Hello Spartans!

We hope everyone has had a fun weekend. Thank you to the many of you who participated in all our fun events last week. We are an unexpectedly WONDERFUL turn out for our Halloween Character Parade, and great parent teacher conferences. Thank you for your support, as always.

Mrs. Blackington & Mr. Merrill

Dear Strafford Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,

I am reaching out to share some important updates regarding the playground facilities at

Strafford School. Following our most recent playground inspection, we have been informed

that, while our playground structures are still safe for current use, the two largest structures are

showing signs of wear and will need significant upgrades or replacements in the near future.

This playground is much more than a school playground—it serves as a cherished space for

families, children, and community members to gather, play, and enjoy all year round.

Recognizing its value to so many, we are committed to preserving it as a safe and welcoming

area for everyone.

To address this need, Strafford School District is excited to announce the launch of a major

fundraising initiative to help offset the cost of these improvements. This effort represents an

opportunity for our community to come together and ensure that this space remains available,

accessible, and safe for generations to come.

Over the coming months, you will hear more from us about ways to get involved, upcoming

events, and partnership opportunities. We are hopeful that, together, we can secure the

necessary funds to complete this project and maintain the playground as a vibrant part of our

community.

Thank you for your continued support, commitment, and enthusiasm for Strafford School.

Together, let’s make sure this playground remains a resource we can all be proud of.

Respectfully,

Rob Seaward,

Superintendent of Schools

2nd graders had the opportunity to meet many exotic animals at their Wildlife Encounters presentation!

3rd and 8th graders worked together to dissect squid this week. They had a fun time working collaboratively but the smell.....ewwwww..... :)

It's time to order your yearbook! Use this link to order TODAY!

2024-25 School Calendar

November 5, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Election Day in School Gymnasium

November 8, 2024

Veterans Day Assembly

November 11, 2024

NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day

November 15, 2024

Picture Retake Day

November 27-29

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Lost and Found is starting to overflow! Please feel free to come take a look! Stop by the main office to sign in anytime during the day. If these times don't work please reach out to jclark@strafford.k12.nh.us to set something up. Students are urged to check Lost and Found anytime!

We will be donating all lost and found items by the 2nd week in November!

We would love to help support our Strafford families with whatever they need during the holiday season. Please fill this form out if you would like to be added to our list! (Staff members, this also applies to you!)

**Please note: This information will be kept confidential and limited to need-to-know staff members who are helping to collect or distribute items**

• Nicole.alley@strafford.k12.nh.us
• Laura.milner@strafford.k12.nh.us

Every Friday is HAT DAY! Students may wear their favorite hat to school all day if they bring in $1! Thank you for supporting the 8th grade class!

You can send money into the office ANYTIME and we will send a blanket home!

Sign up to contribute food and drink using this link. Anything helps!

NJHS is collecting non perishable food items for Strafford families in need this holiday season. Items can be dropped off in the main office anytime. Cash/check donations are also accepted. Please make checks out to Strafford School. Thank you!

Sign ups for middle school basketball are now open. Please click the link below to sign your student up for tryouts. Tryouts will start on November 12th, times to be determined. Practice times throughout the season will vary, so please be aware of this when deciding if your student can make the commitment.

As a reminder Strafford Rec has a basketball program for middle schoolers. Practice and games for school and rec basketball don't usually conflict so students are able to sign up for both. This is especially great for beginning players, players that can't make a commitment to the middle school team schedule or B team players that don't have as many games as A team players.

Middle School Basketball Sign Up

Strafford Rec Basketball

To put money on your students' account, you can pay on the online portal HERE or send cash/check in to the main office. Please make checks out to Strafford School.

The library still has a few spots left for the K-1 Nov-Dec session of Library Club! If you have not previously signed up for Library Club during the 2024-2025 school year, please fill out this Student Profile and then sign up here: Library Club Sign Up.

Upcoming Events at Hill Library

*Read with Toby

All Ages

Tuesday, October 29th

4:30pm spot still open!

Pokemon Club

All Ages

Friday, November 1st

5:00pm-6:30pm

*Fall Cookie Decorating with Cookie Bear Baking

Grades 2+

Tuesday, November 12 at 3:30pm

Grade 5+ Games

Every Thursday

After school until 4:30pm

*Please register for these programs! Email Claire at cbeihl.hl@gmail.com to sign up.