August 26, 2018

 Dear Silver Hill Families,

 This is my back to school Weekend Update…and it’s a different one!  Last year it was snow and now it’s heat! Due to the extreme heat expected this week and lack of air conditioning, Superintendent Marotta has called for early release days on Tuesday and Wednesday. That means that based on when the buses arrive I’d expect the students to be dismissed at 11:30.  Breakfast starts at 8:30, and no lunches are served on early release days. The Y program is open so if you have made arrangements with them, you are all set. What a first day!

 I apologize to those of you who have been anxiously waiting to hear who your child’s classroom teacher will be. We’ve had some last minute changes and letters have gone home for most of them. Colleen Wezesa will be teacher in grade 2, Room 205. Mrs. Wezesa is excited to join the grade 2 team! Laura Guimond will be taking the grade 5 position opened up by Mrs. Wezesa. Mrs. Guimond will be in Room 308. Mrs. Guimond taught grade 5 in Texas for seven years before moving to Massachusetts where she taught grade 5 in Fall River for the last two years, so she is new to Silver Hill but not to grade 5!  Lori Caron accepted a transfer to teach grade 4 at Hunking, and Morgan Connell will be teaching that class in Room 311.  Ms. Connell received her degree in Elementary Education from Stetson University in Florida, and last year did a full year student teaching as a grade 5 teacher in Florida before moving back to New England.  We are happy to have their experience, and they are excited to join the Silver Hill family!

 Mr. Gartner accepted a position closer to home, and Kevin Murphy will be our new Physical Education teacher. Mr. Parker and I were impressed by Mr. Murphy’s enthusiasm not just for the physical requirements of teaching, but his commitment to behavior and character standards. His experience with PBIS and involvement in the Haverhill community, where he is on the District Wellness Committee, makes him a great fit for the Silver Hill community. Mr. Murphy is coming to us from High Plain Elementary in Andover, where he was a long-term substitute for their physical education teacher.

 I hope to see you all tomorrow night for Open House, 3:30 – 5:00. We will have representatives from transportation, the Mt Washington Alliance, PTO, and the YMCA to answer all of your questions.

 I am excited about starting the new year as Silver Hill Elementary School. We have amazing staff, great family involvement, and of course, the best kids anywhere! It’s going to be an awesome year! J

 See you tomorrow!

Margaret