April 24, 2026

 

Griffin Memorial School News At GMS, We THRIVE

April 24, 2026 GMS Families,             Vacation Mode Activated!!! We are so proud at all the growth and accomplishments that have occurred up to this point. When we return it is the final sprint to the finish. This final stretch starts off with our third and fourth graders participating in the NHSAS assessments. They are prepared and we are confident that they will show us what they know and make us all proud.             Today was a truly special day at GMS. We held our first ever Wellness Day. Students were able to participate in a day's worth of activities focused on health and wellness. From sand art to dancing, board games to yoga, and Bingo to Obstacle courses the students had a day focused on healthy practices and their well being. Thank you to Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Perkins and a number of community and school volunteers who donated their time and talents to making this day a success. Thank you also to Mr. Byrne who sent the students into vacation with an assembly focused on their success and STREAKS habits.             It's that time of year again!!  Our 2026 GMS Field Day will be Tuesday June 9th!! This day is possible because of all your help and donations!!  Here is the field day wish list for this year....if you are interested!! 2026 GMS Field Day Wish List May your vacation be restful, fun, and all that you need to prepare for the final push towards a successful end of the school year.  Be Well, Be Curious, and THRIVE, Dan Mitchell, Principal Maura Clinton-Jones, Assistant Principal Upcoming Dates April 27- May 1 Spring Vacation May 6-19 NHSAS Assessments- Grades 3 & 4 May 8 PTO- Sweetheart Dance May 14 GMS Spring Concert- 6:30 PM at CHS GMS News From the School Counselors The newest edition of The Counselor's Corner is out now. March/ April Counselors’ Corner Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Registration for the 26-27 Kindergarten and Preschool classes has begun. . Registration is a multi-stepped process and begins with a pre-registration form that gives us basic information. You will receive an automated email with information about the next step as your request is processed. You can start gathering documents now that will be needed - birth certificate, immunization and physical exam record and 3 documents that prove your Litchfield residency. The link to registration and explanation of needed documents  is provided here: https://www.litchfieldsd.org/StudentRegistration1.aspx  and can be found on the main page to the Litchfield School District website. PTO News Upcoming Spring Events Planning We’re excited to announce a lineup of fun events coming up this May! Flyers will be sent home with students soon, but for now, please mark your calendars: Sweetheart Dance (for GMS girl students and one adult guest): Friday, May 8 Starlight Social (for GMS boy students and one adult guest): Friday, May 29 Planning is already underway, and we’d love your help! If you’re interested in joining an event committee, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com, and she’ll connect you with the appropriate event coordinator. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make these events a success, please click here. Thank you for your consideration! Teacher & Staff Appreciation Month This year we are trialing something new by celebrating our teachers and staff for one day a week for 5 weeks! We are spreading out the love! Flyers are making their way home with students. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make the celebration a success, please click here. If you’d prefer not to shop, we are also accepting Venmo donations and those may be sent directly to @sarah-vasil.1. Please contact Sarah with any questions at sarah_willis01338@yahoo.com. GMS/LMS Color Run The Color Run will be held at GMS on Thursday, May 21st from 6pm - 8pm. Flyers are headed home with students in the coming days so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Please join us for our next planning meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm via Zoom. A link will be posted on the GMS PTO FB page. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make the event a success, please click here. Thank you for your consideration! May PTO Meeting Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We hope you will join us as we hear updates from Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Clinton-Jones as well as updates about the PTO events and happenings. At this meeting we will also be voting for all board positions for the 2026-2027 school year. If you’re interested in a board position, please fill out this interest form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com.  We hope to see you there! **All of this information and more may be found on our Facebook Page: GMS PTO NH 2025-2026.** Community News CHS Clothing Drive Summer Reading at the Cutler Library Please check out the calendar of events as part of the Summer Reading Challenge taking part at the Cutler Library. Calendar of Events Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know End 68 Hours of Hunger and the Litchfield School District 2023-2024 The End 68 Hours of Hunger Program and Litchfield Schools are pleased to inform you about a free, confidential food program which provides students with meals from Friday after school until they return to school on Monday morning.  If meeting the weekend nutritional needs of your child is challenging at this time, we would like to help meet that need.  All food is non-perishable and easy to prepare.  If your child has any food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this need.  Nut products are included for those who are not allergic, but children are informed that they are not to open the bags until a parent can review the contents.  Each week, bags containing food will be provided to students at school.  Students will bring the bag home on the bus or by whatever mode of transportation they have at the end of the day.  If you prefer, parents may pick up the bag at school.  If you’d like to sign up for the program or need additional information, please contact Taryn Staples, School Social Worker, at tstaples@litchfieldsd.org. From Food Services Please see the attached links in regards to our food services. They explain the meal prices for this year as well as qualification and application information for the free and reduced meal program. 2025 NH Public Release Food Services Letter Free and Reduced Instructions (English) Free and Reduced Application (English) Free and Reduced Application (Spanish) News from Tech The parent portal in now open on Powerschool. Please see below in the News from Tech section, for instructions about completing your annual verification. As a reminder, these must be completed EVERY YEAR. MUST UPDATE AND CONFIRM POWERSCHOOL INFORMATION ANNUALLY.Please click the links below for updated information regarding powerschool and Chromebook information. A reminder that all parents PowerSchool Portal Information for Parents Back-to-School and Chromebook Insurance Morning Drop Off Procedures During the morning drop off, both buses and cars will utilize the big loop. As vehicles pull in please pull as far forward until all cars have stopped. Then you can let your child out of the car. Please then wait until the cars in front of you move before pulling forward. Please DO NOT pass a stopped car, cut through the parking lot,  or stop at the front door if there is space in front to pull forward. We also ask that you avoid parking in the parking lot and walking your child to the door, this adds pedestrian traffic to car traffic. Our attempt is to make this a safe and fluid process. We understand that some back ups do occur, but this procedure ensures safety of all and limits the length of any delay. Pick Up Procedures Those utilizing parent pick up are asked to fill in the large loop at the designated time. Please have the colored pick up slips that were sent home, as these act as verification for our staff. If you arrive early for your designated time, you will be directed to a waiting line in the parking lot until your group time. Pink Group (Last Names A-E): 2:45 Yellow Group (Last Names F-N) 2:52 Blue Group (Last Names O-Z) 3:00 Buses: 3:10 targeted departure      Absence Reporting  At Litchfield School District, one of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school each and every day.  To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we now use a more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.  This  system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.  With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods: Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Call the toll-free number 1-833-516-0370 to report an absence using the automated phone system. These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time.  In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.  If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications. SafeArrival Sign Up SafeArrival FAQs SafeArrival Report an Absence From Nurse Alexa ·         Please do not send your child to school if they are experiencing o    a fever (>100.4°)They must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications o   Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours o   Continuous coughing not relieved by cough medicine o   Are overall not feeling well (headache, stomach ache, fatigue, etc.) ·         Practice hand washing ·         Practice covering a cough and sneeze ·         Drink lots of fluids ·         Get plenty of rest Linked below is a resource for helping prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. As always, you can reach out to the school nurse with any questions or concerns. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html  229 Charles Bancroft Hwy. Litchfield, NH 03052 (603) 424-5931 Past Editions of the GMS School News can be found at: https://griffinnhnews.blogspot.com/

April 17, 2026

 

Griffin Memorial School News At GMS, We THRIVE

April 17, 2026 GMS Families,             This week was filled with noise, banging, energy, and excitement as students had the opportunity to participate in our Artist in Residence program, Junk to Funk. Jeff Erwin engaged the students in lessons about leadership and kindness through banging on pots, pans, barrels, signs, tubes, and more. Based on the smiles and conversations it was a smashing success (get it? Smashing...). This all culminated in a special performance this afternoon by our fourth graders. It was a great experience for all.           Next week is the week before vacation and with that comes its own form of energy. On Friday we will be introducing something new. We will hold our first ever GMS Wellness Day. Students will have the chance to participate in a number of activities that teach about hobbies, wellness, care, and creativity. One opportunity that some students will have is time with a therapy dog. If your child selected this we have communicated with you. This does mean that there will be a dog in the school building on Friday. This friend will be contained and only interact with those students selected. However, if you have concerns about the dog please reach out to Mr. Mitchell so we can ensure that your concerns are addressed.           Finally, remember that next Saturday Superintendent O'Connell will defend his leadership in the ring as professional wrestling returns to CHS. We hope you can make it and cheer him on.  Be Well, Be Curious, and THRIVE, Dan Mitchell, Principal Maura Clinton-Jones, Assistant Principal Upcoming Dates April 20, 2026 Student Council Movie Matinee April 23, 2026 Volunteer Appreciation 3:30 April 24, 2026 Wellness Day at GMS April 27- May 1 Spring Vacation GMS News From the School Counselors The newest edition of The Counselor's Corner is out now. March/ April Counselors’ Corner Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Registration for the 26-27 Kindergarten and Preschool classes has begun. . Registration is a multi-stepped process and begins with a pre-registration form that gives us basic information. You will receive an automated email with information about the next step as your request is processed. You can start gathering documents now that will be needed - birth certificate, immunization and physical exam record and 3 documents that prove your Litchfield residency. The link to registration and explanation of needed documents  is provided here: https://www.litchfieldsd.org/StudentRegistration1.aspx  and can be found on the main page to the Litchfield School District website. PTO News Upcoming Spring Events Planning We’re excited to announce a lineup of fun events coming up this May! Flyers will be sent home with students soon, but for now, please mark your calendars: Sweetheart Dance (for GMS girl students and one adult guest): Friday, May 8 Starlight Social (for GMS boy students and one adult guest): Friday, May 29 Planning is already underway, and we’d love your help! If you’re interested in joining an event committee, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com, and she’ll connect you with the appropriate event coordinator. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make these events a success, please click here. Thank you for your consideration! Teacher & Staff Appreciation Month This year, we are trialing something new by celebrating our teachers and staff for one day a week for 5 weeks! We are spreading out the love! Flyers are making their way home with students. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make the celebration a success, please click here. If you’d prefer not to shop, we are also accepting Venmo donations and those may be sent directly to @sarah-vasil.1. Please contact Sarah with any questions at sarah_willis01338@yahoo.com. GMS/LMS Color Run The Color Run will be held at GMS on Thursday, May 21st from 6pm - 8pm. Flyers are headed home with students in the coming days, so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Please join us for our next planning meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm via Zoom. A link will be posted on the GMS PTO FB page. If you’re interested in donating an item to help make the event a success, please click here. Thank you for your consideration! May PTO Meeting Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We hope you will join us as we hear updates from Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Clinton-Jones as well as updates about the PTO events and happenings. At this meeting, we will also be voting for all board positions for the 2026-2027 school year. If you’re interested in a board position, please fill out this interest form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com.  We hope to see you **All of this information and more may be found on our Facebook Page: GMS PTO NH 2025-2026.** Community News Town Wide Earth Day Clean Up Healthy Kids Running Series The Healthy Kids Running Series is about to begin again. For more information please check out THIS FLYER. Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know End 68 Hours of Hunger and the Litchfield School District 2023-2024 The End 68 Hours of Hunger Program and Litchfield Schools are pleased to inform you about a free, confidential food program which provides students with meals from Friday after school until they return to school on Monday morning.  If meeting the weekend nutritional needs of your child is challenging at this time, we would like to help meet that need.  All food is non-perishable and easy to prepare.  If your child has any food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this need.  Nut products are included for those who are not allergic, but children are informed that they are not to open the bags until a parent can review the contents.  Each week, bags containing food will be provided to students at school.  Students will bring the bag home on the bus or by whatever mode of transportation they have at the end of the day.  If you prefer, parents may pick up the bag at school.  If you’d like to sign up for the program or need additional information, please contact Taryn Staples, School Social Worker, at tstaples@litchfieldsd.org. From Food Services Please see the attached links in regards to our food services. They explain the meal prices for this year as well as qualification and application information for the free and reduced meal program. 2025 NH Public Release Food Services Letter Free and Reduced Instructions (English) Free and Reduced Application (English) Free and Reduced Application (Spanish) News from Tech The parent portal in now open on Powerschool. Please see below in the News from Tech section, for instructions about completing your annual verification. As a reminder, these must be completed EVERY YEAR. MUST UPDATE AND CONFIRM POWERSCHOOL INFORMATION ANNUALLY.Please click the links below for updated information regarding powerschool and Chromebook information. A reminder that all parents PowerSchool Portal Information for Parents Back-to-School and Chromebook Insurance Morning Drop Off Procedures During the morning drop off, both buses and cars will utilize the big loop. As vehicles pull in please pull as far forward until all cars have stopped. Then you can let your child out of the car. Please then wait until the cars in front of you move before pulling forward. Please DO NOT pass a stopped car, cut through the parking lot,  or stop at the front door if there is space in front to pull forward. We also ask that you avoid parking in the parking lot and walking your child to the door, this adds pedestrian traffic to car traffic. Our attempt is to make this a safe and fluid process. We understand that some back ups do occur, but this procedure ensures safety of all and limits the length of any delay. Pick Up Procedures Those utilizing parent pick up are asked to fill in the large loop at the designated time. Please have the colored pick up slips that were sent home, as these act as verification for our staff. If you arrive early for your designated time, you will be directed to a waiting line in the parking lot until your group time. Pink Group (Last Names A-E): 2:45 Yellow Group (Last Names F-N) 2:52 Blue Group (Last Names O-Z) 3:00 Buses: 3:10 targeted departure      Absence Reporting  At Litchfield School District, one of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school each and every day.  To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we now use a more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.  This  system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.  With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods: Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Call the toll-free number 1-833-516-0370 to report an absence using the automated phone system. These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time.  In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.  If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications. SafeArrival Sign Up SafeArrival FAQs SafeArrival Report an Absence From Nurse Alexa ·         Please do not send your child to school if they are experiencing o    a fever (>100.4°)They must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications o   Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours o   Continuous coughing not relieved by cough medicine o   Are overall not feeling well (headache, stomach ache, fatigue, etc.) ·         Practice hand washing ·         Practice covering a cough and sneeze ·         Drink lots of fluids ·         Get plenty of rest Linked below is a resource for helping prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. As always, you can reach out to the school nurse with any questions or concerns. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html  229 Charles Bancroft Hwy. Litchfield, NH 03052 (603) 424-5931 Past Editions of the GMS School News can be found at: https://griffinnhnews.blogspot.com/

April 10, 2026

 

Griffin Memorial School News At GMS, We THRIVE

April 10, 2026 GMS Families,              Ah Spring in New Hampshire! This week featured freezing temperatures, snow, and then we get to end it with weather that can only be described as glorious. Throw in the event of Wednesday morning and you have a truly strange week. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation on Wednesday morning. In events like that student safety is the driving force behind all that we do and your cooperation makes it much easier. Thank You!             Earlier today parents received your child's third quarter report card. Previously you received an email with the passcode to access this report card. Please reach out if you didn't receive either of these or with any other issue. As with all report cards, these are a good chance for a conversation with your child about their progress and what they can do to end this year on the strongest note.              On Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 in the CHS Auditorium, we will host a Community Forum regarding the GMS Building project. This will be a chance to learn about what work has been done, plans going forward, and a discussion about future work. This is the first of a few community forums as the work continues. Please come out and have a voice and role in the process.           This past week was Assistant Principals' Appreciation Week. There aren't adequate words to express how much we appreciate all that Mrs. Clinton-Jones does for us. She is the heart and lifeblood of the school and we are lucky to have her. Be Well, Be Curious, and THRIVE, Dan Mitchell, Principal Maura Clinton-Jones, Assistant Principal Upcoming Dates April 14, 2026  GMS Building Project Community Forum 6:00 at CHS April 13-17, 2026 Junk to Funk- Artist in Residence April 23, 2026 Volunteer Appreciation 3:30 April 24, 2026 Wellness Day at GMS April 27- May 1 Spring Vacation GMS News From the School Counselors The newest edition of The Counselor's Corner is out now. March/ April Counselors’ Corner Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Registration for the 26-27 Kindergarten and Preschool classes has begun. . Registration is a multi-stepped process and begins with a pre-registration form that gives us basic information. You will receive an automated email with information about the next step as your request is processed. You can start gathering documents now that will be needed - birth certificate, immunization and physical exam record and 3 documents that prove your Litchfield residency. The link to registration and explanation of needed documents  is provided here: https://www.litchfieldsd.org/StudentRegistration1.aspx  and can be found on the main page to the Litchfield School District website. PTO News April PTO Meeting Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We hope you will join us as we hear updates from Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Clinton-Jones as well as updates about the PTO events and happenings. At this meeting we will also be accepting nominations for all board positions. If you have any questions about board positions, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com.  April Griffy Store The next Griffy Store of the year is right around the corner on Friday, 4/17. The store will open outside during recess with a variety of items for the students to shop for (e.g.  educational tools, classroom supplies, and more). Inventory forms will be sent home with students prior to the store opening. Stay tuned! Upcoming Spring Events Planning We’re excited to announce a lineup of fun events coming up this May! More details will be shared soon, but for now, please mark your calendars: Sweetheart Dance (for GMS girl students and one adult guest): Friday, May 8 Starlight Social (for GMS boy students and one adult guest): Friday, May 29 Planning is already underway, and we’d love your help! If you’re interested in joining an event committee, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com, and she’ll connect you with the appropriate event coordinator. GMS/LMS Color Run The Color Run will be held at GMS on Thursday, May 21st from 6pm - 8pm. Flyers will be sent home with students in the coming days, so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Please join us for our next planning meeting on Thursday, April 16th at 7pm via Zoom. A link will be posted on the GMS PTO FB page. **All of this information and more may be found on our Facebook Page: GMS PTO NH 2025-2026.** Community News CHS Presents Anastasia “Kids and Adults” Clothing Thrift Sale The Kids and Adults Clothing sale will be held on April 11th at the Litchfield Community Church Presbyterian located at 259 Charles Bancroft Highway. It will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the downstairs hall. All new and gently used clothes are $1.00 per item. As children out-grow their clothing, this is a good time to shop for those new sizes and the new Spring season. Come and see the collection of styles and sizes available. Healthy Kids Running Series The Healthy Kids Running Series is about to begin again. For more information please check out THIS FLYER. Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know End 68 Hours of Hunger and the Litchfield School District 2023-2024 The End 68 Hours of Hunger Program and Litchfield Schools are pleased to inform you about a free, confidential food program which provides students with meals from Friday after school until they return to school on Monday morning.  If meeting the weekend nutritional needs of your child is challenging at this time, we would like to help meet that need.  All food is non-perishable and easy to prepare.  If your child has any food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this need.  Nut products are included for those who are not allergic, but children are informed that they are not to open the bags until a parent can review the contents.  Each week, bags containing food will be provided to students at school.  Students will bring the bag home on the bus or by whatever mode of transportation they have at the end of the day.  If you prefer, parents may pick up the bag at school.  If you’d like to sign up for the program or need additional information, please contact Taryn Staples, School Social Worker, at tstaples@litchfieldsd.org. From Food Services Please see the attached links in regards to our food services. They explain the meal prices for this year as well as qualification and application information for the free and reduced meal program. 2025 NH Public Release Food Services Letter Free and Reduced Instructions (English) Free and Reduced Application (English) Free and Reduced Application (Spanish) News from Tech The parent portal in now open on Powerschool. Please see below in the News from Tech section, for instructions about completing your annual verification. As a reminder, these must be completed EVERY YEAR. MUST UPDATE AND CONFIRM POWERSCHOOL INFORMATION ANNUALLY.Please click the links below for updated information regarding powerschool and Chromebook information. A reminder that all parents PowerSchool Portal Information for Parents Back-to-School and Chromebook Insurance Morning Drop Off Procedures During the morning drop off, both buses and cars will utilize the big loop. As vehicles pull in please pull as far forward until all cars have stopped. Then you can let your child out of the car. Please then wait until the cars in front of you move before pulling forward. Please DO NOT pass a stopped car, cut through the parking lot,  or stop at the front door if there is space in front to pull forward. We also ask that you avoid parking in the parking lot and walking your child to the door, this adds pedestrian traffic to car traffic. Our attempt is to make this a safe and fluid process. We understand that some back ups do occur, but this procedure ensures safety of all and limits the length of any delay. Pick Up Procedures Those utilizing parent pick up are asked to fill in the large loop at the designated time. Please have the colored pick up slips that were sent home, as these act as verification for our staff. If you arrive early for your designated time, you will be directed to a waiting line in the parking lot until your group time. Pink Group (Last Names A-E): 2:45 Yellow Group (Last Names F-N) 2:52 Blue Group (Last Names O-Z) 3:00 Buses: 3:10 targeted departure      Absence Reporting  At Litchfield School District, one of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school each and every day.  To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we now use a more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.  This  system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.  With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods: Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Call the toll-free number 1-833-516-0370 to report an absence using the automated phone system. These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time.  In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.  If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications. SafeArrival Sign Up SafeArrival FAQs SafeArrival Report an Absence From Nurse Alexa ·         Please do not send your child to school if they are experiencing o    a fever (>100.4°)They must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications o   Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours o   Continuous coughing not relieved by cough medicine o   Are overall not feeling well (headache, stomach ache, fatigue, etc.) ·         Practice hand washing ·         Practice covering a cough and sneeze ·         Drink lots of fluids ·         Get plenty of rest Linked below is a resource for helping prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. As always, you can reach out to the school nurse with any questions or concerns. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html  229 Charles Bancroft Hwy. Litchfield, NH 03052 (603) 424-5931 Past Editions of the GMS School News can be found at: https://griffinnhnews.blogspot.com/

April 3, 2026

 

Griffin Memorial School News At GMS, We THRIVE

April 3, 2026 GMS Families,              The third quarter is officially completed and we now enter the hectic homestretch that is the fourth quarter. Report Cards will be sent electronically next Friday. As a reminder, you will receive an email earlier in the day that contains a passcode. The report card will then come later in the day in a separate email with a passcode protection. The passcode is in the first email.             On Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 in the CHS Auditorium, we will host a Community Forum regarding the GMS Building project. This will be a chance to learn about what work has been done, plans going forward, and a discussion about future work. This is the first of a few community forums as the work continues. Please come out and have a voice and role in the process.            Finally, Kindergarten Registration in open and Preschool Registration opens on Monday. If you, or someone you know, has a child that is preschool or Kindergarten aged please sign up. We are looking to reach as many families as possible so please spread the word.             For those that celebrate, we wish you all a Wonderful Easter Weekend.    Be Well, Be Curious, and THRIVE, Dan Mitchell, Principal Maura Clinton-Jones, Assistant Principal Upcoming Dates April 4, 2026 Pro Wrestling Event and fundraiser at CHS - 6:30 PM April 6, 2026 Pre School Registration Begins April 9&10, 2026 First Grade Field Trip- Beaver Brook April 14, 2026  GMS Building Project Community Forum 6:00 at CHS April 13-17, 2026 Junk to Funk- Artist in Residence GMS News 2026-2027 Placement  It is time to start thinking about next year. The placement process is intentional and takes some time, but believe it or not it starts now. As part of this process we Please use THIS FORM to provide information, that you feel is important, as we begin the process of placement for the 2025-2026 School Year. We do not accept teacher request so please refrain from naming or requesting specific teachers or staff, but rather provide your child's strengths, needs, concerns, and any other factors you feel are needed in order to best place them for next year. Please complete by Wednesday, April 8.  From the School Counselors The newest edition of The Counselor's Corner is out now. March/ April Counselors’ Corner Upcoming Volunteer Trainings It is now that time of year where Field Trips become a part of the school experience. If you are considering chaperoning a field trip this spring and you have never attended a volunteer training, we will be holding trainings on the following dates: *Weds., March 18 at 7:00am *Tues., March 24 at 7:00am or 6:00 PM *Thurs., April 2 at 7:00am or 6:00 PM Prior to attending a training you need to do the online reading and complete 4 forms. Information on the reading and forms can be found here: Volunteer Directions. Please reach out to Mr. Mitchell or Mrs. Clinton-Jones if you are in need of this training and we can arrange for your attendance. Kindergarten Registration Registration for the 26-27 Kindergarten class has begun. Your child must be 5 on or before September 30, 2026. Registration is a multi-stepped process and begins with a pre-registration form that gives us basic information. You will receive an automated email with information about the next step as your request is processed. You can start gathering documents now that will be needed - birth certificate, immunization and physical exam record and 3 documents that prove your Litchfield residency. The link to registration and explanation of needed documents  is provided here: https://www.litchfieldsd.org/StudentRegistration1.aspx  and can be found on the main page to the Litchfield School District website. PTO News Upcoming Spring Events Planning We’re excited to announce a lineup of fun events coming up this May! More details will be shared soon, but for now, please mark your calendars: Sweetheart Dance (for GMS girl students and one adult guest): Friday, May 8 Color Run (fundraising event): Thursday, May 21 Starlight Social (for GMS boy students and one adult guest): Friday, May 29 Planning is already underway, and we’d love your help! If you’re interested in joining an event committee, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com, and she’ll connect you with the appropriate event coordinator. April PTO Meeting Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We hope you will join us as we hear updates from Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Clinton-Jones as well as updates about the PTO events and happenings. At this meeting, we will also be accepting nominations for all board positions. If you have any questions about board positions, please reach out to Erica Ruggles at ptonhgms@gmail.com.  **All of this information and more may be found on our Facebook Page: GMS PTO NH 2025-2026.** Community News CHS Presents Anastasia “Kids and Adults” Clothing Thrift Sale The Kids and Adults Clothing sale will be held on April 11th at the Litchfield Community Church Presbyterian located at 259 Charles Bancroft Highway. It will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the downstairs hall. All new and gently used clothes are $1.00 per item. As children out-grow their clothing, this is a good time to shop for those new sizes and the new Spring season. Come and see the collection of styles and sizes available. Healthy Kids Running Series The Healthy Kids Running Series is about to begin again. For more information please check out THIS FLYER. Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know End 68 Hours of Hunger and the Litchfield School District 2023-2024 The End 68 Hours of Hunger Program and Litchfield Schools are pleased to inform you about a free, confidential food program which provides students with meals from Friday after school until they return to school on Monday morning.  If meeting the weekend nutritional needs of your child is challenging at this time, we would like to help meet that need.  All food is non-perishable and easy to prepare.  If your child has any food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this need.  Nut products are included for those who are not allergic, but children are informed that they are not to open the bags until a parent can review the contents.  Each week, bags containing food will be provided to students at school.  Students will bring the bag home on the bus or by whatever mode of transportation they have at the end of the day.  If you prefer, parents may pick up the bag at school.  If you’d like to sign up for the program or need additional information, please contact Taryn Staples, School Social Worker, at tstaples@litchfieldsd.org. From Food Services Please see the attached links in regards to our food services. They explain the meal prices for this year as well as qualification and application information for the free and reduced meal program. 2025 NH Public Release Food Services Letter Free and Reduced Instructions (English) Free and Reduced Application (English) Free and Reduced Application (Spanish) News from Tech The parent portal in now open on Powerschool. Please see below in the News from Tech section, for instructions about completing your annual verification. As a reminder, these must be completed EVERY YEAR. MUST UPDATE AND CONFIRM POWERSCHOOL INFORMATION ANNUALLY.Please click the links below for updated information regarding powerschool and Chromebook information. A reminder that all parents PowerSchool Portal Information for Parents Back-to-School and Chromebook Insurance Morning Drop Off Procedures During the morning drop off, both buses and cars will utilize the big loop. As vehicles pull in please pull as far forward until all cars have stopped. Then you can let your child out of the car. Please then wait until the cars in front of you move before pulling forward. Please DO NOT pass a stopped car, cut through the parking lot,  or stop at the front door if there is space in front to pull forward. We also ask that you avoid parking in the parking lot and walking your child to the door, this adds pedestrian traffic to car traffic. Our attempt is to make this a safe and fluid process. We understand that some back ups do occur, but this procedure ensures safety of all and limits the length of any delay. Pick Up Procedures Those utilizing parent pick up are asked to fill in the large loop at the designated time. Please have the colored pick up slips that were sent home, as these act as verification for our staff. If you arrive early for your designated time, you will be directed to a waiting line in the parking lot until your group time. Pink Group (Last Names A-E): 2:45 Yellow Group (Last Names F-N) 2:52 Blue Group (Last Names O-Z) 3:00 Buses: 3:10 targeted departure      Absence Reporting  At Litchfield School District, one of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school each and every day.  To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we now use a more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.  This  system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.  With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods: Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. Call the toll-free number 1-833-516-0370 to report an absence using the automated phone system. These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.  Future absences can be reported at any time.  In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.  If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications. SafeArrival Sign Up SafeArrival FAQs SafeArrival Report an Absence From Nurse Alexa ·         Please do not send your child to school if they are experiencing o    a fever (>100.4°)They must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications o   Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours o   Continuous coughing not relieved by cough medicine o   Are overall not feeling well (headache, stomach ache, fatigue, etc.) ·         Practice hand washing ·         Practice covering a cough and sneeze ·         Drink lots of fluids ·         Get plenty of rest Linked below is a resource for helping prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. As always, you can reach out to the school nurse with any questions or concerns. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html  229 Charles Bancroft Hwy. Litchfield, NH 03052 (603) 424-5931 Past Editions of the GMS School News can be found at: https://griffinnhnews.blogspot.com/