J. T. Hood School News

We are excited to share that, last evening, the North Reading School Committee approved the creation and naming of a new outdoor space at J.T. Hood Elementary School: The Gorman Pathway to Possibilities.

We will hold a dedication and soft opening for the Gorman family and school community on Monday, September 21, at 5:30 PM during the annual school social. This dedication will take place adjacent to the school play area at the newly erected archway built by Nicholas Kuras. While a few final items still need to be completed for school operational purposes, we are looking forward to gathering with the Gorman family and members of our community to celebrate this very special space.

Developed through the collaborative work of a Hood School study group and in response to the Outdoor Learning Times Committee’s goal of increasing opportunities for students to spend meaningful time outdoors, The Gorman Pathway to Possibilities was created to provide students with a dedicated space to pause, connect, reflect, and grow.

The space includes a winding woodland walking path, outdoor seating, and areas designed to support quiet reflection, mindfulness, outdoor learning, and connection with nature. The pathway will provide opportunities for students to engage in calm, intentional movement and outdoor experiences while supporting self-regulation, focus, social connection, and overall well-being.

A Meaningful Name and Lasting Legacy

The name Gorman Pathway to Possibilities is deeply meaningful to our school community. This space was created in honor of Mrs. Christy Gorman—mother, teacher, friend, and wife—and reflects the philosophy that guided so much of her work with children: Calm, Connect, Grow.

Christy had a remarkable ability to recognize what children needed in order to be successful. She understood that, at times, children need a place to pause, feel safe, regulate, reflect, and find their way forward. Through spaces and practices such as Cozy Corners and Meta Moment Rooms, she intentionally created environments where children could step away from the demands of the moment, reconnect with themselves, and return ready to learn and participate.

These spaces were about much more than a physical location. They reflected Christy’s belief that the environment we create for children can help them develop the skills, confidence, and sense of belonging they need to navigate challenges. She understood that creating a space to calm was not about removing a child from learning—it was about helping a child become ready to return to learning.

The Gorman Pathway to Possibilities carries that same philosophy outdoors.

It provides students with an intentional space to slow down, calm their bodies and minds, connect with others and with nature, reflect, and ultimately grow. In this way, the Pathway is more than a tribute to Christy. It is a continuation of her practice and a reflection of her belief in the possibilities within every child.

Her memory and the positive impact she had on our community are woven into the very purpose of this space. Every child who uses the Gorman Pathway to Possibilities will have an opportunity to experience the kind of thoughtful, caring environment that Christy worked so hard to create for children throughout her career.

A Community Effort

This special project has truly been a community effort. Many volunteers, families, staff members, community members, and organizations have contributed their time, talents, resources, and support to help bring this vision to life. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a role in making the Gorman Pathway to Possibilities a reality.

We will share a complete list of project partners and contributors as part of our dedication and celebration. There are many people who deserve recognition for helping make this vision possible, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions.

A special thank you goes to the J.T. Hood Parent Association for their continued partnership and their willingness to support initiatives that enhance the experience of our students. Their ongoing collaboration, generosity, and commitment to our school community are an important part of what makes projects like this possible.

Looking Ahead

As with any new school initiative, we will begin with guided and intentional use. Once the space is cleared for student use, staff will introduce students to the Pathway, establish expectations, and help students learn how to use the space safely, respectfully, and thoughtfully.

Please be on the lookout for additional information regarding the official opening date and opportunities for students to begin using the Gorman Pathway to Possibilities. Information about the program, including the opportunity for families to opt their child out of participation, will also be shared prior to the start of the program.

We are excited to introduce this special space to our Hound Dogs and, most importantly, to continue a legacy of creating environments where children have the opportunity to calm, connect, grow, and discover their own possibilities.

Hand in Hand – Together We Can

 

🐾 WELCOME BACK, HOUND DOGS!

The 2026–2027 school year is officially underway!

What a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year! We welcomed our teachers and staff back last week, and it has been wonderful to see the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement throughout Hood School. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for: our students returned!

DAY 1 • CHECK! ✓

🍦 A Special Welcome to Our Newest Hound Dogs

We loved celebrating our annual Kindergarten Social on September 3! It was wonderful to welcome our newest Hound Dogs and their families to Hood School. Thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon so special. We are excited to watch our newest students learn, grow, and become an important part of our school community.

COMING UP: KINDERGARTEN & PRE-K WELCOME

Thursday, September 10

We can't wait to welcome our youngest Hound Dogs!

👋 Welcome to the Hood School Team

As previously shared, we have welcomed several new members to our Hood School team. We are excited to introduce two additional professionals joining us this year:

Caroline Kirkpatrick

Grade 5 Student Teacher

Gianna Hatch

Grade 5 & Grade 3 Long-Term Substitute

Please join us in giving Caroline and Gianna a warm Hood School welcome!

⭐ Introducing Our 2026–2027 School Theme

OWN IT!

Our Actions. Our Choices. Our Community.

At Hood School, we believe that helping children become confident, responsible, and independent learners starts with teaching them to own their actions, their choices, and their role in our community.

• Own Your Actions — Take responsibility for your choices and make things right when things go wrong.

• Own Your Learning — Be curious, persevere, ask questions, and seek help when you need it.

• Own Your Belongings — Take care of your personal belongings and the materials we share at school.

• Own Your Space — Help keep our classrooms and school spaces clean, safe, and welcoming.

• Own Your Mistakes — Understand that mistakes are part of learning. What matters is how we respond, learn, and move forward.

“We all make mistakes. Hound Dogs OWN them, FIX them, and MOVE forward.”

We look forward to partnering with families throughout the year as we help our students develop the confidence, responsibility, and resilience to OWN IT!

🧸 Supporting Sensory Needs at Hood School

We know that students learn and regulate in different ways. For some students, a sensory tool can be an important support that helps them maintain attention, regulate their emotions and bodies, and fully participate in learning.

Our goal is simple: We want students to have the tools they need to feel comfortable, regulated, included, and ready to learn.

Working Together

Sensory tools may be provided as part of a student's individualized supports through an IEP, Section 504 Plan, District Accommodation Plan, or our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). When a sensory tool is identified as an appropriate school-based support, we are happy to provide the tool whenever possible. Families do not need to purchase a specific item for their child to use at school.

We also welcome recommendations from outside professionals who work with your child. If an occupational therapist or another qualified specialist recommends a sensory tool, please share that information with your child's teacher or school team. We will work collaboratively to understand the recommendation and determine how it can best be implemented in the school setting.

Our Sensory Tool Procedure

• Sensory tools are identified collaboratively based on a student's individual needs.

• We can provide an appropriate school-based tool whenever possible.

• Outside recommendations are welcomed and will be reviewed collaboratively.

• Use is individualized. Staff work with students to establish when, where, and how a tool should be used.

• Sensory tools should support learning, not become the focus of learning.

🧸 Toys & Stuffed Animals from Home

We understand that a favorite stuffed animal, toy, collectible, or comfort item from home can be very meaningful to a child. However, toys, stuffed animals, collectibles, and personal play items from home should remain at home unless specifically approved by school staff.

There is an important distinction between a school-approved sensory tool and a toy or personal item from home. A sensory tool is selected because it serves a specific purpose related to a student's ability to regulate, attend, or access learning. A toy or stuffed animal, even when comforting, may not serve that same educational purpose.

Personal toys and stuffed animals can also unintentionally become distractions. They may:

• Draw a student's attention away from instruction or classroom activities.

• Capture the attention of classmates who want to look at, touch, play with, or talk about the item.

• Lead to sharing, trading, competition, or disagreements between students.

• Become a source of distraction during lessons, transitions, independent work, or group activities.

• Create difficulty when a child is asked to put the item away or transition to another activity.

• Become a focus of conversation or play rather than a purposeful support.

OUR INTENTION IS COLLABORATION, NOT PROHIBITION.

If you believe that a particular item from home serves an important sensory or regulatory purpose for your child, please talk with your child's teacher or school team before sending the item to school.

When a Sensory Tool Becomes a Distraction

Sensory tools are intended to support attention, self-regulation, and access to learning. If a tool becomes a distraction, is primarily being used for play, or interferes with the learning of the student or others, staff may ask the student to put it away and provide guidance about when it can be used appropriately. Staff may also work with the student to identify a different tool or strategy that better supports their needs.

Our Shared Goal

We appreciate our families' partnership as we work together to create classrooms where every child can learn, participate, and feel successful. We want every student to have access to the supports they need while also protecting the attention, engagement, and learning of the entire classroom community.

💭 One Word Check-In: How Are We Feeling?

Before welcoming our students back, we asked our staff to share one word that captured how they were feeling about the new school year.

The responses say it all!

Excited • Hopeful • Motivated • Grateful • Eager • Rejuvenated • Optimistic • Focused

🐾 HERE'S TO A GREAT YEAR!

The 2026–2027 school year is officially underway, and we couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and trust. Together, we will continue to build a school community where every child feels known, supported, challenged, and celebrated.

OWN IT, HOUND DOGS!

Dr. Glen S. McKay • Principal

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

Dear Hood School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are so excited to begin another wonderful year together at J. Turner Hood School.

Today, we have officially rolled over to our 2026–2027 communication systems, so you will begin receiving school communications through our updated platforms.

I also encourage you to revisit my previous August communications, which include important information and updates as we get ready to welcome students back.

📰 Previous August Communications:

https://hood.north-reading.k12.ma.us/newsmediainformation

As you prepare for the new school year, please take some time to review the “Family Action Guide.” This document contains important information you will want to have throughout the year, including school procedures, schedules, expectations, contact information, and other helpful resources.

📘 2026–2027 Family Action Guide:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSt4qt9pFp05lszHu6wfHKnNCVwJ1iS0TT3_W98QIX1WFyijk1f6MZcQQnpcA5uOCA4dl4my3Z-GP0o/pub

We are looking forward to welcoming our Hound Dogs back and making 2026–2027 another terrific year at Hood School.

Hand in Hand – Together We Can!

Warmly,
Dr. Glen McKay
Principal

 

August 14, 2026

Dear Members of the J. Turner Hood School Community,

Welcome to the start of the 2026–2027 school year at J. Turner Hood Elementary School! I hope you have been enjoying a healthy, restful summer. Our team has been busy behind the scenes preparing the building and classrooms, and we look forward to welcoming our students back very soon.

This letter serves as a preliminary update; a more extensive Opening Packet will be shared shortly. In the meantime, you can review my previous communication from earlier this month on our School News & Messages Page.

Important Links & Calendar

• 2026–2027 District Calendar: Review the Official NRPS 2026–2027 Calendar on the school department homepage.
• Opening Packet (Coming Mid-August): Be on the lookout for our comprehensive opening packet mid-month. It will cover arrival/dismissal procedures, key dates, supply reminders, and essential details for a smooth start.

School Hours & Daily Dismissal

Daily Hours

• School Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM (Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:00am)
• Student Drop-Off: Starts at 7:40 AM (Please note: Students may not be dropped off prior to 7:40 AM, as morning supervision is not available before this time).

Action Item: Dismissal Plan Form

To ensure a safe and efficient dismissal process for every student, families must complete a separate dismissal plan for each child by August 24, 2026.This will appear a few times but only needs to be completed once per child. 

👉 Complete the Dismissal Form Here

Summary of Dismissal Options:

• Placard Pick-Up (By Car): Front-loop pickup requires our Placard System. Vehicles form a single line down the driveway, through the parking lot, to the end of the loop. (Detailed instructions included in the Opening Packet).
• Bus Student: Student rides district-provided transportation.
• After School YMCA: Student attends the Burbank YMCA program held on-site.
• Walker / Parent Pick-Up (On Foot): Dismissal takes place at Door 9 (outside Rooms 11 & 12 along the path adjacent to the library).
• Specialized Transportation: As arranged through school services.
• Preschool Families: Classroom teachers will reach out directly with specific instructions.

Staffing Updates

We are finalizing our staffing assignments and look forward to introducing our wonderful new team members to the Hood School community in an upcoming update!

Kindergarten Events

Kindergarten Social

• Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM (End time is flexible so families can mingle!)
• Location: Cavalieri Field & the Hound Dog Hangout
• A wonderful Hood tradition for incoming kindergarteners to meet classmates and staff before school begins. 
• This event is for kindergarten students and their parents only—no siblings, please! Our goal is to give our new kindergartners a chance to connect with their classmates. 

Kindergarten Orientation & First Day

• Kindergarten Placement & Orientation: Orientation runs on Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9, 2026. (Placement and conference scheduling details have been sent; please contact the office if you did not receive yours).
• First Full Day of Kindergarten: Thursday, September 10, 2026
• "Sip, Sip, Hooray!" Breakfast: Thursday, September 10, 2026 (Immediately following drop-off in the School Library). Join administrators, support staff, and the Parent's Association for coffee after drop-off!

Back-to-School Night 

• Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Schedule:
  • 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Preschool, Kindergarten, & Grades 1–2
  • 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM: Grades 3–5

Adults-Only Event Notice

Back-to-School Night is designed exclusively for parents and guardians to meet teachers, tour classrooms, and review curriculum expectations. To ensure a consistent, respectful, and productive environment for all parents who have arranged childcare, children should not attend. Formal parent-teacher conferences will take place at the end of the first trimester in November.  

We know the transition back to school brings both excitement and a few butterflies. Our staff is hard at work preparing engaging lessons and welcoming spaces for every student. Enjoy these remaining weeks of summer—we can't wait to see you soon!

Warmly,

Dr. Glen McKay

Principal, J. Turner Hood Elementary School

 

Subject: August (Week 1) Update from the Hood School – Hand in Hand, Together We Can! 🐾

Dear Hood School Families,

I hope you’ve had a fantastic summer and are feeling as energized as we are about the upcoming school year! Our dedicated staff is hard at work preparing for a strong start, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Hood.

If you’re new to North Reading—welcome! We’re thrilled to have you join our community. At the Hood School, we truly believe that Hand in Hand, Together We Can make this school year a success.

📩 Class Placements

Class placement emails were sent during the last week of July. If you have not yet received your child’s placement, please reach out to me directly at gmckay@nrpsk12.org.

📧 A Note on Email Lists: Our email lists are actively being updated as we roll over student information for the new school year. If you receive a message in error or notice an omission, we apologize—our Tech Team is working hard behind the scenes to finalize the transition.

📬 Opening Packet Coming Mid-August

Be on the lookout for our Opening Packet arriving mid-month. It will include everything you need to know to start the year off right—from arrival and dismissal procedures to key dates, supply reminders, and more. Everything Hood School–related will be in one place to make planning as smooth as possible.

🍧 Kindergarten Social – Save the Date!

One of our time-honored Hood traditions is our Kindergarten Social. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet classmates, families, and staff before the first day!

• 🗓 Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
• 🕑 Time: 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
• 📍 Location: Cavalieri Field & the Hound Dog Hangout

Note: More details and conference information will be shared directly with kindergarten families soon, sent separately from the Opening Packet.

📢 Staffing Updates

We are currently finalizing staffing assignments and will be sharing updates shortly. We are excited about the wonderful new team members joining us and look forward to introducing them to the Hood School community!

🚨 Important Facility Announcement

📍 Front Lobby Closed: Please note that the Front Lobby will be closed on August 10, 11, and 12, 2026.

🧹 A Special Thanks to Our Facilities Team

Our incredible custodians, painters, and grounds crew—along with the amazing Mrs. Mastascusa—have worked tirelessly to get our building ready for opening. From cleaning every corner to refreshing classrooms and caring for our grounds, we would simply be lost without their expertise, dedication, and effort.

👉 When you see them around, please take a moment to say thank you—they truly make our school special!

We are incredibly excited for the year ahead. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Hand in Hand, Together We Can create another joyful, successful year at the Hood!

Warm regards,

Glen McKay

Principal, J. Turner Hood Elementary School

📧 gmckay@nrpsk12.org

 

Parent Workshop on Restorative Practices

Dear Families,

We are excited to invite you to participate in an upcoming virtual parent workshop on Restorative Practices, which will be shared on May 22, 2026.

This session will be facilitated by members of our school team, including our School Adjustment Counselor, Ms Aleksa & School Psychologist, Dr. Jacki Dowd, and is designed to deepen family understanding of how we support student behavior, build community, and address conflicts in meaningful ways.

As part of this effort, we are also working to highlight how restorative practices are being implemented in our classrooms and across our school community. Our goal is to strengthen partnership with families and ensure a shared understanding of our approach to student discipline and relationship-building.

To make this workshop as meaningful and responsive as possible, we kindly ask that you complete the attached Google Form by May 1, 2026. Through this form, you can:

• Submit any questions you would like addressed during the workshop
   
• Share topics of interest related to student behavior and school practices

Here is the link: https://forms.gle/7qtm87MHquvSyy8a9

Please note that this session will be recorded and shared with families. 

Your input is incredibly valuable, and we look forward to your participation as we continue to work together in support of our students.

Warm regards,

Dr. Dowd & Ms. Aleksa

 

J. Turner Hood Elementary School: Principal’s Newsletter

March 20, 2026

Dear Members of the J. Turner Hood School Community,

The year is passing by in the wink of an eye! It is hard to believe that spring is already here. I am grateful for the longer days (goodbye 4:15 PM sunsets!) and look forward to the warmer weather before the "end-of-year madness" begins.

Preparing for Success in April

April is a vital month for teaching and learning. Here are a few ways you can help your children make the most of their opportunities:

• Sleep: Research shows elementary-age children require 10–12 hours of sleep each night.
• Physical Activity: 20 minutes of daily aerobic activity reduces stress and improves concentration.
• Nutrition: A protein-rich breakfast and healthy snacks provide the "fuel" needed for sustained effort.
• Punctuality: Arriving on time reduces student stress and prevents classroom disruptions.

School Updates & Announcements

Restorative Practices: Please be on the lookout for a letter from Dr. Dowd and Ms. Aleksa. We are excited to invite you to a virtual parent workshop on Restorative Practices.

Principal’s Blog: "Inside the Hood" I have added new posts to our blog, including a piece on school morale teams and a summary of our recent time capsule event. This space offers a more personal, reflective view of life at our school.

• Read more here: Welcome to Inside the Hood

Report Cards: Report cards will be available via the e-locker later in the day on Monday, March 23.

• Tip: We highly suggest using a computer rather than a phone to retrieve these, as mobile devices often encounter technical issues.
• New families should have received login instructions; please contact the office if you need assistance.

Health & Wellness: Tips from Nurse Blanchette

To keep our community healthy, please remember:

• Keep students home if they are unwell. They must be fever-free and vomit-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning.
• Notify the nurse of diagnoses involving Strep, Conjunctivitis, Flu, or COVID-19.
• Encourage frequent handwashing and coughing/sneezing into the elbow.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

School Calendar: We are simply and happily a very busy school.  Please stay up to date regarding school events (We have so many exciting things happening) by accessing the Hood School calendar. Our school website is a great resource. We hope that you will find the information that is posted on our website to be valuable to you and your children. Please check our site often, as there are always things going on. Please click on the calendar tab in order to view a monthly school calendar.

Additionally, here is the link: Hood School Calendar

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Registration should now be complete. Our schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, March 26: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (In-Person)
• Friday, March 27: 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM (Virtual)

Open House & Fine Arts Night: Please save the date for May 27, 2026.

• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Classroom Visits & 4th Grade Wax Museum
• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Art Show (Perusal available throughout the evening)
• 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: School Performances

MCAS Testing (Grades 3–5): The state assessment window opens March 23 and runs through May 22. Our first school-based sessions begin on April 1. Specific dates for each grade level are listed on the school calendar.

Community Highlights

Parents Association:  As Mrs. Liekweg and I attended our Parents Association meeting on Wednesday, I was reminded of the vital role these dedicated individuals play in the lives of our students. We are truly fortunate to have their support. Their contributions are so extensive that they are difficult to fully measure.

I also want to acknowledge, with transparency, that field trips have become increasingly expensive for a variety of reasons. Our Parents’ Association has done an incredible job supporting us and helping to offset these costs. If you see one of our devoted PA parents, I hope you’ll take a moment to recognize and thank them for their efforts.

Thank You!  

Inclusion & Culture:  As part of our School Improvement Plan, Hood School will host a Day of Cultural Learning and Celebration on May 29. We look forward to learning about the diverse cultures that make our community so vibrant.

Teacher Appreciation Week: From May 4, 2026, to May 8, 2026, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at our school. Every one of us contributes to the learning and growth of our students in meaningful ways, and this week is a special opportunity to honor all the incredible members of our professional staff.

I feel truly grateful to work alongside such a talented, dedicated, and inspiring team of professionals who go above and beyond every day to support and uplift our students. Your hard work, creativity, and care make a real difference in the lives of every child in our school community.

I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to celebrate and thank our amazing staff. A kind word, a note of appreciation, or a small gesture can mean more than you might imagine—and it is a wonderful way to show just how much we value the incredible people who make our school shine.

Honoring Mrs. Gorman

On April 2, 2026, we will honor the memory of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Gorman. Her kindness and passion for teaching left a lasting legacy at Hood School. More to follow on March 31, 2026, on this topic.

• Staff Tribute: Staff will wear green (her favorite color) and butterfly pins. We encourage everyone to participate. 
• Moment of Silence: We will hold a moment of reflection early in the day.
• Legacy Project: We are currently planning a permanent memorial to recognize her impact on our school and look forward to sharing more details later in the spring.

 

Warm regards,

Dr. McKay, Principal

 

 

January 8, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades Three, Four, and Five,

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released the state assessment testing window for students in Grades 3 through 5.

This year, the testing window opens on March 23, 2026, and continues through May 23, 2026. The specific dates for each assessment have been added to the school calendar, which is accessible through our website at the link below:
 

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=bm9ydGgtcmVhZGluZy5rMTIubWEudXNfZThoM2czdXE5MW5qcmtkYXU5NDV2YmNhdGtAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

Throughout the testing period, it is important that students come to school well rested and nourished. We ask that all children be present during test administration unless absence is unavoidable due to illness or other serious circumstances. Additionally, please avoid scheduling appointments that interfere with the school day during testing weeks. We encourage you to support your child by reinforcing the importance of trying their best and approaching each test with confidence.

How can you help your child do well?

You can support your child in the following ways:

• Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, eats well, and arrives at school on time. Regular attendance is a strong predictor of academic success.
• Encourage daily reading. Reading together and discussing books helps reinforce positive literacy habits.
• Establish a consistent daily routine for study and homework.
• Provide a quiet, well-lit, comfortable space for studying with necessary supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, a dictionary, and a thesaurus.
• Encourage your child to record assignments and due dates in their agenda book.
• Review homework to ensure it is completed thoughtfully and to the best of your child’s ability.

It is also important to reduce test-related anxiety. Please speak positively about testing and reassure your child of your confidence in their abilities by focusing on their strengths.

As a school learning community, we emphasize performance character and growth mindsets that foster success through effective effort. Effective effort is defined as “the hard work and learning strategies a person can use to deliberately get smarter at important knowledge or skills” (Saphier, Haley-Speca, & Gower, 2008). We respectfully ask that you encourage your child to demonstrate effort, apply learned strategies, and maintain a positive attitude—skills that matter every day, and especially during testing.

Please note that electronic devices are prohibited during testing. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Glen S. McKay
Principal

 

 

November News

Dear Hood School Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already well into the school year! 

Throughout October and early November, I’ve had the opportunity to observe a multitude of amazing classroom lessons and schoolwide events. It continues to be an absolute joy to see our students learning, our teachers innovating, and our families supporting every step of the way.

As we move into this season of gratitude—and just one day after World Kindness Day—I want to take a moment to express how thankful I am for every member of our Hood School community. Our students, staff, and families are working together at a high level, and it shows in every area of growth, kindness, and collaboration.

In our classrooms, students are highly engaged and eager to learn. The dedication of our teachers and support staff shines through daily, and I encourage everyone to pause this month and reflect on the great things happening at the Hood School. Every day, someone goes above and beyond to make this a truly special place to learn and grow.

I’m also thrilled to share that our latest state accountability report places the Hood School in the 95th percentile statewide—a remarkable reflection of our collective efforts and commitment to excellence.

Be sure to check out the newest post on my blog, Inside the Hood, where I’ve highlighted some recent events, including our incredibly successful STEAM Night. You can read it here: Welcome to Inside the Hood. A special shoutout to Mrs. Cleary and the amazing Hood staff volunteers who made it possible.

A heartfelt thank-you also goes to our Parent Association (PA) for their outstanding efforts this fall—from sponsoring enrichment programs and organizing the Fun Run to supporting field trips and classroom initiatives. The Boo Bash was another huge success and continues to be a beloved, time-honored tradition thanks to them. If you see a PA member, please take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

We are also proud of our third graders who were the stars of the Veterans Day celebration, coordinated by Ms. Comeau. Thanks to our third-grade team, and of course, the veterans who joined us. It’s a meaningful tradition we are honored to continue.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming soon—please be on the lookout for more information, which will be shared on November 14, 2025.

 

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Reminders and Updates

School Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM

Tardiness and Attendance:
Student attendance is taken in the classroom promptly at 8:00 AM. Students arriving after that time are considered tardy.

Arriving on time helps children begin their day calmly and confidently, ensuring they don’t miss important morning routines, directions, or social interactions that set the tone for learning. Research shows that frequent tardiness in elementary school can negatively affect academic achievement, disrupt classroom instruction, and contribute to increased anxiety or disengagement over time. Establishing strong attendance habits early is one of the best predictors of future school success.

We understand mornings can be busy, and we appreciate your ongoing efforts to get students to school on time—it truly makes a difference!

 

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Morning Drop-Off Reminders

• Please pull forward as far as possible before stopping. (New signage has been added to improve efficiency as colder weather approaches.)
   
• Remain in your vehicle—please do not open or close the driver’s side doors.
   
• Students should enter and exit only from the passenger side.
   
• If you need an alternative drop-off or pick-up arrangement, please contact the office—we’re happy to help.
   

 

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Our students have been amazing, our routines are in full swing, and the year is off to a fantastic start. Thank you to our dedicated teachers, staff, and families for making the Hood School such a vibrant and caring community.

Here’s to another great month ahead!

Warm regards,
Mr. Glen McKay
Principal, J. Turner Hood Elementary School

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