May 8, 2026
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. 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 31, 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 Deena Jensen, our Director of Student 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, various clubs like Girls on the Run, Nature & Environment Club, and Jump Rope Club are in full swing. At Hampton Academy, students are completing their NH SAS assessments, seventh graders continued building robots as part of their collaboration with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and eighth graders enjoyed their Washington, D.C. trip. These extended learning opportunities enrich the school experience and provide meaningful engagement for our students.
These weekly newsletters are 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. Please take a few minutes to complete the brief Survey by June 12. 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
Additional Resources:
Cook Center Calendar and Newsletter