Sunset Heights Principal Notes

We hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days! As we reach mid-August, we want to remind you that there are still a few weeks left to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends before the start of the new school year.

While you’re making the most of summer, our custodial staff has been hard at work making the building look amazing and ensuring that everything is clean, safe, and ready for your return. Our dedicated teachers are also busy setting up their classrooms and preparing engaging lessons and activities for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are so excited to welcome everyone back soon! Until then, we hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your summer break. Our school hours are 9:00-3:25. Student can be dropped off beginning at 8:50, no ealrier. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the first day of school!

We are excited to share that teacher assignment letters were emailed today to the address we have on file in our student information system. Please check your inbox for this important information, and let us know if you have any questions or need assistance. Each and every one of our teachers is looking forward to meeting your children and working together with you to make this school year a wonderful experience. We are also pleased to welcome a few new teachers to our team: Ms. Jillian McDonnell will be joining kindergarten, Mrs. Kristine Thibault will be teaching third grade, and Mr. Christopher Phillips will be teaching fifth grade. We can’t wait for you and your children to meet them!

As listed on the letter, we will be hosting a Meet and Greet the day before school starts, on August 25th from 1:00–2:00 PM for all 1st–5th grade students and their families. This is a great opportunity to see your classroom, say hello to your teacher, and drop off any classroom supplies. We look forward to seeing you there!

Families of incoming kindergarten students will receive a separate email with important information just for you. This email includes details about kindergarten screening, our meet and greet event, and the first day of school. The information was sent to the email address we have on file in our student information system. Please keep an eye on your inbox!

Stay Informed!

Follow the link below to access important resources, including:

• School district calendar
• Lunch menus
• School updates
• Grade level supply lists
• And much more!

https://nashuaedu-43-us-east1-01.preview.finalsitecdn.com/

Registration is open! For registration link and additional information regarding the program follow this link to our district website. https://www.nashua.edu/Page/1748

This fall, the after-school program will start on Monday, September 8, 2025. Please make sure that you complete your child's registration application in full. We anticipate high registration numbers and will most likely begin a wait list for the program.

The site coordinator and point of contact for the program is

Ashley Cortes Rojas

rojasa@nashua.edu

We are bringing Sunset Heights Stingers back to the Citywide PAL Cross Country Program for Fall 2025! THANK YOU to the volunteers who have already reached out and of course, 5th Grade Teacher Judie Fisher, for volunteering to Coach our Team! We could still use a few more adults at our Monday and Wednesday practices that will take place RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL at 3:30. Even if you can only do one day here and there, every bit helps. There is a practice Race Friday, September 26th and the City Championship Race on Saturday, October 18th (the race will be held in the afternoon). Email sunsetheightspto@gmail.com to be added to the volunteer list. Paperwork will be sent home the first week of school.

In accordance with new NH state law (July 2025), the following rules apply to student use of personal electronic devices:

• No Cell Phones During School Day:
  Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops) may not be used from the first bell to dismissal—including lunch, passing periods, and recess.
• Devices Off and Stored:
  Devices brought to school must be turned off and kept in lockers, backpacks, or handbags. The district is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• District Devices for Learning:
  The district will provide any technology needed for classwork; personal devices are not required.
• No Devices in Private Areas:
  Recording-capable devices are strictly prohibited in bathrooms, locker rooms, or other private spaces.
• Extracurricular Activities:
  Device use outside school hours is at the discretion of the supervising adult.

Exceptions:
Students may be exempt if they:
• Have a documented medical need (e.g., insulin pump or glucose sensor)
• Have a documented disability (IEP or 504 Plan)
• Are multilingual learners receiving language access support

See the full policy here: https://www.nashua.edu/cms/lib/NH50000505/Centricity/domain/190/policies%20and%20procedures/J/JICJ_Student_Use_of_Personal_Electronics.pdf