RFS Ray Report

October:

9-Oct - Early Release (PD)

12-Oct - No School-Columbus Day

15-Oct - Staff Meeting (All staff) 3:15-4:15

16-Oct - Picture Day

22-Oct - Fall Fest 4:30-6:00

28-Oct - Early Release (PreK-6 Conferences) and Nov. 10

This week, all elementary students in Grades K–4 successfully participated in our annual bus evacuation drill. Ensuring safety in every scenario is one of our highest priorities, and today's practice helped reinforce essential skills in a supportive, controlled environment.

Even students who participate in daily family pick-up joined in today's drill. It is vital that every student understands emergency bus safety procedures so they are fully prepared during school field trips, special off-campus events, and emergency situations.

Our students did an extraordinary job today—showing responsibility, care for their peers, and excellent listening skills. Special thanks to our bus drivers, teachers, and staff for facilitating a smooth, successful safety drill!

The YMCA generously provided Tom's Coffee Truck to give each educator in our building their selection of coffee. Smiles were everywhere!

Letters/Notices Brought to School by Students:

Personal invitations may be distributed at school only when all students in the class are invited. Invitations for smaller groups must be shared outside of school. The role of the teacher should be limited to distribution.

Play Items/Cell Phones/Electronic Devices Brought to School:

Students are encouraged to leave toys and personal play items, including trading cards, electronic games, stuffed animals, and cameras, at home unless an educator has given permission for a school activity. Students may not use cell phones, smartwatches, or other personal electronic communication devices during the school day. Exceptions may be made for approved medical needs, an IEP or Section 504 Plan, or other needs permitted under District policy. Please refer to Merrimack School District Policy JICJ for the complete requirements.

On October 5-8, 2026, the Merrimack Lions Club will be assisting our school nurse in conducting annual vision screenings on all students with their Welch Allyn’s Spot Vision Screener. Results will be viewed only by our school nurse and then sent home. If your child wears glasses, please make sure they have them for the screening. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Grassini, RFS School Nurse, at 424-6215 or kelly.grassini@sau26.org.

Protecting student privacy is an important responsibility of the Merrimack School District. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and New Hampshire law, school districts may disclose certain information designated as Directory Information without prior consent, unless a parent or legal guardian has exercised the right to opt out.

Directory Information may include:

• Student name and address
• Field of study
• Weight and height of student-athletes
• Most recent previous school attended
• Date and place of birth
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Dates of attendance, degrees, and awards

Directory Information is commonly used for purposes such as school yearbooks, student directories, graduation programs, honor rolls, athletic rosters, school newsletters, recognition of student accomplishments, school websites and social media, photographs, and press releases. It may also be shared with organizations or individuals for legitimate school-related purposes, unless a parent or legal guardian has exercised the right to opt out. Parents also have the right to opt out of disclosing certain pieces of directory information.

Parents and legal guardians have the right to refuse the disclosure of their student's Directory Information to third parties. If you wish to exercise this right, please email the Superintendent's Office stating that you do not want your student's Directory Information disclosed to third parties. Parents and legal guardians may also choose to opt out of specific uses or categories of Directory Information instead of opting out of all Directory Information.

Please send your request to: directoryinformation@sau26.org

We are encouraging every family to complete a free/reduced-price meal application.

Did you know filling out the school meal application may help provide:

• After School Academic & Enrichment Programs.

• Free/Reduces meal 30-day rollover for the next school year.

• State and Federal funding for school budgets.

• Fund computers and technology at home and for your school.

• Fee waivers for college applications and admission tests.

If you need an help with the application, please call the RFS Office at 603-424-6215. More information can be found on the District's website: https://www.sau26.org/Page/5047

All volunteers, chaperones, and substitute teachers must complete a background check and be fingerprinted. If you intend to volunteer for any of these opportunities, please contact the district office for an appointment ASAP. If you have already had your fingerprints done through the school in previous years and have volunteered within the last year, you do not need to have them done again.

You will have to complete the two Vector training courses yearly: Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention for Schools (K-12) and Preventing Workplace Harassment for Employees. Follow this link for directions to the online trainings: Training Directions.

Connect with the K-8 Social Worker 26/27

MSD Community Resource Page

Emily Robinson's District Phone Number 603-857- 4350