Weekly Update

December 17, 2021

Dear SUPER SAU 90 Staff and Families,

Happy Birthday to our very own SUPER Hero, EVAN! In honor of this momentous occasion, our technology department has assembled a very special video that can be accessed here.  His teacher, Ms. Samantha Lyford says it best.  This eight-year-old inspires his community and beyond by warming the world around him with his kind and gentle spirit.  As Hampton celebrates Super Evan today, may we all be reminded of his courage, silly, curious and creative nature that has impacted our town and community.  Happy 8th birthday, Evan!  

Should you wish to make a donation to DIPG, diffused intrinsic pontine glioma, a very rare form of childhood brain cancer in honor of SUPER Evan Day, please visit The Cure Starts Now at https://thecurestartsnow.org/support/view-heroes/evan-austin

This past Monday, report cards for the first trimester were available to families through the PowerSchool portal.  Should you need any assistance accessing the portal, please be sure to reach out to our District Data Coordinator, Tim Smith at tsmith@sau90.org.  Should you have any questions about your child’s progress or program, you are welcome to contact the schools.  We pride ourselves on partnering with our parents in support of our students’ success.  Together, our children have the best chance of optimal learning and growth.  

We wish to thank Deputy Chief, Dave Hobbs and Assistant Deputy Chief, Alex Reno and the Hampton Police Department for their assistance, presence and support today.  We appreciate the partnership we have with our local officials as we navigate these trying times.  We value their spirit of collaboration as we work through pertinent matters and concerns.  Our students and staff safety continues to be our number one priority.  

The positivity rates in our Rockingham County and the Seacoast continued to rise this week.  However, the case counts in our schools and town have decreased.  As I write, there are 3 new cases at Centre School, 4 new cases at Marston School, and 1 new case at Hampton Academy since last week.  This is good news for our school and community.  According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control), New Hampshire’s COVID-19 case rate continues to be very high.  The positivity rate has remained stable at 11.8% statewide.  Rockingham County's positivity rate has increased from 13.7% to 14.0% while the Seacoast region rose from 11.7% from 11.8%. These numbers are cause for concern with the holidays ahead.  We kindly ask that you review our screener and if you or your child is sick that you stay home and get tested. The safety of our community is contingent upon everyone doing his/her part.  We thank you for your continued support and vigilance of our COVID-19 protocols.

On Monday, Convenient MD will be available at Hampton Academy’s Cafeteria beginning at 3:00 PM for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for all students and staff.  Anyone wishing to participate should fill out a consent form in advance.  Once a consent form is on file, you are all set for successive testing.

The holidays give us all the opportunity to pause our busy lives and reflect on our accomplishments.  It also gives us the opportunity to thank the entire school community for all of the support that you provide our students, our families, and our staff.  We know that this has and continues to be an extremely challenging year.  However, from such adversity comes opportunity. 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 will help to unify and fortify our district 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 2022 be merry and bright! 

Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90