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  • Important Clarification Regarding a Social Media Alert

    This morning, the Portsmouth School Department was notified that a parent had received an alert through the Nextdoor app indicating that a Portsmouth Middle School student had been caught with a gun on campus. We immediately began looking into this report. At this time, we can confirm that  no student has been caught with a gun on any Portsmouth, New Hampshire school campus . Our review indicates that this alert appears to have been generated automatically through Nextdoor after it picked up a news story from another application, SamDesk, regarding an incident that occurred yesterday at  Churchland Middle School in Portsmouth, Virginia . The alert appears to have been misattributed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire within the platform. We are continuing to follow up with the application involved to better understand how this error occurred and to request that the alert be corrected so it does not cause unnecessary concern. We appreciate the families and staff members who reached out quickly to share this information. As always, our first priority is the safety of our students and staff, and we want to reassure you that schools are operating normally today and that students are safe. To be completely clear, there was no weapons incident at Portsmouth Middle School yesterday. Dr. Zach McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

    Wednesday, Jan 28 2026

  • Two Hour Delay in Portsmouth

    Good morning Portsmouth School Department families and staff, Portsmouth Schools will be delayed by two hours today. Thank you, Zach McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

    Wednesday, Jan 07 2026

  • After-School Activities Cancelled for Portsmouth Sch...

    Good afternoon, All after-school activities in Portsmouth Schools are cancelled for this afternoon. Have a safe afternoon, Zach McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools [Tuesday, Dec 2 at 1:25 PM] Just another note. As we head out this afternoon, we ask everyone to be patient with the bus runs. We could have some late drop-offs. We will be emphasizing safety over speed this afternoon. Thanks for your understanding.

    Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

  • Resources for Families During the Federal Government...

    Dear Families, As we continue to navigate the challenges presented by the ongoing federal government shutdown, we want to ensure that all Portsmouth families are aware of the resources available to support them during this time. Food Assistance Resources Gather Food Pantry Free groceries and produce for families 210 West Rd, Portsmouth, NH | (603) 436-0641 |  www.gathernh.org Operation Blessing Food, clothing, and household essentials 600A Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH | (603) 430-8561 |  www.theobnh.org Local Food Pantries You can find other nearby food pantries and soup kitchens through the NH Food Bank’s Food Map :  nhfoodbank.org/find-food End 68 Hours of Hunger Provides children with a bag of simple, nutritious meals each Friday afternoon from school. To sign up your child, contact your school.  To donate, visit  end68hoursofhunger.org . Portsmouth Community Fridge 80 Manor Drive, Portsmouth | Always open | facebook.com/portsmouth.fridge South Church Community Fridge Open 24/7 outside South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. Fresh produce, pantry staples, and grab-and-go meals available daily. www.southchurch-portsmouth.org Red’s Good Vibes Food Truck Free food, no stigma—check for locations on Facebook:  facebook.com/redsgoodvibes Cross Roads House Provides hot meals daily for residents and community members in need. 600 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth | (603) 436-2218 |  www.crossroadshouse.org Vida Cantina Community Enchilada Dinners Free take-home family dinners for anyone in need. Details and sign-up at  vidacantinanh.com/community-enchilada-dinners St. John’s Episcopal Church Community Suppers Free breakfast on Monday from 6-8:30 AM and free lunch every Thursday from 12-1 PM. 100 Chapel Street, Portsmouth. All are welcome—no sign-up required. Portsmouth Senior Activity Center Meals Free or low-cost meals for seniors through the Rockingham Nutrition Program. Call (603) 431-8677 for current schedule. Housing, Recreation, Heating & Other Assistance Portsmouth Welfare Department Emergency help with rent, utilities, food, and other essentials City Hall, 1 Junkins Ave, Portsmouth | (603) 610-7267 | portsmouthnh.gov/welfare Mon 8–6, Tue–Thu 8–4:30, Fri 8–1 2-1-1 NH Connects you to local housing, shelter, and support services Dial 211 or (866) 444-4211 | www.211nh.org Rockingham Community Action (CAP) Housing assistance, utility help, and case management (603) 436-3896 | www.snhs.org Key Collective Provides financial aid to assist with paying for after-school activities info@keycollective.org | 603-231-1513 | www.keycollective.org Kids Five & Over Scholarships and financial assistance for extracurricular activities Contact your child’s school counselor for a referral. www.kidsfiveandover.org School Meals Families experiencing a loss of income due to the shutdown may qualify for  Free and Reduced-Price Meals , even if they were not previously eligible. This program utilizes your  current income , so individuals experiencing furlough or layoff may still qualify, regardless of their previous earnings. Eligibility: Families with household incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level may qualify (for example, a family of four earning up to $55,500 annually). How to Apply: Applications are available through your child’s school or online here . We have also received requests for information on where to donate to contribute locally. Any of the organizations above would be a great choice to support our community and neighbors. We are here to support you and your family during this time.

    Sunday, Nov 02 2025

  • Concerning News

    Dear Portsmouth School District Families, We are reaching out in light of a recent newspaper report concerning the arrest of an assistant track coach at Portsmouth High School, who is alleged to have engaged in inappropriate conduct involving a minor. Last Wednesday, we shared with the high school community that the coach had been placed on leave. With today’s article, we wanted to share with the broader school community. We recognize that this news is deeply troubling and may cause concern, sadness, or even anger within our community. Please know that we take this matter extremely seriously, and we are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student in our care. At this time, we have no indication that any Portsmouth School Department students were involved in the reported incident. The alleged conduct did not occur on school grounds, and law enforcement is currently handling the investigation. The staff member in question has been placed on administrative leave, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. We understand that trust and transparency are vital, especially in moments like this. While we are limited in what we can share due to the ongoing investigation and privacy laws, we will continue to communicate as we are able. Counseling and support services are available to any student or family member who may be affected by this news. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school counselors or administration if your child needs additional support. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to uphold the safety, integrity, and values of our school community. Sincerely, Zach McLaughlin           Superintendent of Schools Steve Chinosi Principal Tom Kozikowski Athletic Director Michael Lyford PHS Track Coach

    Thursday, May 08 2025

  • Fire Alarm at PHS Cleared by Fire Department

    Good afternoon Portsmouth High School and Middle School parents, students, and staff, At approximately 3:00 PM, a fire alarm was triggered at PHS. The building was emptied. Portsmouth Fire Department responded and investigated a sensor on the third floor. No fire was found, and students are now reentrying the building. Afternoon buses should be leaving from the high school at close to normal time.  Thank you to the Portsmouth Fire Department for their assistance and to students and staff for their diligence on such a rainy day.

    Monday, Mar 24 2025

  • Bus Stop Concern Cleared by Police Department

    Good afternoon, parents and staff of the Portsmouth School Department, Earlier today, we received a report of an alleged student safety issue at a bus stop. The report included the possibility of a student being approached by a stranger.  The Portsmouth Police Department conducted a prompt investigation into the concern and concluded that there was no threat to our students at any point in time. As always, we thank the Police Department for its ongoing partnership and commitment to keeping our students safe. Dr. Zach McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

    Wednesday, Mar 19 2025

  • Two Hour Delay for Portsmouth Schools

    Good morning staff, students, and families of Portsmouth Schools, This is Zach McLaughlin, Superintendent of Schools.  There will be a two hour delay this morning for Portsmouth Schools.

    Monday, Feb 17 2025

  • No School Tomorrow Thursday February 6th

    Good evening Portsmouth School Department students, families, and staff, This is Superintendent of Schools Zach McLaughlin. I am calling this evening to let you know that schools will be closed tomorrow in Portsmouth. Unfortunately, the timing and anticipated intensity of tomorrow’s storm falls right at a time that makes it difficult to get students home safely. Both our regular schedule and an early release schedule would have us sending students home in the midst of some challenging road conditions. So, tomorrow will be a full snow day.  Please be safe. We will look forward to welcoming everybody back on Friday.

    Thursday, Feb 06 2025

  • Two Hour Delay

    Good morning staff, students, and families of Portsmouth School Department, This is Superintendent of Schools Zach McLaughlin, and I am calling to let you know our schools will have a two hour delay today. Please be safe on your way in, and we look forward to seeing you a little later this morning.

    Wednesday, Jan 29 2025