December 22, 2023
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
There has certainly been a lot of joy and happiness in our schools this past week. Great efforts were made to ensure our holiday traditions were carried out this year – including warm spirit days, holiday concerts, special treats, and meaningful learning! Additionally, the generosity of our community to ensure that all families in our community have a wonderful holiday is truly heartwarming. Our Annual Giving Tree, Food Drives, and collection of toys in collaboration with the Hampton Fire Department were well supported thanks to the generosity of so many people – including all of you, our Hampton families, and staff. We are filled with gratitude and pride as 2023 comes to an end.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend Marston’s annual holiday performance on Monday night at Hampton Academy. Once again, Mr. Carlson, all the fifth-grade students, and staff did not disappoint. The evening was filled with music, dance, and comedy. Please be sure to check out our Facebook page for more highlights.
On Tuesday night, we presented our 2024-2025 school budget and warrant articles to the budget committee. Mrs. Mariah Curtis, our Business Administrator; Mr. Lessard our Facilities Manager; and Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton, Pupil Services Director did an outstanding job highlighting their budgets and explaining the increases. Our budget is 3.09% over our default budget. Increases to our budget are directly related to salary and benefits for non-union staff; rising costs of special education, transportation, and facilities; as well as curriculum needs. Please know that we truly work hard to present a fair and reasonable budget that supports our school community and prioritizes a quality education. Our school budget and school warrant articles were unanimously supported by the budget committee with a vote of 7 in favor and 0 opposed. We look forward to the public hearing on January 11 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall and the School Deliberative Session on Monday, February 5 at 7:00 at Hampton Academy Auditorium. Voting takes place on Tuesday, March 12 at Winnacunnet High School.
We have many students who are overdrawn on their lunch account. We kindly ask that you settle these accounts as soon as possible. Additionally, we will be adding more information to our monthly lunch calendars regarding breakfast options including warm muffins on Wednesday. Breakfast is available to all students before the start of the school day. If you need financial assistance, please be sure to fill out the attached form.
Over the past few years, we have seen our community come together, show compassion, kindness, and generosity that has brought love, friendship, and support to others. The strength in our community helps to unify and fortify our district and town with perseverance and determination. These gifts are far more valuable and precious than anything we could wrap in festive paper and bows. For this and more, I am grateful, and I am proud.
Warm wishes for a happy and healthy holiday ahead, and may 2024 be merry and bright!
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90
Shark News: Shark News 12.22.23
Lunch Form: Free and Reduced Lunch