SAU 48 
Campton, Ellsworth, Holderness, Pemi Baker Regional, Plymouth, Rumney, Thornton, Waterville Valley, Wentworth

August 7, 2026

Dear SAU 48 Families,

Almost welcome back! I hesitate to officially say “welcome back” just yet, because there are still a few precious days of summer left, and I have no intention of being the person who takes those away early! I hope your family has had an enjoyable summer with opportunities to relax, recharge, and spend time together. Summer always seems to go by a little too quickly, but we are excited to welcome our students and families back for the 2026–2027 school year.

I am pleased to welcome Dr. Amanda Downing, our new Principal at Russell Elementary School. We are excited to have Amanda joining the SAU 48 leadership team and look forward to the experience, energy, and perspective she will bring to the Russell school community and our SAU.

Over the summer, our administrative team has spent time reflecting on the past year and planning for the year ahead. As always, increasing student achievement remains at the center of our work, particularly in the core content areas. We will continue strengthening instruction, using student data thoughtfully, and working collaboratively across our schools to ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and making progress.

We are also continuing important conversations about Artificial Intelligence and technology in our schools. AI is evolving quickly and presents both exciting opportunities and important questions for education. Our work this year will include developing shared beliefs and appropriate guardrails for its use while protecting authentic learning, critical thinking, creativity, and the important relationships between students and their teachers.

Along with that work, we are taking a closer look at screen time and the balance between technology and more traditional learning experiences. Technology can be a valuable instructional tool, but it should not replace opportunities for students to read, discuss, problem-solve, create, and write. You may see an increased emphasis this year on writing by hand and putting pencil to paper as part of that balance.

Another area of focus will be student behavior, responsibility, and accountability. We want our schools to be welcoming and supportive places where students feel connected and ready to learn. At the same time, inappropriate behaviors need to be addressed promptly and consistently. We will continue looking at behavior from a systems perspective while helping students learn to take responsibility for their choices, solve problems, and develop the skills they need to be successful both in and outside of school.

As we get closer to the first day, please make sure all required student and family information is completed and up to date in ALMA. Having accurate information in our student information system is important and helps our schools start the year smoothly. Your child’s principal will be sending additional communication outlining pertinent back-to-school information, including anything families are required to complete or provide before the start of school.

We also know that families have many school-specific questions this time of year. For questions about school programming, after-school care, co-curricular activities, athletics, bus schedules, or other building-specific information, please contact your child’s school directly. Our individual school offices are the best source for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programs and opportunities available at each school.

The first day of school for all SAU 48 students is Monday, August 31st.

As we begin another school year, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Our schools are strongest when our educators, families, and communities work together on behalf of our students. We are fortunate to serve wonderful communities across SAU 48, and I am looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and opportunities for our students.

For now, though, it is still summer, so enjoy what is left of it! We will officially say “welcome back” soon enough.

I look forward to seeing our students back in our schools on August 31st!

Kyla A. Welch
Superintendent of Schools
SAU 48- Campton, Ellsworth, Holderness, Plymouth, Pemi-Baker, Rumney, Thornton, Waterville Valley, Wentworth