Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

We hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving break filled with quality time with family and friends. We’d like to give a lift up to the GHH Band who weathered the cold and windy conditions to march in the Holiday Parade on Saturday.  A special thank you to several parent volunteers who helped, as well Mrs. Romano, Mr. Velez, and Ms. McWhirter.  As we begin December, we look forward to the many festivities that this time of year brings.  Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

 

 

Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:

 

 

New Trimester  - December 1

 

Trimester 2 begins on Monday, December 1.  For many of our students, this means different Unified Arts classes.  If your child is unsure of what classes they are scheduled for or where they are located in the building, please encourage them to ask their advisor during Morning Meeting.

 

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 Spirit Wear Orders - due December 3

 

Husky Spirit Wear Pop-Up Shop is open for orders until December 3 at noon. Available items include hats, tshirts, and sweatshirts. Order here:  link

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

 

Report Cards - December 9

 

Trimester 1 Learning Reports will be posted to Power School on December 9 at 3:00 pm.

 

Music Concerts - December 15 & 16

 

Our Band and Chorus students will be performing their concerts during the week of December 15:

• Chorus Concert: Monday, December 15, 6:00 pm

• Band Concert: Tuesday, December 16, 6:00 pm

Music students will also perform music assemblies for all our students on Monday, December 15.

 

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 Verdors, 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

• Greater Derry Food Services information: Flyers

 

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:  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)

 

Upcoming Dates:

 

• 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 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.

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:

• Log in to the Parent Portal.  (link)

• 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 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