With our traditional snow day behind us for the '24-25 school year, we will be switching to remote learning days, should there be another day in which inclement weather prevents us from coming into the building. With that in mind, we wanted to remind our families of a few things:

• SMS understands that each family has to do what works best for them during a remote learning day. We encourage all students to attend their meetings and to engage with their academic work. And, we acknowledge this can be tricky. We are your partners in this. If we can help or you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out directly to your child's teacher or any member of administration.
• A survey was administered to families earlier this week regarding which students will need a school device. Teachers have access to the survey and will ensure those children come home with a device.
• Your child's classroom teacher will send home a letter with the specifics for their class. If you haven't already received this information, you can expect to sometime today.
• Students will have two scheduled google meets sessions with their class (students are practicing logging in this week). Additionally, their teacher and other educators will be available throughout the day. The specific schedules and links will be provided by the classroom teachers.
• Students will have a variety of learning tasks to complete throughout the day, as well.
• Attendance is taken during the first morning session.
• Getting outside and enjoying the snow is essential. It's one of the many perks of living in New England and a priceless childhood experience.

Mr.G's google meets link has been provided for everyone. If you're new to remote learning days, want a refresher, or seem to be having technical difficulties, he's the person to help. Do not hesitate to contact him. Mr. G’s google meet link

This tournament will occur during school hours, at times selected by the grade level teachers with respect to the least disruption of learning for the participants. We will begin with grade level rounds and declare a champion at each grade level. Then the champions will move on to a final round between grade level champions where we will declare the SMS champion. The tournament is open to interested students in K-5 who meet the following playing ability criteria: how every piece moves, how "check" occurs, how "castling" is done, and how "stalemate"works.

If your child is interested in participating, please complete the form linked here. SMS 3rd Annual Chess Tournament

Additionally, you can contact Steve Gagnon (sgagnon@sau16.org) or Jerry Sterritt (jsterritt@sau16.org) with any questions. The deadline for returning this form is Wednesday, February 19. Thank you!

On Friday, courtesy of Water Street Bookstore, our kindergarteners and first graders were treated to a fabulous guest author visit. Phuc Tran joined our young writers to celebrate the publication of his new book: Cranky Makes a Friend, the sequel to his fan-favorite book, Cranky! Mr. Tran talked about collaboration between authors and illustrators and stressed the importance of revision when creating a story. Students even got to see original drafts of Cranky Makes a Friend and quickly noticed how different the story looked at various stages of the drafting process (it even originally had a different title!). Afterwards, students were treated to a reading of his brand new book. To end his presentation, everyone engaged in a draw-a-long to make their own Cranky character. It was a wonderful day and we are so grateful for this opportunity!

Coming home this week, with your child, are the results of the BESS screener. Please look for the letter in your child's school/home folder.

We’re excited to announce some great updates for this season:

• Rookie Friday Night Games are back! 1st and 2nd grader games are back at Stratham Hill Park on Friday nights – and there will be more practice opportunities during the week to help players refine their skills, build confidence, enhance teamwork, and have fun.

• Exciting News for Softball! Stratham Youth Softball is joining the Exeter Jr. Softball League, giving our teams the opportunity to compete against other towns in the Exeter area.

For more information and to register:

• Youth Baseball: https://www.strathamnh.gov/youth-sports/pages/baseball-program

  
  

• Youth Softball: https://www.strathamnh.gov/youth-sports/pages/softball-program

  
  

We can’t wait to see you on the field!