Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,
As we approach the homestretch of the school year, we are expecting busy days full of learning and celebrating. Please pay close attention to the messages sent home to ensure your family does not miss important, timely information. We thank you for your continued support!
Lift-ups:
•Lift up to the staff and NJHS students who hosted a Transition Day for our incoming seventh grade students. Sixth grade students and staff from West Running Brook Intermediate School visited GHH for a couple hours on Friday. Time was spent meeting GHH teachers, visiting seventh grade classrooms, and working on a school community project. Thank you to GHH staff and students for successfully welcoming our future students!
Some important information and reminders for the upcoming weeks:
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 - Early Dismissal on June 16 (optional )
Traditionally, many of our families dismiss their eighth grade child early on their last day of school to prepare for the Promotion Ceremony. In order for the school to reasonably and efficiently prepare for early dismissals on June 16, please complete the Early Dismissal Permission Form linked below. Forms need to be submitted by Friday, June 12. For those students with permission, dismissal will begin at 12:15 on June 16.
Grade 8 Early Dismissal Permission Form: link
Additional information provided here: Message regarding June 16: Procedure for Early Dismissal
Grade 8 End-of-Year Events ( flyer link)
Please refer to the flyer linked above that outlines the end-of-year events planned for grade 8 students.
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.)
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
Summer Chess & Checkers - for all ages (flyer link)
This summer join the Derry Lions Club at Marion Gerrish Community Center every Thursday, 6:30-8:00 pm, to play chess and/or checkers. All ages are welcome. Details provided on the flyer linked above.
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:
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Meet teachers
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Pick up student Chromebook and student ID
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Enjoy ice cream in the Freshman Cafe
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Explore the campus through guided tours
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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:
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June 9: Team 7-3 Field Trip
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June 9: PTSA Meeting, 6:00
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June 9: Derry School Board Meeting, Derry Municipal Center, 6:30
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June 10: Spring Sports Awards Night, 6:00-7:30
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June 11: House A Field Day (Teams 7-1 & 7-2)
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June 12: Team 7-4 Field Trip
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June 12: Grade 8 Canobie Lake Field Trip
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June 15: Grade 8 Promotion Dance, 6:00-8:00
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June 16: House B Field Day (Teams 7-3 & 7-4)
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June 16: Grade 8 Ice Cream Social at lunch
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June 16: Last day of school for Grade 8
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June 16: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, 4:00 at Pinkerton
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June 17: Last day of school for Grade 7 (Early Release Day; 11:45 dismissal )
**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
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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