Good evening, Spartans!

What another fantastic week at Strafford School. This week, we are excited to welcome our Fire Department for Fire Safety Week for our K-4 classes.

We also want to take this time to express thank you to our community to rallied to support our school in the wake of a challenging morning last Thursday. Seeing families, students and staff work together to prioritize our student and staff well being is so appreciated. We also want to express our utmost appreciation to all Law Enforcement officers who helped create a feeling of calm with their presence on campus for the remainder of the school day.

We are proud to be Spartans!

Mrs. Blackington & Mr. Merrill

Mr. Redmond had 7th graders outside this week to reenact a Civil War march!

Students in grades 1-4 have the chance to earn awards each week for following lunch expectations in the cafe. Mr. Jordan's 2nd graders won the Top Banana this week and Mrs. Blum's 3rd graders won the Golden Tray. Great job!

• 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.

For K-4 families, Acadiance reports have been uploaded into your child's Alma "File Cabinet". As shared with you all, Acadiance is a measurement we use to assess your child's literacy skills based on their grade level. If you have any questions regarding the contents of your child's report, please don't hesitate to reach out to their teacher. Additionally, we will have an info session on these reports this coming Wednesday from 8-8:30 at the school, called Donuts & Data (RSVP Here). A video will be sent home as well at a later date summarizing this report, including how to read it and how to support your child's literacy skills!

It's time! Order your yearbook now and get 10% off! Use this link to order TODAY!

2024-25 School Calendar

October 9

K-4 Families Donuts & Data Presentation (see flyer below)

• RSVP: https://forms.gle/yRhvRZ7EQRaKyj6W7
• CHILDCARE AVAILABLE!

October 11, 2024

7/8 Grade Halloween Dance in the school gym 7-9 PM

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 8, 2024

Veteran's Day Assembly

November 11, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

November 15, 2024

Picture Retake Day

Costumes are optional! No masks please :)

If you know your student will be dismissed early, please update Pick Up Patrol so teachers can have them prepared to go! This is super helpful especially when we have events or activities planned. Thank you!

~My student missed picture day! Now what? We will have picture retake day on November 15th, they can have their photo taken that day!

~When will we receive the pictures? Pictures should arrive at school within 3-4 weeks of picture day. They will be sent home with students!

~I forgot to order! What do I do? You can email service@wearegeskus.com or go online wearegeskus.com/order

~My student does not like their photo that was taken! We have Picture Retake Day on November 15th!

More questions? Visit wearegeskus.com/faq

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!

This task Force is dedicated to helping parents and guardians navigate the difficult world of social media which is bombarding all of our children. Whether your children are already active in social media, just getting started, or even haven't yet begun, this information is important to know as the experts suggest starting these conversations while your children are young to help ensure they are better prepared to avoid the many pitfalls of social media. There is an upcoming presentation at 6 p.m. on Oct. 10, 2024 at Winnisquam Regional Middle School, 76 Winter St. in Tilton. If you can't travel to this event, you can also listen to a recorded session by visiting https://www.edgerety.com/social-media-a-child-predators-playground/. In addition to the podcast, the site provides a list of key takeaways that are quite helpful for people trying to tackle this issue.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireICAC/

If you are in need for assistance with Thanksgiving meals, please reach out to the one of the school counselors Nicole Alley or Laura Milner.

Nicole.alley@strafford.k12.nh.us

Laura.milner@strafford.k12.nh.us

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

It is time to sign students up for Fall Art Studio! This is a fun after school activity for K-4 and Middle school students.

K-4 Fall Art Studio will run the following 5 Mondays: October 21, 28, November 4, 18, & 25th. Class is 3:30-5pm. We will bring students out front to get picked up. Please send students with a water bottle and snack.

Any questions or concerns reach out to Mrs. Jordan or Ms. Grant

hjordan@strafford.k12.nh.us

mgrant@strafford.k12.nh.us

To sign up K-4 students click HERE

Art Studio for Middle School (5th-8th) will run 5 Fridays: October 25th, November 1,8,15 & 22nd. Class runs from 3:30-5 PM. Please send students with a water bottle and snack. We will bring students out front at 5.

Any questions email

Mrs. Jordan & Ms. Grant

hjordan@strafford.k12.nh.us

mgrant@strafford.k12.nh.us

To sign up students in grades 5-8 click HERE

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.

Can you help PTO by purchasing some Pizza Kits today? Little Caesars Pizza Kits are fun to make and delicious to eat! You'll want them on hand for quick dinners, tasty snacks, birthday parties or entertaining!

Order today from this link:
http://www.pizzakit.com/fundraising-products?shop=1&f=448983&s=1445093

ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 11th!

Pick up will be October 31st!

We know for sure you will love your Little Caesars Pizza Kits! Thank You for your help and support!

Group Name: Strafford Elementary School
Fundraiser ID: 448983

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! 🎃

For more info regarding the Youth Night at UNH please visit HERE.

Library Survey and Library Planning Charrette

Parents of Strafford, we want to hear from you! Join us for a Library Planning Charrette on Saturday, October 19, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the Strafford School Cafeteria. Refreshments and childcare will be provided, and a free raffle will be held for all participants! Please let us know whether you can attend the charrette at newhilllibrary4u@gmail.com. We also have a library survey and would love to hear your responses!

***Click here for the survey.***

Nov and Dec Library Club Sign-Ups

Hill Library has another session of Library Club starting the first week of November! Sign-ups open Monday, October 14. Email cbeihl.hl@gmail.com to get on the Library Club list and receive the sign up links on the 14th.

Grades K-1: Mondays
Nov 4: Fall Science
Nov 18: Sensory Station
Nov 25: Building Club
Dec 2: Silly Slime
Dec 9: Gift Workshop

Grades 2+: Wednesdays
Nov 6: Fall Science
Nov 13: Building Club
Nov 20: Sensory Station
Dec 4: Silly Slime
Dec 11: Gift Workshop

We have heard from many families about how to encourage outside time with their kids, especially as they begin to connect on social media. The NH Department of Education has partnered with Governor Sununu's office to offer some great activity ideas for families to connect and enjoy our beautiful state. To see the full list, please visit: https://www.governor.nh.gov/impacts-social-media