Weekly Update

October 27, 2023

Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,

Tomorrow night our Hampton PTA will host an evening of fright and fun, their annual Trunk or Treat, which will be held at Marston School from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. For more information on this event please be sure to refer to the flyer that was sent out previously  Trick-or-treating in Hampton will take place this coming Tuesday from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.  

Our SRO’s will be spending time on Halloween Safety this coming Monday and Tuesday.  Please be sure to review and reinforce the following safety tips with your children: consider incorporating a cloth or surgical mask into your costume, trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors or enjoy other outdoor activities, and remember to wash hands before eating candy.  For more information, please visit the National Safety Council at https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/autumn-safety/halloween

Our sixth graders had the opportunity to attend Environmental Camp at Camp Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire this past week.  This extended learning opportunity is truly a magical place for students to focus on community building, leadership development, and environmental education.  Special thanks to all our staff, students, and families for making the trip so successful!  

This week, I had the opportunity to spend some time at Adeline C. Marston School visiting classrooms, students, and staff.  Teachers continue to review and reinforce expectations which include: be safe, be respectful, and be responsible.  These expectations are reminded and discussed throughout the day in efforts to ensure our students’ success.  Please be sure to check out our Facebook post which features our Marston students or as I affectionately refer to them as, “Our Marvelous Marston Students.”   

Just a reminder that this year due to new laws, districts are now required to obtain parental permission to treat students. A form was sent out at the beginning of the year with several questions regarding treatment, communication, administering over the counter medication.  If you have not returned this form, please do so as soon as possible.  On that note, we are still looking for substitute nurses.  These invaluable health professions ensure the health and wellbeing of our students.  If you are interested in applying, an application can be found here. 

At SAU 90, we are committed to building strong partnerships with parents and caregivers. We know that family engagement in schools contributes to many positive student outcomes including greater student achievement, improved parent-teacher and teacher-student relationships, and a decrease in student risk behaviors. We are inviting you to share your ideas with us about the ways that the district can offer resources, workshops and information to you in your role as a parent, grandparent and/or caregiver raising children in today’s complicated world. This survey will help us determine the topics you are most interested in. A link to the survey can be found  Link for Survey.

Sadly, this past week, our neighbors in Maine faced the largest mass shooting since Uvalde, Texas.  Several parents and staff have reached out to me regarding resources that may help to address this with our children.  I reminded them that they are not alone.  School counselors, psychologists, and administrators are here to listen and provide guidance.  Attached is a link with specific tips.  Please keep your ear to the ground, and please reach out to the schools if we can be of assistance.  We continue to be in touch with Chief Reno and our SRO’s as we navigate these trying times.  If you see or hear something, say something.  There is also an anonymous tip line available on our website that is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Together, we will work to ensure the safety and well-being in our Hampton community.

Wishing you a happy and safe Halloween ahead!

Dr. Lois B. Costa

Superintendent of SAU 90

Shark News: Shark News 10.27.23