Thanks to the generosity of the Stratham community and the student council, SMS donated over 600 pounds to Gather on Wednesday, February 19. Gather, located in Portsmouth, provides nutritious food and prepared meals to those experiencing hunger on the Seacoast in NH and Maine. Their mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways.

In addition to the donated resources, members of the student council went to Market Basket to purchase additional items for donation. The students took their responsibilities very seriously, making the most of each dollar. After filling up six cars to the brim, the students, a few family members, and Ms. Belanger dropped everything off. It was awesome for students to see first hand how their efforts positively impacted the broader community.

Read Across America, an annual event, kicked off Monday, February 17. Each day, SMS participated in literacy activities and celebrations. The week started with our traditional whole school hallway read. Every member of SMS started their day reading in the hallways. The silence is a welcome and fabulous change. Getting lost in a book is a great way to start the day. Additionally, the Learning Commons hosted The Reading Throne, with guest readers live streamed for viewing in classrooms. And, we capped the week off with our Second Annual Literary Idol. This year staff represented some classics: Peter Pan with Captain Hook and the alligator, Pete the Cat, Max and his wild things (Where the Wild Things Are), Captain Underpants and more.

Each school year, March provides schools with their longest stretch of uninterrupted and focused learning. Students' brains are tuned in and available for complex learning. With that in mind, it makes sense that we are also focusing on cooperation. The learning process is deepened, more relevant, and generalized more easily when done with others. Cooperation is a vital skill necessary for student success.

SMS Monthly Essential: Cooperation

With an increasing number of families looking for advice and resources regarding children and technology, we wanted to reshare some suggestions and ideas that might be helpful.

The Building Committee has held six public presentations about the proposed SMS building renovation. The vote for the renovation bond as well as for the yearly operating budget will be held in person on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm in the SMS Cafeteria.

The board was briefed on state testing and requirements by the SAU16 Director of Curriculum, Jill Lizier. The purpose of the state testing is to identify the schools that need additional support. Stratham and other SAU16 schools are not identified as schools that need support. SMS tests students three times a year in: iReady Math/English Acadience, curriculum based assessments, and just once a year for state testing in the spring. The full presentation can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PVwjZG7au56ZGyL3_op1FvOgiB4bHKwn/view

The Board also recognized a successful student showcase, with families and town members in attendance to see student achievements and join in the town celebration of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

For more, please see the full meeting minutes here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/139M4SLnw0JdmNMeYQ6ZFOqhm45DGbH9K/view

For questions, email Board Chair Jennifer Scrafford at jscrafford@sau16.org. Our next board meeting will be Wednesday, March 19th at 6pm in the SMS learning commons/library.

Registration for spring after school enrichment is open. Please note, registration forms and fees are due no later than March 10. All details are found on the link below.

SMS Spring ‘25 After School Enrichment

Skip cooking and join Stratham Cub Scouts Pack 185 for a delicious fundraiser at Community Oven on Monday, March 24th, 2025, from 4-9 PM! Whether you dine in or take out, every bite helps support our local Cub Scouts. Enjoy a night off from the kitchen while giving back to a great cause.

Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and spread the word—let’s make this a night to remember! Takeout available!