Good evening, Spartans!

We hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend of Fall fun. We are feeling particularly inspired by the wonderful open house this week. We saw so many smiling faces of students and their families. We are especially appreciative of our community here at Strafford School, and thank you all for everything you do to be a part of our school!

Mrs. Blackington & Mr. Merrill

Drop Off/Pick Up During School Hours: If you are picking up or dropping off your child during school hours, please ensure you don't double park in front of the doors, as we have a narrow area to pass there. Instead, we encourage you to park along the parking spaces out front, or our visitors spots to the right of the building. Please avoid picking up/dropping off items during high traffic times (beginning and end of the day) to your best ability..

The NWEA assessment window will be open, and students across our school will participate in this important assessment. Educators use the data collected from this information to inform their instruction, identify students who may need additional supports, and to track your child's individual progress. Students in grades K-4 will take reading and math assessments, and students in grades 5-8 will be taking reading assessments.

To best prepare your child for any assessment, we recommend the following

• Ensuring a good night's sleep
• Pep talks about trying your best
• A healthy breakfast and lunch
• Talking about test strategies as students get older

Please let us know if you have any questions!

The online store closes at midnight tonight (Sunday 9/22)! Grab your gear now!! There are pajamas, shirts, hats and more!

Students in Mrs. Pigman's 1st grade class earned their PDI Badges (Protect Don't Infect) after learning about germs!

Staff members were treated to a Lemonade Cart on Friday! Students were excited to prepare and serve the lemonade and make our staff smile 😊 Mr. Merrill said the lemonade was delicious!

• Tutor.com offers 24/7 online tutoring, essay drop-off and test prep services for all New Hampshire students in grades 4-12, as well as adult education learners at no cost.

2024-25 School Calendar

September 26, 2024

Picture Day

October 9

K-4 Families Donuts & Data Presentation

• RSVP: https://forms.gle/yRhvRZ7EQRaKyj6W7

October 14, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day

October 15, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workshop Day

October 26, 2024

PTO's Halloween Hoopla - Trunk or Treat 3:30-5 PM and K-4 Family Halloween Dance 5-7 PM (See flyer in PTO section)

October 30, 2024

Character Parade - K-4 will march in a parade through the middle school and out to the playground, weather depending. Parade will begin at 2:30 PM, families are invited to watch! More info to come soon.

October 31, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Parent Teacher Conference Day

November 5, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Election Day in School Gymnasium

November 11, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

November 15, 2024

Picture Retake Day

*this event is intended for parents, caregivers and families only; we kindly ask that families have alternative plans for their learners that morning.

It is very important to be able to use Alma is for both parents and students in middle school. Below are some important features that parents and students need to use to have a successful academic year!

Missing Assignment Notifications: Notifications for missing assignments must be turned on by parents in order to start receiving them. This is a great tool for parents to stay up to date on their student's assignments. To turn on these notifications please go to your account, click on your initials in the upper right corner and click "Notification Preferences".

Academic Classes: Academic classes have 2 gradebooks; one for competencies and one for letter grades. You can view both of these option when you choose the class in Alma and then click on the box below the class name. This is also where you can view all assignments for that class.

We encourage all parents to log on to Alma and click on the various tabs to become familiar with where information is located. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. office@strafford.k12.nh.us

We are still in need of the following positions:

• Paraprofessionals (Full or Part Time)
• Lunch/Recess Monitor (Part Time 10:15 AM-1:15 PM M-F)
• Substitute Teachers
• Custodian (Part Time)
• Substitute RN/School Nurse

If you are interested please take a look at job descriptions and application info HERE. Please spread the word!

The 8th grade class will be selling Strafford Spartan Spirit Blankets to raise funds for their class trip to New York City! Blankets are $30 and are cozy, warm and super soft! You can purchase a blanket at home soccer games or anytime by sending in money to the office. Please make checks out to Strafford School.

8th Grade FUNDRAISER Sept. 20th thru Oct. 20th.

Please shop for the 8th grade fundraiser. Together with Park

Lane Jewelry, the 8th grade class will receive HALF of the $$ for

every item sold. It is a great cause. Share the link with family

and friends. Your purchases are appreciated. SHOP AT THE

LINK BELOW.

https://parklanejewelry.com/f/3471

Strafford School provides many after school activities and clubs for students in grades K-8. Check back soon for info about upcoming events.

If you are interested in starting a club, activity or group please reach out to us! Office@strafford.k12.nh.us

Students in grades 7 and 8 who have 3s and 4s in all competencies, conduct and effort and A's and B's in all subject areas are eligible to join National Honor Society. Emails have gone home to families of students who are eligible for this Fall's induction.

To put money on your students' account, you can pay on the online portal HERE or send cash/check in to the main office. Please make checks out to Strafford School.

Our meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the school library. Upcoming meeting dates: October 8th and November 12th

If you would like to sign up to decorate a trunk please email StraffordPTO@strafford.k12.nh.us

We always need donations of candy for our Trunk or Treat event! If you would like to donate, please drop off at the main office anytime or at Open House!

🎃 Sign up forms to decorate trunks will be coming home with students in September! 🎃

Strafford Recreational Sports is a non-profit organization in Strafford, New Hampshire. Our mission is to provide recreational sports to the youth of Strafford with emphasis on fun and learning.

For more information on our offerings please take a look on the website HERE.

Middle School Programs at Hill Library

After school programs are in full swing at the Hill Library! Students in grades 5 and up are welcome to join us every Thursday after school for some gaming fun. We'll have fun board and card games and some great snacks. We're also introducing a new program on Tuesday, October 1 at 5:30pm-- Grades 5+ Decorating Committee! Middle schoolers can help make decorations and decorate the youth room at the library!