Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

As we begin our second trimester, it’s  been another busy and productive week at GHH–even with the added snow mixed in!  December can be a fun and exciting time of year. However, it can also be a  distracting time for our students.  Working together, school and home, we can help our students balance ongoing expectations with festive activities.  We’ve got this!

 

 

A special lift up to the students who were named to the November Husky Top 10! These students were identified by their teachers as exemplifying our “Be Husky Strong” theme.  To demonstrate the attributes of being “Husky Strong” students work hard, make good choices, and show kindness to others.  We appreciate how these students contribute to our school community.

 

 

A special lift up as well to the students who were named to the Rotary Students of the Month for October and November.  Students are selected based on academic achievement, school involvement, and community service.  We are proud to have these students represent our school in this great program offered through the Derry Rotary Club.

 

 

Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:

 

 

Report Cards - December 9

 

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

 

December Spirit Week - December 15-19 ( flyer)

 

• Monday - Santa Hats/Accessories

• Tuesday - House Themes

  • House A - Reindeer

  • House B - Candy Canes

  • House C - Gingerbread

  • House D - Snow People

• Wednesday - Ugly Sweater Day

• Thursday - Favorite Holiday Character

• Friday - Holiday/Festive Pajama Day

 

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.

 

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 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 15-19: December Spirit Week

• 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