Dr. Crisp Elementary School

Monday, September 14, 2026

Dear DRC Families,

Happy Monday, Wildcats! We hope you had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to a great week ahead!

We are excited to begin our first full week of school with curriculum officially kicking off in all of our classrooms! I have already had some wonderful opportunities to get into classrooms, and I have been so impressed by the learning happening across DRC. Seeing students engaged, learning routines, and jumping into their work so early in the school year has been incredible! Our teachers and staff have been intentional in creating classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, and it is already showing.

We have several opportunities for families to connect with us this week:

📚 Annual Title I Parent Meeting — Thursday, September 17 | 2:00–2:40 PM
Families are invited to join us for our Annual Title I Parent Meeting, where we will share information about what Title I is and how it supports our students and families at DRC. This meeting will take place right before Open House.

🏫 Open House — Thursday, September 17 | 3:00–4:30 PM
We are so excited to welcome families into our school for Open House! This is a wonderful opportunity to visit your child's classroom, meet their teacher, see their learning space, and get a glimpse of all the great things happening at DRC.

We are looking forward to a fantastic week of learning, connection, and community. Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another wonderful year at DRC!

Have a great week, Wildcats!

Warmly,

Colleen Hussey
Principal
Dr. Norman W. Crisp Elementary School

The Nashua School District Provides:

• High-quality curriculum based on the New

Hampshire Standards

• Parent conferences are offered at least once a

year. Additional conferences are available per

parent and/or teacher request

• Progress Reports
• Parent Resource Room
• Welcomes parental input for trainings and

summer programming.

• Parent Training Workshops

The list below is a few of the resources available to

Nashua families.

➢ NH Parent Information Center (PIC)

603-224-7005

➢ Nashua Soup Kitchen: 603-889-7770

➢ Nashua City Welfare: 603-589-4555

➢ Nashua YMCA: 603-882-2011

➢ Girls Inc. Nashua: 603-882-6256

➢ Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua:

603-883-0523

➢ Adult Learning Center, Nashua:

603-883-0523

➢ United Way, Nashua:603-882-4011

➢ NH 211

➢ National Suicide & Crisis Life Line: 988

➢ NH Statewide Addiction Hotline:

1-844-711-4357

Nashua School District

Commitment to Our Families

✓ To provide quality instruction for your child.

✓ To provide information regarding Title I

programs and services.

✓ To provide a description and explanation of the

curriculum and assessments utilized to measure

your child’s growth.

✓ To provide an explanation of the proficiency

level standards students are expected to meet

based on their grade level, as well as, the

students’ level of performance.

✓ To seek input from parents regarding their

child’s educational needs.

Nashua School District Title I Office

Amherst Street Elementary School

71 Amherst St.

Nashua NH 03064

Jennifer Scarpati

Assistant Superintendent

Laura Tusa

Title I Office Manager

Please call us if you may have any questions

regarding Title I Programs at: 603-966-1511.

Nashua School District Title I Program

In New Hampshire, the purpose of Title I is to ensure

that all children have a fair, equal and significant

opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and

reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging state

academic achievement standards and state academic

assessments. Schools with populations that are at

least 40% free and reduced lunch can qualify as a

school-wide school under Title I.

The following Nashua elementary schools receive

Title 1 federal funding as school-wide Title I schools

for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Amherst Street Elementary School

• Dr. Norman Crisp Elementary School

• Fairgrounds Elementary School

• Ledge Street Elementary School

• Mount Pleasant Elementary School

For the 2026-2027 school year, Sunset Heights will

receive funds as a targeted assistance school.

Family Engagement Coordinators

All School-wide Title I schools have the support of at

least one Family Engagement Coordinator. Family

Engagement Coordinators help to promote positive

home-school relations, as well as guide ELL students

and their families to enhance all students’ educational

experience.

School Coordinator

Amherst Street: Berenice Martinez

603-966-1746

Dr. Norman Crisp: Grace Tavares

603-966-2111

Fairgrounds: Sandra Lopez

603-966-2236

Ledge Street: Laura Melendez

603-966-2142

Mount Pleasant: Yiraima Castillo Pina

603-966-2417

"There is no program and no policy that can substitute

for a parent who is involved in their child's education

from day one," by President Obama.

Dr. Crisp Elementary School

Family Engagement

The Nashua School District utilizes Title I funding to

provide family engagement activities for parents and

guardians of the students in the Title 1 schools.

Each year the school with the help of the parents, and

staff choose activities/events in the following areas:

❖ Social-emotional Development

❖ Physical Development

❖ Language Development

❖ Cognitive Development

❖ Early Literacy Skills

❖ Early Mathematics Skills

These programs are offered during a variety of times to

best meet the needs of the families.

We are excited to offer Cross Country to our 4th and 5th grade students this year!

Today, students brought home information about Cross Country, including practice dates, expectations, cost, Emergency Contact information, and permission forms.

Cross Country is a privilege and an opportunity for students who are interested in participating in an after-school activity. Please take some time to review the information with your child and carefully look at the practice and meet dates to ensure that your child can make the commitment required to participate.

We are looking forward to seeing our Wildcats get active, challenge themselves, and be part of a team!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Melissa Hickey at hickeym@nashua.edu.

Go Wildcats! 🐾

It’s never too early to order your 2026–2027 DRC Yearbook! Capture all of the special memories, smiles, and moments from this school year in a keepsake your child will treasure for years to come. ❤️

Order by October 31st and receive 10% off!

📘 Soft Cover: $15.79
📕 Hard Cover: $21.76

👉 Click the link below to order your yearbook!

https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015796144874889

Don’t miss out on the memories—order yours today! 🐾📸

This school year, our students will be focusing on showing PRIDE in all that they do! Each month, we will introduce and highlight one letter of PRIDE, helping students build these important character skills throughout their entire K–12 journey. P stands for Positive, R for Respectful, I for Inquisitive, D for Determined, and E for Engaged. By intentionally practicing these traits year after year, students will continue to grow both academically and personally. Families are encouraged to pay close attention to the principal’s emails, as each month will include a special message introducing and explaining our new PRIDE focus letter. We look forward to partnering with you to help our students shine with PRIDE all year long!

Thursday, September 17th -Open House at Dr. Crisp 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Monday, October 12th - No School: Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day

Wednesday, October 21st - Early Release - Dismissal at 12:40 pm

Tuesday, September 15 - 8:15 - 9:15am - ***Canceled***

• Coffee and Conversation : Meet the Principal and Title 1 Staff/Back to School Routines

Thursday, September 17 - 2:00 - 2:40pm

• Annual Title 1 Parent Meeting (Information)

Thursday, September 17 - 3:00 - 4:30pm

• Open House : Meet Teachers/See Classroom
• Resource Fair

• 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – Students Enter Building

  • Pre K → Door 1

  • Kindy → Door 1

  • Grade 1 → Door 1 or 4

  • Grade 2 → Door 1 or 4

  • Grade 3 → Door 1 or 4

  • Grade 4 → Door 1 or 4

  • Grade 5 → Door 1 or 4

• Students will enter the building with their class.

• Breakfast will be available to students after arrival. Staff will help facilitate.

• Staff will be available to help guide families and students to the correct doors.

• If you arrive after 8:15 AM, please walk your child to Door 1 (Main Entrance) to check them in.

• Dismissal for these days will follow our regular school schedule

• No supervision will be provided outside prior to 7:45 AM.

• Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM in the Cafeteria through Door 7.

• Staff will supervise students.

• Students must sit at a designated table while eating.

• Parents/guardians are not allowed in the building during breakfast.

• Before School Recess: 7:45 AM – 8:00 AM

• Students will go outside for a brief recess until the bell rings.

• In the case of inclement weather, recess will remain indoors.

• Delayed Openings: Breakfast before school will not be available.

We are excited to start the day with breakfast, a brief recess, and a great start to the school yea

Regular Arrival (Carpool, Bus, or Guardian Drop-off)

• Students arriving between 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. may enter the building through Door 1 (Main Entrance).

Carpool Drop-Off

• The carpool lane opens at 8:00 a.m.. Please drive cautiously and watch for students and staff.

• When dropping off your child, remain in your vehicle. Have your child sit on the right-hand side for a safe and easy exit.

• A staff member will be on the sidewalk to assist students as they walk safely to Door 1 (Main Entrance).

Late Arrival (After 8:15 a.m.)

• Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. must be walked to the Main Entrance (Door 1) by a parent or guardian to check in.

• This policy will be strictly enforced during the 2026–2027 school year.

Parking Guidelines

• Bowers Street: Parking is not allowed. Vehicles parked here may be ticketed.

• Dr. Crisp Staff Parking Lot: Reserved for staff only. Visitors attending a meeting may park here, but otherwise do not park during arrival or dismissal.

• Arlington Street: Available for visitor parking.

PreK Dismissal

• Time: 1:50 PM

• Location: Right outside Door 1

• Procedure: Parents/guardians should wait at Door 1 for their child. Staff will assist to ensure a safe and orderly dismissal for all kindergarten students.

Kindergarten Dismissal

• Time: 2:35 PM

• Location: Right outside Door 1

• Procedure: Parents/guardians should wait at Door 1 for their child. Staff will assist to ensure a safe and orderly dismissal for all kindergarten students.

Grades 1–5 Dismissal

• Time: 2:40 - 2:50 PM

• Procedure: Students in grades 1 through 5 will be dismissed in an orderly fashion. Please be patient during this process as staff ensures that every student is safely dismissed.

• Grade 1 : Door 1

• Grade 2: Door 3

• Grade 3: Door 5

• Grades 4 & 5: Door 4

Important Reminders:

• Please be sure your child's teacher has the most up-to-date dismissal information.

• Dismissals after 2:20 PM will be limited to ensure a safe dismissal for all students.

• No cars are allowed in the driveway during dismissal – buses only.

• If you need to make a dismissal change for your child, contact the Main Office at 603-966-2100.

• Please update any emergency contact information so we have the most current information to contact you if needed.

"Attendance matters: learning begins when students are in class."

Reporting Absences:
If your child will be absent, please notify the Main Office at 603-966-2100 before 8:30 a.m. and provide the reason for the absence.

Tardiness:
If your child arrives after 8:15 a.m., please walk them to the Main Office to check in.

Attendance Follow-Up:

• After 5 absences or tardies, a letter will be sent home to families to connect with Dr. Crisp regarding attendance.

• After 10 absences or tardies, a meeting will need to be scheduled with the school to discuss support and next steps.

Excused Absences Include:

• Illness

• Family emergencies

• Medical or dental appointments

• Religious observances

Make-Up Work:
Students are responsible for completing any missed assignments. Teachers will provide guidance on deadlines and support as needed.

Communication:
Consistent attendance is essential for student success. Clear communication between families and the school helps us support students and maintain a strong learning environment.

For more information on this policy - please click here. https://www.nashua.edu/domain/264

Last year the school board adopted a new policy regarding student personal electronics. The key parts of the policy are that students are not allowed to use personal communication devices during the day and that the devices must be turned off and stored in a locker or backpack. There are exceptions for medical needs. If families need to deliver a message to their child such as dismissal changes, families must call the front office and we will deliver the message.

Policy JICJ – Student Use of Personal Electronics –

Below are some of the highlights of the Policy JICJ. The full policy is attached and should be referenced in your Student Handbooks. This policy is in response to new NH state law signed by Governor Ayotte in July 2025 to support a respectful and distraction-free learning environment, reduce cyberbullying, and reduce social media addiction.

🔹 No Cell Phones During the School Day
Students are not allowed to use personal communication devices (including phones, smartwatches, tablets, and personal laptops) from the first bell to the dismissal bell—this includes lunch, passing periods, and recess.

🔹 Devices Must Be Turned Off and Stored
If students bring devices to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers, backpacks, or handbags during the school day. The district is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.

🔹 Learning Devices Provided by the District
If technology is needed for learning, the district will provide devices. Students will not need to use personal devices for classwork.

🔹 No Device Use in Private Areas
Use of any recording-capable device is strictly prohibited in bathrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where privacy is expected.

🔹 Extracurricular Activities
Rules for device use outside the school day (e.g., field trips, sports, clubs) will be set by the supervising adult (coach, sponsor, etc.).

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

Please contact your child’s school with any questions or for further clarification. Thank you for helping us create a focused and engaging learning environment for all students!

21st Century After School Program Pre-Registration: https://www.nashua.edu/domain/668

Drop off and Pick up/School Hours:

School hours are 8:00 AM to 2:40 PM. Your child will be marked absent/tardy if they come in after the 8:15 AM bell. More information on drop off and pick up procedures will be sent as we approach the start of school.

Early Release Days:

On early release days students are dismissed 2 hours before their normal time, so they would be dismissed at 12:40PM. The early release days for this 2025-2026 school year are: October 22, December 10, March 18, April 15, and May 20.

Healthy School:

Dr. Crisp is a healthy school which means healthy meals and snacks for your children. Please refer to the policy if you have any questions on the Nashua.edu website.

Communication:

Please provide an email address where important information and updates can be communicated to. The district's goal is to do everything electronically. Which means, student information update forms will need to be done on-line, report cards, and parent/teacher communication. DRC will be using Class Dojo for communication. It is a free app. Please connect with your child's Classroom Teacher for information.

Click the link below.