Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
Even though snowflakes made a surprise appearance this week, the signs of spring are emerging: temperatures are rising, the sun is brighter, and the first buds are appearing. This season always sparks a sense of renewal. Please join us in helping our students harness that energy as they stay focused on their learning and growth through the final months of the year.
Lift-ups:
•Lift up to the students who were named to the March 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 positively contribute to our school community.
•Lift up to the Rotary Students of the Month for March. Students are selected each month based on academic achievement, school involvement, and community service. We are proud of how these students represent themselves, their families, and our entire school community through their character and leadership.
Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
If your child is absent
Reminder: It’s important for our records that you notify the office if your child is absent. You can report absences by calling us or sending an email to this address: ghhms-attendance@sau10.org
Food Drive - April (flyer)
Attached is a flyer for our district’s Spring food drive for “End 68 Hours of Hunger ”. Snacks, as well as other items listed, are needed. (Please no glass containers.) Donations are being collected in each team area April 1 through April 22. The team that collects the most donations will receive a special treat!
NHSAS Assessments - begins April 20
Students will be taking the NHSAS tests (state testing) on the following dates:
April 20 & 21 - Math (all grades)
May 5 & 6 - Reading (all grades)
May 7 - Writing (all grades)
May 11 - Science (grade 8 only)
We understand illness and other circumstances happen, but it is important that as many students as possible attend school on time on testing days. If students are absent on testing days, they will be pulled from class at a later date to make-up the tests they missed.
We also ask that students have their computers charged and ready to use on testing days to make it easier for them to get started on time.
Free Events During April School Vacation
The Marion Gerrish Community Center has planned free, family-friendly activities during the April school vacation week. Additional information is available through the following links:
Monday, April 27: Kite Decorating Event (registration required)
Tuesday, April 28: Amazing Hero Art
Wednesday, April 29: Mandala Windchimes (registration required)
Thursday, April 30: 3-Ring Creations Juggler
Southern NH Relay for Life - June 27 (flyer)
Are you and your family interested in participating in this year's Relay for Life? This year's event will be on June 27, 3:00-9:30 pm, at Pinkerton Academy. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Freshman Field Day - Pinkerton Class of 2030 - August 11 (flyer)
Mark your calendars! Students who plan to attend Pinkerton Academy in the fall should plan to attend their Freshman Field Day on August 11. This event will include the following:
-
Meet teachers
-
Pick up student Chromebook and student ID
-
Enjoy ice cream in the Freshman Cafe
-
Explore the campus through guided tours
-
Join in team-building activities and have fun
Additional details and important information are provided on this flyer: 2026 Field Day Flyer - Class of 2030
2026-2027 School Calendar Approved:
The DCSD School Board recently approved the calendar for 2026-2027. Please see HERE to view the calendar.
Upcoming Dates:
-
April 14: PTSA Meeting, 6:00
-
April 14: Derry School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30
-
April 16: GHH Talent Show, 6:00-8:00 in the gym, $5 admission
-
April 20 & 21: State Assessments: NHSAS Math
-
April 27-May 1: No School - Spring Recess
-
April 27-May 2: Travel Club trip
-
May 4-8: Staff Appreciation Week (Flyer; Teachers' Wish List from Amazon)
-
May 5-7: State Assessments: NHSAS Reading & Writing
-
May 6: NJHS Induction Ceremony, 6:00
-
May 8: Student Council sponsored Spring Thing, 2:00-3:00
-
May 9: South Central Music Festival, 9:00-5:00
-
May 11: State Assessments: NHSAS Science (grade 8 only)
-
May 12: PTSA Meeting, 6:00
-
May 12: Derry School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30
-
May 18: Music Assemblies
-
May 18: Chorus Concert, 6:00-7:30
-
May 19: Early Release Day , 11:45 dismissal
-
May 19: Band Concert, 6:00-7:30
-
May 20-21: NWEA Assessments: Math
-
May 25: No School - Memorial Day
-
May 25: Memorial Day Parade, featuring GHH Marching Band
-
May 27-28: NWEA Assessments: Reading
**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
Remote Learning Information:
Please see HERE for information regarding DCSD’s Remote Learning Plan.
Morning Car Drop Off - We need your help
For the safety of everyone, follow these procedures if you are driving in the morning car rider line behind the building:
-
Wait to drop off your child(ren) until you are in the drop-off zone and signaled by a staff member. The drop-off zone is between the crosswalk near the dining hall doors (Door 16) to the corner of the building.
-
Do not proceed or bypass vehicles where students are exiting a vehicle and approaching the sidewalk.
-
Throughout the process, drive slowly and cautiously. (Sometimes the actions of middle school students can be unpredictable!)
The safety of our students, staff, and families must remain our top priority. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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.
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
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