Back to School Cookouts, Meet-and-Greets Today

Information submitted by School Administrative Unit 90

The Hampton School District opens its doors for a new school year on August 26th. Approximately 1,200 students are expected to attend schools on the opening day of 2013-14.

Students will have an opportunity to visit their schools before the official opening:

• Hampton Academy (grades 6-8) will host a cookout on Thursday, August 22nd at 5:00pm welcoming students and families to enjoy some food, meet teachers, and visit classrooms;

• Marston School (grades 3-5) will meet and greet students in the afternoon on Thursday, August 22nd from 1:00pm until 3:00pm; and

• Centre School (grades K-2) will use August 26th as an orientation day, asking parents to visit the school with their students either 9:30am to 11:30am or 12:30pm to 2:30pm.

The District is finalizing summer facility projects in the buildings. Classrooms and common spaces have been rigorously cleaned and readied for the return to school. The Centre School two-room addition will be ready for occupancy by students and staff in preschool and first grade. The sprinkler system at Hampton Academy is completed and operational. Four accessible bathrooms in the main hallway at the Marston School were completed recently and the installation of a standby generator will be completed there in October.

The District welcomes six new educators to the Hampton Schools this year:

• Deanne Durant – Preschool teacher, Centre School

• Greg Limperis – Director of Technology

• Kellie Burtch – STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) teacher, Hampton Academy

• Nathan Saddler – Assistant Principal, Marston School

• Suzanne Dompoulis – Librarian, Centre School

• Michelle Rogers – World Language teacher, Hampton Academy

A three day mentor training workshop is underway for teachers who will be designated coaches for teaching staff new to the District. Additionally, this year’s new teachers are currently participating in a two day orientation of their own. On August 20th, all teachers will report for three days of professional development training and workshops, and will make preparations for welcoming their students to their classrooms.

Building Administrators will be sending messages home via text and phone calls regarding pertinent information specific to each individual school. In addition there have been some changes to bus routes due to a decrease in the number of buses required to transport students. These routes will be available on the district website as well at each of the schools. Any questions regarding transportation should be directed to First Student Transportation, 964-2322.

The School District looks forward to the upcoming school year. A number of new initiatives are underway to support teaching and learning. The STEM and World Language programs have been expanded at the middle school. At both elementary schools, technology remains in the forefront as does a focus on the Math and Language Arts curriculums. Students will continue to have a menu of after school options in order to provide additional instructional support and educational enrichment. Parents are urged to contact their individual school should they have questions regarding the upcoming year.