Monstricola's Message
Keeping the MES Community Connected: July 31, 2026
Dear MES Families:
Welcome to all of our new families, and welcome back to everyone returning! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year and all the learning, growth, and memories we will share together.
This is our first newsletter of the school year. We'll also send one more newsletter toward the middle of August, with even more information, so keep an eye on your inbox! After school begins, you'll receive a newsletter each Friday with important reminders, upcoming events, and school news.
Take care,
Kathleen Ortega and Michelle Romein
Meet Monstricola!
Monstricola the Dragon, is our school's mascot. You will see him in various places around the building.
Keep your eyes out for Monstricola!
First Day of School for the 2026-2027 School Year
September 2nd
Kindergarten Arrival: 8:15-8:35
Grades 1-4 Arrival: 10:15-10:35
(Buses will run routes twice.)
September 3rd
Kindergarten-Grade 4: Arrival 8:15-8:35
September 9th
First Day of Preschool
Important Arrival and Dismissal Information
Our goal is always the safety of our students and staff. Please follow these rules to help our arrival and dismissal processes run safely and efficiently.
1) Only turn right into the back parking lot. (Go down McElwain, loop in front of the high school and make a right turn into the parking lot.)
2) Stay to the right side of the entrance so that buses may go by.
3) Watch for staff to give directions to pull forward. Cars and buses are using the same entry and exit.
4) Remain in your car. Please say your goodbyes and have your child gather items as you are pulling up to the drop-off area. This will help them exit the car in a timely manner.
5) When picking up, staff can not buckle students into car seats, please pull up ahead into the dirt area to help your child buckle.
Thank you for your helpl in keeping everyone safe!
Bus Schedule
The bus schedule usually comes out the week before school starts. We will post it on the district website as well as email it out to all of you. If you have questions about busing, please call STA directly at 603-424-7880.
Ms. Schipiliti: Long Term Kindergarten Sub (Nov.) and Title One Tutor
I am so excited to be joining Mastricola
Elementary School as your long-term
kindergarten substitute teacher! I have a degree
in Elementary Education and several years of
experience working with elementary students.
My goal is to create a classroom where children
feel safe, supported, and excited to learn every
day. Kindergarten is a year full of growth,
friendship, curiosity, and fun. I look forward to
getting to know your child and partnering with
your family throughout the beginning of the
school year!
Ms. Pearson: Floating Substitute
Originally from Connecticut, I served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Where I received my degree in Health Science.
For the past ten years I have lived in Merrimack with my husband and two daughters. My oldest is off to UNH this fall to study Electrical Engineering and my youngest is entering seventh grade at MMS.
Following my military service and motherhood, I pursued studies in Early Childhood Education and discovered a passion for helping young learners grow and succeed. Over the past eight years I have served as a substitute teacher in Merrimack Public Schools.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a passion for gardening and being outdoors as much as possible.
I'm excited to spend another year supporting academic success and encouraging positive classroom environments.
Ms. Lambert: Special Education Teacher
Prior to joining MES, I was a behavioral special education teacher and worked with students with autism, Down syndrome, and other diverse learning needs. Before becoming a special education teacher, I was a music teacher! I am a trained vocalist but also love playing the tuba.
This summer, my husband and I welcomed our first baby, Andrew, and I’ve been enjoying every moment with my family before starting this exciting new chapter. I can’t wait to meet my students and families!
Per district policy, all volunteers, chaperones, and substitute teachers must complete a background check and be fingerprinted. If you intend to volunteer for any of these opportunities, please contact the district office for an appointment ASAP. If you have already had your fingerprints done through the school in previous years and have volunteered within the last year, you do not need to have them done again.
You will have to complete three Vector training courses yearly: Child Abuse Mandatory Reporting, Responding to Bullying (K12 Teachers and Staff), and Sexual Harassment Policy and Prevention. Follow this link for directions to the online trainings: Training Directions or use the Quick Link: https://sau26nonemp-nh.safeschools.com/register/7efa4566
Enter the address above to your internet browser, and you will be directly taken
to the registration page where you will enter your basic information, including
your username, first name and last name and email address. When you create
your username, PLEASE use the following format: personal email address.
Any questions about the volunteer process, email the volunteer coordinators at volunteercoordinator@jmespatt.com.
You can reach Kat Knauer to coordinate fingerprinting at (603)424-6200 or
Kathleen.Knauer@Sau26.org.
Important Dates
September 1st: Meet and Greet 2:00-3:00
September 2nd: First Day of School (Kindergarten Regular Start Time, 1st-4th Two Hour Delay)
September 7th: No School Labor Day
September 8th: No School: Voting
September 9th: First Day of Preschool
September 23rd: Open House (6:00-7:00 Classroom Visits, 6:00-7:30 Ice Cream Social)