Principal's Message - 05.25.2026

  • Posted May 25, 2026

Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

 

As our school community observes Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor Memorial Day—a solemn day to remember and pay tribute to the brave people who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Let’s take a moment to reflect with gratitude.  Thank you.

 

As we prepare for the upcoming weeks, we have a lot to accomplish before the end of the year. Please be sure to note any information that is sent home so you don’t miss anything important!

 

Lift-ups:

 

•Lift up to the Band and Chorus students who shared their growing talents in amazing concerts this past week.  A special thank you to Ms. Boisvert, Ms. Romano, and Mr. Velez for their leadership and dedication to the GHH music program.  Bravo!

 

Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:

 

 

Spring NWEA -  concludes this week

 

May 27 & 28 - Reading NWEA

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

 

Attention 7th Grade Families: Full-year Spanish for 2026-2027 (flyer link)

 

We are excited to continue to provide the opportunity for next year's 8th graders to take a full year Spanish class next year. This class offers the benefits of the former two-year class, except students will only take the class in their 8th grade year.

Open the linked flyer above to read more about our 8th Grade Full Year Spanish Program that is available for your child for next school year (26-27).  

In order to sign up, please fill out the following Google Form.

 

Scholastic Book Fair - June 1-June 11 (flyer link)

 

We’re excited to invite you to shop at our online  Follett Book eFair from June 1-June 11! 

Details on how it works are provided on the linked flyer above.

To purchase books or see what titles are available, visit book-efairs.follettcontent.com and enter our Book eFair Code:  4E92R.

 

Grade 8 Promotion Tickets

 

If you have not picked up your family’s tickets for the Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, please stop in the office this week.  The office is open every school day until 3:00 p.m.  Contact the office if you are unable to pick up your tickets so arrangements can be made.  The lottery for two additional tickets will be held on Tuesday, May 26.  If your family’s name is drawn, you will be notified to make arrangements to receive your tickets.  If there are additional tickets available for families after everyone has received their initial tickets and the lottery is concluded, we will use the wait list until all available tickets are distributed.  

 

Grade 8 End-of-Year Events ( flyer link)

 

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.

 

Dress Code for Promotion

 

As eighth grade students prepare for promotion, some have asked for clarification of the dress code for the dance and the promotion ceremony.  In general, students need to follow the school dress code.  Students should also think carefully about their shoe choices.  The promotion ceremony includes quite a bit of walking, as well as ramps to and from the staging area. Please consider safety and practicality when choosing the right shoes.  Some students have specifically asked about straps for dresses.  Dresses need to include straps, which could be spaghetti-strap style.  If students have further questions, we encourage them to ask a teacher or administrator ahead of time. (Showing a picture is helpful for these discussions.)

 

GHH Class of 2026 Yard Signs (flyer link)

 

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.)

 

Afterschool Enrichment Program - Sign up for 2026-2027 (flyer link)

 

The Gilbert H. Hood Middle School Afterschool Enrichment program is a FREE program that runs September 1, 2026 to May 27, 2027 every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 2:30 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 linked flyer above. 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 for 2026-2027:  https://bit.ly/AfterschoolEnrichment

 

Freshman Field Day - Pinkerton Class of 2030 - August 11 (flyer link)

 

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 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  

 

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