WHS September Parent Newsletter

Windham High School is an educational community committed to excellence through hard work, high standards, personal responsibility, and dedication to others.

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful week!

This week, we welcomed all of our new district staff, as well as new upperclassmen and the Class of 2030, to WHS. Thank you to all of the staff members who helped make these events possible, as well as the members of WHS Student Council and SALT who served as student tour guides and leaders. Seeing all of these new faces made us even more excited for the start of the year!

We look forward to getting everyone back together on Wednesday, September 2nd, for the official first day of school.

Please find a lot of important back-to-school information below.

Dress Code: As we return to school, we would like to remind all families of the district's dress code policy. Students must wear: A shirt/dress (with fabric in front, back, under the arms, with straps/sleeves and covering the mid-section); pants, skirt, leggings, shorts, etc; and, shoes. Students may wear: caps, hats, and other headgear as long as the wearing of such does not impact learning. Student may NOT wear tops that do not completely cover the mid-section; clothing depicting hate speech, offensive, vulgar, or racist language or pictures; and/or clothing that glorifies, encourages or promotes the use of alcohol or drugs. We ask for everyone's help in ensuring this dress code is followed.

eBikes: The Windham Police Department has informed us of an increase in the use of out-of-class electric vehicles (e-bikes) among our students. A bicycle equipped with an electric motor that exceeds 750 watts (1 HP) and can reach speeds over 20 MPH is classified as an “Out of Class Electric Vehicle” (OCEV) according to federal and manufacturer definitions. It therefore falls under the same regulations as an Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) and cannot be used as transportation to and from school. The Windham Police Department will monitor our school campuses, and parents will be contacted to pick up the e-bike or vehicle if it meets the OCEV criteria. For more details on these state and federal guidelines, please review the attached brochure, which summarizes New Hampshire’s laws regarding e-bike usage.

Extra Help: From 2:30-4:00 pm on Mondays-Fridays after-school help offered is the WHS Media Center. This includes the opportunity to complete make-up tests or sit for re-take assessments. Extra-help will begin the week of 9/14. Students should feel free to come to the media center on these days to ask questions or find a quiet place to work. Student should pre-arrange any test re-takes with their classroom teacher prior.

Parking Passes: All students parking at WHS must display a WHS Parking Permit decal. There will be another chance for students to collect parking permits on Tuesday, September 1st at 9 am. Once the school year begins, students may make an appointment with Mr. Harley Hall (hhall@windhamsd.org) to receive a parking pass.

Registration Forms: Registration forms are now available in MyPowerHub to complete. All students must have updated and complete registration forms each year. Once you are logged in to MyPowerHub, please follow the instructions to start your registration process.

Parent Council: Throughout the school year, WHS hosts monthly school council meetings. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning on Sept. 16th, from 3:30-4:30 pm in the WHS media center. This is a great opportunity for you to provide feedback and suggestions from a parent’s/guardian's perspective as we look to continually improve our practices. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please reach out to Shannan McKenna (smckenna@windhamsd.org) directly.

Summer Reading: We seek to develop a lifelong love of learning. Summer reading and assignments provide opportunities for our students to extend their learning beyond the school year, while ensuring that students continue to practice and apply their skills in preparation for their upcoming classes. At the link (Summer Reading Lists by Grade) you may select your year of graduation tab (2030, 2029, 2028, or 2027) or Advanced Placement to find the assignments associated with your upcoming course(s).

Important Dates

• Sept. 2: First Day of School
• Sept. 7: Labor Day-No School
• Sept. 8: No School- WHS Only- Election Day
• Sept. 9: WHS Open House, 6:00-8:00 pm
• Sept. 10: Student Photos, Gr. 10-12
• Sept. 14: District Wide Technology Night, 6:30-7:30 pm
• Sept. 15: Club Fair during Lunches
• Sept. 16: Class of 2027 Rooftop Photo (during advisory)

In this edition

• General School: Attendance; PickUp Patrol; Late Arrival/Early Dismissal Procedures;Bus Tracking App
• Introducing Our New Staff
• Technology: MyPowerHub; Tech Info Sessions; Cell Phone Policy; Securly Pass System
• School Counseling: Suicide Prevention Month; College Admissions Visits; SNHU College Fair Field Trip; Senior College Information Night; ApplyNH; AP Exam Payment Info; PSAT Exam on 10/17 Sign-Up information; ASVAB testing; St. Paul's Summer Program; Therapy Dogs
• Student Council: Class Dues; Homecoming dance
• Class of 2027: Diploma Verification; Caps and Gowns
• Nutrition Services: Menus; Snack Opt-Outs; Hiring
• Athletics: New Website; September Weight Room Calendar; WHS Soccer Kick-out Hunger
• Tutor.com
• Volunteer Info: Updated Volunteer Information; Upcoming Fingerprinting Date
• WSD Communications Guide
• WHS Events: Fall Play Auditions
• Outside Events: Nesmith Library; Blackout; Girls Scouts; WMAA Craft Fair; WMAA; PTA; Boosters Golf Ball Drop; Windham Basketball

Daily bell schedule for WHS

WHS Calendar*

*Please be advised that the dates on this calendar may need to change, but notification will be made.

Link to 2026-2027 District Calendar

Attendance in class/school is an important life skill essential to the learning process. We urge students and parents to strive for daily attendance to ensure scholastic success.

We recognize that absences, tardies, and dismissals from school may be necessary at times, as such we recognize two (2) types of absences/tardies/dismissals: excused and unexcused.

• Excused – may include the following:
• Hospitalization /illness (more than five (5) days requires physician note)- immediate notification of infectious or contagious diseases strongly encouraged
• Court appearances
• Religious holidays
• School testing
• Bereavement
• All school-sponsored activities
• Planned absences (college visits, family events, etc.)
• Medical or military appointments
• Other absences approved by the Superintendent
• Unexcused absence – an absence that occurs for any reason other than an excused absence.

(Policy JH)

Parent/Guardian should report an absence/tardy/dismissal, including the reason for the event, via Pick-up Patrol prior to the event--up to 10:30am on the date of the event. As a reminder regarding dismissals, PickUp Patrol only allows for dismissals until 1:20 pm on the day of the proposed change. After 1:20 pm, dismissals may only be made via phone directly to the main office. We can not accept dismissal, except in the case of emergency, after 1:50 pm.

Parents/Guardians will have 24 hours from the time of the absence/tardy/dismissal to ensure that the correct identification (excused vs, unexcused) is documented. Events prior to the most recent absence/tardy/dismissal will not be allowed to be excused.

We will continue to utilize PickUp Patrol as the preferred method for reporting student tardies, absences, and early dismissals.

Please note: WHS does NOT require students to have a default plan in the system.

Alternatively, you may use the attendance email, whsattendance@windhamsd.org, or call the main WHS line at (603) 845-1558, Option 1.

If you need any assistance with PickUp Patrol, please reach out to Mr. Keshigian (mkeshigian@windhamsd.org).

Juniors and Seniors, who have a 1A,1B, 4A, and/or 4B academic study are eligible for late arrival and/or early dismissal. However, these privileges require completion of appropriate paperwork. This paperwork will be made available to students upon their return to school. Schedules will be updated once the appropriate paperwork is returned to the main office and approved by an Assistant Principal. Until a student's schedule reflects the privilege, they are expected to attend study hall. The earliest date for these privileges to be applied is Monday, September 14th. Please also note that Late Arrival is for academic study only--all students are expected to attend advisory, which begins at 9:18 am.

Business Teacher: Burton Boone

ELO Coordinator: Sawyer Gagnon

Math Teachers: Elizabeth Kuzsma and Deborah LeBlond

Mental Health Counselor: Carolyn Mirasola

Nutrition Services

School Counseling Administrative Assistant: Zachary Pippos

Science Teachers: Sara Campbell, Inas Dirani, and Ryan Mosscrop

Special Education Case Manager: Darlene Demetrion

2026-2027 Leadership Announcements

In MyPowerHub, parents/guardians will receive:

• Principal newsletters

• Classroom updates

• Academic calendars, event reminders, and schedule changes

• Field trip permission slips

• Lunch balances and fees

For the best experience, we strongly recommend downloading the PowerSchool MyPowerHub Mobile App. Follow these easy steps to download your mobile app today!

If you have not logged into the platform yet, please follow the instructions below to log in before the start of the school year.

• Desktop view - Login and Overview
• View Bus Routes Instructions

If you have questions or concerns, please submit a Tech Support request using this Google Form.

At our September 9th Open House, we will have a Tech Support table set up if you have any questions regarding PowerSchool MyPowerHub. We'll try to answer your questions on the spot or take your details to help you later for more complicated issues.

Additionally, the school district will be offering individual 15 min. technology help sessions either face-to-face at the SAU or via Zoom on the following dates:

• Monday, Sept 21: 11 am-1 pm
• Tuesday, Sept 22: 11 am-1 pm
• Wednesday, Sept 23: 4 pm - 6 pm

State legislation remains in effect prohibiting students from utilizing personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, at all times during school hours, including during lunch, study halls, and passing periods.

Students will be expected to keep personal electronic communication devices (ie, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, personal laptops) stored away in their backpacks for the duration of the school day (7:52-2:17).

Please note that students who utilize electronic devices for medical needs, such as insulin pumps and glucose sensors, or to support their learning as identified by their individualized education program (IEP) or plan developed under Section 504. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s medical device accessibility, please reach out to your student’s school counselor, case coordinator, or 504 coordinator.

Beginning this September, WHS will be using Securly Pass, a digital hall pass system designed to help us better manage student movement during the school day. Instead of relying on traditional paper or physical hall passes, students will use Securly Pass when they need to leave class for locations such as the restroom, library, counseling office, or another classroom. This process will allow teachers and staff to account for a student's location, while also maximizing instructional time.

The system allows staff to see which students have an active pass, where they are going, and how long they have been out of class. Securly Pass does not use GPS or track a student's physical location; it simply maintains a digital record of approved passes, destinations, and departure times.

Students will receive information and support on how to use the system as we begin the school year.

College admissions visits are open for all students and provide a great opportunity for students explore options, ask questions, and learn more about schools have to offer. The visits take place right at WHS during lunches.

Join WHS School Counseling for a field trip to the NEACAC Fall College Fair at SNHU on Oct. 8th.

Students who are enrolled in an AP course(s), are required to take the AP exam in May. Per our policy outlined in the program of studies, all students who are enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP exam at their own expense. The cost of each exam is $110. Students who are enrolled in AP Economics and/or AP Physics C, are required to take 2 exams per the course, and will have to pay for each exam separately. All fees have been uploaded into your student's powerschool account. You can access this by logging into your parent powerschool account, then scroll down on the left hand side and click on fee balance where you can access payment through there. You also have the option to pay by check. Checks can be made out to the Windham High School and brought to me in the school counseling office. Payment is due by Friday October 30th. Any payments made after November 1st will incur a $40 late fee per exam.

Link here for the PSAT sign up google form.

Dear students and families,

Register for the Fall 2026 PSAT/NMSQT!
Juniors, we encourage you to register for the Fall 2026 PSAT/NMSQT! The PSAT/NMSQT is an excellent opportunity to practice for the SAT, which you will take at school in March 2027, and to become familiar with the types of questions and testing experience you can expect.

Freshmen and sophomores are also welcome to take the PSAT/NMSQT, although the primary target audience for this test is students in 11th grade.

For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT can also be an important opportunity for college and scholarship consideration. Students who earn scores in the top 1% may qualify for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to scholarship opportunities and increased visibility with colleges and universities.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – approximately 10:45 AM
Drop-off: 7:45 AM
Location:
Format: Digital
Length: Approximately 2.5 hours
Cost: $35
The $35 test fee will be added to PowerSchool Payments on Thursday, October 1.

Students should bring:

• A calculator
• A drink
• A snack, if needed
• We recommend wearing layers, as some testing rooms may be warmer or colder than others.

The SPS ASP program has been around for the last 68 years, and brings the best and brightest NH public school students together for 5 weeks of intensive learning each summer. Students pick one course to do a deep dive in with another 20 students, and immerse themselves in that subject, while living on campus at SPS. There is also a great college and career component and writing workshop during the five weeks.
Here is a link to all their courses to check them out. We are inviting you to attend the presentation on Friday, November 13 at 9:00 AM-9:45 AM. If you sign up here we will let your 1B and 2B teachers know you will miss a few minutes of class for this presentation, and we will send you a calendar invite, as well as sending an email to remind you the day before. Please see school counseling if you have any questions.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWTkRr2jZrwnYwEZXUvpGrQIC2MmzxxYGcK9LCDFVQrodj2Q/viewform?usp=header

Student Council is excited to host our annual Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 17th from 6:00pm - 9:00PM in the WHS Gym! Tickets are $20 per person online or in person. The cost of your ticket will include water and snacks!

Guests are welcome at the Homecoming Dance:

• Guests must be at least high school aged and under the age of 20.
• WHS Homecoming Guest Form is completed and turned in by Monday, October 12th, 2026
• If you and your guest are purchasing a ticket at the door, Guest Form must be turned in to the WHS Main office by Monday, October 12th, 2026

• Online: From Thursday, September 24th at 6:00AM - Friday, October 16th at 11:59PM

• In Person: at the door at 6:00PM

Click here for directions on how to purchase Homecoming tickets online.

Class Dues:

Class dues must be paid to attend the Homecoming Dance. Class dues can be paid online - they are assigned to your PowerSchool Account!

Online Tickets: When purchasing a ticket online, you will receive an email. The email will be from Vanco events. This email is your receipt and also has a QR code you will need to scan to get into the dance.

We are looking forward to celebrating Homecoming with you! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Welcome Back: Our Nutrition Services team is excited to welcome students back for another great year! To find monthly meal menus, meal pricing, payment options, and free/reduced meal applications, please visit the Nutrition Services page on our district website.

Snack Restriction Form: Every meal, snack, and drink sold through the Windham School District has received approval and meets the guidelines required by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Smart Snack rules. However, now, parents can be more active in what their child purchases from the WMS and WHS Snack Shack and WHS School Store al la carte menus!

If there are specific snacks or drinks you'd rather they skip while in school, submit an À la Carte Do-Not-Buy Form to notify our Nutrition Services team.

• Windham Middle School Form

• Windham High School Form

We’ll mark these items as “not permitted” on their account. Please note we cannot restrict cash purchases from vending machines. Once you submit the form, please allow up to 48 hours for the changes to be updated in our system.

Join Our Team! Looking for a job with a schedule that matches your child’s school calendar? Work where your kids learn! We are hiring for open positions within Nutrition Services. Visit the district website's employment page today to submit an application and join our school community family! Apply Today!

We are excited to introduce a new website that will be used for all athletic schedules, which can be found at Windham Athletics.

Coaches will continue to communicate using Sportsyou.com

Any questions can be directed to:

• Jon Hall – Athletic Director, email: jhall@windhamsd.org, phone: 603-845-1558 x 5804
• Christine Freethey – Athletics Admin Asst., email: cfreethey@windhamsd.org, phone: 603-845-1558 x 5803

The WHS weight room is open and supervised by a staff member during the following times. Any student is welcome to use the facility during these times.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

Today's students are preparing for careers just as much as college.

That's why Tutor.com now offers tutoring in 75+ Career & Technical Education (CTE) subjects – helping students succeed in pathways ranging from healthcare and engineering to cybersecurity, criminal justice, business, hospitality, education, and digital arts.

Whether students are learning:

• Cybersecurity
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship

We greatly value our volunteers and hope many will return this year! Before the new school year begins, here’s a quick update. The annual volunteer training has been refreshed and is accessible here. Your username remains your email address, and no password is required.

Our volunteers are a critical component of our school district's success, and we appreciate and thank them for their time and commitment! Returning designated volunteers will receive notifications from the online training system. If you are interested in volunteering or are new to our district, please follow the process outlined on our website. If you have any questions about this process, please email hr@windhamsd.org.

The WSD Communications Guide is meant to help families understand the multiple communication methods employed by the district.

The following events are sponsored by organizations outside our school community

Location: 64 London Bridge Road, Windham, NH 03087, USA
Phone: 603-845-1558

Email: smckenna@windhamsd.org
Website: https://whs.windhamsd.org/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/WindhamHighSchool
Twitter: @WHSJaguars