May 25, 2022
Dear NHS Community,
Let me begin today by thanking you for the trust you put in us at North Hampton School to both educate your children and keep them safe. Yesterday’s school tragedy brings many thoughts to my mind. I’d like to reassure you about the many things we do here to keep everyone safe and implore you to never ignore warning signs of distress, anger, disengagement, aggression, or overall unwellness in the children, young adults, and people that you know. It is our knowledge of the members of our community and our commitment to being their safety net that can help prevent such a tragedy here. We all must be vigilant if we are concerned about the mental health of someone in our orbit.
If a child at school makes a threat of violence, we always take it seriously. We ask that parents also take references to violence, obsession with guns or violent video games, and comments relating to harming others very seriously as well. We will always involve our school counselor and call a parent. We will ask if a student potentially has access to weapons. Please don’t be offended if you receive such a call. It is in the interest of safety for our children and the child in question. Sometimes, a mental health screening is in order. The mental health care system is not easy to navigate and requires patience and tenacity on the part of parents. If your child needs such services, don’t give up. We can assist in some ways from school as well. SAU 21 does have a tip line for anyone who is concerned about a student.
All this said, I’d like to assure you that today has been a normal day at NHS. Kids are safe and happy. Teachers are teaching. Lunch is being served. Normalcy is often the best medicine for worry. We will continue to provide the routines and structure that kids and families have come to expect. We will keep our doors locked and check all visitors in. We will supervise your children and let them know we know what to do in an emergency if they ask. We will not bring up yesterday’s tragedy in class, but we are ready to support any student who expressed a need for support. We are here for your children and we are so happy to be here because we love them! Spreading love and kindness won’t fix all problems, but it can go a long way. Let’s keep doing it!
Message From PAL:
The First Annual Jaguar Gala, an "Enchanted Evening"
The First Annual Jaguar Gala (formerly the Glitter Ball) is next weekend! Join NHS PAL on Saturday, June 4th from 6-8:30pm at the North Hampton School for an “Enchanted Evening” with a DJ, dancing, games, and desserts. This event is open to all NHS students to bring a special adult in their lives (this is not a drop off event and students must be accompanied by an adult). Plus, our very own Christina McAlister will be taking formal photos! Dress your best to impress for a fun evening!
Purchase tickets, corsages and boutonnieres at www.nhspal.com.
*Corsages and boutonnieres are on sale online only through Wednesday, June 1st and will be available to pick up at the door the night of the event.*
Spring Spirit Wear
Orders will be delivered to classrooms soon! There were a few items that were unexpectedly backordered. All items have arrived at the screen printer and are nearly completed. Thank you for your patience while we navigate the many shipping delays that we have all been dealing with as of late!
Show Your P.R.I.D.E
We did it! Both paws are full. We are proud! Jaggy is proud! Jaggy showed up for dance parties and popsicles.
“At The Reception”
Congratulations to the cast, crew, and staff involved in this wonderful event! We could not be more proud of the students—the singing, the dancing, the acting, the costumes, the set–it was all heartwarming.
Dates to remember:
May 26: NHS Band Concert (Gr. 5-8) at 6 PM
June 1: NHS Choral Concert (Gr. 5-8) at 6 PM
June 2: North Hampton School Board Meeting at 6:30 PM at Town Hall
June 4: Jaguar Spring Gala hosted by PAL 6-8:30 PM
June 8: Grade 3 Parade of States at 4:30 PM
June 9: Middle School Field Day (rain date June 10)
June 9: 8th Grade Dance
June 13: Elementary Field Day (rain date June 14)
June 15: Grade 8 Graduation (rain date: June 16, 2022)
June 17: Last day of school 12:00 PM dismissal time