Principal's Message - 05.17.2026

  • Posted May 17, 2026

Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

I hope everyone has enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend.  The weather for the upcoming school week looks amazing.  We appreciate your continued support in reminding our students to stay Husky Strong through the spring–work hard, make good choices, and be kind!

 

 

Reminder: Tuesday is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 11:45.

 

 

Lift-ups:

 

•Lift up to the NJHS students who presented with DEEP students at the Derry School Board on Tuesday.  Their ongoing partnership with the pre-school program is an excellent example of leadership, community outreach, and kindness.  Well done!

•Lift up to our eighth grade students who participated in the field trip this week.  They represented our school in a positive way with their engagement and behavior, and they even managed to have some fun despite the rainy conditions.  Great job!

•Lift up to members of our Student Council who participated in the Leadership Day at Pinkerton. This is such an amazing way to think forward and prepare for success in high school.  Nice work!

 

Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:

 

 

Spring NWEA -  begins May 20

 

Spring NWEA begins with Math on Wednesday, May 20.

May 20 & 21 - Math NWEA

May 27 & 28 - Reading NWEA

Reminder:  We ask that students come to school with their computers charged and ready to use on testing days.

 

GHH Class of 2026 Yard Signs (flyer)

 

Spread school spirit and celebrate your 8th grader with a yard sign. Yard signs cannot travel home on the bus and can only go home via parent pickup.  Here’s the link to order:  link

Please Note: As this is a pre-order for the signs, they are not currently available for pick-up.  Once they arrive, we will send out an email when they are ready for pick-up.

 

Last Day of School

 

The last day of school for 7th graders is Wednesday, June 17. This is an Early Release Day, with dismissal at 11:45.  (NOTE: Due to the 8th grade promotion ceremony, the last day of school for 8th graders is Tuesday, June 16.)

 

Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony

 

As previously shared last week, here is to the process for distributing tickets for the upcoming promotion ceremony, as well as the link to request a limited number of additional tickets:

 

Process: Tickets for 2026 Promotion Ceremony

 

Link: Request for Additional Tickets to Promotion Ceremony

 

Grade 8 End-of-Year Events ( flyer)

 

For families of 8th grade students, please refer to the attached flyer.  This flyer outlines events planned to celebrate the end of the school year as our eighth graders prepare to move on to high school.  Please mark your calendars and look for updates with additional information through ParentSquare.  In addition, we will need your help.  The success of these events depends on the support and contributions from families.  In future messages we will share opportunities you can help, including volunteering or donating items.  Thank you in advance.

 

CLM Crisis Center Open House - May 19 (flyer)

 

CLM is hosting a Ribbon Cutting & Open House for their Crisis Center on Tuesday, May 19. This special event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments, and an opportunity to tour their new space. Come and meet the team and learn more about the services and supports available through the Crisis Center.  More details are provided on the linked flyer.

 

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:

 

  • 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 26: Derry School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30

  • May 27-28: NWEA Assessments: Reading

  • May 27: Family Night for Incoming 7th Graders, 6:00-7:30

  • June 4: Teams 7-1 & 7-2 Field Trip

  • June 5: Grade 6 to 7 Transition Day

  • June 9: Team 7-3 Field Trip

  • June 9: PTSA Meeting, 6:00

  • June 9: Derry School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30

  • June 10: Spring Sports Awards Night, 6:00-7:30

  • June 11: House A Field Day (Teams 7-1 & 7-2)

  • June 12: Team 7-4 Field Trip

  • June 12: Grade 8 Canobie Lake Field Trip

  • June 15: Grade 8 Promotion Dance, 6:00-8:00

  • June 16: House B Field Day (Teams 7-3 & 7-4)

  • June 16: Last day of school for Grade 8

  • June 16: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, 4:00 at Pinkerton

  • June 17: Last day of school for Grade 7 (Early Release Day )

 

**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

 

 

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  

 

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