Hampton School District Announces Opening of School Year 2016-17

HAMPTON, NH — The Hampton School District will open its doors to a new school year on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, according to a press statement from Kathleen Murphy, the superintendent of SAU 90. Approximately 1,110 students are expected to attend schools on the opening day. On Monday, Aug. 29, students will have an opportunity to visit their schools before the official opening: Centre School will hold their annual open house that day at noon; Marston School’s ice cream social will follow at 2 p.m.; that evening Hampton Academy will host an orientation/open house at 6 p.m. Students and families are invited to come by and visit their classrooms and meet their teachers and staff.

The district has put the finishing touches on summer improvements and preparation of the school buildings. A number of projects have been completed across the district including updating of sinks and countertops in primary classrooms and painting throughout the buildings. In addition, a significant portion of the Marston School roof has been replaced.

The district welcomes these 13 new educators this year.

• Amanda Young, Centre School Kindergarten Teacher
• Amanda Jagentenfl, Centre School Grade 2 Teacher
• Sara Coutts, Marston School Grade 3 Teacher
• Rae Knedeisen, Marston School Grade 4 Teacher
• Charles Angwin, Hampton Academy Special Education Case Manager
• Jaclyn Reynolds, Hampton Academy Special Education Case Manager
• Marissa Farley, Hampton Academy Grade 6 Math Teacher
• Caleb Shaw, Hampton Academy Grade 6 Science Teacher
• Drew Szeliga, Hampton Academy Grade 7 Math Teacher
• Margaret Doucet, Hampton Academy Grade 7/8 Social Studies Teacher
• Anna DeVylder, Hampton Academy Assistant Principal
• Tracee Van Brunt, District-Wide ESOL Teacher
• Jessica Parsons, SAU 90 Director of Pupil Services

Throughout the summer teachers have spent time working on new programs in Mathematics along with aligning Science curriculum and developing performance assessments for grades K-8. A three-day orientation will be held for all teachers new to the district on Aug. 22, 23 and 24. On Aug. 25, all teachers will be reporting for three days of professional development training and workshops as well as preparations for welcoming their students to the classrooms.

Building administrators will be sending messages home via email and “Blackboard Connect” providing information specific to each school. On August 15th, the bus routes will be posted at each building and on the district website. There are only minor changes to the routes this year to address new housing and incoming Kindergarten students. Families should check on bus numbers, routes and schedules to avoid any confusion. Questions regarding bussing should be directed to First Student Bus Co. at 964-2322.

The school district looks forward to a productive school year. A number of new initiatives are underway to support teaching and learning. All students in grades three through eight will be issued a Google Chromebook for use in their classes. This is the final phase in the district’s 1-to-1 computer initiative to put technology in the hands of every student. There has been a substantial increase to the resources available to students in Math and Science as the district has finalized the updated Science Curriculum.

Students will continue to be offered a menu of after school options in order to provide additional instructional support as well as enrichment. Information regarding these programs will be sent home via Blackboard Connect. The district has made a concerted effort to reduce paper and use technology as a means to communicate with families. Parents are reminded that students need a physical before playing on any of the middle school athletic teams. One physical satisfies the three years at Hampton Academy.

The cost of a hot lunch has increased to $2.75 per meal. Breakfast will remain stable at $1.50 and milk at $0.40. Any questions regarding the food services program should be directed to Mary Borg, Food Services Director at 926-9826.

Families are encouraged to check out local cable Channel 13 and the school district website at sau90.org for additional information regarding the 2016-17 school opening. Parents are urged to contact their individual school should they have questions regarding their child’s enrollment. If resident families have not enrolled their child in the Hampton schools, it is important to call the school and register the child as soon as possible. This will ensure that the school is prepared to provide all of the supports necessary as students transition into the district.

Submitted by Kathleen Murphy, Superintendent.