Students and Families,
We are excited that the 2025-2026 school year is underway. The first two days of school were overwhelmingly positive and we are very proud of how our students and staff started the year. Over the course of the first days of school students spent time reviewing school wide expectations and procedures. All of our students learned how to act in alignment with our three core values of Pride (safety), Respect and Responsibility. We will continue to work with our students to meet these expectations as the year progresses.
This week we will be talking to students about Parkside's goals for attendance this year. Below, you will find some information for families that is similar to what we will be discussing with students.
You can expect to receive a newsletter from us weekly, but we would also encourage you to visit our school website, throughout the year to stay informed regarding activities and resources that are available at Parkside. You can also follow us on social media (Facebook: The Middle School at Parkside, Instagram: Parkside_Knights, Twitter/X: @ParksideKnights).
If at any time during the school year you have a concern regarding your child, we encourage you to contact the classroom teacher first. If you still need assistance, please contact the school counselor or an administrator immediately to share your concerns.
Thank you,
The Parkside Staff
We will have our first parent advisory group meeting on Wednesday September 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Parkside library. We are looking for feedback about 5th and 8th grade transition activities, understanding district policies and procedures and improving student outcomes around attendance. We hope that you are able to join us and help continue to improve the experience for all of our students.
Showing up to school everyday is critical for all students' well being, engagement and learning. We want to ensure that as many of our students as possible are attending school everyday. Make sure to send children to school if they are generally health and well and able to participate in usual day-to-day activities.
Last year, 69.4% of Parkside students attended school for 90% of all school days (less than 18 absences). This year our goal is for 74% of students to attend school 90% or more of all school days. This goal is important because reducing the number of students who are chronically absent will help improve outcomes and lead to more academic success for these students.
Chronic absenteeism is missing so much school for any reason that a student is academically at risk. This means if a student misses 18 days or more for any reason they are considered chronically absent. Missing school and class time is detrimental to a student's own learning and can often be a distraction from the learning of others.
If you are worried about your child's school attendance please talk with one of your child's teachers, their school counselor, our social worker or an administrator. Please take a look at these resources for more information:
Family Resources for Attendance
Attendance Essentials
When to Stay Check Home Checklist
Your student’s first class starts promptly at 7:25AM and our doors open at 7:20AM. Breakfast service begins at 7:00AM. Do not drop your student off before 7:00AM as there will not be staff available to supervise them. As students arrive at Parkside they will proceed to the following areas:
5th and 6th Grade: Rear addition and modular entrance
7th and 8th Grade: Cafeteria Double Doors (basketball court)
Students MUST arrive by 7:20 to ensure they get to their first class on time. Students arriving after 7:25 are tardy and must check in at the main office.
Assistant Principal (Grades 7 and 8): Salvador Becerra sbeccera@mansd.org, Phone Ext: 27011 Assistant Principal (Grades 5 and 6): TBD, Phone Ext: 27012
Assistant Principal for Special Services: Jennifer Harrises jharrises@mansd.org, Phone Ext: 27013 Principal: Scott Szuksta sszuksta@mansd.org, Phone Ext: 27010
Email: Parkside@mansd.org
Website: parkside.mansd.org
Location: 75 Parkside Avenue, Manchester, NH, USA
Phone: 603-624-6356
Facebook: facebook.com/TheMiddleSchoolatParkside
Instagram: Parkside_Knights
X/Twitter: @ParksideKnights
