Because current conditions did not allow for a regular 8th Grade Move-up Ceremony to take place, South Meadow School students, parents, teachers and staff celebrated the event with a drive-by.
Because current conditions did not allow for a regular 8th Grade Move-up Ceremony to take place, South Meadow School students, parents, teachers and staff celebrated the event with a drive-by.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-29 14:21:26
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The PE/Health teachers were not going to let Remote Learning get in the way of the annual ConVal Elementary School's field day. Please watch the following video to see how creative our staff and students are.
The PE/Health teachers were not going to let Remote Learning get in the way of the annual ConVal Elementary School’s field day. Please watch the following video to see how creative our staff and students are.
Since the current stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines prevented the holding of an in-person Field Day this year, elementary school students (and some teachers) shared their Field Day experiences through photos and digital media.
Please click on the video below to watch the 2020 Field Day activities.
Since the current stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines prevented the holding of an in-person Field Day this year, elementary school students (and some teachers) shared their Field Day experiences through photos and digital media.
Please click on the video below to watch the 2020 Field Day activities.
Frank Di Nino, the "Voice of ConVal" who leads the high school in the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, sums up the unusual 2019-2020 school year and wishes everyone a great summer.
Frank Di Nino, the “Voice of ConVal” who leads the high school in the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, sums up the unusual 2019-2020 school year and wishes everyone a great summer.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-27 17:14:11
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Congratulations to the five ConVal High School students whose films have qualified to be screened at the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF).
Jamison Coty, About Me
Chloe Griggs, My Room
Ryan Jackson, Ryan Jackson's #Me
John Martin, This Is A Film About Myself
Ryan Charron, We Are All People
The screening will take place online on Friday, May 29, and coincides with ConVal's last day of school of the 2019-2020 school year.
Launched in 2008 and presented by the New Hampshire Film Bureau, the annual New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival has become one of the marquee film festivals in the state, fostering interest in filmmaking, supporting media arts education, and rewarding future members of the industry for their craft.
The festival screens a two-hour program of selected films. Films submitted for consideration are previewed and scored by a festival selection committee. Originality, cinematic storytelling, and technical execution are the primary basis of the scoring.
All films, regardless of type or genre, are judged on the filmmaker’s ability to effectively captivate an audience through cinematic expression.
Congratulations to the five ConVal High School students whose films have qualified to be screened at the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF).
Jamison Coty, About Me
Chloe Griggs, My Room
Ryan Jackson, Ryan Jackson’s #Me
John Martin,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-26 10:45:07
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Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-26 08:13:48
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The BrightBytes technology survey is now open for parents and we invite you to participate!
This is a particularly important time for parents to complete the survey because the coronavirus pandemic and the Governor's stay-at-home order required us to make the transition to remote instruction during the last several weeks.
To participate in this survey, please follow these steps:
Point your browser to http://bbyt.es (just click the link).
Enter access code VT2RC, then click “Start."
Click the “Parents” button.
Below “Which school is this for?”, put your cursor in the “Type to search schools” box, then select "ConVal Regional High School" from the dropdown menu.
Click “Start Questionnaire” to begin the survey.
The survey is broken into several sections. Once you have chosen your answer, press "Enter" to proceed to the next question.
Please note that sections of the survey may have several questions. Progress towards completion is indicated by the horizontal dots below a question, for example:
The BrightBytes technology survey is now open for parents and we invite you to participate!
This is a particularly important time for parents to complete the survey because the coronavirus pandemic and the Governor’s stay-at-home order required us to make the transition to remote instruction during the last several weeks.
To participate in this survey,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-25 22:00:14
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Welcome to all incoming freshmen!
Because in-person meetings with 8th graders cannot be held at this time, the ConVal Regional High School Counseling Department has put together a short video.
The video explains, among others, the ConVal bell schedule, the flexible TASC block, the program of studies, graduation requirements, and student involvement in co-curricular programs and athletics.
Because in-person meetings with 8th graders cannot be held at this time, the ConVal Regional High School Counseling Department has put together a short video.
The video explains, among others, the ConVal bell schedule, the flexible TASC block, the program of studies, graduation requirements, and student involvement in co-curricular programs and athletics.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-22 16:30:38
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nine towns that make up the ConVal School District have devised creative ways to honor the Class of 2020 and it many achievements.
Everyone in the ConVal communities was invited to participate in decorating their homes and businesses for a Seniors’ Graduation Celebration Drive Tour.
The Drive Tour kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25. Seniors and their families will be able to tour their towns to witness all the love and support for them in these trying times.
Please click here for a printable version of the Drive Tour Map, and congratulations to all the graduating seniors!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nine towns that make up the ConVal School District have devised creative ways to honor the Class of 2020 and it many achievements.
Everyone in the ConVal communities was invited to participate in decorating their homes and businesses for a Seniors’ Graduation Celebration Drive Tour.
The Drive Tour kicks off Memorial Day Weekend,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-22 15:43:41
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I hope you are enjoying the beautiful day. The weekend is looking perfect for getting out and about. I can't believe that we are heading into the last week of school.
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful day. The weekend is looking perfect for getting out and about. I can’t believe that we are heading into the last week of school.
The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) has just announced the results of the National German Exam for German 1 students. The test compares students in German level 1 across the entire country.
Congratulations to the following ConVal Regional High School students:
Gold Award: Kara Keiper
Silver Awards: Audra Kratzenberg, Eva McCullough, Kendall Sullivan, Jack Craig, Abigail Towers, Logan Decker, Jarrett Wohle
Bronze Award: Lydia Cleveland
Achievement Awards: Donovan Sweeney, Sarah Holdredge, Avery Swasey
"We are extremely proud of how all of our students did," said Frau Hodgdon and Frau Concannon. "These results are tremendous, considering the students had not had German in 4 months. We know the future of the German program at ConVal is bright!"
The National German Exam is administered each year to nearly 25,000 high school students of German. Normally given in February, this year the testing window was extended to May 15 due to the shift to remote instruction in school systems across the country.
The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) has just announced the results of the National German Exam for German 1 students. The test compares students in German level 1 across the entire country.
Congratulations to the following ConVal Regional High School students:
Gold Award: Kara Keiper
Silver Awards: Audra Kratzenberg,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-21 06:14:00
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by ConVal School Board Member Kevin Pobst
Each May, as sunny days multiply and the end of the school year is just around the corner, sustaining students’ attention to schoolwork becomes more challenging.
A recent survey of ConVal parents and teachers reflects this annual phenomenon, but also shows that there is still a high level of student engagement with their remote learning activities – 80% of parents and teachers say that students are “engaged” to “highly engaged” with remote learning.
The latest survey was sent to parents and teaching staff on May 1; more than 900 responses were received. ConVal Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders has summarized the survey results in her “Weekly Update” sent to families and staff on May 8th. You can see the Weekly Update by clicking here.
Good Communication; Manageable Workload. The May survey reports parent and staff responses to multiple-choice questions and records “comments” that respondents add to provide detail. Parent and staff responses to questions about teacher-student communication have been substantially favorable and consistent with results from the first version of the survey administered in early April. Parents give high marks to teacher-parent communication and the teachers express appreciation of good communication by Administrators. Most parents feel that their children are managing the workload for classes, with 85% of respondents sharing that their children were managing “well” to “extremely well.” The shift to four days of instruction has been positive for most families as well as for teachers. Most parents find the challenge-level of assigned work to be appropriate, though, consistent with the April survey, some parents feel there is too little work or that the work is too easy, while a similar percentage say the workload is too heavy and the work too difficult. Additionally, some parents have asked for more small-group or one-to-one interactions with the classroom teacher.
Isolation. Parents were asked to identify areas of additional need. Emotional support for students was far and away the highest priority for parents. Their added comments highlight the social isolation children are experiencing. Some parents are seeking more resources to address children’s social-emotional needs and mental health as well as more online supervised social interaction opportunities for students. In immediate recognition of the need expressed the ConVal school counseling team reviewed emotional support resources that could be recommended to parents. Lists of those resources are available on the ConVal website through the “Remote Learning” tab at convalsd.net.
Technology Challenges. Another parent concern is for support with the remote learning technology. A low, but important, percentage of families still have problems in connecting to the remote learning platforms and in using the various tools. Comments about technology indicate connectivity issues when multiple family members are online, as well as a need for more information about using digital resources, especially Google Classroom. The convalsd.net “Remote Learning” site has information on use of remote learning tools. Despite our best efforts, which have included deploying hundreds of hotspots from both Verizon and US Cellular, internet access continues to be a challenge for some families. Access to devices is growing, as is the ability to stream videos.
If You Need Help. Superintendent Saunders emphasizes that if a family does not have access to a device or the internet to please reach out; ConVal will work with each family to attempt to resolve access and device issues. Also, if a child is struggling academically or emotionally, she encourages parents to communicate directly with their child’s teacher, school counselor, or the principal for suggestions for help.
As Kimberly Saunders noted in her conclusion, “We Are ConVal, and we are ready, willing, and able to assist you as we wind down our school year.”
Each May, as sunny days multiply and the end of the school year is just around the corner, sustaining students’ attention to schoolwork becomes more challenging.
A recent survey of ConVal parents and teachers reflects this annual phenomenon, but also shows that there is still a high level of student engagement with their remote learning activities – 80% of parents and teachers say that students are “engaged” to “highly engaged” with remote learning.
CAST is an education company in Wakefield, MA, whose mission is to transform education design and practice through a strategy called Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
It recently featured Antrim Elementary School principal Stephanie Syre-Hager and several AES teachers, such as Carole Storro and Asher MacLeod, on the CAST website. To read the article, please click here.
CAST is an education company in Wakefield, MA, whose mission is to transform education design and practice through a strategy called Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
It recently featured Antrim Elementary School principal Stephanie Syre-Hager and several AES teachers, such as Carole Storro and Asher MacLeod, on the CAST website. To read the article,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing regulations, the induction ceremony for the National Technical Honor Society was conducted online this year. NTHS is an honor society for outstanding career and technical students of workforce vocational education institutions in the United States.
Deb Coyne, the NTHS advisor at ConVal High School, explained the goals of the National Technical Honor Society before Region 14 Applied Technology Center Director Jen Kiley gave a presentation on the purpose, colors, emblem, and motto of the NTHS.
Sarah Grossi, Gil Morris, Karen Fabianski, and Abe Ewing addressed the seven attributes that NTHS student members embody: leadership, scholarship, skills, honesty, citizenship, service and responsibility.
After reciting the NTHS pledge, the following students were newly inducted into the National Technical Honor Society: Nisse Anderson, Owen Armstrong, Taylor Burgess, Haiden Burnside, Angelina Charron, Rachel Fulton, Ava Goohs, John Grady, Everett Landers, James McGuiness, Kaila Pywell, Antonio Sangermano, Alec Stetzer, Rebecca Thibault, Jaydn Vaidya, Megan Vasco, and Lorien Wright.
Graduation cords were presented to the following seniors: Taylor Burgess, Haiden Burnside, Molly Cole, Owen Collins, Tracie Dailey, Haley Davis, Kayla Duval, Trevor Faber, Skyler Fortin, Sean Grady, Max Heck, Emma Hixson, Lily James, Kara Keiper, Everett Landers, Mackenzie Ledger, Molly Reed, Antonio Sangermano, Evan Shippee, Dylan Stapleton, Rebecca Thibault, Delaney Thompson, Nick Tower, Marguerite Tremblay, and Jadyn Vaidya.
Due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing regulations, the induction ceremony for the National Technical Honor Society was conducted online this year. NTHS is an honor society for outstanding career and technical students of workforce vocational education institutions in the United States.
Deb Coyne, the NTHS advisor at ConVal High School, explained the goals of the National Technical Honor Society before Region 14 Applied Technology Center Director Jen Kiley gave a presentation on the purpose,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-18 08:57:46
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As we approach the end of this unprecedented school year, I hope you are able to see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. Teachers are working to help children have a sense of closure over the next two weeks...
As we approach the end of this unprecedented school year, I hope you are able to see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. Teachers are working to help children have a sense of closure over the next two weeks…
The ConVal School District will be holding Kindergarten registrations only for parents/guardians (no children please) of our incoming students for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Qualifying students must be five years old before or on September 30, 2020.
Appointments are required for the following dates and times:
The ConVal School District will be holding Kindergarten registrations only for parents/guardians (no children please) of our incoming students for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Qualifying students must be five years old before or on September 30, 2020.
Appointments are required for the following dates and times:
Location: SAU#1 Office,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-14 11:11:09
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Even with remote learning, students in Mrs. Norby's 7th Grade Science class were still able to complete Rube Goldberg machines as a science project. These machines complete a simple task in a complex way using four to six simple machines and at least six steps. Though they did not get to have their showcase in the school, Mrs. Norby is very impressed with the quality of this year's submissions!
Even with remote learning, students in Mrs. Norby’s 7th Grade Science class were still able to complete Rube Goldberg machines as a science project. These machines complete a simple task in a complex way using four to six simple machines and at least six steps. Though they did not get to have their showcase in the school,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-13 13:46:44
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May 15, 2020
Dear South Meadow School Administration, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Many of you know me, but my name is Tod Silegy, and I am the Athletic Director at South Meadow School.
I am writing this letter to the entire SMS community, but specifically to the 2019-2020 South Meadow School Athletes, Managers, Parents, and Guardians.
I am personally inviting you to the 2019-2020 South Meadow School Virtual Athletic Awards Ceremony. It should be fun! All athletes and managers that played a fall or winter sport for SMS should attend.
The date is May 27th, and the time is 2:00 PM. Please check your email for the copy of this letter with the link to Zoom. (If you can not locate, please contact jbennett@conval.edu for the link.) You can start joining the ceremony at 1:50.Mr. Conway will be letting you in. If you can, one computer only per family please.
This year’s athletic awards ceremony will be a lot different than usual, due to the fact that we cannot hold this GREAT event in the SMS gym. This year I will be the only presenter. I have collected information from each coach on how the team did with highlights, and I will read it to you by sport. In the end I will announce that team’s individual award recipients. When all the teams are recognized I will announce the 8th grade Male and Female Athletes of the Year, and the 8th grade Male and Female Unsung Athletes of the Year.
Dear South Meadow School Administration, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Many of you know me, but my name is Tod Silegy, and I am the Athletic Director at South Meadow School.
I am writing this letter to the entire SMS community, but specifically to the 2019-2020 South Meadow School Athletes,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-12 10:56:13
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[post_content] =>
Attention current 8th Grade Students:
ConVal Drop In Meetings for Incoming Freshman:
Click "Read More" for full details and times:
Conval High School Counselors and Peer Mentors would appreciate current 8th grader's attendance at one of their Drop In Meetings. A transition presentation will be shown, and school counselors and peer mentors will be there to welcome incoming freshmen, provide information, and answer any questions! Please choose to attend ONE of the meeting dates/times below!
Conval High School Counselors and Peer Mentors would appreciate current 8th grader’s attendance at one of their Drop In Meetings. A transition presentation will be shown,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-12 10:10:01
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To choose an option, this must be completed by May 15th.
The school board recently approved a new grading system for the final quarter due to the public health emergency.
The grading system for quarter 4 will default to "Pass or No Grade Coronavirus (NGC)." However, the school board has allowed parents to ask for traditional grades. If you wish to have traditional grades you must fill out the form by May 15.
Please let us know your preference however, If we do not hear from you by May 15th the grading system will be the Pass/ No Grade Coronavirus.
Thank you in advance for completing this form to help us support your child.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-05-07 21:37:23
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Please click on the video below to see FES staff recognize your contributions to making remote instruction and learning such a success at Francestown Elementary School!
Please click on the video below to see FES staff recognize your contributions to making remote instruction and learning such a success at Francestown Elementary School!
In this time of closed school buildings, remote learning, and social distancing regulations, ConVal students have found creative ways to thank their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Please see the posters below and watch the videos — they are absolutely awesome!
For a consolidated .pdf document of the posters above, please follow this link.
In this time of closed school buildings, remote learning, and social distancing regulations, ConVal students have found creative ways to thank their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Please see the posters below and watch the videos — they are absolutely awesome!
For a consolidated .pdf document of the posters above, please follow this link.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => ConVal Regional High School
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[post_date] => 2020-05-06 12:31:28
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We want to thank all the ConVal teachers for all they are doing and making happen for our students and families during this unexpected challenge.
We have always respected our teachers’ dedication, knowledge, passion, and the connections they make with our children. But this year, there are no words that can begin to express how appreciative we are for all that our ConVal teachers are doing.
We want to thank all the ConVal teachers for all they are doing and making happen for our students and families during this unexpected challenge.
We have always respected our teachers’ dedication, knowledge, passion, and the connections they make with our children. But this year, there are no words that can begin to express how appreciative we are for all that our ConVal teachers are doing.
The Covid19 Pandemic has thrust the world into a place it hasn’t seen in the lifetimes of our current generations. To see the changes that we are all struggling with is to see a world-down to the family level – that is challenging all of us to re-evaluate where we have been and where we are going.
School districts across the United States are
reimagining education to be delivered where there is no physical school, no
physical classroom, no physical classroom community. Over the past years, schools have adopted
strategies to maximize their ability to deliver the wider world to their
students by utilizing the internet and online resources as part of their
curriculum. In higher grades, whole courses have been delivered online,
offering wider and more flexible selections to students. There was never an
expectation that remote learning would replace what communities, families,
teachers, and students so highly prize about our physical schools: the
classroom community.
The possibility of whole communities being
shut down was on the horizon with the news of a new coronavirus ravaging Wuhan,
China. On return from February Winter Break, teachers and administrators began
work to shift their classroom curriculum to a format that can be delivered
remotely. The need to re-translate curriculum began on March 14th, and
continues to evolve as the virus has changed how we operate as a community. The
first step was for all school staff to prepare materials for a learning menu in
reading, writing, math, and unified arts, for use at home in the event of an
extended shut down. Classroom lessons had to be translated to a format that
could be delivered in a new medium. At
this point, everyone was still unsure of what the virus would bring, and were
hoping for a two-week hiatus before returning to the school buildings on April
6th. For this three-week period, login information was sent home for any
learning platforms currently in use by classrooms. Teachers and administrators
engaged in a comprehensive “reformatting” of the traditional classroom.
Starting on March 18th (far ahead of many districts) teachers were reformatting
and delivering instruction at the same time – flying the plane while building
it simultaneously. Schools use technology to enhance curriculum, but research
has always confirmed that the most effective and crucial part of education is
the relationship between teacher and student. Principals and teachers explored
how this connection would be communicated in this all remote world, most
importantly for the most vulnerable students – the youngest and special
education students.
Many problems had to be solved. Younger
children require lots of adult supervision, and require free and outdoors time
and exploration that caregivers or parents need to provide. If the parents are
trying to work remotely, this creates serious problems. For 2nd-4th graders,
they may need help in finding sites, logging on, reading instructions, clicking
in the right place, typing answers, staying on task, again, a high degree of
parent involvement. ConVal administration worked on two huge tasks: ensuring
all students had a computer, and all students had internet access. This became
especially crucial as April 6th approached and it was clear that the virus was
only getting started, and the shutdown was going to continue. Students in
grades 5-12 have a personal Chromebook for use in school, due to foresight of
our nine communities in voting for budgets that continuously look forward.
Students in grades PreK-4 have access to home computers only if there is a home
computer. Internet access is a well-publicized problem for our nine-town school
district, and has been the target of planning and legislative efforts over the
past five years for a host of reasons – but now the ability to deliver an
equitable education depended on the ability to ensure all children who needed
one had access to a computer and the internet. The administration, with the
cooperation of internet companies, delivered100 + hotspots along with
additional Chromebooks and other appropriate technology.
At the same time, the question of how to support children and families who had depended on meals that were delivered in school had to be confronted, a need that became very clear as more and more families lost their jobs and their income. The administration immediately stepped up to develop a program where breakfast and lunch would continue to be put together by our food service contract, and delivered by our school busses.
As the shutdown continues, ConVal continues to
learn and adapt. Where the classroom was the predominant platform used to
deliver lessons, the new platform had to be constructed from the available
remote tools, and lessons rearranged to be effectively delivered on this new
platform. The process of moving instruction online is a time consuming and
bumpy process: verbal classroom instructions and reinforcement must be clearly
written in themes and directions, to be delivered by a third party – the
computer. Where any confusion over assignments or lessons could be cleared up
immediately, or with a short pull-out, separate time must now be scheduled.
Teachers must always provide additional access for instructions, feedback, and
follow up. Special education students do not at this point have access to
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, nurses, or their one-on-one aides.
Administration is developing compensatory services for those students whose
IEP’s require them, ensuring these students will retrieve the progress that they
have made, and allowing them to continue progressing.
There are many styles of delivering remote education; teachers must figure out which matches their curriculum and their students. Some classes depend on morning check-in, some are using Google classroom, Zoom for online live classes, and most post office hours when they are available for student questions and help. Online resources must be curated for appropriate content, level, and support to the lesson.
At the same time, there are efforts towards the developing structure and a community environment of their school and classroom. Teachers are constantly assessing and measuring the amount their students are mastering, the level of their engagement. The social-emotional aspect of children feeling secure in their environment is one of the most important underlying facilitators of learning. Online lectures don’t work – teachers must devise other ways for lessons to be delivered. One of the most powerful learning strategies included in every classroom is the ability of students to support and mentor each other. The biggest challenge is creating this online community that will engage and allow collaboration across the class. Other challenges include measuring engagement, managing behavior, and dealing with overloaded platforms. Presentations must be crafted for on-demand relearning or rescheduling.
Classroom environment and curriculum cannot
always be transferred online--especially for PreK-through grade 2, and for
students with special needs. For those parts of the district that have weak or
no bandwidth to support online technology, it's not possible. Students who live in dead zones have no
access to the school at all. For those students, the lessons must be translated
a third way – hard copy packets. These packets of a day’s lesson must be
copied, collated and sent to students on a weekly basis.
ConVal is well-positioned to meet these challenges as they have an administration and teachers who have previously completed work in integrating technology in their curriculum delivery. That is not to minimize the challenge of-overnight-switching from using technology as part of a classroom model to using technology as a classroom. That is a heavy lift, and the work continues as there is no clear end in sight.
The Covid19 Pandemic has thrust the world into a place it hasn’t seen in the lifetimes of our current generations. To see the changes that we are all struggling with is to see a world-down to the family level – that is challenging all of us to re-evaluate where we have been and where we are going.
Reflections by students in Ms. Russell's Art Classes
During remote learning, South Meadow School
students in Ms. Russell’s classes are traveling around the world taking virtual
tours of London National Gallery, Washington DC National Gallery, and The Met
in New York City.
Below are some typed up responses by
students showing how art connects with language arts and creative thinking via
writing reflections.
I loved the chalk board room - the lighting and space being within such an awesome space/LEDELLE MOE
Lendelle Moes art was called when and I do not know what it was about it just looked cool
Victoria Polmeros art was called bus stop and I liked it because it was very cool and colorful.
Sol Lewitt because I like the curvy lines.
James Turrell because it is very bright and weird looking.
Laurie Anderson is very distracting and cool to look at.
Culeen Smoth because it is dark so everything looks lit up.
My favorite exhibit was the virtual reality one by Laurie Anderson. I thought that the combination of Art and technology is very cool and it was also very cool how the art wrapped around the whole room. On top of that the color choices made it almost look like a cross between street art and Starry Night.
Sol Lewitt because they make art looks like not overwhelming and not underwhelming it is just right
My favorite art exhibit is Into the Light by James Turrell. I've been there and it feels like your surrounded by light.
I personally like 2 of them, and I also like how a lot of the art had more of a modern feel, and wasn't simply just a painting or drawing, and they were being more creative. My favorites were Gamaliel Rodriguez's La Travesia/ Le Voyage and Spencer Finch's Cosmic Latte. I liked the first one because I liked how it seemed mysterious, but cheerful at the same time with the pink colors and I just liked the overall feeling of it. I liked the second one because I love lights in art, and I feel like lights in photos give the art a different feeling. I also want to take photography classes, and I want to be able to create art that pretty one day.
My favorite exhibit was James Turrell's into the light. I liked this one the most because the artist was trying to capture that light was more than just a source of illumination. He wanted to show that light is a physical object. I thought that idea was really cool.
My favorite exhibit was Still I Rise because I studied Maya Angelou in elementary school and she was a very amazing woman. The fact that people are depicting strong women is really cool, important and Maya would be very proud.
Anish Kapoor (I do not know the exhibits name) because it is shiny.
Maya Angelous Still I rise. How it is a look back at history. I also thought the painting of how complex the girl was with a different type of shirt and a hand on her head.
Laurie Anderson her art is cool to look at.
Louise Bourgeois because I like how he takes a object or stone and turn it into a work of art just by twisting and carving it
The SOL LEWITT because it was so hypnotising.
The light tunnel, because it looks interesting.
My favorite artwork was “The Language of the Forgotten”. This was my favorite because I think the point was to show African American women hidden behind a man. I think that is very empowering and would have a big effect on people.
My favorite Exhibit was the BARBARA ERSNT PREY because I thought it looked very interesting from the point of view that the artist chose.
My favorite artist exhibit is Into the Light by James Turrell
During remote learning, South Meadow School
students in Ms. Russell’s classes are traveling around the world taking virtual
tours of London National Gallery, Washington DC National Gallery, and The Met
in New York City.
Below are some typed up responses by
students showing how art connects with language arts and creative thinking via
writing reflections.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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May 4th - May 8th
Hello Conval Students and Families,
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th this year. Although we have been away from school for a few weeks, we still want to show our teachers how much we appreciate all their hard work during the school year and during this distance learning adventure we've all been on. Let’s show our Conval Teachers and Staff , Coaches , Bus drives and Food Service Workers how much we appreciate them. The teachers and staff would like to see the students doing their school work from home, or making homemade signs and notes to say thank you. We can be creative and send emails, photos and videos to teachers, staff and principals and hold up signs for bus drivers and food service workers during teacher appreciation week. If for some reason you cannot get a picture or video an email note would also go a long way. We all miss school, our classmates and teachers and they all miss us too! A small act of kindness goes a long way. Stay well, stay safe.
A message from A group of Caring Conval Students District-wide
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th-8th this year. Although we have been away from school for a few weeks, we still want to show our teachers how much we appreciate all their hard work during the school year and during this distance learning adventure we’ve all been on.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Happy Friday! We continue to appreciate the time and attention you have provided your children as they navigate remote learning. We will accomplish great things when we work together!
Happy Friday! We continue to appreciate the time and attention you have provided your children as they navigate remote learning. We will accomplish great things when we work together!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Current Programs and Opportunitiesfor Families and Students
Programs Gone Virtual:
~Our Better Beginnings Groups continue to meet via video call on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for Parent & Caregiver support.
~Better
Beginnings for Babies meet via video call, please contact Nancy Macalaster nancym@grapevinenh.org
~Hillsborough
Playgroups continue to meet via video calls with parents and caregivers.
~Our
Information and Referral Program for pressing needs and access to basic
services is available. Please email our Community Resource Coordinator,
Mackenzie Nichols mackenzien@grapevinenh.org
~Home
visiting and kinship caregiver supports (phone, video, email) are readily
available to any family who could benefit from one to one support. Please
contact Carol Lunan caroll@grapevinenh.org
~Parents! Grandparents! Relative
Caregivers! This time at home can be challenging! If you are struggling
and need someone to talk to, or ideas on how to support your kids while caring
for yourself, please reach out! Please contact Carol Lunan
caroll@grapevinenh.org
~Our Avenue A Teen Center is meeting teens where they're at! Lunch
table, Tough Stuff Groups, Creative Writing Clubs, Art Hour, Career
Exploration, Friday check-ins, Yoga and Baking Society have all gone virtual!
All programs are offered through Google Hangouts Meet (it's free and works on
smartphones and chromebooks). To sign up, email Jacqueline Roland, Avenue A
Coordinator jacqueliner@grapevinenh.org or call her directly at
603.762.5000 Other supports available:
Volunteers and requests for help~Community Wood
Bank~Community Tool Lending Shed~Distribution site for Face Masks for Health
Workers~End 68 Hours food bags~ Free tax preparation with Larry Schwartz~
Winter Keeler continues to offer one to one mental health supports at the
Grapevine
Please contact The Grapevine for more information 588.2620 or info@grapevinenh.org
2020 Virtual Spring Walk
The Grapevine will be holding a Virtual Spring Walk for Families on Saturday, May 9th from 10am - 4 pm.
SMS Student Landon shown testing his knowledge of state capitals remotely while dabbing….. Pretty impressive!!!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Temple Elementary students are working hard during this time of remote learning.
The students and parents have been doing a wonderful job. Keep up the great work. We know it can be stressful, but you've got this! We are here for you! Work, play, breathe and enjoy time spent together.
Temple Elementary students are working hard during this time of remote learning.
The students and parents have been doing a wonderful job. Keep up the great work. We know it can be stressful, but you’ve got this! We are here for you! Work, play, breathe and enjoy time spent together.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Remote learning hasn't stopped AES from holding Spirit Week. Today the category was Crazy Hair Day. Here an AES student shares with us his way of expressing school spirit!
Remote learning hasn’t stopped AES from holding Spirit Week. Today the category was Crazy Hair Day. Here an AES student shares with us his way of expressing school spirit!
Thank you for your partnership in our work to streamline and strengthen our remote learning model. Your feedback is an important part in moving us to a model that is supportive and flexible for families...
Thank you for your partnership in our work to streamline and strengthen our remote learning model. Your feedback is an important part in moving us to a model that is supportive and flexible for families…
Even in these times of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, ConVal students, teachers, and staff find a way to celebrate spirit week. For the last five days, a vigorous competition took place between five teams: freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and staff.
For examples of the submissions that came in during the week, please see the Spirit Week website.
Here are the results of the virtual spirit week:
Congratulations to Anna Muncy, Karrie Mitschmyer, Amanda Hinton, and Marcel Fontaine for organizing this successful event!
Even in these times of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, ConVal students, teachers, and staff find a way to celebrate spirit week. For the last five days, a vigorous competition took place between five teams: freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and staff.
For examples of the submissions that came in during the week, please see the Spirit Week website.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The impacts of COVID-19 on the finances of the ConVal School District are not clear.
The Administration and School Board are in the process of determining the impacts but, at this time, there are many unknowns. The effects of remote instruction can be increased expenses in some budget lines and potential cost savings in others.
As soon as accurate estimates of these costs and savings are known, they will be communicated to towns and citizens in a timely fashion. Please see this document for details on the budget mechanics as well as some questions and answers regarding potential budget impacts.
The impacts of COVID-19 on the finances of the ConVal School District are not clear.
The Administration and School Board are in the process of determining the impacts but, at this time, there are many unknowns. The effects of remote instruction can be increased expenses in some budget lines and potential cost savings in others.
The South Meadow School Student Council is still hard at work!
They have organized sending cards of appreciation to Pheasant Wood Center to cheer both staff and patients.
Mailed cards to Monadnock Hospital to thank all Staff!
They have designed signs to THANK all Front Line workers and havebeen posted all around Peterborough!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The school buildings may be closed, but work in the ConVal School District continues uninterrupted. The School Board is proud of the many accomplishments of the administration, teachers, and staff members who continue to dedicate themselves to the education of our students in the midst of this pandemic and national emergency.
ConVal employees are working around the clock to keep families and students moving forward. Starting at 5:00 in the morning, meals are being readied for delivery to families on a daily basis. Hard copies of learning materials are being delivered by district school buses. Teachers hold online meetings with students for direct instruction. Regular surveys have been sent out and, based on parent feedback, revisions are continuously made to improve the delivery of instruction.
There is now a website for students and parents who are seeking information and resources while remote learning conditions are in place. You can access it here. The site is continually updated and expanded.
We certainly are all in this together and we appreciate what everyone is doing to make this experience the very best it in can be for our children — our number one priority.
The school buildings may be closed, but work in the ConVal School District continues uninterrupted. The School Board is proud of the many accomplishments of the administration, teachers, and staff members who continue to dedicate themselves to the education of our students in the midst of this pandemic and national emergency.
ConVal employees are working around the clock to keep families and students moving forward.
The ConVal School Board continues to meet virtually during this pandemic.
If you are interested in following a meeting, you can go to the ConVal School Board website and scroll down to the bottom left and click on “School Board Calendar of Events.” Once there, you can click on the meeting and details to get the Zoom log in.
If you are interested in learning about what items are scheduled on an agenda or what happened at a past meeting, go “Minutes/Agenda” to view agendas and minutes of past and future meetings.
Please note that future School Board meetings will start at 6:30 pm, and thank you for your continued support!
The ConVal School Board continues to meet virtually during this pandemic.
If you are interested in following a meeting, you can go to the ConVal School Board website and scroll down to the bottom left and click on “School Board Calendar of Events.” Once there, you can click on the meeting and details to get the Zoom log in.
On April 20, Temple Elementary School organized a parade to connect students and teachers. See the video below for a video collage of photos of the event.
On April 20, Temple Elementary School organized a parade to connect students and teachers. See the video below for a video collage of photos of the event.
2. Click on the “Report Card” icon on the left sidebar.
3. You can view or print the current report card or any available archived reports.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Rachel Sturges, a senior at ConVal Regional High School and a New Hampshire Youth Poet Laureate, was recently the subject of a feature article in the Keene Sentinel.
In the article, Sturges explained that poetry is often not an area of interest for young people because the art form can come across as too academic and intimidating. Sturges' poetry instead is reflective, personal, and often focuses on natural and religious imagery.
The article also contains commentary by ConVal English teacher Jason Lambert on Sturges' work. To read the full Keene Sentinel feature, please click this link.
Rachel Sturges, a senior at ConVal Regional High School and a New Hampshire Youth Poet Laureate, was recently the subject of a feature article in the Keene Sentinel.
In the article, Sturges explained that poetry is often not an area of interest for young people because the art form can come across as too academic and intimidating.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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In honor of National Library Week, Ms. Jones and Mrs. Bowman want to remind you about a time when you loved to read or be read to.
They have created a bracket of 64 children's books that were popular while you were growing up. The bracket is based on student recommendations and some classics.
Please vote once a day by 6:00 pm starting on Monday, April 20 to help us determine our champion! There will be six rounds of voting to narrow down the contenders by half each day (the Champion Round will take place on Monday, April 27).
*Note: There will be a new form for each round of voting. Please check the library website or the Student Notices Google Classroom each voting day for the most up to date round form!
In honor of National Library Week, Ms. Jones and Mrs. Bowman want to remind you about a time when you loved to read or be read to.
They have created a bracket of 64 children’s books that were popular while you were growing up. The bracket is based on student recommendations and some classics.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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As a district, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your patience this week as we tried our best to come up with a system to provide your family the materials and information needed...
As a district, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your patience this week as we tried our best to come up with a system to provide your family the materials and information needed…
Introduction: What do you do after 2? Be sure to watch till the end of the video playlist to see how you can submit your own video.
Conclusion:
Expectations for video submissions:
First, Start your video by saying “After 2 I…”
“Be safe. Show your PUMA PRIDE. Remember Social Distancing!” Make sure that you are practicing safe activities while filming your video. Examples: wear helmets and any other safety gear for your activity. Show your Puma Pride and practice social distancing.
“Be appropriate. The SMS Community is watching” Your video may be seen by teachers, parents, and students.
“Keep it short. 5-10 seconds only!” Submissions should be 5-10 seconds long.
This afternoon Governor Sununu will hold a press conference related to continuing Remote Learning for the remainder of the school year.
While we know that this announcement does not come as a shock, we also recognize that for many this comes as a disappointment for our students.
The staff has been preparing for the possibility of this decision for some time. We are prepared to continue Remote Learning and will continue to discuss and examine innovative ways to maintain educational services and nutritional services, as well as celebrating milestones.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support through this challenging situation.
This afternoon Governor Sununu will hold a press conference related to continuing Remote Learning for the remainder of the school year.
While we know that this announcement does not come as a shock, we also recognize that for many this comes as a disappointment for our students.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The ConVal Class of 2020, like seniors across the country, face the prospect of graduating without many of the time-honored traditions associated with commencement. Graduating in the time of pandemic means finding innovative ways to honor grads. With the possibility looming of a very different sort of graduation experience, ConVal High School parents, faculty, and seniors are finding ways to recognize their graduates. Everyone in the CVHS communities is invited to participate in decorating their homes and businesses for a Seniors’ Graduation Celebration Drive Tour.
Families, friends and neighbors across the ConVal district are encouraged to join in the fun by decorating the outside of their homes and businesses the week before Memorial Day Weekend. Graduation signs, balloons, and streamers, Pomp & Circumstance or other inspiring music playing are just some ideas. Be creative! Whether it’s homemade decorations or ordered online, everyone is encouraged to participate in offering well wishes and congratulations to all seniors as their high school careers come to a close and they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The Drive Tour officially kicks-off Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25. Seniors and their families will be able to tour their towns to witness all the love and support for them in these trying times.
“Let’s rise together as a community and make this happen! Whether there is a graduation or not, this Celebratory Drive Tour will go on. Our Seniors have missed so much,” said organizer Dot Vaidya, a ConVal High School parent.
The ConVal Class of 2020, like seniors across the country, face the prospect of graduating without many of the time-honored traditions associated with commencement. Graduating in the time of pandemic means finding innovative ways to honor grads. With the possibility looming of a very different sort of graduation experience, ConVal High School parents, faculty, and seniors are finding ways to recognize their graduates.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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A pet offering a comfortable spot for an AES student to read their book.
Information from the Census Bureau is used to fund programs that provide educational resources, promote the well-being of families, and ensure equal employment opportunities.
Please make sure that you and the members of your family are counted. Your response is important to your local community and your country.
Information from the Census Bureau is used to fund programs that provide educational resources,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Please click on the player below to watch a slideshow of the ConVal High School Students who were honored as the 2020 Scholar Athletes by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) and the New Hampshire Athletic Directors Association (NHADA).
Please click on the player below to watch a slideshow of the ConVal High School Students who were honored as the 2020 Scholar Athletes by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) and the New Hampshire Athletic Directors Association (NHADA).
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Though all staff and faculty are at home now, the staff and faculty are still able to connect to keep the education of students moving forward. Some have even gained new assistants!
New Staff Meeting
Virtual Office Staff Meeting Even remotely, Mr. Hammett still has his sense of humor!With remote learning even with spring snow storm, school was not cancelled!
[post_title] => South Meadow School Faculty and Staff Adjust to Remote Learning
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Though all staff and faculty are at home now, the staff and faculty are still able to connect to keep the education of students moving forward. Some have even gained new assistants!
New Staff Meeting
Virtual Office Staff Meeting
Even remotely, Mr. Hammett still has his sense of humor!
With remote learning even with spring snow storm, Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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In an effort to show off our enduring ConVal school spirit during a time of stay-at-home orders and self-quarantines, teachers and staff worked together to spell out the lyrics to the ConVal fight song.
The message to students: "We are all in this together. We will get through this together. We miss you and hope to see you soon!"
In an effort to show off our enduring ConVal school spirit during a time of stay-at-home orders and self-quarantines, teachers and staff worked together to spell out the lyrics to the ConVal fight song.
The message to students: “We are all in this together. We will get through this together. We miss you and hope to see you soon!”
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => Great Brook School
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April 8, 2020
As our journey with remote learning continues, we will continue with weekly updates.
Today’s mid-week update is to inform you that a decision was made last evening regarding April vacation. After an overwhelming response by parents and staff the administration and the School Board has decided to continue remote learning through the previously scheduled April break week (April 27th- May 1st).
More than two-thirds of parents who responded to the survey opted for this option, as did a large number of staff. Doing this will result in us ending the school year a week early.
The final date of the school year has not yet been determined, as we are waiting for additional information from the Governor and the New Hampshire Department of Education on the continuation of remote learning.
We will share more information later this week on our remote learning, general updates, and resources for parents.
As our journey with remote learning continues, we will continue with weekly updates.
Today’s mid-week update is to inform you that a decision was made last evening regarding April vacation. After an overwhelming response by parents and staff the administration and the School Board has decided to continue remote learning through the previously scheduled April break week (April 27th- May 1st).
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Mrs. Murray put together a beautiful collage to let the students and families know we are thinking about them.
The staff at Temple Elementary School really are very proud of the efforts that the families of TES are putting in to make remote learning successful.
FES students are finding creative spaces and ways to stay engaged in remote learning. FES families have really stepped up to problem solve with teachers to get students online and engaged in continuing to learn outside of the classroom. FES teachers are holding daily Zoom meetings with their classes and enjoying connecting with the students every day!
FES students are finding creative spaces and ways to stay engaged in remote learning. FES families have really stepped up to problem solve with teachers to get students online and engaged in continuing to learn outside of the classroom. FES teachers are holding daily Zoom meetings with their classes and enjoying connecting with the students every day!
Thank you so much for your patience as the District plans for the future. We appreciate all you have done so far to ensure your children have been connecting with their teachers and continue to complete school work from the learning menus...
Thank you so much for your patience as the District plans for the future. We appreciate all you have done so far to ensure your children have been connecting with their teachers and continue to complete school work from the learning menus…
Here are guidelines for remote learning. We are all in this together. Just do your best!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Students in Mr. Bowman's class are currently studying World War I. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has variously been declared a "war," students were asked to create posters in the style of World War I public information campaigns.
"The point of this activity is for the students to show they understand the sacrifices that Americans made during World War 1," Mr. Bowman said. "WWI was the first time in history that the entire country mobilized like this. And frankly, we can use it to learn some lessons as we go through a crisis of our own right now."
"Students were asked to use Google Draw or Slides or draw on paper to make a public service poster where they advise Americans what they can do to fight the coronavirus. The poster should compare a sacrifice made during WWI to one we can/should make today."
"Some of the students' posters might seem a little heavy-handed or out of line with contemporary conventions. This is not because the students were being disrespectful. They were trying to use themes and strategies (and in some cases the wording) of World War One posters."
As the varied creative approaches to this activity show, the students were clearly engaged in this assignment!
Students in Mr. Bowman’s class are currently studying World War I. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has variously been declared a “war,” students were asked to create posters in the style of World War I public information campaigns.
“The point of this activity is for the students to show they understand the sacrifices that Americans made during World War 1,”
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => ConVal Regional High School
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[post_date] => 2020-04-04 20:29:04
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Sky and Destiney are busy making masks for the community. We are so very proud of them!
Sky and Destiney are busy making masks for the community. We are so very proud of them!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => Contoocook Valley School District
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[post_date] => 2020-04-03 11:42:36
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These are challenging times for everyone. Please see below various links providing information for families that may be helpful in dealing with the current Coronavirus environment:
These are challenging times for everyone. Please see below various links providing information for families that may be helpful in dealing with the current Coronavirus environment:
We are writing today to let you know that one of our ConVal High School staff has a confirmed case of Covid-19. Although this staff member didn’t start exhibiting symptoms until March 23rd, the individual may have been infected as early as March 9th.
The person's test returned positive today and the individual has been working remotely since March 20th. The close contacts (a person that has been within six feet of the infected employee for a prolonged period of time) have been notified and were asked to self-isolate. This staff member did not have consistent contact with students. We are sharing this information because we are committed to communicating consistently with parents regarding this situation.
Although we are nearing the end of the 14-day window for potential exposure, we are providing this notice to you out of an abundance of caution. If you have questions about Covid-19 or your situation please call your doctor and look at the CDC website. The District is here to support everyone during this difficult time, and we all send our best wishes to the people affected.
If you have questions about Covid-19 or your situation please call your doctor. As a precaution, please be aware of symptoms, they may appear 2-14 days after exposure, they are fever, cough, shortness of breath. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, and bluish lips or face. This list is not inclusive, please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
The District is here to support everyone during this difficult time, and we all send our best wishes to the people affected by the present circumstances. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
We are writing today to let you know that one of our ConVal High School staff has a confirmed case of Covid-19. Although this staff member didn’t start exhibiting symptoms until March 23rd, the individual may have been infected as early as March 9th.
The person’s test returned positive today and the individual has been working remotely since March 20th.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-03-31 12:05:34
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Hello HES Community! I am so appreciative of the efforts that you have made over the past week to engage your children in learning. You have worked to carve out time for learning, building daily schedules, and connecting your children to their school and peers.
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about our transition to remote learning.
Hello HES Community! I am so appreciative of the efforts that you have made over the past week to engage your children in learning. You have worked to carve out time for learning, building daily schedules, and connecting your children to their school and peers.
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about our transition to remote learning.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Employee Rights
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[qms_post_excerpt] => Families First Coronavirus Response Act Employee RightsRead More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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AES student is combining some fresh air along with his remote learning!
Rob, the most amazing custodian of all time, is showing his support of the Temple Elementary School students and parents.
Please show him how much we appreciate this beautiful gesture by wearing your Tie-Dye shirts on Tuesdays. Feel free to post pictures of your family all decked out for him.
We are so lucky to have someone as special as Rob! He truly cares about our students.
Rob, the most amazing custodian of all time, is showing his support of the Temple Elementary School students and parents.
Please show him how much we appreciate this beautiful gesture by wearing your Tie-Dye shirts on Tuesdays. Feel free to post pictures of your family all decked out for him.
We are so lucky to have someone as special as Rob!
A Temple parent thought up a way for children to play Bingo on ZOOM with each other.
Here are the instructions, in case you want to create your own Bingo group:
Create a 5x5 grid. Put Bingo on top. The children can pick which numbers they want to put in the letter columns, using the following guidelines:
Under B, choose 5 numbers between 1-15, put the numbers in the 5 boxes. Under I, choose 5 numbers between 16-30, put them in the boxes. Under N in the middle box, put “free space” and then, in the 4 remaining boxes, chooses 4 numbers between 31-45. Under G, choose 5 numbers between 46-60, put them in the boxes. Under O chooses 5 numbers between 61-75, put them in the boxes.
Before the ZOOM-enabled Bingo game began, all the children made their own Bingo cards at home. The parent gave a time, the sign in, called out the numbers, and the fun began!
On what would normally have been a snow day on Tuesday, students and staff were invited to build snowmen as a way to deal with social distancing and to connect through a school-wide, shared activity.
The results were creative, imaginative, and sincere expressions of school spirit. Many of the snowmen featured Cougar sports teams.
Other snow creations took more unusual routes: From the snowman who looks longingly at the driveway to the N95-masked snowman, from the snow woman taking a bubble bath (including a scented candle) to the impressive Maya pyramid that was an entry specific to the Social Studies department, the photo submissions showed off the full spectrum of student and staff creativity.
Check out the photos below, and thank you all for the submissions!
On what would normally have been a snow day on Tuesday, students and staff were invited to build snowmen as a way to deal with social distancing and to connect through a school-wide, shared activity.
The results were creative, imaginative, and sincere expressions of school spirit. Many of the snowmen featured Cougar sports teams.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => ConVal Regional High School
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March 25, 2020
Good Evening,
I would like to begin with an expression of thanks. We have just finished our first week of remote learning which would never have been possible without the support provided by our ConVal communities. Our technology resources have allowed us to gain a head start in our transition to “remote learning.” We are also fortunate that we can rely on a highly effective and dedicated technology team that allows our teachers to focus on instruction.
As our recent transition to remote learning continues to evolve, I would like to share with you some specific observations that we have made about this process, a significant departure from practices to which our students and staff are accustomed.
Your positive comments have fueled staff members, thank you for showing your appreciation for their hard work. We are grateful for the community's recognition that, with very little notice and in a very short time frame, teachers, staff, and administrators put a plan together to continue learning opportunities, make sure children are fed, and found workarounds for almost every barrier.
Any change, particularly a change of this size, demands that we remain patient, understanding, and cognizant of the fact that all of us are new to this. There is a significant learning curve in this transition because we are accustomed to having face-to-face contact and physical proximity as part of our learning experiences.
Another key factor in ensuring the success of this transformative change is to establish consistent routines to maintain a sense of normalcy. We all carry with us a sense of uncertainty which may make it difficult to engage in learning. Once these new routines are established, we will feel a greater sense of comfort and better able to engage in the learning activities that our teachers are facilitating.
Our teachers have made, and will continue to make, every effort to meet each student’s needs because this is what it means to be a teacher. And, as educators, we are open to hearing your feedback regarding how we can do things better. It will be important to continue to communicate and listen to each other with empathy as we are all facing this crisis together.
We have developed a FAQs page that you can access on the website, we are updating this page regularly as we get new questions from students, parents, and staff.
We are aware that some families are struggling with access, and we are actively working on this every day. If you are struggling with this issue, please reach out to the principal of your student’s school. We continue to update the ConVal website with remote learning resources, please visit often.
As you are all aware, this situation continues to evolve from moment to moment! We are committed to updating you regularly.
Please be aware that when I write to you, it is sent through our messenger service to your email, posted on the webpage, then posted on social media sites — specifically in that order. There are times that because of technology issues, Internet speeds, or messaging priority settings, it appears that all three happen simultaneously or that social media is first.
We hope to be back to school in the not-so-distant future, so we encourage you and your students to practice social distancing. If you are looking for resources on social distancing, what it is and what the effects may be, you can find them here.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or feedback.
I would like to begin with an expression of thanks. We have just finished our first week of remote learning which would never have been possible without the support provided by our ConVal communities. Our technology resources have allowed us to gain a head start in our transition to “remote learning.” We are also fortunate that we can rely on a highly effective and dedicated technology team that allows our teachers to focus on instruction.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The ConVal School District maintains a Remote Learning FAQ page where you find answers to commonly asked questions about remote instruction during these extraordinary times.
You may also add any additional question by filling out this form. We will attempt to have your question answered within 24 hours of submission.
The ConVal School District maintains a Remote Learning FAQ page where you find answers to commonly asked questions about remote instruction during these extraordinary times.
You may also add any additional question by filling out this form. We will attempt to have your question answered within 24 hours of submission.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Students at Great Brook Middle School have been busy creating art while remote learning conditions are in place.
Their resourcefulness creating art like Andrew Goldsworthy with nature-found materials and art inspired by Piet Mondrian with T-shirts and socks is absolutely astounding, as are their skills in creating Zentangles.
Students at Great Brook Middle School have been busy creating art while remote learning conditions are in place.
Their resourcefulness creating art like Andrew Goldsworthy with nature-found materials and art inspired by Piet Mondrian with T-shirts and socks is absolutely astounding, as are their skills in creating Zentangles.
Click on the video below to be amazed!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-03-23 11:59:36
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On behalf of Athletic Director John Reitnauer, please read the announcement below.
For Immediate Release March 23, 2020
RE: NHIAA Championships
By unanimous vote, the NHIAA Executive Council has enacted a resolution in order to fulfill its duties with regard to the awarding of State Champion and Runner-Up plaques and medals to teams participating in tournaments cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-Champions will be awarded to the highest-seeded team remaining on each side of the NHIAA Tournament bracket. All other teams remaining in the tournament will be awarded Runner-Up plaques and medals.
...
Boys Basketball — Division II
Basketball Champions - ConVal and Bow Runner-Up - Oyster River, Hollis Brookline, Hanover, Kennett, Pelham, Lebanon
On behalf of Athletic Director John Reitnauer, please read the announcement below.
For Immediate Release March 23, 2020
RE: NHIAA Championships
By unanimous vote, the NHIAA Executive Council has enacted a resolution in order to fulfill its duties with regard to the awarding of State Champion and Runner-Up plaques and medals to teams participating in tournaments cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
[site_name] => ConVal Regional High School
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[post_date] => 2020-03-23 10:36:13
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Dear FES Families, We are excited to announce that FES now has its own YouTube channel!
It can be accessed using the link below or by simply searching for Francestown Elementary when you are on the YouTube site. You don’t need to log in to Youtube to view our channel. Since this is a public site, we will not post any pictures or videos of the students or mention them by name. All videos can be found on the Homepage, but if you look under Playlists you will find the videos in categories. Staff members will post read alouds, instructional videos and more. The FES Morning News will begin today and be available Monday through Friday by 8:00am. If students would like to submit a Joke of the Day or a Fun Fact to be shared on the news, please email them to cbradshaw@conval.edu. Thanks for your continued support.
Dear FES Families, We are excited to announce that FES now has its own YouTube channel!
It can be accessed using the link below or by simply searching for Francestown Elementary when you are on the YouTube site. You don’t need to log in to Youtube to view our channel. Since this is a public site,
I hope you are managing during what may be a stressful time. I appreciate your ongoing communication as we navigate this adventure of remote learning and instruction. During the closure, I will be sending a weekly newsletter. My hope is that the letter will provide information regarding student learning, as well as share resources that support you throughout the next few weeks.
By now, you should have had initial contact from your child(ren)’s classroom teacher to set up a schedule for checking in with you and your child. Your child may have even participated in a virtual morning meeting or mini-lesson. I encourage you to reach out to your classroom teacher, the school counselor, or me if you would like additional support such as academic, emotional, or nutritional.
If you would like to have your school age children get food delivery from the district food service during the school closure, please click on this link to sign up Food Service Link. Please know that it may take up to two school days for the delivery of breakfast and lunch to start after signing up. As additional people sign up, the district will need to coordinate delivery with the bus company.
Contact with the school will continue as usual. All calls will be answered during normal school hours. If you need to contact a staff member, you should simply call school (547-2976) or email the appropriate person.
We are required to keep track of students who are ill over the next few weeks. If your child is sick, please call the school and report the illness. Please know Pick Up Patrol has been turned off during the closure.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please let me know. More information about troubleshooting technology issues will be sent out from the district soon.
Some of your questions or concerns may be addressed on the Remote Learning FAQs page on the district’s website. If you do not find answers to your questions, you can submit your questions directly through a link on this page, or please reach out to me directly.
I hope you are managing during what may be a stressful time. I appreciate your ongoing communication as we navigate this adventure of remote learning and instruction. During the closure, I will be sending a weekly newsletter. My hope is that the letter will provide information regarding student learning,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_content] => Happy Friday! I hope you are managing during what may be a stressful time. I appreciate your ongoing communication as we navigate this adventure of remote learning and instruction...
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about our transition to remote learning.
Happy Friday! I hope you are managing during what may be a stressful time. I appreciate your ongoing communication as we navigate this adventure of remote learning and instruction…
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about our transition to remote learning.
Over the last three days, the ConVal School District delivered approximately 2,900 breakfasts and lunches from the lunch program. Neither snow nor rain kept the buses from making deliveries.
Families all over the district have expressed their gratitude, as the picture clearly shows.
On Friday, school buses also delivered three weeks' worth of food supplies to the families who participate in the "End 68 Hours of Hunger" program.
Over the last three days, the ConVal School District delivered approximately 2,900 breakfasts and lunches from the lunch program. Neither snow nor rain kept the buses from making deliveries.
Families all over the district have expressed their gratitude, as the picture clearly shows.
On Friday, school buses also delivered three weeks’
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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DCS Students and their siblings are enjoying the readings recorded by the Library Media Specialist. He was sure to observe the copyright laws.
Students at Pierce School began remote learning on Wednesday, March 18th.
Pierce teachers and staff made sure that our students were provided with many different options to continue their learning during our remote learning adventure!
We hope everyone stays healthy and safe during this time.
Students at Pierce School began remote learning on Wednesday, March 18th.
Pierce teachers and staff made sure that our students were provided with many different options to continue their learning during our remote learning adventure!
We hope everyone stays healthy and safe during this time.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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4th grade teacher Emma Goodspeed shares her remote learning daily schedule.
This comes from a parent with students at both the middle school and high school levels.
“Thank you to all the staff of the ConVal school district. In my household, day one of online learning has been a success.
From listening in to the amazing high school teachers connect with my students,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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As part of the school building closures due to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19), the custodial crews at ConVal High School follow expanded cleaning protocols.
These include enhanced CTF (ceiling-to-floor) cleaning routines with QT-3 Hillyard disinfectant; this involves washing all walls as well as scrubbing table and counter surfaces throughout the building.
Special attention is also being paid to all frequently touched areas, such as water fountains, railings, door handles, and door crash bars.
As part of the school building closures due to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19), the custodial crews at ConVal High School follow expanded cleaning protocols.
These include enhanced CTF (ceiling-to-floor) cleaning routines with QT-3 Hillyard disinfectant; this involves washing all walls as well as scrubbing table and counter surfaces throughout the building.
Special attention is also being paid to all frequently touched areas,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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“We are all in this together,” one mom keeps stressing to her youngsters, as they begin this new journey of “learning at home.”
ConVal School District: All school buildings are closed. School grounds are also closed to the public; this includes school playgrounds. The District has instituted remote instruction.
State of New Hampshire: Governor Chris Sununu has issued a stay-at-home order; click here for the essential businesses list. For the most current information on COVID-19 cases, see the NH DHHS page.
United States of America: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced travelers from countries with a Level 3 travel alert (China, Iran, South Korea, Italy) are to be advised to stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States.
As of March 12, Level 3 countries include: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
As of March 14, the following countries were added to the Level 3 list: Ireland and the United Kingdom.
On March 19, the Department of State advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
Recommendations to Community:
Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
Wash hands frequently
Stay home when sick and avoid contact with sick individuals
Report absence to your child's school
District Response Planning: District administrators and the response team have met several times since March 2, 2020. These meetings have been dedicated to:
Please contact your child's building administrator with any questions or concerns you have regarding COVID-19 in the ConVal District. Contact information can be found on the ConVal Staff Directory Page.
Continuously Updated, Interactive Map of NH COVID-19 Cases
ConVal School District: All school buildings are closed. School grounds are also closed to the public; this includes school playgrounds. The District has instituted remote instruction.
State of New Hampshire: Governor Chris Sununu has issued a stay-at-home order; click here for the essential businesses list. For the most current information on COVID-19 cases,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The switch to remote learning at ConVal High School is off to a good start. Some minor glitches were reported but, for the most part, things have been going smoothly.
The following was shared by a mother via email with the title: "This is working!"
"My son is online and working with his math teacher. I’m sure you will be handling a ton of emails but I want you to know that his teacher Ms. Hinton was active, engaged and very helpful in the Google Meet. It was his first of the day and she set the tone for a positive experience."
"Please .. please let these educators know that we are thankful for their energy, positivity and it’s working. We appreciate everyone’s time and effort. Thank you!"
The switch to remote learning at ConVal High School is off to a good start. Some minor glitches were reported but, for the most part, things have been going smoothly.
The following was shared by a mother via email with the title: “This is working!”
“My son is online and working with his math teacher.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Another ConVal family ready for remote learning. Creating a schedule will help maintain the routines of school!
On March 16, teachers and staff met in small groups in each of their respective schools to participate in a district-wide video conference to launch remote instruction in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders laid out the agenda for Monday and Tuesday which were devoted to working out issues with the switch to remote instruction. Saunders took questions from each of the participating locations which, in some cases, were split into two or more groups in observance of CDC guidelines.
On Wednesday, remote instruction will begin in earnest and will last through April 3. At that time, the situation will be reassessed before next steps are taken.
On March 16, teachers and staff met in small groups in each of their respective schools to participate in a district-wide video conference to launch remote instruction in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders laid out the agenda for Monday and Tuesday which were devoted to working out issues with the switch to remote instruction.
On behalf of Athletic Director John Reitnauer, please see the NHIAA press release below.
For Immediate Release
March 16th, 2020
RE: NHIAA Updates
While it was the intention
of the NHIAA to play the remaining games left in the tournaments, given the
guidelines specified by Governor Sununu, the NHDHHS, and the CDC in response to
the escalating public health issue, this plan is no longer feasible. Because of
this, the NHIAA has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the
2020 Winter Tournament events.
We recognize that this
decision will be a disappointment to our student-athletes, coaches, and fans;
yet given the uncertain nature of the weeks to come, we feel that there is no
alternative. The NHIAA shares in the frustrations of our student-athletes, yet
we hope this decision will allow them to move forward and adjust to the new
normal of their educational experience for the next several weeks. A decision will be made later this week on how to best
recognize State Champions in tournaments that were cancelled.
Regarding spring sports, as
Governor Sununu has issued guidance for schools to be closed until April 3rd,
the start of the spring season will be delayed. As of now, the first date to
practice spring sports will be Monday, April 13th, 2020. The first
date to play will be Monday, April 27th, 2020. We will closely
monitor developments with the COVID-19 pandemic and should we need to adjust
these dates, we will do so as necessary. It is our intention to hold open
tournaments at the end of the regular season for each division.
As stated last week, we ask
for everyone’s patience, cooperation, and understanding as we navigate these
uncharted waters. The NHIAA will keep
its member schools updated on any further developments. Thank you for your
understanding and patience as we join the effort to plateau the spread of
COVID-19 in New Hampshire.
On behalf of chorus director Brian Moore, please see the announcement below.
Good evening A Cappella Families,
The Voices of the 603 Festival that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed by the festival chair.
No information has been released at this time as to when it will be rescheduled.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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On behalf of Athletic Director John Reitnauer, please see the press release from the NHIAA below.
For Immediate Release March 12, 2020 RE: 2020 NHIAA Winter Tournament Events
Relying on the best information available from the New Hampshire Department of Health and the New Hampshire Department of Education, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) has decided to allow the state basketball, hockey tournament, and spirit championships to continue under the following conditions:
Participants in these events will be given four tickets to the games for use by immediate family members.
Only players, coaches, necessary staff, and those with tickets will be allowed to attend.
NHIAA pass will not be honored.
In light of the restricted attendance, every effort is being made to have games livestreamed on the NFHS Network. For more information, go to: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/nhiaa
During these difficult times, the NHIAA is committed to allowing teams to finish out their seasons. Our students have worked very hard and we owe this to them. Unfortunately, because of this escalating health issue, the NHIAA must limit the number of spectators who are able to attend. We request that anyone exhibiting signs and symptoms of illness refrain from attending.
Our fans and community support are an essential part of the high school experience; however, in light of the recommendations and the conditions existing in our country, we ask for everyone’s patience, cooperation and understanding. Anyone who has purchased tickets online will receive a full refund.
The NHIAA will continue to keep its member schools updated on any further changes.
Contact: Jeffrey Collins Executive Director (603) 228-8671
On behalf of Athletic Director John Reitnauer, please see the press release from the NHIAA below.
For Immediate Release March 12, 2020 RE: 2020 NHIAA Winter Tournament Events
Relying on the best information available from the New Hampshire Department of Health and the New Hampshire Department of Education, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) has decided to allow the state basketball,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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March 12, 2020
Good evening,
I would like to follow up on my email from last night regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its potential impact on the ConVal School District.
As you may have heard, some schools have had closures due to the evolving nature of COVID-19. Staff have been working diligently to prepare for the unlikely case that the ConVal District mayhave to close schools.
If this happens, we are prepared to implement remote instruction. Earlier today, the state school board passed an emergency rule change to ED306.18 that will allow schools to use remote learning as a means to deliver instruction to students.
In the event of a closure, ConVal District middle and high school teachers will provide remote instruction via Google Classroom and the students’ district-issued Chromebooks.
What does this mean?
Beginning today and tomorrow, students will bring their district-issued Chromebooks and chargers to and from home daily. This includes students who had previously left their Chromebooks at school.
Students will also need to take home all books and/or additional materials that are required for learning.
If we close, this will apply to all District buildings and staff, except for essential personnel. As a result, staff will not be readily available by phone. Therefore, please communicate via email instead.
If we close, school counselors and nurses will be reaching out to provide support for students with 504 plans.
If we close, special education case managers, service providers, and paraprofessionals will collaborate with classroom teachers to support individual student learning plans.
We realize that these measures may be disruptive. Please be assured that we would take this step out of an abundance of caution and in order to protect the health and well-being of the ConVal community.
Please refer to the district website for further updates. Additional details will be shared as soon as they become available.
Thank you in advance for your flexibility. We appreciate your understanding as we respond to this rapidly evolving situation.
I would like to follow up on my email from last night regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its potential impact on the ConVal School District.
As you may have heard, some schools have had closures due to the evolving nature of COVID-19. Staff have been working diligently to prepare for the unlikely case that the ConVal District mayhave to close schools.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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March 12, 2020
Good evening,
As we continue to proactively plan for a possible school closure due to the COVID-19 virus, Classroom teachers, School Counselors, Nurses, Special Education Case Managers, Service Providers and Paraprofessionals have been collaborating to prepare materials and learning menus in reading, writing, math, and unified arts with activities for students to use while home in the event of an extended closure.
These resources will be shared in the coming days via email, teacher websites, and in hard copy sent home with your child; please check their backpacks daily.
Additionally, teachers will send home relevant login information for students to access any online learning platforms they currently use in the event of a closure.
In the event of a closure staff will be available via email to answer questions and provide support for all students, including any students with 504 or Individual Education Plans.
As always our priority is student learning and these resources are intended to provide practice and skill maintenance of previously learned material.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your building principal.
As we continue to proactively plan for a possible school closure due to the COVID-19 virus, Classroom teachers, School Counselors, Nurses, Special Education Case Managers, Service Providers and Paraprofessionals have been collaborating to prepare materials and learning menus in reading, writing, math, and unified arts with activities for students to use while home in the event of an extended closure.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-03-12 12:47:18
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Our 2nd creators of code group is up and running. This has been a successful after school activity for a number of reasons. Student’s accept and partake in some challenging code building activities. They get to see and understand ways to communicate and work with a computer. Our coders are incredible. Their understanding and ability to grasp the concept is a joy to watch. With our own school robots, Dash, Dot, and Walton, our newest robot, students are able to put their knowledge to a hands on test. With the overwhelming amount of interest, we are considering another coding club for later in the spring.
Our 2nd creators of code group is up and running. This has been a successful after school activity for a number of reasons. Student’s accept and partake in some challenging code building activities. They get to see and understand ways to communicate and work with a computer. Our coders are incredible. Their understanding and ability to grasp the concept is a joy to watch.
I want to begin by thanking the District for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools by passing the 2020-2021 District budget. I appreciated hearing from the many parents and community members who reached out today to share thoughts about the budget process and its positive outcome.
Some parents have also reached out to share their concerns about the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have asked if the District has additional information to share. Administrators and staff continue to plan for the unlikely case that we have to close schools. This work has included: surveying students and parents about Internet access and making sure that older students can access logins for online learning and instructional programs. We are also creating communications about student and staff expectations should we have to implement remote learning opportunities.
At this time, there has been no indication of exposure in our District schools or communities. We continue to be in contact with local and state health officials to ensure that we have up-to-date information in order to make informed decisions.
We recognize that this is an unprecedented situation for all of us. Please be assured that we are committed to the health and safety of your students, our staff, and our community. I share your concerns on both a personal and professional level.
We will continue to update our website with information at https://convalsd.net/covid-19-coronavirus-information/. In addition, I will continue to communicate directly with you as the need arises. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me, and I will do my best to be timely in my response.
I want to begin by thanking the District for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools by passing the 2020-2021 District budget. I appreciated hearing from the many parents and community members who reached out today to share thoughts about the budget process and its positive outcome.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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As part of the fourth-quarter pilot of E-Hallpass, Mathematics teacher Greg Morris and English teacher Liz Moore demonstrate the use of the system from three different perspectives: the student view, the teacher view, and the admin view.
E-Hallpass is a platform-independent web app that works on all operating systems and devices, including Chromebooks. It allows teachers and administrators to provide hallway permissions to students.
The tool is intended to improve the accountability of students and staff and to enhance student security.
As part of the fourth-quarter pilot of E-Hallpass, Mathematics teacher Greg Morris and English teacher Liz Moore demonstrate the use of the system from three different perspectives: the student view, the teacher view, and the admin view.
E-Hallpass is a platform-independent web app that works on all operating systems and devices, including Chromebooks.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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March 11, 2020
The following are the results of district voting which was held on March 10, 2020 in the ConVal School District towns.
Article 1 Budget: passed (63%)
Article 2 Building Reserve Fund: passed (70%)
Article 3 Athletic Trust Fund: passed (70%)
Article 4 Health Trust Fund: passed (73%)
Article 5 Solar Power: passed (74%)
Article 6 Energy Efficiency Fund: passed (68%)
Article 7 Accept Auditors' Report: passed (87%)
Article 8 School Board Salaries: passed (78%)
Article 9 Reimbursement Rate: passed (52%)
In addition, the following school board members were elected:
Antrim: Stephen Ullman (3 year term)
Dublin: Alan Edelkind (2 year term)
Francestown: Kevin Pobst (3 year term)
Greenfield: Katherine Heck (1 year term)
Peterborough: Robert Short Jr (3 year term)
Sharon: James Frederickson (3 year term)
For a .pdf file with detailed results, please click here.
The following are the results of district voting which was held on March 10, 2020 in the ConVal School District towns.
Article 1 Budget: passed (63%)
Article 2 Building Reserve Fund: passed (70%)
Article 3 Athletic Trust Fund: passed (70%)
Article 4 Health Trust Fund: passed (73%)
Article 5 Solar Power: passed (74%)
Article 6 Energy Efficiency Fund: passed (68%)
Article 7 Accept Auditors’
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_content] => Mud season is upon us. Kids are excited to play but end up with mud from head to toe - sorry!
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about other events at HES.
The ConVal Nordic team finished its regular season this past Wednesday at the Division II State Meet held at the Great Glen Trails Nordic Center at the base of Mount Washington. The skiers braved challenging conditions as sunshine alternated with snow squalls and wind gusts up to fifty miles per hour on the 4 kilometer course.
The team fared very well despite the weather, placing two skiers in the top ten and medaling one skier in the skimeister category. Allison Bull came in 8th overall in the girls classical race, and Jaimini Viles placed 9th in the freestyle (skate) race, earning each a ticket to the Meet of Champions where the top skiers from all four divisions in the state will compete against each other in a skiathlon.
Meanwhile, Logan Burnham’s performance in both the morning classical race and the afternoon skate competition earned him second place overall as a Division II skimeister. Skimeisters compete all season in both downhill and cross country disciplines, and the final place order is determined by combining times from the slalom, giant slalom, freestyle, and classical races in the Alpine and Nordic state meets.
Scoring for ConVal in the boys morning classical race were Viles, captain and senior Rowan Inglis, Avery Pope, Philip Pope, Burnham, and Sam Rousseau. On the girls side, Bull was followed by captain Cami Hendrixson, Eva Calcutt, Abby Hendrixson, Margot Kratzenberg, and Isabel Badrawy. In the afternoon skate competition, Viles led the way followed by Ingliis, Avery Pope, Lewis Carlton, Burnham, and Rousseau. On the girls side, Bull was the first Cougar to cross the finish line, leading Calcutt, Cami Hendrixson, Gwen Inglis, Abby Hendrixson, and Eme Tyler-Wall.
Viles and Bull, also members of the NH U16 team, plan to compete in the Meet of Champions scheduled to be held on Tuesday afternoon March 10, 4 PM, at the Dublin Nordic Center.
The ConVal Nordic team finished its regular season this past Wednesday at the Division II State Meet held at the Great Glen Trails Nordic Center at the base of Mount Washington. The skiers braved challenging conditions as sunshine alternated with snow squalls and wind gusts up to fifty miles per hour on the 4 kilometer course.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_content] =>
Dont miss out on ordering this special year's historical yearbook.
Today District administrators have been in contact with both local and state health officials from Monadnock Community Hospital and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS). Through these offices and based on the most current information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have closely monitored the communities’ status related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
District administrators and response teams met today and began planning for the potential impact of COVID-19. We have begun short-term and long-term planning related to students, staff, and facilities. This includes maintaining and expanding cleaning protocols, developing plans for students who may need to be out of school for extended periods of time, and creating educational plans in the highly unlikely case of school closures. We have also put together a communications team which will provide daily updates through our district website as well as urgent updates through email or phone calls, if necessary.
In our earlier communications, we provided links to find updated information related to COVID-19. We have developed a webpage where updated information as well as letters and updates specific to the ConVal School District can be found https://convalsd.net/covid-19-coronavirus-information/. I want to assure you that urgent updates will be sent to families via School Messenger.
Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our schools and community, we are having students, that we are aware of, who traveled to affected areas remain home from school for 14 days. Additionally, we have asked staff who have traveled to areas of concern that they remain at home. If your family or your student(s) have traveled to other locations of concern, please contact their building principal. If your student is displaying symptoms, please have them stay home and contact your local healthcare provider.
It bears repeating that the COVID-19 situation is rapidly developing, and therefore new protocols and information may appear daily. For the most up-to-date information, you can also visit:
Today District administrators have been in contact with both local and state health officials from Monadnock Community Hospital and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS). Through these offices and based on the most current information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Updated: March 2, 2020, 2:20pm
In response to COVID-19 concerns, we want to share the current ConVal District practices regarding facilities, which are in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control.
Air Handling: All schools have HVAC systems that are controlled through a building automation system that routinely exchanges fresh air and monitors air quality.
All door handles, push plates, and flat surfaces are sanitized by custodians and/or building staff using QT-3 cleanser daily and with increased frequency during cold and flu season.
Additional attention to the underside of tables and computer keyboards
Teachers and nurses model proper handwashing techniques on a regular basis
Teachers have access to QT-3 surface cleanser as needed.
In response to COVID-19 concerns, we want to share the current ConVal District practices regarding facilities, which are in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control.
Air Handling: All schools have HVAC systems that are controlled through a building automation system that routinely exchanges fresh air and monitors air quality.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Thank you again to those who have reached out regarding the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). I want to continue to emphasize that, as of the writing of this letter, there are no presumptive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire. Be assured, as the District receives more information, we will update you as quickly and effectively as possible.
Over the weekend, I have been in contact with The Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs Italy trip coordinator as well as the parents of the talented young singers from ConVal who traveled to Italy to perform. This was not a ConVal sponsored event so communication regarding the trip and the members return needed to be coordinated. The choir did not travel to any areas in Italy that are presently impacted by COVID-19 nor do their members show any symptoms of being in anyway ill. Nonetheless, in conjunction with The Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs, the decision has been made that those that traveled to Italy will remain at home tomorrow to give the School District and The Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs the opportunity to review the latest information and coordinate with State and local health officials.
The ConVal School District continues to follow closely the information being shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease. As we have new information from these organizations, we will update our plans, procedures, and protocols in the best interest of our communities’ health and safety. Additionally, as we become aware of families, students, and staff who have traveled abroad to any countries under the COVID-19 travel advisory, we will work closely with them related to both attendance and education.
I will send out another update tomorrow when I have additional information. If you have questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out either through email, ksaunders@conval.edu or by calling 603-924-3336 ext. 2028.
Thank you again to those who have reached out regarding the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). I want to continue to emphasize that, as of the writing of this letter, there are no presumptive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire. Be assured, as the District receives more information, we will update you as quickly and effectively as possible.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_date] => 2020-02-28 13:40:34
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I hope that you have had a restful and relaxing week. I want to thank the many parents who have reached out through email or phone to inquire about the District’s plans related to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.
As I begin this letter, I want to remind our community that there are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in New Hampshire. With that said, I recognize that many parents, teachers, staff, and students are concerned about the status of the current outbreak in other parts of the world and how that may impact our schools and community.
This is particularly true as we return from school vacation. We have had no ConVal School District sponsored travel, either within the United States or outside of it. However, we know that some families and students do travel during the break.
While the information that we have at the writing of this letter indicates that the virus is less likely to impact our students’ health than other community members, we believe that we have a responsibility to our entire community to inform them about our current practices, our next steps, and our long-term plans in the unlikely case of a community outbreak of COVID-19.
Let me begin by reassuring you that our staff and school nurses have been carefully watching the situation related to COVID-19. ConVal District nurses have received information and had the opportunity to participate in a webinar early in the outbreak to become informed about the presenting symptoms and the related health issues.
We have continued to practice our heightened cleaning and disinfecting that we do regularly during the flu season. This includes, but is not limited to, the regular wiping down of surfaces and computer keyboards, the consistent cleaning of door handles, the daily cleaning of classrooms and bathrooms, as well as ongoing instruction of students to wash their hands, use tissues, avoid touching face, eyes, and nose, and practice good sneezing and coughing habits (i.e. sneezing or coughing into your sleeve and then wiping your nose and washing your hands). All of these practices will continue, and we will be adding suggested steps from the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control that we recently received.
Following my direct conversations yesterday with both the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I received information on what the best next steps would be for schools.
The NH Division of Public Health and the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control has created guidance that we will be implementing. As always, we ask that if your student has a fever that you keep them home from school. As with all illnesses, if you keep your student home because they have a fever and respiratory symptoms, the missed school days will be considered excused absences.
The District will continue tracking information regarding absences and the reasons for these absences and, if requested, may be sharing symptomatic information with healthcare officials. If a student comes to the nurse with a fever or respiratory symptoms, they will be instructed to wear a face mask until they are able to be picked up. Nurses will also inquire about students’ recent travel.
Additionally, nurses will be taking precautions to guard against potential exposure and will be contacting parents of students who present with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to be taken home. Symptoms according to the CDC include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
On Monday morning, I will be meeting with all administrators to discuss plans in the unlikely case of a large community outbreak of COVID-19. This will include planning for educating students who are not in school because of their exposure to COVID-19 and planning for the highly unlikely case of school closure.
I hope that you have had a restful and relaxing week. I want to thank the many parents who have reached out through email or phone to inquire about the District’s plans related to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.
As I begin this letter, I want to remind our community that there are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in New Hampshire.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Keene State College and the New Hampshire Department of Education Bureau of Career Development will be co-sponsoring an “Explore and Discover College Day" for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at the Keene State campus on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
The event will offer CTE students the opportunity to experience a college campus while learning about preparing for college and how their CTE experience can complement a college education to position them for success in their future careers.
The schedule for the day is expected to include:
Mini-courses—a chance to take one or two short classes with a Keene State College faculty member. Courses will be offered in a variety of disciplines.
An overview of the college admissions process
A workshop on career readiness and professionalism
A campus tour—a chance for students to see all a college can offer beyond academics
Keene State College and the New Hampshire Department of Education Bureau of Career Development will be co-sponsoring an “Explore and Discover College Day” for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at the Keene State campus on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
The event will offer CTE students the opportunity to experience a college campus while learning about preparing for college and how their CTE experience can complement a college education to position them for success in their future careers.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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The ConVal Nordic team traveled to Hanover for its final divisional race of the season before next week’s state championships.
The 5K course wound through woods and open fields with several challenging hills. The skiers found the course enjoyable but wet soft snow made the going strenuous.
Allison Bull led the Cougar girls across the finish line, coming in 8th overall. She was followed by Eva Calcutt, captain Cami Hendrixson, Abby Hendrixson, Margot Kratzenberg, Gwen Inglis, Eme Tyler-Wall, and Isabel Badrawy.
On the boys' side, Jaimini Viles came in 13th overall, followed by Rowan Inglis, Philip Pope, and Avery Pope. The team travels to Great Glen on Wednesday, March 4th, for the Division II Championships.
The ConVal Nordic team traveled to Hanover for its final divisional race of the season before next week’s state championships.
The 5K course wound through woods and open fields with several challenging hills. The skiers found the course enjoyable but wet soft snow made the going strenuous.
Allison Bull led the Cougar girls across the finish line,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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On Friday before February break, ConVal High School held a school-wide assembly in the gymnasium that saw the Cougars host Keene High School for the final Unified Basketball game of the season.
With the ConVal Band playing during breaks in the action, students, faculty, and staff cheered on both the ConVal and the Keene High School Unified Basketball teams.
Both teams had terrific scoring stretches throughout the game, with three-point scores and under-the-basket shots. The Cougars, under the leadership of coaches Kevin Carne, Dick Ellingwood, and Gil Morris, came away with a winning score of 69:58 after a buzzer-beating basket by Myles Clough.
All of the ConVal players had an outstanding game. Perhaps most importantly, both teams demonstrated true sportsmanship on many occasions throughout the game.
After the victory celebration, the ATC robotics team gave a presentation of its remote-controlled robots that shot balls and T-shirts into the crowd.
On Friday before February break, ConVal High School held a school-wide assembly in the gymnasium that saw the Cougars host Keene High School for the final Unified Basketball game of the season.
With the ConVal Band playing during breaks in the action, students, faculty, and staff cheered on both the ConVal and the Keene High School Unified Basketball teams.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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To celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the Region 14 Applied Technology Center (ATC) welcomed elementary school students from Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Hancock, Peterborough, and Temple.
During the week of February 17, more than 220 students toured classrooms devoted to Business, Careers in Education, Computer Networking, Digital Photo & Video, Engineering, Firefighting & EMT training, Graphic Design, and Manufacturing.
In several locations, students participated in demonstrations and hands-on activities, including robotics, 3D printing, and manufacturing using a CNC router to engrave wooden signs.
On Wednesday, New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster joined the students and explored with them the diverse program offerings and pathways that are available to ConVal students.
As a special thank you for their visit, Mr. Rothhaus' PES students put together this short video.
To celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the Region 14 Applied Technology Center (ATC) welcomed elementary school students from Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Hancock, Peterborough, and Temple.
During the week of February 17, more than 220 students toured classrooms devoted to Business, Careers in Education, Computer Networking, Digital Photo & Video, Engineering,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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GES staff & students enjoyed an indoor "snowball" fight at our whole school morning meeting!
GES staff & students enjoyed an indoor “snowball” fight at our whole school morning meeting!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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[post_content] => We finally had a full week of school and a busy one at that. We worked hard to complete NWEA testing. In between testing, we had some great learning adventures.
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about other events at HES.
We finally had a full week of school and a busy one at that. We worked hard to complete NWEA testing. In between testing, we had some great learning adventures.
Check out the latest newsletter to read more about other events at HES.
ConVal senior Liam McCall (center) won first place in the District 2 American Legion Oratorical Contest which was held at Post #23 in Milford on Saturday, February 15.
McCall won with a pair of successful speeches, one on the principle of no taxation without representation and the second on an assigned topic, which for McCall was the 20th Amendment.
ConVal High School was represented by three students at the competition which included students from Merrimack and Milford high schools. Garrick Colby spoke on “The Bulwarks of Tyranny” while Daniel McCall, Liam’s younger brother who is a freshman this year, delivered a speech on civil liberties.
The mission of the American Legion Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution.
The competition is held in two rounds. The first set of speeches involves orations on a constitutional topic and are eight to ten minutes long. In addition, contestants prepare four three- to five-minute speeches on four different constitutional amendments and must be ready to speak on all of them. One of these “assigned topic” speeches is then chosen for presentation at the contest.
With his win at the District 2 American Legion Oratorical Contest, his second in a row, McCall advances to the state-level contest at St Anselm’s College which will be held on March 7.
ConVal senior Liam McCall (center) won first place in the District 2 American Legion Oratorical Contest which was held at Post #23 in Milford on Saturday, February 15.
McCall won with a pair of successful speeches, one on the principle of no taxation without representation and the second on an assigned topic, which for McCall was the 20th Amendment.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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by ConVal School Board Member Janine Lesser
Springtime brings new life back to us here in the Northeast — and time to vote on a new school budget. On March 10th, voters in the nine communities of the ConVal School District will vote on the warrant that dictates the school district budget. As we prepare to think about this annual decision, it’s always important to consider what’s at stake.
The nine communities are justly proud of the education that they have been able to provide for families who live in the ConVal District. The administration and school board work hard to look to the future and ensure we are preparing our students to work and thrive, and keep New Hampshire growing and healthy — a state where the children we are educating will be proud to live and raise their own families.
What does it take to ensure these opportunities continue? A good and fair budget, for one, that carefully manages resources raised by taxation against the diverse needs of the nine towns; and most importantly, a belief that we are making an investment in our communities, our families, our children, together. It is not an easy decision for many of us, as it can involve some considerable sacrifice when it comes to the tax bill.
The administration and school board regularly struggle with the complexity of running the district. We want to make sure that your questions are answered. The Budget and Property Committee developed a comprehensive explanation of how the budget is developed, how the budget translates to your tax bill. ”A School Budget Primer: Understanding School Budget Preparation, Methodology and the Impact on Property Taxes” was distributed at the first Deliberative Session on February 4th. The primer also reviews the 2020-21 warrant articles and explains the school board’s position on those articles and can be found on the ConVal website within the Budget Digest Resource page. You can also click the banner at the top of the ConVal School District website which directs you to the budget information.
If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website, please contact your school board representative, whose contact information is available on the website as well. We hope that you will vote “yes” on the operating budget, and the recommended articles.
You will also receive a flyer in the mail that explains the warrant and its articles. It will direct you to the ConVal website for budget information. It is our intention to be as transparent as possible, and provide the information that will help you understand the district operations. You can find all ConVal School District budget information here.
Default budgets are implemented when the proposed operating budget fails to win voter approval. Before you vote, here are some facts to consider about the ConVal budget:
• For the past eight years, ConVal administration and Board have held the operating budget to 1% annual increases, sometimes less than .5%. This was due to a variety of cost-saving measures: changing health insurance plans, cost-sharing the health insurance with district staff, postponing capital improvements (high school parking lot!!!), using trust funds to cover what would normally appear in the budget, staff decreases, redistributing staff responsibilities. Last year was the exception, when a combination of reduced state funding and increased mandatory expenditures increased the operating budget by 1.8%. This year is another increase: 2.23%. This increase in the 2020-21 operating budget is due primarily to the need for long-deferred capital improvements and the second year of the teacher contract — which we support and believe to be necessary and fair.
• At the same time, the administration and Board managed to keep the operating budget increase to a minimum in past years, the budget met its contractual obligations, including transportation, new teacher contracts; continued to ensure student safety and excellence in education the taxpayers count on by implementing security measures, continuing with curriculum review, professional development and implementation, implementation of ever-growing state and federal statutory requirements, and finally, ever-decreasing local state education investment. The state has recently convened an education funding task force, partly due to the will of our legislature, and partly due to several school districts’ lawsuit (one of whom is ConVal). The past year was a single year of some funding relief, which in the ConVal district went back to the nine communities. This should be reflected in your tax bill.
• When you see the difference between the operating budget and the increase in your education property tax — it is primarily due to decreased enrollment due to our local demographics, and the shrinking state funds. What the state chooses not to pay, the local taxpayer must make up. Please consider the budget-cutting that has gone on for the last five years in the interest of keeping your property tax increase to a minimum — and understand the current increases in that light: there are now no more places to cut. The 2.23 % increase in the operating budget reflects the Board and the administration’s effort to keep the district moving forward towards its goals of excellence for every child, and fiscal responsibility.
If the budget fails, we must implement a default budget. When it comes to the default budget, the biggest problem is the lack of places to go to cut. Everything that could be cut, that would not significantly affect the education our district children receive, has been cut in previous years. (This is now the new normal.) The default budget will require $1,422,487 in cuts to the 2020-21 budget.
In anticipation of this possible event, the Board requested the administration to develop a list of possible cuts. The administration offered this list in a series of five tiers: the first tier being the farthest from student impact on education to the closest and most impactful in tier five. The reality is that in order to meet the $1.5 million in cuts, we will have to go deep into tier four, and even some cuts from tier five.
If the default budget must go into place, the Board will work with the administration to identify the list of items selected for cuts from the 2020-2021 budget, and these will be eliminated before the year begins.
We hope you will vote to support the school budget. Thank you.
Springtime brings new life back to us here in the Northeast — and time to vote on a new school budget. On March 10th, voters in the nine communities of the ConVal School District will vote on the warrant that dictates the school district budget.
The ConVal School Store is located in the ConVal Cafeteria and is open during the school year. Visitors can find everything from t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, winter hats, and jackets.
There is also an online store option that accepts orders for all of our regular apparel items as well as accessories like ConVal-branded caps, hats, and blankets. Click here for special sales on orders placed before March 5, 2020.
The ConVal School Store is located in the ConVal Cafeteria and is open during the school year. Visitors can find everything from t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, winter hats, and jackets.
There is also an online store option that accepts orders for all of our regular apparel items as well as accessories like ConVal-branded caps, hats, and blankets.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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On January 16, 2020 Temple Elementary School welcomed their new mascot.
The excitement on the students faces when they first met him was infectious. They absolutely love him.
We are happy to have him participate at some of our special activities.
Valentine's day was very special for the students of Temple Elementary School.
The students were treated to a fancy atmosphere to show how much we care about them. Soft music was playing and the lights were low. We hope they felt very special.
Valentine’s day was very special for the students of Temple Elementary School.
The students were treated to a fancy atmosphere to show how much we care about them. Soft music was playing and the lights were low. We hope they felt very special.
On Sunday, February 16, the Region 14 Applied Technology Center held an Open House to showcase its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The Region 14 ATC serves the school districts of ConVal, Jaffrey-Rindge, and Mascenic.
Students and their parents, members of the public — including New Hampshire's Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut —, ConVal School Board members, and district administrators visited classrooms in the areas of Business, Careers in Education, Computer Networking, Digital Photo & Video, Engineering, Firefighting & EMT training, Graphic Design, and Manufacturing.
Representatives from Keene State College and Nashua Community College were also on hand to explain the Dual Start program and the credits that a student can earn towards an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree through the existing articulation agreements with the Region 14 ATC.
On Sunday, February 16, the Region 14 Applied Technology Center held an Open House to showcase its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The Region 14 ATC serves the school districts of ConVal, Jaffrey-Rindge, and Mascenic.
Students and their parents, members of the public — including New Hampshire’s Commissioner of Education Frank Edelblut —,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ConVal Drama performed The Wolves by Sarah de Lappe. De Lappe was a MacDowell Colony Fellow in the fall of 2019 and visited with students at ConVal in November.
The Wolves takes place in an indoor soccer facility where members of a soccer squad — "The Wolves" — go trough warmup routines and stretching exercises while discussing personal relationships, popular culture topics, politics, and the lives of some of the adults with whom they interact.
Each of the girls is identified only by their jersey number, a reflection of both their intensely cultivated team identity and the incurious anonymity of the high school life that surrounds them. Throughout the play, which takes place over several weeks in the soccer season leading up to the final game, each team member struggles to assert her individuality while also being part of a group.
The Wolves was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the Yale Drama Series Prize, and received the American Playwriting Foundation's inaugural Relentless Award.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ConVal Drama performed The Wolves by Sarah de Lappe. De Lappe was a MacDowell Colony Fellow in the fall of 2019 and visited with students at ConVal in November.
The Wolves takes place in an indoor soccer facility where members of a soccer squad — “The Wolves”
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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ConVal took the mat last Wednesday against John Stark and White Mountains for senior night.
Seniors Evan Shippee, Theo Cross, and manager Evan Sussman were all honored before the duals.
Evan Shippee performed solidly and racked up two pins to capstone his career at home. Theo Cross had an exciting come-from-behind victory, pinning his opponent after falling behind 13-2.
On Saturday, February 22nd, the Cougars will be in Pelham for the D3 State Tournament. ConVal will have 13 of the 14 weight classes filled and have an outside shot at bringing home some team hardware in a division that is expected to be dominated by perennial powers Bow and Plymouth Regional.
Child MUST be 5 years old before September 30, 2020
Kindergarten Registration and Screening Southern Tier
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8am-3pm at Peterborough Elementary School
For children residing in Dublin, Greenfield, Peterborough, Sharon and Temple
***SNOW DATE is Thursday, March 26, 2020***
Kindergarten Registration and Screening All Towns
Tuesday,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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As the SAU 1 administrative team and the ConVal School Board prepare to make important school budget decisions to be voted on at the district meeting this March, a familiar struggle is taking shape. The financial demands placed on local schools to maintain high-quality education plays out as taxpayers worry about affordability.
Why are we facing increasing tax rates to fund our schools at the local level? A driving force is New Hampshire lawmakers are downshifting school costs through unfunded mandates. This issue is the same for all of the 221 towns and 13 cities in New Hampshire. In addition, Federal laws which must be followed compound these costs as Federal grants do not fully cover the requirements necessary for compliance.
An unfunded mandate occurs when a new piece of state or federal legislation requires the school district to perform functions without providing funding, or adequate funding, to facilitate the requirement. The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution leaves the responsibility for public K-12 education with the states. Each school district is administered and financed by the local community along with that district's state government. The New Hampshire Constitution guarantees an “adequate education” for all citizens of the state. The New Hampshire Constitution does not specify who is financially responsible for this guarantee. When the state or federal legislature passes a new law without funding, any increases in cost that result from complying with the unfunded mandate becomes part of the local school budget. Standards and quality of education consequently vary widely from state to state and even district to district. The local district is either supported or limited by its budget. The budget is dictated by what local taxpayers will approve.
Because of the increased awareness in disparity, during the 1960s compelling interest in our nation’s public schools was addressed by the Federal Government through the legislative process creating laws and providing assistance to states and schools through educational grants to enact these laws. Federal Education laws that are most commonly known are the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Every Student Succeeds Act (Common Core). These laws authorize federal grants for elementary and secondary school programs for children of low-income families; school library resources, textbooks and other instructional materials; supplemental education centers and services; strengthening state education agencies; education research; and professional development for teachers. While these federal grants provide support for their mandates, they do not cover the entire cost. The remaining cost must be covered by the state and local taxes. As the local school budget is built, all federal mandates must be met.
As far as New Hampshire State Education mandates and the effect they have on the local school budget you need only to turn to the local news to become apprised of the disparity in education funding occurring in New Hampshire and the impact it has on the local tax. Many of the educational laws passed by New Hampshire legislature and changes made to standards that come from the Department of Education are well intended to promote student success, but these laws do not, in many cases, come with any additional funding. An example of a state unfunded mandate is the 2016 New Hampshire K-12 STEM curriculum requirements. The requirements proposed will produce more skilled workers, inspire innovation, increase New Hampshire business growth and affect the New Hampshire economy. There is certainly a valid return on this educational investment. However, only a fraction of the additional funding needed to meet the new State STEM standards was provided to the schools and the result: The local property tax must increase to comply with the New Hampshire K-12 STEM initiative.
The administrators in the ConVal School District work year-round to produce all of the financial data necessary to analyze a “ConVal” education. The administration carefully checks off the right boxes on accounting and compliance reports required by the State and the Federal government to assure accuracy in crafting a fiscally sound budget. Detailed financial analysis is compiled to monitor and evaluate each school building’s expenditures. The focus of the Superintendent and the School Board is the classroom where the critical work happens and where the allocation of funds and resources provides services that affect student performance.
In summary, local schools are required to comply with federal and state-mandated laws. While federal and state laws’ express purposes are to raise achievement for all students and to close the achievement gap, the additional funding needed to translate laws or requirements into a classroom reality is not provided. The looming question as to whether or not the funding is adequate to accomplish the laws’ purpose has become clear and yet the funding issue remains unanswered by Washington lawmakers and the New Hampshire legislature. The growing reality for New Hampshire residents and businesses is that the burden falls on the local tax base to make up the difference. The ConVal School District is compelled to sustain high education standards and build a budget that supports those standards and student success. Residents can be assured that every local tax dollar spent in the ConVal School District is a closely monitored resource invested in a quality education for our students and our future.
For more detailed information on Federal Policy and NEW HAMPSHIRE Policy laws enacted that impact the budget and decision making at the local level please visit:
“Laws & Guidance Overview”, U.S. Department of Education, link
“The Federal Role in Education”, U.S. Department of Education, link
Baron, Kathryn. “Finding a Balance for the Federal Role in Education Policy”, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, December, 2016, link
“2019 State Education Policy Watchlist”, Education Commission of the States, link
Austin, Donald; Christina, Barrett. “2017 Legislative Summary”, New Hampshire School Boards Association, 2017, link
Zelin, Gerald M.. Glynn, Meghan S. “New State Statutes Regulating Schools”, Drummond Woodsum. Copyright 2018, All rights are expressly reserved. These materials may not be reproduced without prior written permission. link
“How the courts have shaped education funding, and what comes next”, Reaching Higher New Hampshire, March, 2019, link
Duffort, Lola.“Bill to limit unfunded mandates could have unintended effect on special ed” Concord Monitor. March, 2017. link
Leachman, Michael, Masterson, Kathleen, Figeuroa, Eric. “A Punishing Decade for School Funding” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. November, 2019, link
As the SAU 1 administrative team and the ConVal School Board prepare to make important school budget decisions to be voted on at the district meeting this March, a familiar struggle is taking shape. The financial demands placed on local schools to maintain high-quality education plays out as taxpayers worry about affordability.
Why are we facing increasing tax rates to fund our schools at the local level?
Congratulations to the South Meadow School Boys White Basketball Team for their win against Keene Middle School at the Winter Slam Championship!!!
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Manufacturing Month 2019 Recap, a February 2020 publication by the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership, features the field trip of CTE students to Aerospace and Defense Manufacturer TRM Microwave in Bedford last fall.
On October 17, 2019, ConVal's ATC Center took CTE Manufacturing students on a tour of TRM Microwave, an RF/Microwave design, engineering, and manufacturing company. The field trip was part of the celebration of National Manufacturing Month.
Please see the related web post on the ConVal website here. To read the entire publication, please click here.
Manufacturing Month 2019 Recap, a February 2020 publication by the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership, features the field trip of CTE students to Aerospace and Defense Manufacturer TRM Microwave in Bedford last fall.
On October 17, 2019, ConVal’s ATC Center took CTE Manufacturing students on a tour of TRM Microwave,
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Girls Championship Game will start at 4:00.
Hillsboro - Deering vs Milford Boys tip off is roughly 5:30 or 8 minutes after the girls awards ceremony at mid court.
Boys Championship will start around 5:30
SMS Vs Keene
PLEASE PARK IN THE BACK OF SMS AND ENTER FROM THE BACK. Click "Read More" for more details.
Click "READ MORE" FOR MORE DETAILS
Girls: Hillsborough - Deering and SMS will wear Light Uniforms and sit at the FAR Bench.
Milford and Keene will wear DARK uniforms and will sit on the near bench.
After the both the girls and boys games there will be a small awards Ceremony after a SHORT cool down period.
There is a $5.00 admission fee for adults 18 and over only.
Students at PES learned a little bit about Vincent Van Gogh in Ms. Compton's art class this week. Following a discussion about one of the world's most recognizable paintings, "The Starry Night", and a little bit about Van Gogh's work, life, and style, students in 3rd and 4th grade got the chance to create paintings using tempera paint.
Students at PES learned a little bit about Vincent Van Gogh in Ms. Compton’s art class this week. Following a discussion about one of the world’s most recognizable paintings, “The Starry Night”, and a little bit about Van Gogh’s work, life, and style, students in 3rd and 4th grade got the chance to create paintings using tempera paint.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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2nd graders welcomed ConVal School Board member, Katherine Heck to read a favorite story as part of World Read Aloud Day!
The ConVal School Board has taken an important step in advancing the Preschool For All model for the ConVal School District. Currently associated with Antrim Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, and Peterborough Elementary School, the plan is to expand the preschool program in two phases over the next two years.
Phase 1 is planned for the 2020-2021 school year and will extend the existing First Friends programs to a full-day, five-days-a-week program for four-year-olds. During Phase 2, planned for the 2021-2022 school year, the expanded program will provide preschool education to all four-year-olds in the district.
The primary goal of the expansion of the pre-school program is to ensure that all four-year-old children will have access to high-quality early childhood education.
The district-wide focus on equity was also a strong consideration. The goal is to create learning environments and conditions in which all students can learn and succeed, regardless of their geographic location in the district, economic status, or whether or not they have a disability.
For more on the Preschool For All program, please see the handout here.
The ConVal School Board has taken an important step in advancing the Preschool For All model for the ConVal School District. Currently associated with Antrim Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, and Peterborough Elementary School, the plan is to expand the preschool program in two phases over the next two years.
Phase 1 is planned for the 2020-2021 school year and will extend the existing First Friends programs to a full-day,
The ConVal School Counseling Department will host its annual College Planning Night for all juniors and their parents on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 pm in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.
Moira Valenti from the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) will deliver the presentation.
Selecting colleges and applying for admission can be overwhelming. There are applications to be completed, deadlines to meet, essays to write and policies to understand.
This session is intended to educate the student and family about the college admission process. Topics include: narrowing your list, questions to ask on a college tour, college essay pointers, the application timeline, and the basics of financial aid.
The ConVal School Counseling Department will host its annual College Planning Night for all juniors and their parents on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 pm in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.
Moira Valenti from the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) will deliver the presentation.
Selecting colleges and applying for admission can be overwhelming.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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Freshmen and sophomore students had an opportunity to explore elective courses for the 2020-2021 school year. The event took place during the TASC flex time block in the ConVal cafeteria.
Teachers and upper-level students, who have taken or are currently taking these elective classes, were on hand to talk about the courses and how they enhance learning.
Course registration for the upcoming school begins mid-February, so this was a well-timed event to explore many of the options offered by the following departments: Applied Technology Center, English, Health and Wellness, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages.
Among the electives for the 2020-2021 school year are: 2D Studio Art, 3D Studio Art, AP US History, AP World History, Aesthetics and Ideas, Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Business, Careers in Education, Ceramics, Chamber Choir, Chemistry, College Composition, Computer Programming/Networking & Robotics, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Creative Writing, Digital Photo & Video, Engineering, Firefighting & EMT, German, Graphic Design, History of Rock and Roll, Human Nature and Storytelling, Instrumental Methods, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Guitar, Jazz Band, Manufacturing/Woodshop, Marching Band, Mass Media Communication, Music in Media, Music Theory and Keyboard Playing, Personal Fitness, Philosophy, Psychology, Select Chorus, Spanish, Studio Art Extension ELO, Theatre Arts/Workshop, Western World Heritage, World Religions, and Young Adult Fiction.
Freshmen and sophomore students had an opportunity to explore elective courses for the 2020-2021 school year. The event took place during the TASC flex time block in the ConVal cafeteria.
Teachers and upper-level students, who have taken or are currently taking these elective classes, were on hand to talk about the courses and how they enhance learning.
Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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In a hard-fought contest, ConVal's Unified Basketball Team defeated Fall Mountain with a score of 44-29 in their home opener on Tuesday, February 3.
Scoring was spread throughout the lineup and was highlighted by multiple three-point shots by Parker Nason. "The team worked together and this, combined with the support of our enthusiastic crowd, helped secure the victory," coach Kevin Carne said after the game.
Next, the team travels to Hinsdale on February 12th, followed by a home game against Stevens on February 13th.
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[qms_post_excerpt] => Families First Coronavirus Response Act Employee Rights Read More: Elementary Students Celebrate Virtual Field Day
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