May 27, 2022
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. On Wednesday, Hampton Academy hosted their annual Memorial Day Assembly hosted by students. The program included the history of this day, the importance and relevance of the Gettysburg Address and World War II, music by the band and chorus, and a special presentation by Commander of American Legion Post 35, Berk Bennett. It was a pleasure to have our veterans join us for this solemn assembly. 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 in front of the Town Clerk's office. The Hampton Parade will take place followed by a ceremony at the High Street Cemetery beginning at 11:15 AM.
As we turn the calendar to June, 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.
On May 17, our Hampton PTA held their final meeting of the school year. For the 2022-2023 school year, Jen McClelland will continue as President and Candice O’Neil, as Vice President. We would like to thank our parents and staff who have stepped up to the plate to assist us with these positions. We are grateful and appreciative of your commitment to our children and schools. Special thanks to our outgoing board members! To that end, the PTA is hosting a spring family event: Party on the Park on Saturday, June 4 with Sunday, June 5 as the rain date. For more information, please be sure to review the flyer attached. Thank you, Hampton PTA, for all you do!
We would like to remind you to please return any invitations to our summer program. We are looking to confirm numbers of students and staffing in the days ahead. Our summer program runs from July 5 – 28. This program runs from 8-11 AM for Hampton Academy middle school, and 8:30 – 11:30 AM for elementary students at Centre and Marston School. Small groups will allow for focusing on individual needs while helping to address learning loss and better preparing students for the return in August. Should you have any questions, please contact your student’s school principal.
The USDA free meal program will end on June 17, the last day of this school year. Beginning next year, we will be going back to PAID, REDUCED, and FREE meals for students. Applications are required and we would like them to be completed by June 15th. Meal Applications can be found online at SAU90 or at the front office of each school building. For your convenience, a form is attached to the letter. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Borg our Food Service Director at 603-926-9826.
Warmly, Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90
This week’s Shark News: https://youtu.be/5bATLi4sNek
Waterford Programs – Fall: https://www.waterford.org/newhampshire-fall/
Waterford Programs – Summer: https://www.waterford.org/newhampshire/