May 26, 2022
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
Today marks the start of the long Memorial Day Weekend, with Monday being a holiday for our students and staff. The purpose of this occasion is to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Military. This holiday was originally known as Decoration Day, and it first originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Today, Hampton Academy and Marston School hosted their annual Memorial Day Assemblies hosted by students and staff. The programs included the history of this day, the importance and relevance of the Gettysburg Address and World War II, music by the band and chorus, class presentations, and some words of wisdom from our beloved Commander of American Legion Post 35, Berk Bennett. Having our veterans join us for these solemn assemblies was a pleasure. When you are enjoying the long weekend, please take a moment to remember the importance of this day and all our soldiers and first responders who sacrificed their lives for our country. Ceremonies will occur at 8 AM at Hampton Beach at the Marine Memorial, 9 AM in Hampton Falls at Weare Common; 10 AM will be the North Hampton Parade, followed by a ceremony in front of the North Hampton School. The Hampton Parade will take place, followed by a ceremony at the High Street Cemetery beginning at 11:30 AM.
As we turn the calendar to June, we recognize how quickly the end of the school year is approaching. It has been a year filled with many learning experiences for everyone. We recognize that learning does not end just because school does. Staff are committed to helping our students bring a sense of closure to the year of classroom learning. These lessons and activities provide many benefits, including the following: (from Responsive Classroom, the Last Six Weeks)
A sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves, their class, and their school.
A sense of belonging and an affirmation of their significance within the group.
An opportunity to reflect upon their own learning process and to know themselves as learners: Here is where I (or we) began, and here is where I (or we) have gotten to. This was easy for me to do; that was hard for me to do. This is enjoyable work for me; that is work I don’t really like.
A sense of satisfaction from having worked hard to learn something, a recognition that hard work can be a positive experience.
A recognition of the fun and excitement that are part of learning.
A feeling of ownership of individual and group learning, which leads to a sense of empowerment.
An opportunity to think about next year’s work—to set goals as a reflective learner.
On May 16, our Hampton PTA held its final meeting of the school year. We would like to thank our parents and staff who have stepped up to the plate to assist us with these positions. We are grateful and appreciative of your commitment to our children and schools. Special thanks to our outgoing board members! The PTA is hosting a spring family event: Party on the Park on Saturday, June 3, with Sunday, June 4, as the rain date. For more information, please be sure to review the flyer attached. Thank you, Hampton PTA, for all you do!
We would like to remind you to please return any invitations to our summer program which includes Extended Year programing and Title I support. We are looking to confirm the number of students and staffing in the days ahead. Our summer program runs from July 5-27. This program runs from 8-11 AM for Hampton Academy middle school and 8:30-11:30 AM for elementary students at Centre and Marston Schools. Small groups will allow for focusing on individual needs while helping to address learning loss and better preparing students for the return in August. Should you have any questions, please contact your student’s school principal.
On Tuesday, June 27, our district will host a fingerprinting event at the SAU Office, located at the Marston School, 6 Marston Way. Please be sure to mark your calendar and join us. Remember, all volunteers are required to have a completed background investigation, including a criminal history check under New Hampshire State Law RSA 189:13-a. More details will follow shortly.
Finally, I am attaching a copy of a brief survey to get your feedback on the 2022-2023 school year. Your thoughts and opinions matter to all of us as we strive to make improvements to the Hampton School District. Thank you in advance. Survey
Wishing you a wonderful long weekend ahead!
Warmly, Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90