Morning Rainbow Over Stadium FieldStudents and staff who returned to ConVal Regional High School after Thanksgiving Break were treated to a spectacular rainbow over stadium field.
Temple Senior Thanksgiving FeastOn Thursday, November 17, Temple Elementary School hosted its annual Senior Thanksgiving Feast. We are so thankful for the return of a tradition that means a lot to the staff, students as well as the community of Temple!
Midterm Mallets In WoodshopStudents in Mr. Scaramellino's ATC Woodshop class created, for their midterm exam, wooden mallets that were both functional and stylish.
GBS Staff Gets Into Halloween SpiritThe staff of Great Brook School celebrated Halloween with a Pac-Man theme.
Pierce 5K For New PlaygroundRunners of all age groups participated in the Pierce 5K run on Saturday, October 29. The race was a benefit event to raise funds for a new playground at the elementary school in Bennington.
ConVal High School Students Visit WaldenAP English and Philosophy classes took a field trip to Walden Pond on October 25. The location, now a state park, was made famous by the book "Walden (Life in the Woods)" by the transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau who lived on the pond between 1845 and 1847.
On Sunday, December 11, members of the ConVal Select Choir will enjoy a unique performance opportunity — they will sing with the Renaissance Men in the Francestown Meetinghouse in a free concert, starting at 4:00 pm.
The Renaissance Men group, whose name is often shortened to RenMen, is a professional vocal ensemble based in Boston that performs in venues and concert halls in New England and across the United States. Their programs feature a wide variety of musical styles and instrumentation with a focus on lower voices: tenor, baritone, and bass.
The program will include the following song selections:
The Great Clear Twilight (Austin Schend) All Through the Night (arr. William Averitt) All is Quiet (Josh Sparkman) October Sun (Daniel Elder) Don't Save It All For Christmas Day (arr. Paul Langford, originally performed by Celine Dion)
The free concert in Francestown will be the last stop before the RenMen take their program "A Very RenMen Christmas" to the Old North Church in Marblehead on December 12 and to WGBH Music's Holiday Presentation in Boston on December 15.
On Sunday, December 11, members of the ConVal Select Choir will enjoy a unique performance opportunity — they will sing with the Renaissance Men in the Francestown Meetinghouse in a free concert, starting at 4:00 pm.
The Renaissance Men group, whose name is often shortened to RenMen, is a professional vocal ensemble based in Boston that performs in venues and concert halls in New England and across the United States.
On Tuesday, December 6, during TASC, students, teachers, and staff were invited to a school-wide Cougar CARES rally in the gym.
English teacher Leslie Holcombe, Principal Heather McKillop, and student leaders each spoke to the topic of what behaviors are exemplified in a school culture that is built around Community, Adaptability, Respect, Engagement, and Safety.
Students from the assembly audience then gave personal examples that addressed each of the five values in their daily experiences at school.
On Tuesday, December 6, during TASC, students, teachers, and staff were invited to a school-wide Cougar CARES rally in the gym.
English teacher Leslie Holcombe, Principal Heather McKillop, and student leaders each spoke to the topic of what behaviors are exemplified in a school culture that is built around Community, Adaptability, Respect, Engagement,
On Tuesday, ConVal's National Honor Society students engaged in an all-day retreat with a focus on building effective leadership skills.
Doug Sutherland, a member of the ConVal School Board, was a guest facilitator and engaged students with a blend of discussion and active team bonding activities. Students participated in conversations about their personal leadership styles, the importance of trust, and communication skills as leaders.
Students ended the day with a session from ConVal's student support counselors, Todd Bennett and Nikki Pike, who addressed with them the topic of wellness as student leaders.
On Tuesday, ConVal’s National Honor Society students engaged in an all-day retreat with a focus on building effective leadership skills.
Doug Sutherland, a member of the ConVal School Board, was a guest facilitator and engaged students with a blend of discussion and active team bonding activities. Students participated in conversations about their personal leadership styles, the importance of trust,
The ConVal Spirit Team and Cougar mascot were part of the "Fire and Ice" Parade in Greenfield on Saturday.
Hosted by the Greenfield Fire Department and the Firefighters’ Association, the "Fire and Ice” holiday celebration festivities included a parade, a Festival of Trees at the Greenfield Meetinghouse, and a tree-lighting ceremony outside Stephenson Memorial Library.
The ConVal Spirit Team and Cougar mascot were part of the “Fire and Ice” Parade in Greenfield on Saturday.
Hosted by the Greenfield Fire Department and the Firefighters’ Association, the “Fire and Ice” holiday celebration festivities included a parade, a Festival of Trees at the Greenfield Meetinghouse, and a tree-lighting ceremony outside Stephenson Memorial Library.
The robotics team competed at Bishop Guertin on Nov. 19th in the FIRSTNH First Lego League Challenge Qualifier Tournament and will be heading to the State Championship at Windham High School on Saturday, December 3rd. Congratulations! There will be 45 teams competing.
The robotics team competed at Bishop Guertin on Nov. 19th in the FIRSTNH First Lego League Challenge Qualifier Tournament and will be heading to the State Championship at Windham High School on Saturday, December 3rd. Congratulations! There will be 45 teams competing.
Ashulelot Concerts visited AES and performed for the students. As part of this performance they explain music and the powerful impact it has on our lives. The students thoroughly enjoyed their performance.
Ashulelot Concerts visited AES and performed for the students. As part of this performance they explain music and the powerful impact it has on our lives. The students thoroughly enjoyed their performance.
Winter is that time of Year when we challenge ourselves, our teammates, and our competing schools to the great sport of wrestling. One thing for sure, It is Definitely time to roll out the mats and get to the business at hand “MAT TIME”
So, in two weeks, this year’s wrestling program will begin and should be an exciting one. With many returning wrestlers, it makes for a great team environment, full of personal challenges as well as future team building. For you new wrestlers trying the sport for the first time, it means a solid base of experienced athletes and coaches willing and able to teach you the fun aspects as well as the hard, tough workouts associated with this awesome sport. No one sits on the bench, and you determine how well you do. You want to become a stronger, leaner, faster, more agile and flexible person? Wrestling does that! You want to earn respect from your friends and fellow students? Wrestling does that!
Wrestling is about building Self-confidence!
Wrestling is everything you are now, building upon that, and creating ………….where you want to Be, “The Master of your own Success”.
Are you up to the challenge to create a better YOU!
The Middle school wrestling season begins the last week of November after Thanksgiving
Date:Tuesday, November 29thFIRST DAY
Where: Great Brook Middle school Gym
Time: 5:45pm – 7:45pm
Normal Practice schedules are:
Tuesday, Thursday, 5:45-7:45pm
Saturdays, 9:30-11:30am
Tournaments schedules: Typically, on Sundays
What to Bring and Wear:
Wrestling shoes and/or sneakers (No Boots, No Crocs, etc.)
Winter is that time of Year when we challenge ourselves, our teammates, and our competing schools to the great sport of wrestling. One thing for sure, It is Definitely time to roll out the mats and get to the business at hand “MAT TIME”
So, in two weeks, this year’s wrestling program will begin and should be an exciting one.
Friday, December 9th will be Roller Skating Night in SMS Gym from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Will feature DJ Conway and Concessions will be sold! Benefits the SMS Drama Club.
Details:
Cost: $5 at the door
School nurse will NOT be on duty for this event. Students are expected to stay the entire time. If your student does need to leave early or is going home with another family, please notified the office or note on the permission form. Permission forms should be turned in ahead of time or can be signed in front of a SMS Staff Member when dropping off your student. All students will be entering and leaving using the gym entrance only, therefore all students should be dropped off and picked up at the back of the building.
Friday, December 9th will be Roller Skating Night in SMS Gym from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Will feature DJ Conway and Concessions will be sold! Benefits the SMS Drama Club.
Details:
Cost: $5 at the door
School nurse will NOT be on duty for this event. Students are expected to stay the entire time.
A tradition that was started nearly 50 years ago by the late Jim Grant in the early 1970s was held again at Temple Elementary School, after the pandemic had forced a hiatus for the past several years.
On Thursday, the school welcomed seniors for the annual Temple Senior Thanksgiving Feast. The Temple Recreation Department pays for all the fixings, including 200 pounds of turkey, while staff and student families cook it all and drop it off in the am. There were 18 pies were cooked by the children at TES. They also performed songs for the seniors!
We are so thankful for the return of this tradition which means so much to the staff and students as well as to the wider community of Temple.
A tradition that was started nearly 50 years ago by the late Jim Grant in the early 1970s was held again at Temple Elementary School, after the pandemic had forced a hiatus for the past several years.
On Thursday, the school welcomed seniors for the annual Temple Senior Thanksgiving Feast. The Temple Recreation Department pays for all the fixings,
The November 10, 2022 Community forum was a success, There were great questions from both our in-house and live stream audiences and we thank all who participated.
For those who were not able to attend the forum, it is available for your viewing on our YouTube channel. To view this forum, click on this YouTube link or type in this URL: www.youtube.com/c/ConValEvents/streams into your browser, then select the “2022 November 10 Community Forum” video from the list of available videos.
Your ConVal School Board and Administration wish to thank all of our ConVal Community for the opportunity to share subjects of mutual interest.
The November 10, 2022 Community forum was a success, There were great questions from both our in-house and live stream audiences and we thank all who participated.
For those who were not able to attend the forum, it is available for your viewing on our YouTube channel. To view this forum, click on this YouTube link or type in this URL: www.youtube.com/c/ConValEvents/streams into your browser,
It's almost time to deck the halls. Pierce School will be selling Poinsettias and Wreaths this year to help raise funds for their new playground. Poinsettias are available in red or white in 6.5" for $14 each or 7.5" for $23 each. Wreaths are also available for $25 each.
If you would like to support Pierce School by purchasing a poinsettia or wreath, please contact the school at 603-588-2131, email: ptopierceelem@gmail.com or visit: https://givebutter.com/wreathsandpoinsettias
Orders are due no later than Friday, November 18th.
It’s almost time to deck the halls. Pierce School will be selling Poinsettias and Wreaths this year to help raise funds for their new playground. Poinsettias are available in red or white in 6.5″ for $14 each or 7.5″ for $23 each. Wreaths are also available for $25 each.
If you would like to support Pierce School by purchasing a poinsettia or wreath,
Second grade has been hard at work these past few weeks. We celebrated our last day of Cornucopia with a harvest meal. Families were invited in to take part in our meal and enjoy our last day of Cornucopia with us. It was a chilly but fun morning! We have also been learning about pumpkins. To answer the question of what way they like to eat pumpkins we baked mini pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
Second grade has been hard at work these past few weeks. We celebrated our last day of Cornucopia with a harvest meal. Families were invited in to take part in our meal and enjoy our last day of Cornucopia with us. It was a chilly but fun morning! We have also been learning about pumpkins.
The agenda of the November 10 Community Forum will include a number of items, including the planned school renovation projects and the new ConVal Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
For details on the evening's program, please click here.
The Community Forum will take place on Thursday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Lucy Hurlin Theater at ConVal High School.
The agenda of the November 10 Community Forum will include a number of items, including the planned school renovation projects and the new ConVal Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
For details on the evening’s program, please click here.
The Community Forum will take place on Thursday, November 10,
Your ConVal School Board and Administration are finalizing the activities for the next ConVal Community Forum on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30-8:30PM. We are excited about providing you this opportunity for a constructive, open, informative and meaningful dialog. With an activity such as this there are lots of things to know so you can be prepared for participating in and making this a successful experience. To learn all about this activity please see below:
Where and when is the Community Forum?
ConVal High School in the Lucy Hurlin Theater and via Live Stream on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30-8:30PM.
What is a community forum?
A community forum is a meeting where there are presentations and all can discuss, share knowledge, and talk to each other about topics of mutual interest.
Why do we need a community forum?
School board meetings, being business meetings, provide a limited venue for The ConVal School Board and Administration to engage with our community. We believe in being open and transparent in all of our activities. We believe in ensuring that the ConVal community is engaged and informed. A community forum is one mechanism to achieve these goals.
How do I attend the Community forum?
We are providing two ways for the public to attend the community forum. You can come to the Lucy Hurlin Theater at ConVal high school to attend in person or you can attend the forum via a Live Stream feed from the forum.
How is the Community Forum organized?
We have selected three important topics to be presented. Each topic will start with a presentation and after the presentation there will be an opportunity for either audience to ask questions. Each question will be answered by the presenter or by a member of the School Board or Administration. We have also allowed time for both audiences to ask questions on any other school district relevant topic. There will be a moderator that will control the flow of information and activities at the community forum.
How are questions presented?
After each of the prepared topics are presented, the in-person audience will have an opportunity to ask questions directly to the moderator who will direct the question to the appropriate person to answer. Members of the audience that are remote and on the live-stream will be able to submit their questions via email ( to community forum members. These folks will select questions from the emails received and give to the moderator who will direct the question to the appropriate person to answer.
How do I attend remotely via live stream and how do I submit questions?
The live stream will be done as a YouTube event. This means that the community forum will be recorded as a video on U-tube so that not only can it be viewed as it is taking place but it can be viewed at any time after the community forum is completed as it will always be on YouTube servers..
To view this forum via live stream at 6:30 PM on Thursday, November 10th, click on this YouTube link ConVal Events or type in this link https://www.youtube.com/c/ConValEvents then select the “2022 October 10 Community Forum” video from the list of available videos.
To send in a question via email please use the following email address Forum@conval.edu.
Why should I attend the ConVal community forum?
It is your money, it is your school district, it is the education of your children, and it is your community. Be involved. Make a difference.
How do I get some information about the presentations prior to the forum?
A draft copy of the ConVal Strategic plan is available for your review. The link address to click on to review the draft copy is below. You will have time to formulate your questions and send them in advance of the forum, if you desire. To send in a question via email please use the following email address Forum@conval.edu.
What topics are being presented?
PRESENTATIONS.
There will be three presentations at this forum being:
Renovation project. This presentation will be done by Jim Fredrickson, School Board Representative – Sharon and will be an overview/status/update of the renovation project that is currently scoped to include the high school, ATC, and the two middle schools (Great Brook and SMS). This will be the first presentation and with Q/A’s is scheduled to take 20 minutes.
The Strategic Plan, It will be presented in two parts. The first by Tom Burges – School Board Representative – Peterborough and the second will be presented by Kimberly Saunders, ConVal Superintendent. This presentation will give the audience information about the background for a Strategic plan, the activities, including community involvement that has taken place, activities that will take place to produce a final plan, how the plan is implemented and summarizes the five year Strategic Plan that will involve the below priority areas:
QUALITY CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURES & CLIMATE
SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY
EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES, FINANCIAL PROCESSES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY STAFFING THROUGH RETENTION, RECRUITMENT, AND CULTIVATING AND MAINTAINING A DESIRABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT.
This will be the second presentation and with Q/A’s is scheduled to take one hour.
Upcoming Events. This presentation will be done by Dick Dunning and will be an overview of school board upcoming activities that are important for the community to know about, including budget, board meetings, committees etc. and to let the community know why it is important for them to participate.
This will be the third presentation and with Q/A’s is scheduled to take 15 minutes.
Meet and greet.
New for this forum. The meet and greet will take place from 8:30 – 9-00 PM in the ConVal High School cafeteria, which is directly across from the Lucy Hurlin Theater. . It is an informal gathering opportunity for our community members, School Board Representatives and Administration to take advantage of light refreshments and talk to each other about topics of interest that affect our school district and community. There is not any formal agenda for this event.
Your ConVal School Board and Administration are finalizing the activities for the next ConVal Community Forum on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30-8:30PM. We are excited about providing you this opportunity for a constructive,
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and the ConVal School Board invite members of the community to offer feedback on the District’s draft strategic plan as it works to finalize the roadmap it will follow in the five years to come.
The draft document can be accessed here, and members of the community who would like to provide feedback on the substance of the report, such as stated goals and benchmarks for success, can do so by emailing strategicplanpubliccomment@conval.edu.
Public comment on the Strategic Plan is open from November 3-14.
“The community has been an instrumental part of the process of developing this plan, which will serve as a guiding document for us as we navigate the next five years and work toward our core goals of better serving our students,” Rizzo Saunders said. “The public comment period on the draft document is a final, critical step in completing this plan and I’m hopeful the community will continue its robust participation in this process.”
The strategic planning process began last fall following the creation of a Strategic Plan Steering Committee and subcommittees consisting of staff, parents and community members. As part of the strategic planning work, community members were invited to take part in a survey on their vision for the future of the district. In all, 750 members of the community responded to the survey.
Following the completion of the survey, ConVal contracted Think Strategy to conduct focus groups to provide deeper insight into community members’ feedback.
Six subcommittees – Curriculum and Instruction, Finance and Capital Planning, Co-Curricular and Athletics, Personnel, Wellness, and Technology – reviewed survey results and focus group feedback on their areas of concern and developed draft goals based on that feedback. The Strategic Plan Steering Committee subsequently worked to develop priority areas for the District and goals for the administration. The resulting strategic plan will guide ConVal’s work through 2027, when the strategic planning process will be renewed for the next five years.
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and the ConVal School Board invite members of the community to offer feedback on the District’s draft strategic plan as it works to finalize the roadmap it will follow in the five years to come.
The draft document can be accessed here, and members of the community who would like to provide feedback on the substance of the report,
Another wonderful week in Kindergarten! Thank you to all of the HES families willing to donate either time or supplies to make our costume celebration special. Our community is strong because of your dedication!
Another wonderful week in Kindergarten! Thank you to all of the HES families willing to donate either time or supplies to make our costume celebration special. Our community is strong because of your dedication!
Great Brook School's Maryanne Cullinan recently collaborated with colleagues from around the world and presented research at the Transformative Play Initiative Seminar that was held at Uppsala University in Gotland, Sweden.
Cullinan, who has been teaching in ConVal since 2005, has been pursuing her Ph.D. at Lesley University and is focusing her research on role-playing games (RPG) as a way to maximize educational accessibility. Over the past year, she’s collaborated with Rich Oxenham of Bath, England, who founded Hatchling Games and is the creator of the RPG Inspirisles.
Inspirisles is a completely original all-ages Tabletop RPG promoting storytelling, empathy and Deaf awareness with an emphasis on cooperation.
Inspirisles is designed to teach hearing students basic sign language and deaf awareness. Cullinan used the game as part of an elective course for seventh and eighth graders at Great Brook. Those students’ experiences served as the subject for Cullinan and Oxenham’s presentation highlighting the use of the game to build cultural awareness and teach American sign language to middle school students.
“Teachers need to be increasingly creative to meet the needs of students, who will need thinking skills as well as content in the real world," Cullinan said. "Roleplaying games are an academically understudied pedagogy, even though teachers have seen them do wonders with kids. It's amazing our little school can be part of research and journal articles that help forward the use of RPGs all over the world!”
In addition to her work with Inspirisles, Cullinan has been collaborating closely with Jennifer Genova, a middle school social studies teacher in Salem to develop a theoretical matrix meant to help educators select or create RPGs that maximize their students’ social-emotional or academic development. Their shared work was the subject of a second presentation at last week’s conference, which focused on analyzing RPGs and their use in educational settings.
“I am very proud of Maryanne’s commitment to discovering creative ways to engage students in rigorous academics and cultural competency,” Great Brook School Principal Kat Foecking said. “She is the kind of out-of-the-box thinker that drives educational innovation, which directly benefits our students.”
Great Brook School’s Maryanne Cullinan recently collaborated with colleagues from around the world and presented research at the Transformative Play Initiative Seminar that was held at Uppsala University in Gotland, Sweden.
Cullinan, who has been teaching in ConVal since 2005, has been pursuing her Ph.D. at Lesley University and is focusing her research on role-playing games (RPG) as a way to maximize educational accessibility.
Pierce Elementary School hosted its inaugural “Dash for a Playground” 5K this weekend, organized by the Pierce PTO. The race took place on Saturday, October 29, and also featured raffles and refreshments.
Proceeds from the event will go toward a new playground at the school. The current playground was installed more than 20 years ago and is outdated. The school hopes to raise enough money to create a more inclusive playground that includes equipment meeting the developmental needs of all students.
Pierce Elementary School hosted its inaugural “Dash for a Playground” 5K this weekend, organized by the Pierce PTO. The race took place on Saturday, October 29, and also featured raffles and refreshments.
Proceeds from the event will go toward a new playground at the school. The current playground was installed more than 20 years ago and is outdated.
A couple of furry friends joined us today during our all-school participation in "Read for the Record". Sawyer, Bobby the Bobcat, and Cannon made an appearance, much to the delight of students and staff!
A couple of furry friends joined us today during our all-school participation in “Read for the Record”. Sawyer, Bobby the Bobcat, and Cannon made an appearance, much to the delight of students and staff!
Exchange students from Austria, staying with local families while attending Conval High School, came to PES today and read stories and shared activities with PES students. This is not the first time students from Salzburg, Austria visited PES, and after today's visit, we sure hope it won't be the last!
Exchange students from Austria, staying with local families while attending Conval High School, came to PES today and read stories and shared activities with PES students. This is not the first time students from Salzburg, Austria visited PES, and after today’s visit, we sure hope it won’t be the last!
On Friday, 3rd graders worked with Miss Susie from the Harris Center to learn all about mushrooms. Students learned the different parts of a mushroom, how they help our ecosystem as decomposers, and about the many different types of mushrooms local to Hancock. Students then were able to explore our environment to find mushrooms with different attributes. They learned about the importance of safety when learning about mushrooms as well.
On Friday, 3rd graders worked with Miss Susie from the Harris Center to learn all about mushrooms. Students learned the different parts of a mushroom, how they help our ecosystem as decomposers, and about the many different types of mushrooms local to Hancock. Students then were able to explore our environment to find mushrooms with different attributes.
Our 4th grade class had the privilege of attending a special field trip to Norway Pond with their classroom teacher Ms. Nevins and Susie Spikol from the Harris Center. More guests included staff from WMUR as they are featuring Ms. Spikol on Chronicle.
Our 4th grade class had the privilege of attending a special field trip to Norway Pond with their classroom teacher Ms. Nevins and Susie Spikol from the Harris Center. More guests included staff from WMUR as they are featuring Ms. Spikol on Chronicle.
The Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock has announced the recipient of its 2022 Educator Of The Year award.
Jenn Sutton, who teaches 3rd grade at Pierce School in Bennington, was presented with the Award by Harris Center teacher and naturalist Susie Spikol. Among several other naturalist projects, Sutton's classroom has been chosen to nurture turtle hatchlings through the winter for a spring 2023 release into the wild; for more on the story, click here.
Assistant Superintendent Ann Forrest attended the awards ceremony as a representative of the SAU.
The Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock has announced the recipient of its 2022 Educator Of The Year award.
Jenn Sutton, who teaches 3rd grade at Pierce School in Bennington, was presented with the Award by Harris Center teacher and naturalist Susie Spikol. Among several other naturalist projects, Sutton’s classroom has been chosen to nurture turtle hatchlings through the winter for a spring 2023 release into the wild;
by Jim Fredrickson Chairman, Budget & Property Committee ConVal School Board
Budget “Guidance”
We’ve all felt the impact of rising costs and we’ve all pulled up to the pump recently and “enjoyed” the lower gas prices now compared to a few months ago. When we develop our budget, we need to acknowledge that costs are going to be higher, but just how high? The fact that the FY24 School year will run from July ’23 through June ’24 makes it more difficult.
Salaries and benefits for District staff account for more than 70% of our costs. District voters approved a three-year contract for teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialized service professionals this past March. FY24 will be the second year of the contract - which establishes the FY24 salary increase for the majority of the District’s employees. This reduces some of the uncertainty associated with estimating the effect of inflation to include in the proposed budget. Several other multi-year contracts in place also help.
The Board recently provided the Superintendent with “guidance” to be used to develop the initial FY24 budget: maintain the status quo. In other words, do not include any significant new programs but do include planned upgrades to technology, curriculum, etc.
Annual School Board Budget Meeting
The annual School Board Budget meeting will be held on Saturday November 5th at the District offices. The Superintendent and staff presented will present the initial proposed budget. This will be an informative meeting – decisions on specific aspects of the budget will be discussed and voted on at regularly scheduled Board meetings. You will have several opportunities to review, discuss, and eventually approve it. We encourage and welcome your participation.
Stay tuned for our next article in this series – it will discuss how the FY23 school budget affects your property tax bill.
by Jim Fredrickson Chairman, Budget & Property Committee ConVal School Board
Budget “Guidance”
We’ve all felt the impact of rising costs and we’ve all pulled up to the pump recently and “enjoyed” the lower gas prices now compared to a few months ago. When we develop our budget,
by Jim Fredrickson Chairman, Budget & Property Committee ConVal School Board
FY24 ConVal School Budget Schedule
Included below are the key dates and events associated with this budget cycle. The first three have been completed:
June 30, 2022 – last day of FY22
“Preliminary” Property tax bills issued
July 1, 2022 - 1st day of FY23
Audit of FY22 financials (ongoing)
Aug/Sept 2022 – Board developed and approved “FY24 Budget Guidance” to be used by the Superintendent and staff to develop the proposed School Budget for FY24
November 5, 2022 – Annual School Board Budget Meeting
January 2023 – Board finalizes and “approves” proposed FY23 Budget
Public hearing on proposed Budget – January 10, 2023
January 2023 – 2nd Board sponsored Community Forum (date TBD)
February 7, 2022 – Deliberative Session
March 7, 2022 – Voting day (FY24 Budget)
July 1, 2023 – 1st day of FY24
The two most significant changes this budget cycle include:
the “return” to taxpayers of unused funds from FY22. The exact amount will be determined when the ongoing audit of FY22 is completed, but we already know that the amount will be significantly lower than the unprecedented amount “returned” from FY21. This will be covered in detail in the next article.
Inflation is going to be the “wild card” for FY24.
Budget “Guidance”
We’ve all felt the impact of rising costs and we’ve all pulled up to the pump recently and “enjoyed” the lower gas prices now compared to a few months ago. When we develop our budget, we need to acknowledge that costs are going to be higher, but just how high? The fact that the FY24 School year will run from July ’23 through June ’24 makes it more difficult.
Salaries and benefits for District staff account for more than 70% of our costs. District voters approved a three-year contract for teachers, paraprofessionals, and specialized service professionals this past March. FY24 will be the second year of the contract - which establishes the FY24 salary increase for the majority of the District’s employees. This reduces some of the uncertainty associated with estimating the effect of inflation to include in the proposed budget. Several other multi-year contracts in place also help.
The Board recently provided the Superintendent with “guidance” to be used to develop the initial FY24 budget: maintain the status quo. In other words, do not include any significant new programs but do include planned upgrades to technology, curriculum, etc.
Annual School Board Budget Meeting
The annual School Board Budget meeting will be held on Saturday November 5th at the District offices. The Superintendent and staff presented will present the initial proposed budget. This will be an informative meeting – decisions on specific aspects of the budget will be discussed and voted on at regularly scheduled Board meetings. You will have several opportunities to review, discuss, and eventually approve it. We encourage and welcome your participation.
Stay tuned for our next article in this series – it will discuss how the FY23 school budget affects your property tax bill.
The Bennington Recreation Department will be holding a Trunk or Treat at Newhall Playing Field - Bible Hill Rd. from 2-5 pm on 10/29/22. It's a free community event that includes games, costume contests, trunk contests, scavenger hunts, candy, food, and kids' activities.
The Bennington Recreation Department will be holding a Trunk or Treat at Newhall Playing Field – Bible Hill Rd. from 2-5 pm on 10/29/22. It’s a free community event that includes games, costume contests, trunk contests, scavenger hunts, candy, food, and kids’ activities.
Temple Elementary School first and second grade students had the opportunity to harvest what they planted in the spring. The fruits of their labor was a tasty salad.
Temple Elementary School first and second grade students had the opportunity to harvest what they planted in the spring. The fruits of their labor was a tasty salad.
The beginning of the school year is off to a great start.
TES students are getting back into routines, enjoying music, and loving the outdoors for recess and classroom instruction. It is going to be a great year!
The beginning of the school year is off to a great start.
TES students are getting back into routines, enjoying music, and loving the outdoors for recess and classroom instruction. It is going to be a great year!
We have had another great (short) week here at GBS. Looking forward to next week - please note that the PTO is meeting for the first time this year on Wednesday October 19 at 6pm.
Click here to read the rest of this week's edition of the Bobcat Bulletin.
We have had another great (short) week here at GBS. Looking forward to next week – please note that the PTO is meeting for the first time this year on Wednesday October 19 at 6pm.
Click here to read the rest of this week’s edition of the Bobcat Bulletin.
DCS students and staff were so excited to welcome NHDI into the building last week. Under the direction of the amazing staff, each classroom was able to learn a choreographed dance which came together as a show for families on Friday night. The focus of the program was about achieving goals and never giving up!
DCS students and staff were so excited to welcome NHDI into the building last week. Under the direction of the amazing staff, each classroom was able to learn a choreographed dance which came together as a show for families on Friday night. The focus of the program was about achieving goals and never giving up!
With the help of Art Teacher, Andy Shultz, teachers and parents worked with students to create a variety of creative products. One included dough to be shaped by the students and cooked in the bread oven coordinated by Deb Quinn. Very creative!
With the help of Art Teacher, Andy Shultz, teachers and parents worked with students to create a variety of creative products. One included dough to be shaped by the students and cooked in the bread oven coordinated by Deb Quinn. Very creative!
Chris Stultz, AES Librarian, collaborated with GBS teachers and staff members to set up read aloud sessions for the AES students. While Read Across America is a year long endeavor, March is a time when many schools, such as AES, highlight this celebration. Below you can find some more information about where this comes from and why it is important. We are so proud of our GBS community for participating in this special event to promote reading at the elementary level.
Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.
The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.
Chris Stultz, AES Librarian, collaborated with GBS teachers and staff members to set up read aloud sessions for the AES students. While Read Across America is a year long endeavor, March is a time when many schools, such as AES, highlight this celebration. Below you can find some more information about where this comes from and why it is important.
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and the School Board’s Strategic Planning Committee encourage community members to complete surveys to help the ConVal School District to develop a new strategic plan.
Strategic plans act as a roadmap for the District to follow during a five-year period, highlighting specific projects and goals for long-term sustainable growth. The most recent strategic plan was created in 2016 and lasted through June 2021.
The survey will gather input about long-term strategies and goals that are most important to community members. Data collected will help the District to shape a strategic plan that reflects community priorities.
The survey is open to all stakeholders – parents/guardians, students, staff, and residents of Conval’s nine sending communities.
“We ask everyone to take a few moments to complete this important survey,” Superintendent Rizzo Saunders said. “This input is vital in guiding the District to develop a strategic plan to serve our students that reflects the goals and visions of our community.”
The survey is open and will remain live through Tuesday, Feb. 1. To take the survey:
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and the School Board’s Strategic Planning Committee encourage community members to complete surveys to help the ConVal School District to develop a new strategic plan.
Strategic plans act as a roadmap for the District to follow during a five-year period, highlighting specific projects and goals for long-term sustainable growth.
Please join us on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for our in-person event. Come see what your child has been working on in school, meet all of the staff and some important community members. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Please join us on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for our in-person event. Come see what your child has been working on in school, meet all of the staff and some important community members. Looking forward to seeing you there!
On Sunday, December 11, members of the ConVal Select Choir will enjoy a unique performance opportunity — they will sing with the Renaissance Men in the Francestown Meetinghouse in a free concert, starting at 4:00 pm.
The Renaissance Men group, whose name is often shortened to RenMen, is a professional vocal ensemble based in Boston that performs in venues and concert halls in New England and across the United States.
On Tuesday, December 6, during TASC, students, teachers, and staff were invited to a school-wide Cougar CARES rally in the gym.
English teacher Leslie Holcombe, Principal Heather McKillop, and student leaders each spoke to the topic of what behaviors are exemplified in a school culture that is built around Community, Adaptability, Respect, Engagement,
On Tuesday, ConVal’s National Honor Society students engaged in an all-day retreat with a focus on building effective leadership skills.
Doug Sutherland, a member of the ConVal School Board, was a guest facilitator and engaged students with a blend of discussion and active team bonding activities. Students participated in conversations about their personal leadership styles, the importance of trust,
The ConVal Spirit Team and Cougar mascot were part of the “Fire and Ice” Parade in Greenfield on Saturday.
Hosted by the Greenfield Fire Department and the Firefighters’ Association, the “Fire and Ice” holiday celebration festivities included a parade, a Festival of Trees at the Greenfield Meetinghouse, and a tree-lighting ceremony outside Stephenson Memorial Library.
Ann E. Forrest, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator
106 Hancock Road
Peterborough, NH 03458 aforrest@conval.edu
(603) 924-3336 ext. 2068
Morning Rainbow Over Stadium Field Students and staff who returned to ConVal Regional High School after Thanksgiving Break were treated to a spectacular rainbow over stadium field.
Temple Senior Thanksgiving Feast On Thursday, November 17, Temple Elementary School hosted its annual Senior Thanksgiving Feast. We are so thankful for the return of a tradition that means a lot to the staff, students as well as the community of Temple!
Midterm Mallets In Woodshop Students in Mr. Scaramellino's ATC Woodshop class created, for their midterm exam, wooden mallets that were both functional and stylish.
GBS Staff Gets Into Halloween Spirit The staff of Great Brook School celebrated Halloween with a Pac-Man theme.
Pierce 5K For New Playground Runners of all age groups participated in the Pierce 5K run on Saturday, October 29. The race was a benefit event to raise funds for a new playground at the elementary school in Bennington.
ConVal High School Students Visit Walden AP English and Philosophy classes took a field trip to Walden Pond on October 25. The location, now a state park, was made famous by the book "Walden (Life in the Woods)" by the transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau who lived on the pond between 1845 and 1847.
