Merrimack Back-To-School Guide: Social-Emotional Learning Begins

MERRIMACK, NH — It's almost back-to-school time in Merrimack. This year there will be some facility improvements and a new superintendent to look forward to. Here are the top things to know as your child returns to school this year.

1. The first day of school in the Merrimack School District is Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day.
2. The School District has a new superintendent. Dr. Mark McLaughlin was promoted to the position over the summer. Keep at eye out for a Merrimack Patch story coming about him in the next several days.
3. School officials are working on finishing up several facility projects at the schools, including a new parking lot and boilers at Mastricola Elementary School, and electrical upgrades at Merrimack High School. Some classrooms are also being repainted. All upgrades are set to be completed before students return to school.
4. Starting this school year, the district is implementing social-emotional learning curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade. This curriculum will expand into upper grades over the next few years, according to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum John Fabrizio. The district has chosen the Second STEP program to implement this curriculum.
5. Keep an eye out for school bus schedules. They are expected to be posted on the School District website by the last week of August.