We look forward to welcoming students for the first day of school on Monday! The summer months are a time to relax and enjoy the vacation, but the schools are quiet places, and we look forward to the excitement of the new school year.
CELL PHONE POLICY: At the most recent School Board meeting, the Unauthorized Communication Devices policy was updated. This is due to state legislation that prohibits the use of personal devices (including but not limited to cell phones, smart devices, tablets, laptops, internet/cellular or data-capable devices) during the school day. The school day is defined in this legislation as from the first bell of the day (start of instructional time) until school dismissal (end of the academic day). This includes all aspects of the day, including during classes, lunch, recess, and passing time in the hallways.
Please note that the school district has a long-standing practice of allowing students to bring personal devices (i.e. laptop computers, tablets) that are used for educational purposes. The law does provide limited and supported exceptions that the School District will work with students and families that include:
This policy is updated in the school handbooks, and I have included the policy as a reference for more information. This policy goes into effect for the start of the school year, and administrators will be reviewing this policy with students and faculty.
Unauthorized Use of Communication Devices Policy
PARENTAL BILL OF RIGHTS POLICY: The other key policy that was recently updated was the New Hampshire Parental Bill of Rights. This is also required by all New Hampshire public schools for the start of the new school year. This policy is also updated on the district website and in the student handbooks.
FACILITIES UPDATE: The school district has completed many capital improvement projects in the schools, including an update to the front entrance at Hudson Memorial School with new doors and windows, updates to fire alarm panels at Nottingham West Elementary School and HMS, replacement of tile floors at the schools, and the completion of a new office to the front entrance at Alvirne High School with an Alumni Mural from the 1950s to 2020.
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: The school district has new guiding documents as part of a new strategic plan. On the School District website, you will notice three documents that serve as the foundation for a new strategic plan.
Each of these documents has core values that are encompassed in the school communities. Additionally, these documents have learning objectives, engagement objectives, and social experiences. There are key elements, such as students' progress as learners in the school district, but also distinguished elements that are specific to students at each progression of their education in the school district. I would like to recognize the Strategic Planning Committee for its work to develop these documents. I would also like to thank families, students, the community, teachers, and staff members for providing valuable input and feedback on the key components of the skills students will need in the future as they progress in the school system and towards their career and college goals.
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The Hudson School District’s new vision is “Achieving Excellence Together in partnership with students and families.” The collaboration the district has in supporting students in their education and their future career and college aspirations sets the stage for the future trajectory for success. We hope everyone has a great year!
Sincerely,
Daniel Moulis, Ed. D.
Superintendent
