Hampton Back-To-School Guide: New Meal Prices, Chromebooks

HAMPTON, NH — With just a couple weeks left of summer vacation, students will soon be returning to school at the Hampton School District, being greeted by new teachers, improved facilities and slightly higher meal prices. About 1,100 students are expected to walk through Hampton schools on this year's first day of school, according to district officials. Here are the top six things to know ahead of the new school year in Hampton.

1. Mark your calendars. The first day of school in Hampton is Tuesday, Aug. 27. Before the official opening, students will be able to visit their schools and meet with staff. Centre School will hold its annual open house on Friday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Later that afternoon, Marston School will hold an ice cream social at 2 p.m. and Hampton Academy will hold an orientation and open house at 3 p.m. Students and their families are welcome.
2. Several small facility projects have been completed across the Hampton School District — some sinks and countertops were upgraded and some classrooms were painted. The Hampton Academy construction project is ready for sixth- through eighth-grade students.
3. The bus routes are expected to be posted on the Hampton School District website by Saturday. There are a few changes this year, and some routes were consolidated, school officials say. Families are encouraged to check on bus numbers to avoid confusion. Questions should be directed to First Student Bus Company at 603-964-2322.
4. Again this year, all students in grades six through eight will receive new Chromebooks. They are part of the district's initiative to implement technology in the classroom.
5. Hot lunch prices have gone up by 10 cents this year. The cost of lunch is now $3 per meal. Breakfast price has remained the same, $1.50, and milk will remain at 40 cents.
6. The Hampton School District welcomes new staff: kindergarten teacher Abigail Galvin, second-grade teacher Samantha Lyford and school nurse Amy Pietras at Centre School, and special education case manager Lauren Flynn and third-grade teacher Jennifer Follansbee at Marston School. At Hampton Academy, new staff include sixth-grade language arts teacher Hilary Andross, special education case managers Kevin Burke and Bonnie Heath, world language teacher Christina Coffill and math interventionist Jennifer McClelland. Pupil services counselor Carrie Costello and data management clerk Cheryl Solari have joined the Hampton School District offices. All new teachers will undergo three-day professional development training, in addition to orientation as they get ready to welcome the students.