Nov. 14, 2024
Dear North Hampton Families,
Veteran’s Day Assembly
We had a wonderful assembly honoring local veterans last Friday. Thanks to our Student Government leaders for organizing this event. Two veterans spoke and shared their stories: Amanda Lundgren, who is an EA at NHS, and Preston Endert, parent and Coast Guard veteran. Our 3rd and 4th graders sang the Star Spangled Banner and America, the Beautiful.
School Safety
At North Hampton School, we take our responsibility to maintain a safe school environment very seriously. Our staff are trained in many ways. The most important thing we do is to get to know students and families. I am sure you feel supported by your child’s teacher and hope that our students know there are adults here to support them with any issue.
We keep our doors locked and monitor all visitor entry to the building from the front office. We have upgraded many components of our systems that keep us safe. As I am sure you can understand, we don’t typically advertise all the improvements to the public for security reasons. Staff and students are trained to recognize, report, and respond to bullying situations. They practice fire drills, bus evacuation drills, and other emergency drills. At different times during the school year, we may practice a reverse evacuation. This means that if there is a threat of extreme weather, a loose animal, or other danger in the area, students know how to get back inside the building quickly if they are outdoors. We may practice a Clear Hallway drill. This means students simply stay in their classrooms. This could be necessary if there was a medical emergency. We may practice an emergency drill involving evacuation to a meeting spot. This differs from a fire drill in that students would not need to stay in a line, but rather would get to a meeting spot a little farther from the building as quickly as possible.
Staff learn the A.L.I.C.E. model for responding to an unwelcome intruder. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. It is a model not designed to be followed in order, but rather a menu of responses to a potential emergency situation. Adults at school are empowered to make decisions about how to respond based on the information they have. Once alerted, staff may elect to lockdown in place or evacuate. They are taught to be aware of their surroundings and report anything that seems out of place. Staff complete both an online training and an in person training, which includes real life practice and scenarios. The adults in our school will take care of the students. This year, our middle school students will receive additional instruction about emergency situations.
We are fortunate to enjoy a strong working relationship with the North Hampton Police and Fire Departments. Yesterday, our teaching staff participated in an A.L.I.C.E. training with Det. Zack Terenzoni from the Hampton Police Dept. Zack is an A.L.I.C.E. certified trainer and an SRO at Hampton Academy. He also brought his partner, who is an adorable 6 month old comfort dog named Gus. Zack promised to come back to NHS so students can meet Gus too! Teachers will be teaching their students where their meeting place is in the next few weeks.
Sgt. Kyle is out on paternity leave in November. He and his family welcomed a new baby girl this month. We anticipate he will be back at NHS for some shifts in December.
Holiday Donations: From Toys for Tots NHFD
It’s never too early to help families this holiday season! The North Hampton Firefighters Toy Bank is looking for donations of new, unwrapped toys and clothing to distribute to children in our community this holiday season. Donation boxes are located in the fire station lobby at 235 Atlantic Ave and at North Hampton School. More donation locations will be announced in the coming weeks. If you live in North Hampton and need assistance this holiday season, please reach out to North Hampton Fire Rescue at 603-964-5500. We also have a donation box in our school lobby. Feel free to drop off here as well.
Holiday Need
If your family is in need of support this holiday season, please contact Nurse Mara at NHS or Kaitlyn Pigeon at North Hampton Fire Station. There is assistance available for toys and groceries.
Dates to remember
Nov. 14: PAL fundraising event at the Thirsty Moose
Nov. 20: PAL meeting at 6 PM
Nov. 22: NHS Talent Show at 6 PM
Nov. 27-29: Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 5: North Hampton School Board meeting at 6:30 PM at Town Hall
Dec. 12: Grade 5 & 6 Band and Chorus Concert
Dec. 17: Grade 7 & 8 Band and Chorus Concert
Follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/nhamptonschool?ref=embed_page
Follow NHS PAL on Instagram and Facebook!
North Hampton School PAL Organization (@nhs_pal_organization) • Instagram photos and videos
https://www.facebook.com/northhamptonPAL
Re-runs
Spirit Wear
NHS Spirit Wear and Athletic Wear is on sale November 8th through November 15th! T-shirts, sweatshirts, PJ pants, hats, North Hampton School Basketball athletic wear and more. Proceeds benefit the North Hampton School PTO “PAL”.
Shop online: https://www.nhspal.com/shop
*All items will be delivered to your child’s classroom approximately four weeks after the stores close. If ordering a Holiday gift, please email info@nhspal.com to coordinate delivery/pickup.
NHS Family Book Clubs
The NHS Library is sponsoring a new event this year, Family Book Clubs. This is a chance for family groups to read together and then join up with other NHS families to discuss the book. Learn more about our Family Book Clubs here - NHS Family Book Clubs Flyer