Welcome Back!

Another busy week is in the books at Memorial, and it feels like we are really beginning to hit our stride! On Monday, Mr. Hinkle met with each grade level to talk about expectations and remind students what it looks and sounds like to be a Memorial Mustang. Throughout the week, we continued those conversations in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and on the playground, with lots of reminders about our motto: “Work Hard and Be Kind.”

There has also been plenty of learning, laughter, and fun happening throughout the building. I’ve loved popping into classrooms and seeing students working together, taking on new challenges, making connections with one another, and settling into their classroom communities. We know that September is about more than learning new academic content. It’s also about learning routines, building relationships, practicing independence, making mistakes, repairing them, and figuring out how we all contribute to making Memorial a great place to be. We’re off to a pretty wonderful start!

Start of:

Chorus - Monday and Tuesdays 8:10-8:40

Garden Club starts on Sept 29 for 4 Tuesdays (330 - 430)

October 2 - PD day (no school)

October 12 - Columbus Day (no school)

We’re bringing a little extra pink, sparkle, and kindness to HMS with Dolly Day! Dolly Parton is known not only for her incredible career but also for her generosity, commitment to literacy, and the many ways she has used her success to help others. She is a pretty wonderful example of our HMS motto: Work Hard. Be Kind.

Students and staff are encouraged to join the fun by wearing pink, cowboy hats and/or boots, or anything else that gives a little nod to Dolly on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th!

We’re also planning a special treat for our amazing HMS staff. Taking time to celebrate, have fun together, and show appreciation for the people who care for and teach our students every day matters. When our staff feel supported, connected, and valued, that positive energy finds its way right back to our students and classrooms.

Follow us on Facebook - CLICK HERE

& Instagram @hooksettmemorial

We’ve noticed some very fun items making their way into backpacks lately, especially squishies! While we completely understand the appeal, there is an important difference between a fidget and a toy. A fidget is a simple tool used intentionally to help a student regulate attention, movement, or sensory needs while still participating in learning. Examples might include a small stress ball, putty, a discreet textured item, a resistance band on a chair, or another quiet tool selected for a specific purpose.

Squishies, collectibles, stuffed animals, and other items brought primarily for play are considered toys. As a reminder, the Hooksett School District Parent/Student Handbook states that toys and trading cards at Memorial should remain at home unless they have been requested for a special school event.

Fidgets that students need during the school day are typically provided or approved by staff based on individual needs. This helps us make sure the tools in our classrooms are actually supporting learning rather than becoming an adorable, squishy distraction! Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher for more information.

Join Assistant Principal Bill Hinkle and read "The Anxious Generation." The book, by Jonathan Haidt, illustrates the shift from a "play-based childhood" to a "phone-based childhood" in the early 2010s, which caused a severe epidemic of teen mental illness.

Details are attached.

Would your HMS GRADE 4 student be interested in trying LEGO STEM Club?

We received more grant money at the elementary level for this year and plan to continue introducing students to Lego League AND (new this year) have a competition team. This is so exciting!

Please help us know who is interested by filling out this form.

Once we have our rosters, we will notify you one way or the other and send permission slip invitations.

Spaces are limited, so please send your inquiry back ASAP.

(***Limited to 20 students per session –

you can sign up for 1 afternoon or all 4***)

Where: Guidance enrichment classroom at HMS

When: 4 Wednesdays after school

October 21, 28

(No meeting on November 4)

November 11, 18, 2026

3:30 to 4:30pm