May 9, 2025
Dear Parents, Staff, and Families of SAU 90:
This week, we celebrate our incredible staff in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week! It’s a time to recognize and honor the important work our educators and staff do every day. So, what is the role of a teacher today? Teachers are the architects of the next generation—tasked with helping students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in life. They serve as coaches, mentors, role models, cheerleaders, and counselors. They support students during setbacks, encourage them through failure, and celebrate their successes. They challenge students to reach their potential and offer guidance when direction is needed.
It is through our partnership with families that we create meaningful and lasting impact. As we celebrate this week, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all our educators for their dedication and passion.
In the coming days, some families will receive information regarding our Extended School Year (ESY) summer program, which will run from July 1 to July 24, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. Please note that this program has been revised and is now available only to students who qualify based on specific criteria. If you have any questions, please contact your case manager or Dr. DaSilva-Knapton, our Director of Pupil Services.
This time of year also brings important assessments. Students in grades 3–8 are participating in the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System (NH SAS), which includes English Language Arts (reading and writing), mathematics, and for grades 5 and 8, science. These assessments are aligned with academic standards set by the New Hampshire State Board of Education and the Hampton School District and serve as one of several tools to measure student learning.
Additionally, students in grades 2–8 will participate in the STAR assessments, administered in fall, winter, and spring to monitor academic growth and progress. We are committed to student success and collaboration with families. If you have any questions about your child’s academic program or progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
It was an exciting return from spring break across our schools! At Centre School, students jumped back into learning and participated in after-school sports. At Marston School, fifth graders enjoyed a visit from author Peter Lerangis, and various clubs like Girls on the Run, Nature & Environment Club, and Jump Rope Club were in full swing. At Hampton Academy, students completed NH SAS make-ups, seventh graders continued building robots as part of their collaboration with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and eighth graders are preparing for their trip to Washington, D.C. These extended learning opportunities enrich the school experience and provide meaningful engagement for our students. Be sure to check out this week’s Facebook post featuring our Centre School students!
Please mark your calendars for the final community event of the year: Party on the Park, hosted by the Hampton PTA and Hampton Parks and Recreation on June 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. This fun-filled event will include BJ Hickman, the Common Grounds Band, and food trucks from Diggity Dog, Kona Ice, ABC Bowls, Betty’s Kitchen, and Seasons Food Wagon. Admission is free—what a great way to celebrate the end of the school year together!
As you know, I share this monthly newsletter on the second Friday of each month to keep you informed and involved. It’s my way of partnering with our school community through consistent communication. Now, I’d love to hear from you. As we approach the end of the school year, I’m seeking your feedback on how things went, what stood out, and what we can improve. Last year, many suggested moving from weekly to monthly newsletters to avoid repetition—and we did just that. Let me know your thoughts on that change and share any highlights, focus areas, or suggestions you have as we begin planning for the 2025–2026 school year.
Please take a few minutes to complete the brief Survey by June 16. Thank you in advance. Your input will help us shape our goals and priorities over the summer.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead and hopefully, a warm, sunny Mother’s Day!
In partnership,
Dr. Lois Costa
Superintendent
Attached: Nurses News