Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
As students returned to school, we had a great week getting back into our routines. As a school, we are hopeful that 2026 will bring ongoing opportunities for academic growth and building a positive community.
A special lift up to the students who were named to the December 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. In addition, a special lift up to the Rotary Student of the Month for December. Students are selected based on academic achievement, school involvement, and community service.
NWEA testing begins on Monday. We will follow an alternative schedule, with the entire building testing Monday and Tuesday morning for the Reading portion of the assessment. The following week, we will follow the same schedule on Tuesday (1/20) and Wednesday (1/21) to complete the Math portion. This assessment provides valuable information that helps guide our instruction. Please be sure students arrive to school on time, with their Chromebooks fully-charged for testing.
Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
Pinkerton Academy Course Night - January 15
The next eighth grade orientation event is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 5:30-8:00 pm. Additional information is provided on this Pinkerton Academy Course Night Schedule
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
School District’s Deliberative Session - February 7
The annual School District Deliberative Session will be held in the WRB Gym on Saturday, February 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Child care is available. The Derry School Board has provided information regarding the proposed 2026-2027 budget in their January 2026 Newsletter
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: Yearbook
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
Information about Pinkerton Academy
For current eighth graders who plan to attend Pinkerton Academy, please check out their revamped website specifically designed for you: Pinkerton Academy
In addition, please make note of these upcoming events for current eighth graders:
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January 15: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Course Night, 5:30-8:00 pm, Academy Building (snow date: January 22)
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January 26: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Electives Information Day (during school day)
Course Catalog PDF (table of contents is clickable)
Drop-Down Filterable Version of Course Catalog
Flyer: Pinkerton Academy 8th Grade Events
Upcoming Dates:
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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 (including 8th grade event planning), 6:00, library
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January 15: GHH Spelling Bee, 2:00, 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
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February 7: DCSD Deliberative Session, West Running Brook Middle School, 10:00
**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
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).
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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