January 20, 2023
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
Another short but significant week of learning in our schools. Marston School held its annual Spelling Bee on Wednesday, which turned into a real show-down between the final two students, Isabella Cuceu and Alexa McSweeney. In the end, Alexa emerged as the winner. Later that afternoon, Hampton Academy held its annual Spelling Bee, with Stella Finnegan and Ella O’Brien as the final two students. Stella emerged as the winner. Congratulations to Alexa and Stella! Both students will move on and represent the district in the regional finals will be held between February 6-20, with the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 25. The student to emerge as the top speller will represent the Granite State at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Congratulations to all the students who did an outstanding job representing their classes. We are so very proud of you!
We are still looking to add some additional substitutes to our pool. If you are interested in working in a great place and love children, this job is for you. We offer flexible schedules and a terrific work environment. We were pleased to see former alumni return to their alma mater over winter break. Yes, we welcome college students too and are willing to work around their schedules when they are home between terms or when they return in May. The current daily rate for substitutes in our district is $110 per day for teachers and $95 per day for paraeducators. Our application can be found here.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) hopes to launch their spring training at Marston School for their 5K held in June. If you are interested in coaching, we strongly encourage your involvement. Coaching a Girls on the Run team is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved with the program! A GOTR coach is a volunteer position that facilitates and supports the GOTR curriculum (open to girls in grades 3-5). The position requires approximately 2-4 hours per week for 8 weeks with the additional commitment of a one-time new coach training (most of the training will be done online, self-paced). Coaches do not need to be runners. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Betsy Cissel, betsy.cissel@girlsontherun.org.
Over my years in the district, there have been many Teacher of the Year candidates honored by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Most recently, Mrs. Bonnie Heath was a top ten finalist. Other finalists in our district included: Michele Croteau, Elizabeth Henderson, Al Magnusson,Christina Duffy and Gus Carlson. Anyone can nominate an outstanding teacher by using this link on or before February 5, 2023. Teacher of the Year Application The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who can speak for and bring energy to the teaching profession. Our Teacher of the Year is a leader and ambassador for all the outstanding teachers devoted to the highest level of student learning. A Teacher of the Year candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled classroom teacher from any state approved or accredited school, prekindergarten through grade 12, certified in the state, demonstrates leadership, and intends to continue in the teaching profession. Selecting a Teacher of the Year is an exceptional way to celebrate the many outstanding and dedicated people teaching in New Hampshire schools and here in our town.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
Stay safe and warm,
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90