August 12, 2022

Dear NMMS students and parents,

First, I would like to introduce myself as the new Principal of Newfound Memorial Middle School. For the last seven years, I was the Assistant Principal at Newfound Regional High School. I love this tight-knit community and how it celebrates its children. I’m a graduate from my beloved University of Maryland (go Terps!), received a Master of Education from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to working at Newfound, I was a Social Studies teacher at several schools, including South Boston High School, Laconia High School, and Nashua, and worked in the legal department at both the Disabilities Rights Center and National Education Association. I am also the proud husband of a school counselor and father of two boys; my oldest is starting middle school this year. I am excited to take the reins from Jay Lewis and thank him for his six years of service to Newfound.

There is a lot to be excited about in this upcoming year. Our teachers put in hundreds of hours of summer work to provide a focused, rigorous academic program. This means more opportunities for a deeper understanding of essential content and skills, and a report card that is easier for parents to understand. There are also some upcoming activities we are excited to share with you as the year progresses, including our upcoming Constitution Day celebration. We have also focused our efforts on developing social-emotional learning by teaching skills that we all use every day to create positive, productive relationships with co-workers, friends, and family.

Speaking of co-workers, we are fortunate to have an amazing team of teachers at NMMS. During the spring and summer, we hired several experienced, passionate faculty and staff members. This includes Ms. Kellie Jenkins as our School Counselor. You may know her from her time at both Bristol Elementary School and Newfound Regional High School. She brings a passion for college and career planning that will get your children thinking about developing a realistic future for themselves. We are also fortunate to have Ms. Paula Mancuso shifting her role from paraprofessional to case manager. Ms. Mancuso brings decades of experience to support our special education population. Mr. Jason Jenkins joins our 8^th grade team after years of teaching our elementary students at BHVS. Ms. Kammi Williams is returning as our Physical Education teacher. Ms. Williams has been and will continue to be the varsity field hockey coach at the high school, and she will be bringing her intensity and love of a physically active lifestyle. We are also excited to have Ms. Eve Bagley joining us as our new Wellness teacher, Ms. Jennifer Carita joining us as our third special education case manager, Ms. Jessica Lievens as our new 8^th grade math teacher, and Ms. Maddy Edgar as our school nurse. Ms. Wendy Haynes will our new Guidance Secretary coming to with decades of administrative assistance experience. Last, but not least, Mr. Glen Fuller will be joining our 7^th grade team for math instruction.

Phew!

As I close this letter, I want to provide a few logistical notes to help you and your child our on the first day of school:

First Day of School

The students’ first day is Monday, August 29^th. This will be a four-day week as we will be observing a four-day Labor Day Holiday. The school day runs from 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Bus schedule

For questions regarding the pick-up and drop-off times and location for your child, please contact First Student at (603) 744-3278.

Band and Choir sign-ups

Included in this letter is a letter from Ms. Stevens, our Allied Arts team leader and Band and Chorus teacher. She and Ms. Farver-Staub want to extend an invitation for students to join chorus or band. An understanding of music helps everyone being a well-rounded and culturally literate person, as well as developing lifelong skills and abilities. I would encourage every student to seriously consider participating in band or chorus during their time at NMMS.

Student drop-off/ pick up

We have a new procedure for student drop-off. Students may arrive any time after 7:30. To improve supervision and safety, students will come into the building as soon as they arrive at school. From there, they will be directed to either the cafeteria to eat breakfast or the gym to socialize and move before school starts. At 7:50, students may go to their lockers and homeroom.

We will be having a staggered dismissal, beginning at 2:40. This will allow for a safer, more efficient dismissal process than in years past. Students will be departing in groups: first on early buses, followed by parent pick-up, then later buses, walkers, Project Promise, and students’ athletes.

Chromebook sign-up

There will be times your child will need a device for class assignments. Our teachers use either Google Classroom or Infinite Campus to post assignments and other class resources. We have enough Chromebooks to be nearly one-to-one. That being said, if your child has their own laptop or Chromebook that they would prefer to use instead, they are welcome to do so. If you need a district-issued Chromebook, I will be sending out a link to sign up for a Chromebook through Infinite Campus Messenger.

Breakfast and lunch

As you saw in the email from Superintendent Couture, the Newfound Area School District has switched to a new provider for student breakfast and lunch, Abbey Group. Superintendent Couture sent out an email regarding the change in system. Unlike last year, student breakfast and lunch will not be free, unless your family qualifies. The full price for breakfast is $1.70 and lunch is $3.35. If your family qualifies for reduced priced meals, breakfast is free, and lunch is $.40.

Full bellies lead to growing minds; I would encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify for free or reduced-price lunch to apply. Applications can be completed online, using the directions provided in Superintendent Couture’s email. If your family does not have Internet access, please contact the school so we can provide you with a paper copy.

Schedules

Thanks to the efforts of Assistant Principal Lewis, Ms. Jenkins, and our office secretary Ms. Barney, your child’s schedule is included in the mailing. If you have any questions about your child’s schedule, please reach out to Ms. Jenkins at kjenkins@sau4.org or (603) 744-8162, extension 2506.

If there are any questions that you have, don’t hesitate to call us. We are here for you and your children. We look forward to the beginning of a great school year! Thank for reading!

Sincerely,

Chris Ulrich

Principal

Newfound Memorial Middle School