Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break. As we welcome students back tomorrow, we’re excited to begin a new year filled with fresh opportunities for learning and growth. Thank you for your continued support of our school community — we look forward to a successful and fulfilling 2026 ahead. Together, we can do amazing things.
Happy New Year!
Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
District Budget Discussion at PTSA Meeting
The next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, at 6:00 pm. This month’s meeting will include a discussion of the proposed 2026-2027 DCSD budget. Representatives from the School Board and District Administrators will be available to answer questions.
Winter NWEA Testing (1/12, 1/13, 1/20, 1/21)
The Winter NWEA testing window begins on Monday, January 12. The Reading assessment will be administered on 1/12 and 1/13, while the Math assessment will be administered on 1/20 and 1/21. Assessments will be taken in the morning, immediately following Morning Meeting. Please be sure that students arrive to school on time to avoid having to makeup the tests on another day. Students need to bring their Chromebooks to school fully-charged for testing.
Snow Tubing - January 18 ( flyer )
GHH PTSA is coordinating a fun event of snow tubing with family and friends at Gunstock Mountain on Sunday, January 18, 4:30-7:30 pm. Space is limited. Here’s the link to purchase tickets: link
Yearbook Sales ( flyer )
The 2026 Gilbert H. Hood Yearbook is now on sale! Don't miss your chance to reserve your copy. Here’s the link to purchase: link
Community Resources for Derry Families
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Derry Strong Website: https://sites.google.com/sau10.org/keep-calm-carry-online/home
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Greater Derry Food Services information: Flyers
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Upcoming Dates:
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January 5: Return to school
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January 6: Pinkerton Eighth Grade Preview Night , Pinkerton Academy, 6:00
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January 7: PTSA Meeting, 6:00, library (School Board members visit)
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January 12-13: Winter NWEA Assessments - Reading
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January 13: Public Hearing & School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:00
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January 13: PTSA Meeting for 8th Grade planning, 6:00, library
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January 15: Pinkerton Eighth Grade Course Night , Pinkerton Academy, 5:30
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January 18: PTSA sponsored Snow Tubing event
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January 19: No School
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January 20-21: Winter NWEA Assessments - Math
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January 26: Field Trip: Pinkerton Eighth Grade Electives Information Day
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January 30 & 31: GHH Drama Club presents Sound of Music , Stockbridge Theater
**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.
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.
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:
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Log in to the Parent Portal. (link)
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On the left side menu, click Student Reports.
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Under the heading Currently Published Reports, choose T2 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