January 10, 2025
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a fantastic holiday and was able to find some time to connect with their families and friends in the spirit of the season by sharing good tidings, comfort, and joy.
You may have heard about a recent data breach with the student information platform, PowerSchool which is used by SAU 21 and many other districts around that state and nation. I wanted to let you know that we are no longer using this platform. In 2022, SAU 90 switched over to ALMA which is now being recommended and preferred by the New Hampshire State Department of Education. We have been in touch with PowerSchool as a prior user to determine whether our data might have been breached. As soon as we know more information, we will be sure to update you. We want to ensure you that we are committed to ensuring the protection of student and educator data seriously, and data security is a top priority of our school district.
We recognize that family circumstances can change. Should you need assistance with food or lunches, or if you have not completed a form from our food service program, we kindly ask that you please do so. In addition to using these forms to support food insecurities, it’s also used to support school funding including Title I. Programs that do not have support are at risk of being eliminated due to federal funding. Your participation in completing these forms, helps us to secure this funding. A copy of the form is attached here or can be completed electronically here. Thank you in advance to everyone for doing their part in supporting our schools and completing these forms that help to benefit so many of our students and families.
In the coming weeks, our students will participate in mid-term assessments. At Marston School and Hampton Academy, students are participating in the winter STAR assessments in reading and math. At Centre School, students will be participating in formative assessments that monitor their progress in math and literacy skills. This information is used to guide instructional practices, groupings, and progress. Should you have any questions about your child’s school day or program, please be sure to reach out to us.
I had the opportunity to visit with our Centre School students this week. Our “Littles” seemed full of energy and were happy to be back with their classmates and teachers. There were many conversations about starting the new year, making resolutions, and setting goals. Please be sure to check out our Facebook page for a look at our students hard at work.
Our schools have many talented and dedicated teachers. Do you know of a teacher or colleague that stands out. Please consider nominating her/him for Teacher of the Year! Each year, New Hampshire schools take part in the State and National Teacher of the Year program. Anyone can nominate an outstanding teacher by using this link on or before February 5, 2025. Teachers may also self-apply by downloading an application here. Applications are due to the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) no later than March 21, 2025. All nominees that complete an application will be honored at a ceremony this spring. Several past nominees from our district include Ms. Samantha Lyford, Mr. Brian Gray, Mr. Jason Schrack, and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson.
Cheers to 2025!
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90
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