May 22, 2026
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. The programs included the history of this day, the importance and relevance of the solemn holiday, music by the band and chorus, student presentations, and some words of wisdom from our beloved Commander of American Legion Post 35, Berk Bennett. It was a pleasure to have our veterans join us for these traditional assemblies. 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 take place 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 conducted 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.
On Wednesday, May 20, Mrs. Susan Antico was recognized at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord Southeast Region Champion for Children! During this celebration, the New Hampshire School Administrators Association recognized the representatives from each of the regions. They included Dr. Danielle Bolduc from the Lakes Region, Danielle Boucher from North Country, the Alvirne School Trustees from South Central, and Danielle and Michelle Morin from the Southwest who was named state level award winner. Congratulations to all our champions!
Given the long weekend, 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 a 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.
Wishing you a wonderful long weekend ahead!
Warmly,
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90
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