A back-to-school guide for the Dover School District

posted on: 8/28/2023

Dr. William Harbron, superintendent of schools for the Dover School District, has announced events and activities surrounding the opening of Dover’s public schools for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Below are special start dates or events for each grade level.

New Hampshire law states that no student may be admitted to a public school unless proof of immunization has been presented before their entrance. Parents of new students should be prepared to present immunization records before the first day of school.

2023-2024 RE-ENTRY PLAN

On Aug. 14, the Dover School Board approved the 2023-2024 Re-Entry Plan and the Protocols Applied to Pandemic Education. To review the documents, visit the district website at www.dover.k12.nh.us.

TRANSPORTATION

To be eligible for bus transportation, elementary students (including kindergarten) must live 1 mile or more from their school; middle school students, at least 1 1/2 miles; and high school students, at least 2 miles. Bus routes and schedule information have been posted online. View them at www.dover.k12.nh.us or in each school, the superintendent’s office, or by calling the bus provider First Student at 603-692-4406. Parents of students who receive special education transportation within Dover should call Seacoast Learning Collaborative at 603-679-2021 with questions. Parents with questions about other special busing arrangements should call the Student Services Department at 603-516-6722.

DISTRICTWIDE

On Monday, Aug. 28, district offices will be closed from 7:30-10:30 a.m. to allow staff to attend a districtwide conference. On Thursday, Aug. 31, offices will be closed from noon-3 p.m. for mandatory staff training.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, is the first day of school districtwide for all grades.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Harbron recently appeared on the Dover Download podcast where he shared information about the upcoming school year and the district's goals. The podcast can be played below or wherever you get your podcasts:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, elementary schools will open at 8:05 a.m. School will dismiss at 3:05 p.m.

DOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

On Thursday, Aug. 31, fifth-graders can attend a Meet and Greet from 10-11:30 a.m. to meet their teacher and drop off supplies. This optional event is not required.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, doors will open at 7:10 a.m. with school starting at 7:30 a.m. Students without an assigned homeroom should report to the Guidance Office. Dismissal is 2:20 p.m.

All middle school students can view teacher assignments on the Infinite Campus parent portal.

New students can be registered at the school district's website. Requirements include: a birth certificate, immunization record, physical dated Aug. 30, 2022 or later (or upcoming appointment details), and proof of residency. Seventh- and eighth-graders need an updated rubella immunization. Contact the registrar’s office at 603-516-7207.

DOVER HIGH SCHOOL

Freshmen will have orientation Thursday, Aug. 31, from 7:40 a.m.-noon with normal bus routes. On Tuesday, Sept. 5, all students will have a full day following a Green Day schedule.

Doors open at 7 a.m. with school starting at 7:40 a.m. Dismissal is 2:30 p.m.

DOVER HIGH SCHOOL BELLAMY ACADEMY

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 5. School is 7:40 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION

Direct questions on the school opening or other matters to:

Garrison School Principal Beth Dunton, 603-516-6752
Frances G. Hopkins School Principal Brittany Granfield, 603-516-6756
Woodman Park School Principal Patrick Boodey, 603-516-6781
Dover Middle School Principal Kim Lyndes, 603-516-7202
Dover High School Principal Peter Driscoll, 603-516-6922
DHS Bellamy Academy Dean Robin Lyndes, 603-516-6790
DHS Regional Career Technical Center & NJROTC Director Kori Kennedy, 603-516-6976

Other contacts:

Superintendent Dr. William Harbron, 603-516-6800
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christine Boston, 603-516-6722
Student Services Director Abigail Small, 603-516-1309
504 Education School guidance counselors
Curriculum/Federal Projects Director Kiley Hemphill, 603-516-1316
Homeless Liaison Patty Driscoll, 603-516-6241
Transportation for Dover Students First Student Transportation, 603-692-4406
Transportation for Special Education Seacoast Learning Collaborative, 603-679-2021
Transportation for Barrington/Nottingham Students Dail Transportation, 603-736-9682