Dr. Crisp Elementary School

Monday, September 15, 2025

Dear Dr. Crisp Families,

We are well on our way into a wonderful school year, and we are so excited to show off our school and classrooms at Open House this Thursday, September 18th, from 3:00–4:00 pm. We can’t wait for you to see all the great learning spaces and meet your child’s teachers.

Before Open House, we invite you to join us for our Title I Annual Meeting at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 18th. This is an important opportunity to learn more about Title I, how it supports our students, and ways you can be involved..

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and working together to make this a successful year for all of our students!

Warmly,
Colleen Hussey
Principal

Tuesday, September 9th - Coffee and Conversation 8:15-9:15

Thursday, September 18 - 2:00 - 2:30 Annual Title 1 Meeting

Thursday, September 18th -Open House at Dr. Crisp 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4th -

• Car Wash Fundraiser supporting DRC at Alltown Fresh 43 E. Hollis Street

Wednesday, October 22 - Early Release - Dismissal is 12:40 pm.

📢 Parent Title 1 Information Session

Thursday, September 18 • 2:00 PM • Dr. Crisp Gym

We invite all parents and guardians to join us for our annual Title 1 Information Session! This is a great chance to connect with our school community and learn how we can work together to support your child’s success.

At this session, you will:

• 👋 Meet Principal Hussey and our Title 1 staff who work directly with your students

• 📚 Learn strategies to support your child’s learning at home

• 🎉 Hear about exciting family events planned for this year

• 📝 Share your voice through our Parent Involvement Survey

• 📖 Receive a Title 1 Information Brochure & Student/Family Handbook

This session is for ALL parents and guardians at Dr. Crisp. We want to hear your voice in shaping our school community—we can’t wait to see you there!

💙 Let’s build strong connections and set the stage for a successful year—together.

*Surveys will be available during Open House if you are unable to make the meeting.

The 3rd Tuesday of every month, we will have Coffee and Conversation from 8:15 - 9:15 am. Please see a list below for topics of conversation.

• September 16, 2025: Topic- Meet the Principal & Back to School Routines.

• October 21, 2025: Topic - Reading with Your Child, Title 1 teachers attend & Holiday Sign Ups (applications)

• November 18, 2025: Topic - Extra Curricular Activities- Strings, Band, Chorus, Rec info about winter sports/activities

• December 16, 2025: Topic - Vacation Ideas

• January 20, 2026: Topic - Weather Safety & Clothing Item

• February 17, 2026: Topic - Available Family Resources: Food Pantries; Utility Agencies

• March 17, 2026: Topic - How to have Difficult Conversations supported by Kelly Driscoll

• April 21, 2026: Topic - Summer Activities & Sign Ups with Chromebooks

• May 19, 2026: Topic - Building Friendships - Connecting Families

• June 16, 2026: Topic - Family Engagement Survey; Kindy Registrations; Family Feedback for next school year

Information Regarding Cross Country will be going home this week. This is an opportunity for 4th and 5th grade students. Please see below for expectations and practice information. Melissa Hickey is our coach, please reach out to her for further questions at hickeym@nashua.edu.

Expectations:

Cross-country running gives students an opportunity to challenge themselves by setting goals and working towards them. Every member of the team will support and respect their coaches and teammates through their words, behaviors and actions at all times.

Students should make every effort to be at practice if they are at school that day. If students are going to miss practice, please let me know using the Class Dojo, email or send a message to the office.

Behavior:

Cross Country is a privilege to attend. Students are expected to follow rules both in school and at practice. Behavior concerns will be reviewed by school administrators. Any student who does not meet behavior expectations may be removed from Cross Country participation at the discretion of the administration.

Practices: Starting Monday, September 22, 2025

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school until 4:00 pm.
During the last week of Cross Country, we will meet on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

City Cross Country Meet is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th. Time: TBD Location: Nashua North

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Please note, Dismissal is at 12:40 these days. There will be no afterschool programs.

Our Band Teacher Ethan Low - sent out an email to families of students engaging in band this year. If you have not received any correspondence, please reach out to lowe@nashua.edu.

Lesson schedule is as follows:

Our first lessons will begin on Monday, the 22nd of September. With the following schedule.

Monday

• 2:45-3:15 Year 1 Brass

• 3:15-3:45 Year 2 Brass

Tuesday

• 2:45-3:15 Year 1 Clarinet/Saxophone

• 3:15-3:45 Year 2 Clarinet/Saxophone

Wednesday

• 2:45-3:15 Year 1 Percussion

• 3:15-3:45 Year 2 Percussion

Thursday

• 2:45-3:15 Year 1 Flute

• 3:15-3:45 Year 2 Flute

Friday

• In the event of a cancelation due to health, Faculty meeting, or other event, Lessons will be moved to Friday with the same time slots

Hello Parents,

This message is to inform you of an upcoming fire drill scheduled for October 1, 2025. Normally, we do not notify families in advance of fire drills. However, this drill will be more involved than usual, so we want to keep you informed.

Over the past several years, the Nashua School District has partnered with the Nashua Office of Emergency Management, Fire Department, and Police Department to strengthen our unified command practices and overall emergency preparedness. As part of this effort, the upcoming drill will include a simulated emergency response by the Nashua Fire Department.

Here’s what to expect:

• Fire apparatus will arrive at the school as if responding to an actual fire alarm.

• Firefighters will simulate responding to a “fire” in the building. (This is only a simulation—there will be no actual fire.)

• Fire crews will pull hoses from the trucks and bring them into the school, while school and city command staff coordinate the response, including accountability for all students and staff.

For your child, nothing will change from a normal fire drill. Students will calmly exit the building with their teachers and remain outside until the drill concludes.

We appreciate your support as we continue to provide students and staff with a safe, well-prepared learning environment.

https://crisp.nashua.edu/

We have a NEW WEBSITE! Please bookmark as we will update with important and essential information.

• 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 year!

Before School Breakfast / Recess

• Students attending Before School Breakfast or Before School Recess may enter the building starting at 8:00 a.m. through Door 4.

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 2025–2026 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. Please refrain from parking in or in front of driveways.

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: Starting at 2:40 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 & 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.

• During the first week of school, 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

Recently 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.

Click the link below.