided on this flyer: 2025 Yearbook Cover.
PTSA Reflections - due December 5
The annual PTA Reflections program is under way. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. This year’s theme is “I Belong”. Entries are due December 5. For more information, packets are available in the office. If you have questions, please email kassiatessier@gmail.com. (Flyer: 2025 Reflections)
GHH Book Fair - December 1-5
The GHH Library is hosting their winter Scholastic Book Fair December 1-5. Classes will have the opportunity to visit and purchase books during the first week of December. In addition, the library is hosting two nights where families can shop for new books:
•Tuesday, December 2, 5:00-7:00 pm
•Thursday, December 4, 4:00-7:00 pm
Grinnell Holiday Craft Fair - December 6
Grinnell Elementary School is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 6, 9:00-3:00. With over 40 Vendors, enjoy hot chocolate, baked goods, and crafts.
Community Resources for Derry Families
-
Derry Strong Website: https://sites.google.com/sau10.org/keep-calm-carry-online/home
Annual Information Update
If you have not already done so for this school year, please complete your child's Annual Information Update through PowerSchool. This must be done every year for ALL NEW and RETURNING STUDENTS. Here is a link to the PowerSchool Parent Portal sign in page: https://sau10.powerschool.com/public/home.html Please call the office if you have questions or need assistance: 603-432-1224.
Information about Pinkerton Academy
For current eighth graders who plan to attend Pinkerton Academy, please check out their revamped website specifically designed for you.
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)
Upcoming Dates:
-
November 24: School Board meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30
-
November 25: Team 7-3 visits Derry Public Library
-
November 26-28: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
-
November 29: Nutfield Holiday Parade, 1:00, GHH Marching Band participating
-
December 1: Trimester 2 begins
-
December 1-5: GHH Book Fair (evening hours on December 2 & 4)
-
December 5: Grade 7 Field Trip; Pinkerton’s A Christmas Carol
-
December 9: Trimester 1 Learning Reports to families
-
December 9: PTSA meeting, 6:00 in the library
-
December 10: Early Release Day, dismissal at 11:45
-
December 15: Music Assemblies
-
December 15: GHH Chorus Concert, 6:00-7:30
-
December 16: GHH Band Concert, 6:00-7:30
-
December 22-January 2: No School (Holiday 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 off 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.
NOTE: Please be extremely cautious during the morning arrival process, especially in the car drop off line around the school. Mornings can be hectic for everyone, and sometimes we all feel the pressure of running late in the morning. Even during those harried moments, please be aware of your car speed around the school. The safety of our students, staff, and families must remain our top priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Assignment Completion Report
We’re excited to share a helpful feature in PowerSchool. Parents can generate a report showing all missing, late, or incomplete assignments across classes. To access the report:
-
On the left side menu, click Student Reports.
-
Under the heading Currently Published Reports, choose T1 Assignment Completion Report.
See this video for further assistance: GHH Parent Video
You can also find your child’s archived reports here, including learning reports (report cards). We email you when new reports are published, but they’ll also remain available in this section.
Student Pickup from Afterschool Clubs
Many of our after-school 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.
Annual Head Lice Information
View the annual update from the Derry School District regarding Head Lice prevention, procedures and resources.
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