SMS Newsletter
Monday, June 1, 2026
Fifth Grade Memories
Getting Ready for 5th Grade Gateway Presentations
Boston Museum of Science
Field Trips and Field Day
As the final weeks are upon us, our classrooms are getting ready to take learning on the road. Field trips are some of the most exciting days of the school year, but staying safe and comfortable is the secret to a great adventure.
To make sure your student is ready for anything, here is your quick checklist for field trip day:
Dress for Success: Check the weather forecast and dress in layers. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes (like sneakers) are a must—leave the flip-flops at home!
Sun & Bug Protection: Please apply sunscreen and bug spray before arriving at school. Feel free to pack extra in their backpack for afternoon touch-ups. A favorite baseball cap or sun hat is always a smart choice, too.
Stay Hydrated: Walking and exploring is hard work! Send your student with a reusable, leak-proof water bottle labeled with their name.
Pack Light: A lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying their water, lunch, and layers.
We can't wait to explore, learn, and make wonderful memories together. Keep an eye out for classroom specific recommendations.
The Child Advocacy Center: Stuffed Animal Drive
The Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County has reached out to the Stratham Police Department seeking assistance with donations of stuffed animals for children they serve.
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a safe, child-friendly facility dedicated to the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases. The CAC helps replace the often confusing and potentially traumatizing process of a child having to retell their story to multiple agencies. Instead of traveling to police stations, medical offices, and social service agencies, children can meet with essential professionals in one supportive location.
Their multidisciplinary team typically includes:
- Forensic Interviewers
- Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
- Child Protective Services
- Medical and Mental Health Professionals
- Victim Advocates
To support this important mission, the Stratham Police Department will be hosting a Stuffed Animal Drive now through June 30, 2026.
Donation Guidelines:
- New stuffed animals only
- Must have original tags attached
Drop-Off Location:
- Lobby of the Stratham Police Department
This Year's Winners
Rhys - Kindergarten
Zaiden - First
Atharva - 2nd & Whole School
SMS Chess Tournament
The SMS Chess Tournament was a tremendous success this year! We are incredibly proud of all of our participants (over 60!) for demonstrating courage, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and impressive strategic thinking.
Congratulations to our grade-level champions:
- Kindergarten: Rhys M.
- First Grade: Zaiden H.
- Second Grade: Atharva V.
- Third Grade: Jacob C.
- Fourth Grade: Brian E.
- Fifth Grade: Luke F.
After an exciting final round between the grade-level champions, we are thrilled to announce this year’s SMS Grand Champion: Atharva!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this tournament such a memorable event. We look forward to seeing even more students join the competition next year!
Student Showcase: We Love Math
The Lorax
We know it's been a little while since the performance, but we wanted to get the best cut possible. Please enjoy The Lorax.
Kindergarten Showcase: Stealing Hearts with Garden Specific Lyrics
Exeter High School Summer Sports Camps 2026
Looking for summer sports camps? Look no further.
Grady and Mikey Making Bruno Mars Jealous
The SMS Tea
Making the Most of Rainy Day Indoor Recess
SMS Wolves: Spring Edition
Don't miss SMS's journalists in the making spring school paper edition.
Honoring Memorial Day
Three amazing fourth grade students: Leah, Frankie, and Caroline sang the National Anthem for the Stratham Memorial Day Ceremony. They were spectacular.
May Board Update
The Board discussed the projected cost savings from the building renovation project, roughly $1.5M. The Board determined half of the unused funds would be used for three additional but needed projects: replacing the library skylight, flooring throughout the school, and window replacement. Because of smart investment and energy rebates related to the renovation, the Board earned $300,000 on the principal to date. The primary project will complete this summer and the three additional projects will be completed summer of 2027.
The Board approved increasing breakfast costs from $2.25 to $2.35, and lunch costs from $3.60 to $3.85. They also approved signing onto an amicus brief in support of the National Education Association–New Hampshire (NEA-NH), school districts, and other plaintiffs in the ACLU case affirming SAU 16’s commitment to educational equity. Finally, the Board discussed ways to cleverly invest money to increase each taxpayer's bang for the buck!
For more, please see the full meeting minutes here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gendQSZbcrHT7Xpa2Yl511TLG1cCejXn/view
For questions, email Board Chair Jennifer Scrafford at jscrafford@sau16.org. Our next board meeting will be on Wednesday June, 3rd at 6pm at the SMS library/learning commons.
There's Nothing A Little 80's Medley and These Three Can't Fix
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, June 2: EHS Clap Off at 1:30pm
Wednesday, June 3: Senior Service Day
Wednesday, June 3: CMS Step up day
Wednesday, June 3: 3rd Grade Strawberry Bank
Wednesday, June 3: School Board Meeting at 6:00pm
Thursday, June 4: 5th Grade New Castle Commons
Friday, June 5: Last day for prek & K
Friday, June 5: Field Day
Monday, June 8 - Wednesday, June 10: Kindergarten orientation
Monday, June 8: 5th to SHP
Tuesday, June 9: 3 & 4 to SHP
Wednesday, June 10: 1 & 2 to SHP
Wednesday, June 10: Fifth Grade Recognition at 5:00pm
Thursday, June 11: Last day of school - half day for students
Thursday, June 11: 5th Grade Clap Off at 11:30am