Principal's Message - 03.09.2025

  • Posted March 9, 2025
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Hello Gilbert H. Hood Families,

Did you remember to turn your clocks forward an hour? The bad news is we lose an hour.  The good news is this is one more sign that Spring is coming!  We have a fun and productive week planned for this week, which includes the last week of Trimester 2, a Winter Spirit Week, an Early Release Day, and Derry Voting Day.  

We would like to thank the team of teachers and students who participated in the Special Olympics Middle School Dip last Friday.  Although the weather conditions affected the original plans, they succeeded in the ultimate purpose of the event.  This team raised an amazing $7500 for Special Olympics New Hampshire!  Thank you to all the participants, and thank you to all the families and friends who supported them.  Job well done!

Here are a couple items to share for the upcoming weeks:

Winter Spirit Week - March 10-14

Student Council is hosting a Winter Spirit Week, March 10-14.

  • Monday 3/10: Flannel Day

  • Tuesday 3/11: Twin Day

  • Wednesday 3/12: Decades Day (Choose a decade to dress in)

  • Thursday, 3/13: Opposite Day (Students dress like a teacher; teachers dress like a student)

  • Friday, 3/14: Pajama Day

Derry Voting Day - 03.11.2025 ( also an Early Release Day for students)

On Tuesday, March 11, citizens of Derry have the opportunity to vote on school-related issues: election of school board members, the school budget, a capital improvements bond issue, and the teacher’s contract. Voting will take place at Pinkerton Academy Hackler Gymnasium.  Students who accompany their parents to the poll also have the opportunity to vote.  The GHH student ballot question is to decide between two possible themes for a special School Spirit Day.  The options are:

  • Option 1:Fire and Ice Day

    • Grade 7: Fire Red & Orange

    • Grade 8: Ice Blue & White

  • Option 2: ‘Tis the Seasons Day

    • House A: Spring Green

    • House B: Summer Yellow

    • House C: Autumn Orange

    • House D: Winter White

Next Charter School Informational Night - March 12

Attention Grade 8 families! Are you considering registering your child for Next Charter School for high school? Visit their  website to apply.  Are you looking for more information? Next Charter School is hosting an Information Night on Wednesday, March 12, 5:00-6:00 pm.  Please refer to the attached flyer for additional information.  

Derry Elementary School Art Show - March 13

The Derry Elementary School Art Show will be displayed at the Derry Public Library during the month of March. An opening night will be held on March 13, 5:30-6:30 pm.  All four elementary schools in Derry will be represented in the show.  

New Trimester  - March 17

Trimester 3 begins on Monday, March 17.  For many of our students, this means different Unified Arts classes.  If your child is unsure of what classes they are scheduled for or where they are located in the building, please encourage them to ask their advisor during Morning Meeting.

American Red Cross Blood Drive - March 20

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive in the GHH gym on Thursday, March 20, 3:00-7:00 pm.  Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: GILBERTHOOD to schedule an appointment.  Additional information provided on the attached flyer.

Report Cards - March 24 

Trimester 2 Learning Reports will be available on Monday, March 24.  An email will be sent when the reports are released.

Upcoming Dates**

  • March 10-14: Winter Spirit Week

  • March 10:: School Board meeting, 6:30, Derry Municipal Building

  • March 11: Early Release Day, 11:45 dismissal

  • March 11: Voting Day in Derry

  • March 11: All Town Jazz Concert at Pinkerton, 6:30-7:30

  • March 12: Next Charter School Information Night, 5:00-6:00

  • March 12: PTSA meeting, (6:00 to plan for 8th grade, followed by regular meeting at 6:30)

  • March 13: Derry Elementary Art Show, 5:30-6:30

  • March 15: Clark Terry Jazz Festival at UNH

  • March 17: Trimester 3 begins

  • March 20: American Red Cross Blood Drive, 3:00-7:00

  • March 24: Trimester 2 Learning Reports

**To keep up to date on the daily happenings at GHH, be sure to check our daily announcements that are posted on our school website under the “Resources” tab.   The  Morning Meeting Notices spreadsheet is constantly updated and available for reference.