Hampton School District Honors Six Retirees

HAMPTON — The Hampton School District would like to honor seven staff members who will retire from their roles at the end of this school year.  

Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa recognized each of the six retirees — Kathy Tuck, Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton, Heather Cronin, Mary Wilson, Denise Townsend and Amy Murphy — during a School Board meeting on June 10. 

Kathy Tuck

Kathy Tuck, Administrative Assistant, has been an integral part of SAU90 for the past 14 years.

Tuck joined SAU 90 in 2011, bringing with her 14 years of experience from SAU 16 in Exeter, where she served in a variety of roles including assistant to the CFO, administrative assistant, payroll accountant and accounting clerk. Her extensive background and dedication to education laid a strong foundation for the success of our District.

Tuck was instrumental in establishing the SAU 90 office, developing and implementing the policies, practices, and procedures that continue to support the District today. Her exceptional organizational skills, deep knowledge of school operations and unwavering commitment have made her an invaluable member of our team.

Tuck’s professionalism, reliability, and ability to manage change — whether in policies, tax structures or staffing — have been crucial to navigating the many complexities of the District’s work. Her quiet strength and steady presence have supported the District through times of transition and growth.

“We are incredibly grateful for all that Kathy has contributed over the years. Her legacy will continue to positively impact the district for years to come,” said Superintendent Dr. Costa.

Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton

Director of Pupil Services Dr. DaSilva-Knapton began her tenure in July 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her time with the District, Dr. DaSilva-Knapton implemented numerous initiatives to support students. She established the NECC Program at Centre School and the INSPIRE Program at Hampton Academy. Next year, thanks to her vision and leadership, the District will also be launching an NECC Program at Marston School. These programs allow students to remain in their neighborhood schools, close to family and community. 

In addition, Dr. DaSilva-Knapton partnered with Early Intervention Outreach Worker Patrice Baker to create the Preschool Task Force, Hampton Alliance for Thriving Children (HATCh). She has also been an active member of the Seacoast Cares Team and has overseen grant writing, always seeking new opportunities to support and enhance student services.

Dr. DaSilva-Knapton has over 39 years of experience in education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in Sarasota, Fla., and has traveled internationally — to Singapore, Seoul, and Nairobi — as part of educational initiatives with Missions of Hope and Choice Theory.

Her career has spanned a wide range of roles: superintendent, director of special education, educational consultant, high school principal, special education coordinator and teacher, and adjunct professor. Through every position, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to helping children succeed.

“We are grateful for her leadership, wisdom, and compassion. Dr. DaSilva-Knapton’s impact will be felt for years to come,” Superintendent Dr. Costa said. “Please join me in celebrating and thanking Dr. DaSilva-Knapton for her outstanding service and wishing her the very best in her retirement.”

Heather Cronin

Heather Cronin, Speech-Language Pathologist at Centre School, joined the District in 2002. She relocated from Massachusetts, where she built a strong foundation in her field. She began her professional journey at Massachusetts General Hospital and went on to serve in the Newton, Lexington, and Chelsea Public Schools. There, she provided diagnostic evaluations, treatment, and consultation for early intervention, preschool and elementary-age children with a wide range of special needs.

Cronin holds a B.A. from Boston College, a M.S. from Boston University and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Southern New Hampshire University, and has always demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth and learning.

Throughout her time at SAU 90, Cronin has exemplified professionalism, collaboration and compassion. She has consistently focused on improving parental engagement, ensuring student safety, expanding her expertise and supporting her colleagues. She recently completed the rigorous LETRS training and maintains regular collaboration with teachers to align her services with classroom instruction.

Cronin has also deepened her knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), using these tools to make classroom routines like morning meetings and center time more inclusive and interactive for her students. Her dedication to lifelong learning has had a lasting impact on both her students and the broader school community.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Heather for over two decades of outstanding service to our district. We wish her the very best in her retirement and look forward to celebrating her many contributions,” said Superintendent Dr. Costa.

Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson joined the Centre School team in 2008 as a kindergarten teacher for the school’s new full-day kindergarten program. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Wilson had already been part of the school community as a Title I Tutor since 1997. From the beginning, she stood out as an experienced and dedicated educator, known for her strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues. Despite her status as a beginning teacher, she was quickly recognized as a “master teacher.”

Wilson’s classroom reflects thoughtful planning and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her learners through whole group, small group and individualized instruction. She also fosters strong school-to-home connections, encouraging family engagement through take-home reading folders and other meaningful activities.

As a valued member of the first-grade team, Wilson has contributed significantly to Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and collaborative grade-level discussions. She continues to grow professionally, recently expanding her knowledge through the Lexia LETRS program.

Superintendent Dr. Costa shared: “Mary has been an invaluable part of the Centre School family. Her presence, professionalism, and passion for teaching will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as she enters this well-earned retirement. May this next chapter bring joy, relaxation, and cherished time with family.”

Denise Townsend

Denise Townsend began her work in the District as a substitute teacher. Previously, she was a volunteer at Village Preschool. In March 2003, she was hired as a special education paraeducator. She has been a valued member of the Centre School Team for 23 years.  

With a reputation for building relationships with students, she promotes inclusion to its fullest extent. She has demonstrated that she is a team player and works collaboratively with all staff to determine how best to support and include all students.  

“There have been many changes in her time in our District as programs have evolved with the times. However, true to her profession, she has always worked hard with the most complex and diverse population of students. She has a tremendously positive effect on her students and was instrumental in their success as noted on her most recent evaluation. She works side by side with her classroom teacher, case manager, as well as specialists and maintains a level of professionalism that should serve as a role model to others,” shared Dr. Costa. “Thank you for all of this and more! Congratulations on your retirement, Denise!”

Amy Murphy

Amy Murphy began her journey at Centre School in 1999 as a Title I Tutor. At the time, she was completing graduate work in education, determined to pursue a career in teaching. Her experience as an intern, student teacher and substitute teacher in Georgetown, Mass., made her an exceptional candidate for the position. She stood out for her ability to build strong relationships with students and for designing thoughtful, creative and focused lessons.

Just one year later, she was hired as a second-grade teacher.

Throughout her career, Murphy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her profession. She has actively participated in school improvement and curriculum initiatives, Responsive Classroom trainings and numerous school committees. Beyond her classroom, Murphy has been a passionate advocate for educators. Her leadership has been instrumental in her work on negotiation teams and in her long-standing service as an officer for the Seacoast Educators Association.

She earned her Master’s degree in Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction, specializing in reading and elementary education, from Grand Canyon University in 2012 and completed her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in 2021.

Murphy was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2024 because of her passion, professionalism and heart, which have left an indelible mark on the District’s schools.

“Your legacy will live on through the many students you’ve inspired, and you will be deeply missed,” said Superintendent Dr. Costa. “We are profoundly grateful for your years of service and wish you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment in your retirement.”