I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer. This month we have been busy preparing for the upcoming school year including cleaning spaces, ordering supplies, and making re-opening plans for the fall. The Conval School District published its Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan on the district's web page, and it can be found by clicking HERE. We will be sharing some PES specific information in the coming weeks.
I know you and your children are anxiously waiting to hear who your child's teacher will be next year. Please know that we are working on finalizing classroom plans based on a variety of factors, and will have information out to you during the first week of August.
Some staffing news: I am thrilled to announce that Mrs. Jen Swasey is joining us as our new school counselor, and Mrs. Britta Warner will be joining as a new kindergarten teacher.
Finally, I need your help. If you know of any families with kindergarten-aged students or with children new to Peterborough, please let them know to register for school by contacting Kate Wasserloos at the SAU at 924-3336 ext. 2032, or have them call us at PES, 924-3828. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Larry Pimental
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer. This month we have been busy preparing for the upcoming school year including cleaning spaces, ordering supplies, and making re-opening plans for the fall. The Conval School District published its Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan on the district’s web page,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Try out dates for boys white and blue team soccer, girls soccer, girls field hockey, boys and girls cross country, and girls volleyball, will start right after school on Tuesday, August 31st. These will last until 4:05 and students may go home on the late bus, walk home, or be collected by their parents in the Back upper parking lot. Please do not pick up your child out front as this may interfere with the late buses. Please collect your child no later than 4:10.
Students in grades six, seven, and eight, are eligible to play field hockey, soccer, and club volleyball. Students in grades fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight are eligible to run cross country.
All students trying out must bring with them the attached parent permission/emergency form and an updated or current physical form. Updated means that your son or daughter has had a physical within the last two years. For example: If you son/daughter had a physical as a sixth grader he/she would need an updated physical as an eighth grader. THE UPDATED PHYSICAL FORM must be sent or emailed to the SMS nurse, Tricia Harris (pharris@conval.edu), before the first day of practice. The parent permission/emergency form must be handed to the respective coach on the first day of practice.
Try out dates for boys white and blue team soccer, girls soccer, girls field hockey, boys and girls cross country, and girls volleyball, will start right after school on Tuesday,
The ConVal Summer Boost Program offers a special course in applied mathematics, Geometry in Construction.
In this co-taught class, students become proficient in both the geometry and construction trades competencies through hands-on activities. Examples include creating a set of stairs to teach rise and run, constructing balsa wood houses to learn about the importance of correctly following blueprints, ratios, and cost/waste analysis, and constructing a full-sized clubhouse or shed.
Students create formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods, such as compass and straightedge, string, etc. Other skills that the class teaches include: copying a segment; copying an angle; bisecting a segment; bisecting an angle; constructing perpendicular lines, including the perpendicular bisector of a line segment; and constructing a line parallel to a given line through a point not on the line.
The ConVal Summer Boost Program offers a special course in applied mathematics, Geometry in Construction.
In this co-taught class, students become proficient in both the geometry and construction trades competencies through hands-on activities. Examples include creating a set of stairs to teach rise and run, constructing balsa wood houses to learn about the importance of correctly following blueprints,
ConVal High School's Summer Boost Program began on July 6 with exciting opportunities for our students.
As an icebreaker activity and to get all participating students familiarized with ConVal Regional High School, there was a brief scavenger hunt exploring the campus.
In "A^2: Art & Algebra," students did mirror drawings to reinforce the concept of symmetry, while students in Geometry in Construction learned about the tools they would be using to create various projects this summer, such as a doghouse.
Students in Mr. Lambert's Physical Science class witnessed the chemical change that occurs when sodium mixes with water.
ConVal High School’s Summer Boost Program began on July 6 with exciting opportunities for our students.
As an icebreaker activity and to get all participating students familiarized with ConVal Regional High School, there was a brief scavenger hunt exploring the campus.
In “A^2: Art & Algebra,” students did mirror drawings to reinforce the concept of symmetry,
The Summer Boost Program at ConVal High School started off with a bang on Tuesday, July 6 — quite literally.
"The physical science teachers thought that exploding sodium in water on the first day of class would be a good 'hook' to get the students excited about class," said Brock Lambert who set up the experiment.
The first part of the course explores the basics of chemistry and chemical reactions. The sodium and water demonstration allowed for the introduction of these chemistry principles, such as the law of conservation of mass, reactants versus products, as well as endothermic and exothermic reactions.
The students learned that all atoms involved in the reaction were neither created nor destroyed, and energy was released in the form of heat and light.
The Summer Boost Program at ConVal High School started off with a bang on Tuesday, July 6 — quite literally.
“The physical science teachers thought that exploding sodium in water on the first day of class would be a good ‘hook’ to get the students excited about class,” said Brock Lambert who set up the experiment.
The ConVal School District has finalized its Fall 2021 Reopening Plan for public release. The central aim of the plan is to return to an in-person model of instruction, with meaningful and intentional measures in place, should the District need to shift to more rigorous levels of mitigation.
Like the Fall 2020 Reopening Plan, the Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan is based on the guiding principles that were developed by the ConVal School Board. It prioritizes student and staff safety and incorporates the following key elements:
The ConVal School District has finalized its Fall 2021 Reopening Plan for public release. The central aim of the plan is to return to an in-person model of instruction, with meaningful and intentional measures in place, should the District need to shift to more rigorous levels of mitigation.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is pleased to share that Dr. Ann Forrest, the District’s Assistant Superintendent, has been honored by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) for exemplary achievement and leadership. Dr. Forrest received the 2021 Outstanding Service Award on Monday, June 28 at the NHSAA’s Annual Conference on Educational Leadership and 80th Business Meeting in Whitefield.
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes educational leaders who are not superintendents. NHSAA members nominate candidates, who are judged for initiative, growth, service to public education, and contributions to the educational achievements of their District.
Dr. Forrest began working in the District in 2008 as a literacy coach. She was named principal of the Antrim Elementary School and Pierce School in Bennington in 2013, and named Assistant Superintendent in 2016.
She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, provided a clear vision in meeting strategic plans, and solves problems with an eye toward clarity and detail. She has ensured a positive workplace culture. Her commitment to excellence in professional development has raised standards in all District schools.
“I’m incredibly honored to have been selected for the Outstanding Service Award this year,” Dr. Forrest said. “I work with a terrific ConVal team, and we supported one another during an extremely challenging school year. I am thankful for their support and share this honor with them.”
“Dr. Forrest treats every student and staff member with dignity and respect, exemplifying a positive climate and creating an atmosphere that encourages others to do the same. Dr. Forrest works proactively to anticipate problems, faces problems head-on when they arise, and works collaboratively to resolve,” Dr. Rizzo Saunders said. “She is dedicated to the ConVal community. Her achievements are beyond ‘outstanding;’ they are exceptional.”
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is pleased to share that Dr. Ann Forrest, the District’s Assistant Superintendent, has been honored by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) for exemplary achievement and leadership. Dr. Forrest received the 2021 Outstanding Service Award on Monday, June 28 at the NHSAA’s Annual Conference on Educational Leadership and 80th Business Meeting in Whitefield.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The ConVal School District has developed a comprehensive program for students who have faced challenges during the past year and a half of pandemic-related learning disruptions.
According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest, who is in charge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the district, up to 40 percent of students could benefit from the learning recovery plan. The program was devised following a review of local and nationwide assessment data, starting last fall.
“A review of fall assessment data nationwide revealed that students, on average, were about one and a half months behind where they would typically be in reading and about three months behind in where they would typically be in math as a result of the ‘shutdown’ last spring,” Dr. Forrest noted. Since then, cumulative learning loss and widening gaps in performance have become key concerns.
The learning recovery program will follow a two-pronged approach to address both immediate and near-term student needs. The recovery portion, scheduled for this summer with a start date of July 6, is designed to mitigate learning losses by concentrating on core competencies, essential content and skills. To make the summer recovery program accessible to all families, bussing is included in the plan.
The learning acceleration portion will begin in the fall and aims to have students meet grade-level expectations through high-intensity tutoring sessions, held both during and outside of the school day. The goal is to close the gap between students who have experienced learning difficulties and their peers. In addition to specific restorative learning opportunities, the program will also address social and emotional learning components.
“All costs associated with the key recommendations of the learning recovery plan will be covered using federal grant monies,” Dr. Forrest.
For more on the summer learning programs that are offered in the ConVal School District, click here to read the article in the June 24 edition of the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript. For a detailed review of presentations to the ConVal School Board about the program, see the related web post here.
The ConVal School District has developed a comprehensive program for students who have faced challenges during the past year and a half of pandemic-related learning disruptions.
According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest, who is in charge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the district, up to 40 percent of students could benefit from the learning recovery plan.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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June 23, 2021
Please click on the link below to watch the latest video update by the ConVal School District.
Please click on the link below to watch the latest video update by the ConVal School District.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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June 21, 2021
It is my duty as the Chair to inform the ConVal community that Board Member Robert Short, Jr, from Peterborough, tendered his resignation from the Board, effective June 8, 2021.
I would like to take this time to thank Rob for the countless hours devoted to the students and communities of ConVal during his tenure. His professional experience has been an asset to the Board and the District and will be missed. Please join me in thanking Rob if you see him and wishing him well on his future endeavors.
Under Board policy BBBE, the three remaining Board Members from Peterborough have selected Dr. Greg Kriebel to fill the vacancy until the next District elections in March 2022. Dr. Kriebel has accepted the position and will be sworn into office ahead of the next Board meeting on July 13, 2021.
Thank you, Rob for your service, and welcome to the Board, Dr. Kriebel.
It is my duty as the Chair to inform the ConVal community that Board Member Robert Short, Jr, from Peterborough, tendered his resignation from the Board, effective June 8, 2021.
I would like to take this time to thank Rob for the countless hours devoted to the students and communities of ConVal during his tenure.
On June 17, ConVal teachers, staff, and administrators got together for an outdoor meeting on the high school athletic fields.
School Board Chair Tim Theberge thanked everyone for the extraordinary efforts everyone had undertaken during the past 15 months as the District switched from distance learning in the spring to learning indoors and outdoors in the fall, negotiating new technologies and teaching both in person and via remote connections simultaneously.
Special gratitude was expressed to the COVID-19 monitoring team who received a standing ovation. The team is a volunteer task force made up of local medical doctors, school staff, hospital personnel, county administration, and local public health officers. Throughout the past school year, the members had met daily for an hour in the morning to review the latest public health data and to advise the district on how to adapt to the constantly evolving circumstances of the pandemic.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders summed up the year with these words: "To say this was a difficult year would be an understatement. So, I will forgo the clichés of 'it always seems impossible until it is done' or 'what does not kill us makes us stronger,' because frankly, after this year, we are beyond the comfort that a quote or sage wisdom can bring."
"When we first began this journey 18 months ago, I watched teachers and staff members and heard them doubt themselves," Dr. Rizzo Saunders continued. "They asked questions about their own skills, their own abilities. 'Am I able to engage students this way? Am I capable of using technology this way? Am I able to muster the fortitude to do this well?' ... The answer was: Yes, you are."
"I feel privileged that I was able to bear witness to what you have accomplished, as individuals and as a collective. The kindness you showed, the fortitude you modeled, the unyielding spirit that you demonstrated, and the unrelenting commitment you showed .. not only for yourself, but for our District."
"Your actions, in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable challenge after insurmountable challenge, were simple, powerful, and perfect," Dr. Rizzo Saunders concluded.
On June 17, ConVal teachers, staff, and administrators got together for an outdoor meeting on the high school athletic fields.
School Board Chair Tim Theberge thanked everyone for the extraordinary efforts everyone had undertaken during the past 15 months as the District switched from distance learning in the spring to learning indoors and outdoors in the fall,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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SMS in person students celebrated the last day of school this year by engaging an a variety of activities which included making Tie-Dye shirts, creating a festive front walkway with sidewalk chalk, and making nachos in the outside pizza oven. Happy summer to all!
SMS in person students celebrated the last day of school this year by engaging an a variety of activities which included making Tie-Dye shirts, creating a festive front walkway with sidewalk chalk, and making nachos in the outside pizza oven. Happy summer to all!
We celebrated our 4th graders with a family performance of their play "Alice's Adventures With Idioms!" and a farewell ceremony. It was a perfect evening to celebrate a successful year outdoors!
We celebrated our 4th graders with a family performance of their play “Alice’s Adventures With Idioms!” and a farewell ceremony. It was a perfect evening to celebrate a successful year outdoors!
On the last day of school, students in Carol Young's Biology Topics class released back into the wild two baby snapping turtles they had fostered since early May.
The turtles had hatched last fall and were raised over the winter with four of their siblings by John Benjamin, teacher naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education. As the six turtles grew, they needed more space, so "Toothless" and "Jerry" came to ConVal.
The students constructed a habitat for them out of a kiddie pool, rocks, silk plants, and a UV light. Every day, they fed them mealworms, sardines, and live minnows.
By mid-June the turtles had grown large enough to be released back into the wild. Together with John Benjamin, the students, class aides, and Principal Heather McKillop set out to find suitable release spaces in the greater ConVal environment.
Now Toothless, Jerry, and their siblings are fulfilling their role as top predators in the ConVal wetland and helping to keep this ecosystem healthy for the many other wildlife species that rely on it.
On the last day of school, students in Carol Young’s Biology Topics class released back into the wild two baby snapping turtles they had fostered since early May.
The turtles had hatched last fall and were raised over the winter with four of their siblings by John Benjamin, teacher naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education.
As part of their work with the Explore Virtual Learning Committee, several high school teachers and staff recently had the opportunity to field test demonstration units of the Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality headsets provided by Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and District Systems Director Mark Schaub.
"The capabilities of these VR headsets have come a long way in recent years," said Schaub. "Just a few years ago, units were quite expensive, required external tracking cameras to define the VR space, and had to be hardwired to a computer. The latest units are much more capable than their predecessor models, have outward-facing tracking cameras built-in, are completely self-contained and very intuitive to use."
Mathematics teacher Lance Flamino, Social Studies teacher Greg Leonard, librarians Rachael Bowman and Ashley Jones, and technology integrator Helfried Zrzavy took turns exploring the demo units by going through the setup procedure and trying out the handheld controls in a variety of simulations.
The Oculus Quest 2 is already prepared to connect to a well-developed ecosystem of immersive educational applications in areas as diverse as:
Social Studies (MasterWorks: Journey Through History, Discover Egypt: King Tut's Tomb, Pompeii VR, The Great Wall: Mysteries of China, American Experience, Anne Frank House VR, etc.)
Science (Human Anatomy VR, Brain VR, Heart Tour, Plant Cell, Chemistry VR, Exciting Physics VR, Solar System, International Space Station Tour VR, etc.)
Environmental Studies (David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef, David Attenborough's First Life, Antarctic Ocean, Sea Level Rise Explorer, etc.)
Art (Meeting Rembrandt: Master of Reality, Mocove Arts, Museo Soumaya VR, Art Gate, Art Plunge, etc.), and
World Languages (Mondly, Dynamic Spanish Trips - Long Weekend in Spain, etc.)
There is even an app — Virtual Speech — that is designed to help students overcome public speaking hesitancy and improve their verbal communication skills through practice in realistic VR scenarios. Training rooms include public speaking, sales pitches, networking, business storytelling, and more.
Over the next several months, this new technology will be vetted more thoroughly to explore how VR could fit into existing strategies for engaging instruction, what use modalities will have to be developed, what evidence would need to be gathered to drive student outcomes, and what technical and pedagogical supports would be required to integrate VR successfully into student learning.
As part of their work with the Explore Virtual Learning Committee, several high school teachers and staff recently had the opportunity to field test demonstration units of the Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality headsets provided by Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and District Systems Director Mark Schaub.
“The capabilities of these VR headsets have come a long way in recent years,”
Congratulations to this year’s Envirothon team for placing 2nd overall in the annual state competition which was held virtually from May 21-27.
Students competed against area schools in four subjects:
Forestry
Wildlife
Aquatics
Soils
Team members also researched and presented to a panel of judges on climate and water-related issues impacting the ConVal region.
Despite not meeting for a full year due to COVID-19, the team still managed to be a formidable opponent. Practices ramped back up in March of 2021, and the team persistently worked to learn and grow over the course of two months.
Team coach and Earth Science teacher Andria Johnson was particularly impressed with the team’s progress in such a short time. “I am so proud of the accomplishments of this team," said Johnson. "I am a new coach and this is essentially a new team, and to have come so far so fast is just amazing. 2nd place overall is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what this team can do next season!”
This was the 29th consecutive year that ConVal has participated in the Envirothon competition. The Envirothon team is always looking for new members, and team meetings will begin again next September. Contact Andria Johnson (ajohnson@conval.edu) to learn more and join the team.
Congratulations to this year’s Envirothon team for placing 2nd overall in the annual state competition which was held virtually from May 21-27.
Students competed against area schools in four subjects:
Forestry
Wildlife
Aquatics
Soils
Team members also researched and presented to a panel of judges on climate and water-related issues impacting the ConVal region.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The South Meadow School Farwell Ceremony for the class of 2025 was held at the ConVal High School Athletic Field this year. The ceremony started with a welcome speech and dance (tradition at all SMS Assemblies) from retiring Principal O'Bryant, followed with the awards presentation of President's Education, American Legion, SMS Faculty, Puma Pride, Citizenship and Athletes of the Year. Finally the 8th grade students were called up to the podium to receive their official certificates. Good luck to all 8th grade students - SMS will miss you all! Also good luck to Mrs. O'Bryant - we wish you all the best in your retirement.
The South Meadow School Farwell Ceremony for the class of 2025 was held at the ConVal High School Athletic Field this year. The ceremony started with a welcome speech and dance (tradition at all SMS Assemblies) from retiring Principal O’Bryant, followed with the awards presentation of President’s Education, American Legion, SMS Faculty, Puma Pride, Citizenship and Athletes of the Year.
While COVID-19 pandemic provided a serious obstacle to rehearsals and the staging of the musical "Bright Star," the ConVal drama department persevered and found an innovative solution that allowed for the live-streaming of the musical's concert version in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by comedian and virtuoso banjo-player Steve Martin in cooperation with singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, "Bright Star" tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s.
When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from the war, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion.
The cast or characters (in order of appearance) were:
Older Alice (Abby Theberge)
Middle Alice (Hadi Lancaric)
Younger Alice (Alissa Cutting)
Billy Cane (Owen Hannah)
Daddy Cane (Amy Braby
Daryl (Gabe Young)
Lucy (Liasiah Torres)
Younger Jimmy Ray (Rowan Davidson)
Daddy Murphy (Beau Olesky)
Mama Murphy (Grace Phillips)
Mayor Dobbs (Caroline Stultz)
Stanford (Haley Serafine)
Margo (Abbey Shumway)
Middle Jimmy Ray (Zach Cassidy)
Older Jimmy Ray (Dan Sleeper)
Townsfolk (Esther Janis, Adeline Mackensen, and Kaitlyn Stone)
For the complete program, please click here. The performance stream went live on Sunday at 7:00 pm and was very well received by the audience.
While COVID-19 pandemic provided a serious obstacle to rehearsals and the staging of the musical “Bright Star,” the ConVal drama department persevered and found an innovative solution that allowed for the live-streaming of the musical’s concert version in the Lucy Hurlin Theatre.
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by comedian and virtuoso banjo-player Steve Martin in cooperation with singer-songwriter Edie Brickell,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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During Spirit Week at SMS in person students were able to compete against other pods in their grade level. Thanks to Mr. Sil and the student council for organizing this event. A majority of the games were relay races which included a soccer ball, hula hoop, birdy balance, and egg drop.
During Spirit Week at SMS in person students were able to compete against other pods in their grade level. Thanks to Mr. Sil and the student council for organizing this event. A majority of the games were relay races which included a soccer ball, hula hoop, birdy balance, and egg drop.
These are the two winners of the Harris Center Turtle coloring contest Ava and Stella. They won a Harris Center t shirt and a signed copy of a turtle drawn by Matt Patterson a local wildlife artist.
These are the two winners of the Harris Center Turtle coloring contest Ava and Stella. They won a Harris Center t shirt and a signed copy of a turtle drawn by Matt Patterson a local wildlife artist.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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After a year and a half of social distancing and remote learning, ConVal seniors got to enjoy an in-person senior prom on the athletic fields last night.
While the prom theme was "Tropical Night," the weather was thankfully not as hot as earlier in the week and made for a great evening.
With the sun sinking low on the horizon, there were yard games to play, such as cornhole, ladder ball, a giant jenga game, and a life-sized connect 4. Students enjoyed a photo booth and dancing to the live music performed by the band Northern Stone, featuring our own Mr. Lambert and Mr. Wozmak. There were appetizers catered by Cynthia Ingraham and cold treats from the Kona ice cream truck.
The evening concluded with a giant bonfire, followed by a spectacular fireworks display provided by Atlas Fireworks.
Thank you to all who made this special event possible!
After a year and a half of social distancing and remote learning, ConVal seniors got to enjoy an in-person senior prom on the athletic fields last night.
While the prom theme was “Tropical Night,” the weather was thankfully not as hot as earlier in the week and made for a great evening.
Make-up exams will be held by arrangement with individual teachers.
After the exams,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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During Spirit Week, SMS was able to hold their first Pep Rally in over a year! All in person staff and students were able to gather together outside to celebrate SMS. Mr. Silegy and Mrs. O'Bryant got the school energized with cheers and dances. This Pep Rally was even more special as this was Mrs. O'Bryant's last one at SMS as she is retiring. In honor of this, the students made cards and presented to her. The student council also presented her with flowers and balloons. All will miss her dearly.
During Spirit Week, SMS was able to hold their first Pep Rally in over a year! All in person staff and students were able to gather together outside to celebrate SMS. Mr. Silegy and Mrs. O’Bryant got the school energized with cheers and dances. This Pep Rally was even more special as this was Mrs.
Registration is now open for the 2021 Summer Boost Program which will be held July 6 – August 5, 2021.
There will be classes in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. New this summer, there will be mathematics courses in "Geometry in Construction" and "Art and Algebra."
"Geometry in Construction" is a co-taught class that will allow students to become proficient in both geometry and construction trades competencies through hands-on activities. "Art and Algebra" explores how art and algebra intersect in our world in beautiful ways. When mathematics and art come together, students are often inspired, and they can start to see connections between mathematics and their everyday lives.
Classes are free and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can earn up to a full credit for each class, based on the student's ability to meet priority standards and course competencies. Students who take double session classes can earn up to two full credits.
Registration is now open for the 2021 Summer Boost Program which will be held July 6 – August 5, 2021.
There will be classes in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. New this summer, there will be mathematics courses in “Geometry in Construction” and “Art and Algebra.”
“Geometry in Construction” is a co-taught class that will allow students to become proficient in both geometry and construction trades competencies through hands-on activities.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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South Meadow School Student Council organized the 2021 Spirit Week with Mr. Silegy and Mrs. Decibus. This year the dress up day themes were Blue & White Day, Decade Day, Beach Day, Twin Day, and Cozy Day. Both students and staff joined in the fun!
South Meadow School Student Council organized the 2021 Spirit Week with Mr. Silegy and Mrs. Decibus. This year the dress up day themes were Blue & White Day, Decade Day, Beach Day, Twin Day, and Cozy Day. Both students and staff joined in the fun!
With senior finals completed — and as a welcome sign that things are returning more and more towards normal —, ConVal Regional High School hosted its traditional Senior Breakfast in the cafeteria on June 9.
This year, Senior Breakfast coincided with the distribution of the 2021 ConVal Yearbook. Students sat around tables going through the pages, shared memories about when certain photos had been taken, discussed the "Superlatives," and signed each other's yearbooks.
Congratulations, seniors, only a few more days until graduation!
With senior finals completed — and as a welcome sign that things are returning more and more towards normal —, ConVal Regional High School hosted its traditional Senior Breakfast in the cafeteria on June 9.
This year, Senior Breakfast coincided with the distribution of the 2021 ConVal Yearbook. Students sat around tables going through the pages,
Students in Frau Concannon's German 2 class concluded their songwriting workshop with Antje Duvekot on June 8. The second meeting was devoted to finishing the "synthesis" portions of the song in between the various verses.
"Antje was great to work with," said Frau Concannon. "The students really enjoyed the process of seeing their words and ideas become a song!" In keeping with the unit that the class is covering at the moment, the song was titled "Food is everything - Food for thought."
Click below to listen to the song and to see the lyrics in German to read along.
Essen ist alles (Denkanstoss) (Food is everything - Food for thought)
Erdbeeren sind rot wie ein Feuerwehrauto. Brot ist warm wie der Sommer Eis ist kalt wie ein Frühlingstag, Eis ist kalt wie der Winter. Obst ist nett und lecker wie ein warmer Sonnenschein Das Essen macht glücklich Ich könnte den ganzen Tag essen Dann würde ich glücklich sein
Ich esse Fisch, denn er ist sehr gut. Ich esse Brot, ich mag es sehr. Ich esse Kuchen, denn er ist sehr süß. Ich esse Eier, die mag ich mehr. Ich mag gern Obst, denn es ist sehr gesund Ich trinke Cola, denn sie ist lecker. Das leben ist süß, aber das Essen ist süßer Jeder hat ein Lieblingsessen Und wir lassen es uns schmecken
Ich esse Eiscreme und denke an Eisdielen. Eis ist eine Wüste Eis ist etwas was ich immer nach dem Abendessen essen würde. Ich esse Steak und denke an meinen Vater beim Grillen Ich esse Pizza und denke an jeden Freitag. Ich esse Eis denn ich bin am Leben, ich liebe Essen und Leben wir verbinden das Essen mit Orten
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Antje Duvekot is a writer, singer, and guitarist based in Somerville, Massachusetts. She holds three top songwriting awards, including the Kerrville New Folk Competition’s Best New Folk Award, Boston Music Award for Outstanding Folk Act, and Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The activity was sponsored by the The Goethe Institut of Boston which serves as the German Culture Center for New England. Its mission is to engage in the fields of cultural education related to German-speaking countries.
Students in Frau Concannon’s German 2 class concluded their songwriting workshop with Antje Duvekot on June 8. The second meeting was devoted to finishing the “synthesis” portions of the song in between the various verses.
“Antje was great to work with,” said Frau Concannon. “The students really enjoyed the process of seeing their words and ideas become a song!”
Our Kindergarten classes worked together to write and publish a book about their favorite animals! Each student wrote about and drew a picture of their favorite animal to include. Every student got a copy to take home and share with families and we will include one in our library!
Our Kindergarten classes worked together to write and publish a book about their favorite animals! Each student wrote about and drew a picture of their favorite animal to include. Every student got a copy to take home and share with families and we will include one in our library!
On Saturday, June 4, the Class of 2024 hosted its first annual Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair with over 30 community members taking part. Items for sale ranged from knit and crocheted scarves and tie-dye clothing to custom metal art and bat and butterfly house.
The event had been rescheduled from a Memorial Day weekend rain-out. Several vendors shared how well organized they found the event and how courteous the students were.
We look forward to working with the community on similar events in the future!
On Saturday, June 4, the Class of 2024 hosted its first annual Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair with over 30 community members taking part. Items for sale ranged from knit and crocheted scarves and tie-dye clothing to custom metal art and bat and butterfly house.
The event had been rescheduled from a Memorial Day weekend rain-out.
The New Hampshire Department of Education is proud to announce the 603 Bright Futures Survey, giving parents, educators, and community members* a chance to share their perspectives on the response by New Hampshire schools to the COVID-19 pandemic this past year and how the experience should influence instructional as plans are made for fall learning. Last spring, a Department survey of remote instruction and the return to school generated more than 56,000 responses, helping to shape the state’s K-12 Back to School Guidance.
“The survey we conducted last year at this time generated a tremendous amount of valuable information, helping shape our return to school across the state,” said Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut. “The 603 Bright Futures Survey will provide valuable feedback – what worked and what did not work – and provide valuable information for schools that are already crafting plans for fall instructional programs.”
The survey includes an opportunity for anyone interested – parent, educator or community member – to provide feedback. The Department will open survey on June 1, 2021 and it will remain available through June 30, 2021 to allow everyone the opportunity to respond. Parents responding for more than one child should complete the survey once for each student. Once the survey closes, the results will be made available through the Department’s website.
*Please note that "Community Members" are those who do not have students enrolled in New Hampshire public schools. Those who do should complete the family surveys instead.
The New Hampshire Department of Education is proud to announce the 603 Bright Futures Survey, giving parents, educators, and community members* a chance to share their perspectives on the response by New Hampshire schools to the COVID-19 pandemic this past year and how the experience should influence instructional as plans are made for fall learning. Last spring,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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On Friday, June 4, the ConVal Drama Department met to induct five new members into the International Thespian Society Troupe #7883.
The inductees were:
Amy Braby, Senior, 1 Star
Nick DiNino, Junior
Grace Phillips, Senior, 1 Star
Emma Rodenhiser, Freshman, 1 Star
Avery Swasey, Sophomore, 1 Star
Four graduating seniors were also honored:
Alanna Batty
Amy Braby
Grace Phillips
Abby Theberge
Students discussed the unconventional season of productions and shared a forward look to the 2021-22 season.
On Friday, June 4, the ConVal Drama Department met to induct five new members into the International Thespian Society Troupe #7883.
The inductees were:
Amy Braby, Senior, 1 Star
Nick DiNino, Junior
Grace Phillips, Senior, 1 Star
Emma Rodenhiser, Freshman, 1 Star
Avery Swasey,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Green pod students and teachers for all grades created Tie Dye shirts in Ms. McLean's Art class to represent their pod in the upcoming Spirit Week Games.
Green pod students and teachers for all grades created Tie Dye shirts in Ms. McLean’s Art class to represent their pod in the upcoming Spirit Week Games.
With the end of a very eventful school year fast approaching, the members of the Library, Integration, and Technology Services (LITS) team would like to remind students of the need to return all borrowed items — library books, classroom materials, district-issued Chromebooks, hotspots, and ATC-issued laptops.
Please return all materials as soon as possible. The library will accept returns between now and the last day of school. The hard deadlines for all returns are as follows:
Seniors: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 (last day of finals)
Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen: Thursday, June 17, 2021 (the half-day following the last day of finals)
For a bulleted checklist of what items should be returned, please see this .pdf file.
With the end of a very eventful school year fast approaching, the members of the Library, Integration, and Technology Services (LITS) team would like to remind students of the need to return all borrowed items — library books, classroom materials, district-issued Chromebooks, hotspots, and ATC-issued laptops.
ConVal High School Principal Heather McKillop is pleased to announce that two seniors recently had their short films selected for the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival.
Keegan Harris and Maddie Rugg were both selected for this honor and their films will be displayed online on the NH High School Short Film Festival's YouTube channel. The festival is online only this year due to COVID-19.
"The two student films accepted this semester are worthy of this honor. Both of these students are celebrating their senior year and they worked very hard on their short films," said Lance Levesque, ConVal digital photo and video teacher. "Their hard work has paid dividends in solid achievements."
Keegan Harris: "Southern NH Skatepark Review"
Harris' film, "Southern NH Skatepark Review," takes the viewer through Harris' thoughts on multiple skateparks across New Hampshire, including Antrim Skate Park, Peterborough Skate Park and the Francestown Skate Park. He describes what he likes about each park and the details of the park itself, switching between a webcam-style shot describing the park and action shots of him skating at each location.
"I am most excited about the fact that many people will have the chance to view my film and in many ways I feel that this is a good payoff for the amount of work it took to make this short film," Harris said. "I have enjoyed making films since childhood and this award was a great way to wrap up my senior year of high school."
"I think what I enjoy about film is how one is able to separate from reality and one can fully immerse themselves into a story," Harris said. "My favorite part of making films is seeing the final project come to life."
Maddie Rugg: "Truth"
Rugg's film, "Truth," looks at social media's influence on body image and how young women perceive themselves when they see "perfect" bodies on social media apps such as Instagram. She uses a voiceover of a young woman viewing herself in the mirror, talking about how bodies should be perceived more as paintings and compares them to each other.
"I feel very proud and exhilarated to have my short film accepted into the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival this year. It is my hope that others will feel empowered as I did and find some clarity in its message." Rugg said. "The message of body image is a very important and relatable topic that is not talked about enough especially with young women; the goal of this film is to get people to start talking."
"I enjoy creating a story with film, creating a mood, a feeling," Rugg said. "Film is becoming the way we communicate to each other; how we connect with people halfway across the world. It has become a very powerful medium."
The entire festival collection, including Rugg's and Harris' films, can be accessed here.
ConVal High School Principal Heather McKillop is pleased to announce that two seniors recently had their short films selected for the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival.
Keegan Harris and Maddie Rugg were both selected for this honor and their films will be displayed online on the NH High School Short Film Festival’s YouTube channel.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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June 7 - June 11 SMS will Celebrate Spirit Week!
This will be a fun celebration bringing our students together for the first time this year!
It will include grade level competitions by pod and dress up days.
In the course of the last 24 hours we have become aware of 2 separate and distinct cases (students in different pods) of COVID-19 at Great Brook School.
Due to the nature of these cases the contact tracing has been quite extensive. We are in active conversations with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS). Additionally, one of the cases involves another agency who NH DHHS will be reaching out to. NH DHHS has requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 3 feet for a total of 10 cumulative minutes or more, beginning 2 days prior to first illness onset or collection of positive test, whichever is earlier) with the infected person.
Anytime a student or staff member is potentially exposed they receive a phone call from the appropriate building administrator. These calls have been made. At this point there is no need to change our instructional model. However, based on contact tracing a number of students have been asked to quarantine and are presently attending school remotely.
The safety of our children, employees, and community is our top priority. Should your student show symptoms or test positive for COVID 19 it is important that you reach out and let your student’s school know, we can not begin contact tracing without confirmation of a positive case from a parent/ guardian or from NH DHHS.
To ensure your health and safety. and to be sure that we are able to finish the year in our present instructional model, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Notify the school if your student displays symptoms, has tested positive for COVID 19, or has been in contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID 19.
Avoid close contact with others.
When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 3- 6 feet between yourself and others.
Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect yourself and others when indoors at public areas.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me at ksaunders@conval.edu.
In the course of the last 24 hours we have become aware of 2 separate and distinct cases (students in different pods) of COVID-19 at Great Brook School.
Due to the nature of these cases the contact tracing has been quite extensive.
Students in Frau Concannon's German 2 class had the opportunity to participate in a songwriting workshop with Antje Duvekot recently. The class worked with the singer-songwriter over Zoom during their first meeting on June 2.
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Duvekot is a writer, vocalist, and guitarist based in Somerville, Massachusetts. She holds three top songwriting awards, including the Kerrville New Folk Competition's Best New Folk Award, Boston Music Award for Outstanding Folk Act, and Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The students worked in groups to create lyrics for a song about food, their current unit in German 2. They come up with some expressive metaphors such as "Erdbeeren sind rot wie ein Feuerwehrauto" ("Strawberries are the color of fire trucks") and "Eis ist wie ein Regentag" ("Ice cream is like a rainy day") which Duvekot complimented as imaginative and original. Principal Heather McKillop visited the class to engage with students as they worked on creating lyrics in a foreign language.
Three verses of the new song were nearly complete at the end of their first meeting. The second session on June 8 will finalize the song that Duvekot will record in her studio.
The activity was sponsored by the The Goethe Institut of Boston which serves as the German Culture Center for New England. Its mission is to engage in the fields of cultural education related to German-speaking countries.
Students in Frau Concannon’s German 2 class had the opportunity to participate in a songwriting workshop with Antje Duvekot recently. The class worked with the singer-songwriter over Zoom during their first meeting on June 2.
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Duvekot is a writer, vocalist, and guitarist based in Somerville, Massachusetts. She holds three top songwriting awards,
Using safety protocols, South Meadow School was finally able to offer Baseball, Softball and Cross Country Club this spring. Though it was a shortened season, all teams were were amazing!
Using safety protocols, South Meadow School was finally able to offer Baseball, Softball and Cross Country Club this spring. Though it was a shortened season, all teams were were amazing!
Upward Bound at Keene State College still has a few spots open for current 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students.
Upward Bound is a federally funded college preparatory program for low-income and first-generation college students that provides access to summer programming, tutoring, and academic counseling.
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for students to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.
The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Interested? Please contact Emily Bolick, educational counselor, via email at emily.bolick@ksctrioprograms.org or by calling (603) 358-2391.
Upward Bound at Keene State College still has a few spots open for current 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students.
Upward Bound is a federally funded college preparatory program for low-income and first-generation college students that provides access to summer programming, tutoring, and academic counseling.
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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This spring the Cornucopia Project has been working with AES. The students are getting a demonstration as to how seeds grow into plants. The Cornucopia Project works with students in first and second grade in the spring and fall so they can see how things change in the growing season.
This spring the Cornucopia Project has been working with AES. The students are getting a demonstration as to how seeds grow into plants. The Cornucopia Project works with students in first and second grade in the spring and fall so they can see how things change in the growing season.
As the number of school days for this year are winding down, Ms. Lescarbeau's kindergarten class are celebrating each letter in the alphabet as they countdown to the last day of school. Today they are celebrating the letter M by studying and working with Mazes.
As the number of school days for this year are winding down, Ms. Lescarbeau’s kindergarten class are celebrating each letter in the alphabet as they countdown to the last day of school. Today they are celebrating the letter M by studying and working with Mazes.
Due to the inclement weather forecast for this afternoon into the evening, the Spring Performing Arts Festival has been rescheduled to the rain date of Tuesday, June 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM.
Thank you for your support and understanding. We look forward to making music with your students on Tuesday next week!
Due to the inclement weather forecast for this afternoon into the evening, the Spring Performing Arts Festival has been rescheduled to the rain date of Tuesday, June 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM.
Thank you for your support and understanding. We look forward to making music with your students on Tuesday next week!
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders announces that the ConVal School District has settled a lawsuit against a rental company that provided unusable outdoor tents last year.
During the summer of 2020, the District rented large tents from Monadnock Tent & Event to support in-person learning upon the reopening of school on Sept. 8. The District later became aware that the rented tents larger than 400 square feet would not meet the State of New Hampshire’s permitting requirements.
As a result, students at the Great Brook and South Meadow Schools as well as ConVal Regional High School, who were scheduled to attend classes in-person, were required to begin the school year under a remote learning model.
The lawsuit alleged that the permitting challenges were created by the vendor’s inability to provide the necessary data, certificates, and other documentation, per the contract and the representations made by the vendor. The vendor denied liability and brought a countersuit.
Under terms of the settlement:
Monadnock Tent & Event will pay the District $75,000.
The District will release all property belonging to the company.
The District will drop its lawsuit against the company, which in turn will drop its countersuit against the District.
As part of the settlement, John Hopkins, owner of Monadnock Tent & Event, issues the following statement:
“Last summer when I took a contract to lease event tents to the Contoocook Valley Regional School District, I was grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance to my community during these trying times. I am truly and sincerely sorry for the unfortunate events that led to the District not being able to use the tents rented and the loss that the District has sustained. I have been in the tent rental business for twenty-three years. I never expected that my tents would be denied building permits for use by the District. While this was the first time any of my tents have not received permitted approval, that does not undo the harm done to the District. I regret the harm that this situation has caused the District and the other members of my community. I am working with the District to make amends as best I am able and look forward to working with the District again in the future.”
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders announces that the ConVal School District has settled a lawsuit against a rental company that provided unusable outdoor tents last year.
During the summer of 2020, the District rented large tents from Monadnock Tent & Event to support in-person learning upon the reopening of school on Sept. 8. The District later became aware that the rented tents larger than 400 square feet would not meet the State of New Hampshire’s permitting requirements.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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In a demonstration of both school pride and community spirit, the members of the ConVal Class of 2024 and their advisors have committed themselves to a highway cleanup project for the next two years.
The first of the cleanups took place on Saturday, May 22, on a two-mile section of Highway 202 leading north to Hancock and Antrim.
"It was hard work and we filled every garbage bag we brought," said Class Advisor Jen Kiley.
"Passersby waved, honked their horns, and gave a big thank you to the students. It was awesome to see students doing their part to keep our community clean," added Jim Wickham, the other Advisor to the Class of 2024.
For their commitment to keeping the highway clean, the class is being recognized on the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the jug handle leading to the school entrance.
In a demonstration of both school pride and community spirit, the members of the ConVal Class of 2024 and their advisors have committed themselves to a highway cleanup project for the next two years.
The first of the cleanups took place on Saturday, May 22, on a two-mile section of Highway 202 leading north to Hancock and Antrim.
A huge thank you to all who participated in the PTO Raffle and Paint Night! There are some exciting activities planned for the end of the school year...
Seniors looking for entry-level work positions after graduation and students looking for part-time or seasonal work had the opportunity to connect with prospective employers during the Career Fair at ConVal High School recently.
A number of employers sent representatives and recruiters, including:
American Steel
Camp Wa-Klo
Hitchiner
Mathewson Companies
Millipore-Sigma
New Hampshire Ball Bearing
Peterborough Fire and Rescue
Premier Concrete
RiverMead
Shaw's
Teleflex
Timken
Town of Peterborough
U.S. Army
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Navy
The day was perfect for this outdoor event and a number of students were successful in making first contacts with their future employers.
Seniors looking for entry-level work positions after graduation and students looking for part-time or seasonal work had the opportunity to connect with prospective employers during the Career Fair at ConVal High School recently.
A number of employers sent representatives and recruiters, including:
During his final semester at ConVal High School, Ben Kriebel accepted a unique challenge for an independent study project: the building of a model car that would be powered by a naturally occurring fuel — lemon juice.
"I started out designing and prototyping the lemon juice-powered car utilizing some Lego parts," Kriebel said. The overall size and weight of the model had to be considered in relation to the size and weight of its power pack. Even the weight of connecting wires and alligator clips had to be taken into account.
Tire size was important, too, because larger tires would increase weight and inertia in getting the model car rolling while smaller tires might not provide enough grip. In the end, two pairs of differently-sized tires were used.
In addition to keeping the car as light as possible, Kriebel knew that the key to success would be to come up with the right type of battery. The first step in this process was to design a container that would hold the anode (i.e. the negative electrode that undergoes oxidation during the cell discharge), the cathode (i.e. positive electrode consisting of the material that undergoes reduction during the cell discharge), and the electrolyte (i.e. the medium through which ions move from one electrode to the other during the cell discharge).
Next, Kriebel had to research the proper amounts of lemon juice and salt to use in order to achieve the chemical reaction needed to create an electric current strong enough to drive a small electric motor. Using the formula kg·m^2·s^−3·A^−1, the goal was to achieve 1.5 volts of electromotive force. To create battery cells that would be connected in series, Kriebel glued together disposable plastic cuvettes in a 4x6 array.
"I initially used magnesium and copper as electrodes. But this ended up being too harsh of a reaction and produced too much electrical energy in too small of an amount of time." Clearly, a redesign of the battery component was needed. "From magnesium, I switched to zinc, which does not produce as much voltage. For this reason, I had to increase the cell count in my battery." More cells would potentially produce more energy but would also weigh down the car. "With everything lined up, I tested the car. Unfortunately, it did not have enough power to turn the wheels."
After doing some additional research, Kriebel realized that he had the wrong motor, one that did not have the right gear ratio and sufficient torque to overcome the vehicle's inertia and to put it in motion. "After installing a new, more torque-oriented motor, the car finally moved with just lemon juice!"
Dr. Moira Milne, who served as the faculty advisor for this extended learning opportunity (ELO), was impressed with how Kriebel had worked through the various design problems to achieve a positive outcome. "I have presented this challenge to several chemistry students in the past. Ben is the first student to succeed with this project, which requires a solid knowledge of electrochemistry," Milne said.
"Ben displayed the traits necessary for success: tenacity, the ability to think under pressure, and the insight to see the fun of this work. His reward is a true sense of accomplishment. His science and engineering work connects well with the field of electric cars, batteries, and alternative energy resources."
In true engineering fashion, Kriebel is looking towards further improvements to his lemon car design. "The plan, for now, is to completely revamp the electrodes — the copper and zinc pieces — because they end up corroding over time. This reduces the efficiency of the battery. I am hoping to overcome this and make the car move even faster."
After graduating from ConVal High School in June, Kriebel plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall where he will study engineering.
During his final semester at ConVal High School, Ben Kriebel accepted a unique challenge for an independent study project: the building of a model car that would be powered by a naturally occurring fuel — lemon juice.
“I started out designing and prototyping the lemon juice-powered car utilizing some Lego parts,” Kriebel said.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Mr. Aborn, facilities/maintenance specialist, takes time to show SMS Students how the district tractor works during Friday Enrichment in Mr. Hammett's class.
Mr. Aborn, facilities/maintenance specialist, takes time to show SMS Students how the district tractor works during Friday Enrichment in Mr. Hammett’s class.
We were informed today of a case of COVID-19 at ConVal High School. We are actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NH DHHS has requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 3 feet for a total of 10 cumulative minutes or more, beginning 2 days prior to first illness onset or collection of positive test, whichever is earlier) with the infected person. Staff members and parents/guardians of students who may have been exposed have been notified.
The staff and students of ConVal High School have done a wonderful job of working within the mitigation strategies of our reopening plan. At this point, there is no need to change our instructional model and all students will remain in person.
The safety of our children, employees, and community is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting. In addition, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
Notify the school if your student tests positive for COVID 19.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me at ksaunders@conval.edu.
We were informed today of a case of COVID-19 at ConVal High School. We are actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NH DHHS has requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 3 feet for a total of 10 cumulative minutes or more,
Four more school districts -- Hopkinton, Lebanon, Manchester, and Nashua -- will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit seeking equitable education funding from the state.
“The Lebanon School Board felt it was important to join with other school districts in the effort to require the State of New Hampshire to adequately fund public education,” Lebanon School Board Chair Richard Millus said. “The current financial model puts an unfair financial burden on local taxpayers and leads to inequities between districts.”
"The Hopkinton School Board is proud to join the school funding lawsuit," said Jim O'Brien, Hopkinton School Board Chair. "Hopkinton taxpayers continue to pay a high price for the state's reluctance to uphold its responsibility to provide adequate funding to support education. The current funding scheme not only harms taxpayers, but also students and families while perpetuating inequities in education."
The ConVal District filed suit against the State of New Hampshire and Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut in 2019. The suit maintains that the state does not meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for all students. Plaintiffs argue that base adequacy is not sufficient to fund an adequate education and falls far short of funding services, positions, and items that the State requires school districts to provide. In 2019 districts received $3,636 per student in base adequacy.
The Supreme Court of New Hampshire in March rejected the state’s requests to dismiss the lawsuit and returned it to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff. Ruoff will hold hearings that will allow ConVal and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the state underfunds education. An evidentiary hearing is unlikely to be held until summer 2022.
Judge Ruoff has given New Hampshire school districts until Friday, May 21, to decide whether to join the lawsuit.
Manchester, with more than 12,000 students, and Nashua, with more than 10,000 students, are the two largest school districts in the state.
The number of co-plaintiff districts now has grown to 16. Other co-plaintiffs are Claremont, Derry Co-Operative, Fall Mountain, Grantham, Hillsboro-Deering, Mascenic, Mascoma Valley, Monadnock, Newport, Oyster River, and Winchester. ConVal and the co-plaintiffs are educating almost one-quarter of New Hampshire’s public school students this year.
“The growing momentum toward requiring the state to provide equitable funding sends a message to the State,” ConVal Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders said. “School districts, from the largest to the smallest, recognize the inequities. It’s time for the state to do the same.”
Four more school districts — Hopkinton, Lebanon, Manchester, and Nashua — will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit seeking equitable education funding from the state.
“The Lebanon School Board felt it was important to join with other school districts in the effort to require the State of New Hampshire to adequately fund public education,” Lebanon School Board Chair Richard Millus said.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The Mascoma Valley Regional School District announces that it will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit filed seeking equitable education funding.
"As a regional school district, Mascoma Valley experiences the injustice of New Hampshire’s educational funding mechanism which pits community against community instead of uniting us in the common goal of education,” said Tim Josephson, Vice Chair of the Mascoma School Board. “The Legislature’s lack of action since the Claremont lawsuits has deepened inequities, allowing the state to continue shirking its constitutionally-mandated responsibility. We join the ConVal lawsuit so Mascoma Valley taxpayers may have recourse against the state for their abdication of educational funding."
The ConVal District filed suit against the State of New Hampshire and Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut in 2019. The suit maintains that the state does not meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for all students. Plaintiffs argue that base adequacy is not sufficient to fund an adequate education and falls far short of funding services, positions, and items that the State requires school districts to provide. In 2019 districts received $3,636 per student in base adequacy.
The Supreme Court of New Hampshire in March rejected the state’s requests to dismiss the lawsuit and returned it to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff. Ruoff will hold hearings that will allow ConVal and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the state underfunds education. An evidentiary hearing is unlikely to be held until summer 2022.
Judge Ruoff has given New Hampshire school districts until Friday, May 22, to decide whether to join the lawsuit.
Mascoma Valley is the 11th district to join the lawsuit. Other co-plaintiff districts are Claremont, Derry, Fall Mountain, Grantham, Hillsboro-Deering, Mascenic, Monadnock, Newport, Oyster River, and Winchester.
“The state and the Legislature are the only entities that can fix this funding issue, and they can fix it today if they choose to do so. By their inaction they are allowing the inequities to continue to grow,” ConVal Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders said. “We thank Mascoma Valley for joining the growing number of voices that demand the state live up to its obligations for all of New Hampshire’s schoolchildren.”
The Mascoma Valley Regional School District announces that it will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit filed seeking equitable education funding.
“As a regional school district, Mascoma Valley experiences the injustice of New Hampshire’s educational funding mechanism which pits community against community instead of uniting us in the common goal of education,” said Tim Josephson,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-05-17 13:59:10
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Mrs. Christensen's class thinks kindness is...
Here are some examples from the Children and the Arts Mini event in Putnam Park.
Here are some examples from the Children and the Arts Mini event in Putnam Park.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-05-17 12:58:19
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Good Afternoon ConVal,
As many of you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made significant changes to the recommendations related to the use of facial masks. In line with those recommendations, and after discussion with the COVID 19 Monitoring team, the following changes will be made to the use of masks on ConVal School District property effective immediately.
Masks will not be required on the field of play as it relates to athletics. When teams travel to other Districts for competition all athletes and staff will follow the guidelines of the hosting fields related to masking. When teams participate in NHIAA related playoff tournaments all athletes and staff will follow the guidelines of the tournament related to masking.
The use of masks outdoors will be limited to occasions when physical distancing (3 feet) cannot be maintained.
The use of masks indoors and on buses will continue as is outlined in the Reopening Plan.
Large outdoor events such as graduation, prom, end of the year performances, and award ceremonies that may present challenges with physical distancing will continue to require the use of masks.
Thank you for your continued support and flexibility as we make adjustments to our procedures related to the global pandemic.
As many of you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made significant changes to the recommendations related to the use of facial masks. In line with those recommendations, and after discussion with the COVID 19 Monitoring team, the following changes will be made to the use of masks on ConVal School District property effective immediately.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-05-17 10:38:53
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To build and maintain community despite having 3 distinct pods at PES, every Friday morning Mr. Pimental hosts a virtual all-school meeting where we recognize students, celebrate birthdays, share stories, play games, sing, and share the joke of the day. It is one of the highlights of the week.
To build and maintain community despite having 3 distinct pods at PES, every Friday morning Mr. Pimental hosts a virtual all-school meeting where we recognize students, celebrate birthdays, share stories, play games, sing, and share the joke of the day. It is one of the highlights of the week.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Peterborough Elementary School is inviting parents and staff to a virtual family engagement event focused on social emotional learning, facilitated by Dr. Howard Muscott, the Director of the NH Center for Effective Behavior Supports for Southeastern Regional Education Service Center. Dr. Muscott has set aside some time for PES families on Tuesday, May 25th. He is offering 3 virtual sessions (they are all the same) during this day in order to make it convenient for you (10:00AM, 4:30PM, and 7:00PM). This is a great opportunity for you to learn what social emotional learning is and how you can support children and adults in managing strong emotions. Today, maybe more than ever, our children need our support (don't forget, I am a parent too). I am looking forward to this presentation, and hope you can join us. For more information, please contact our Title One coordinator Katie Morrocco at kmorrocco@conval.edu You can register for your preferred time slot by clicking below:10:00AM 4:30PM 7:00PM
Peterborough Elementary School is inviting parents and staff to a virtual family engagement event focused on social emotional learning, facilitated by Dr. Howard Muscott, the Director of the NH Center for Effective Behavior Supports for Southeastern Regional Education Service Center. Dr. Muscott has set aside some time for PES families on Tuesday, May 25th. He is offering 3 virtual sessions (they are all the same) during this day in order to make it convenient for you (10:00AM,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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NWEA testing for 9th and 10th graders will be held on Wednesday, May 19 (Reading) and Thursday, May 20 (Math). Friday, May 21 will serve as the makeup day to accommodate students who need to finish or make up an assessment.
On Wednesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 20, we will follow a modified bell schedule. On Friday, we will follow the newly instituted Friday schedule.
NWEA testing for 9th and 10th graders will be held on Wednesday, May 19 (Reading) and Thursday, May 20 (Math). Friday, May 21 will serve as the makeup day to accommodate students who need to finish or make up an assessment.
Each year, New Hampshire schools are required, both by state law and federal accountability laws, to assess students using a standardized test.
For full details on the testing requirements, please click here to access the letter to parents and guardians by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Due to the recent changes in our weekly schedule pursuant to Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #89, we had to adjust our testing plans for the spring.
NHSAS Science testing for 11th graders will be conducted on Wednesday, May 19.
Friday, May 21, will serve as the makeup day to give students an opportunity to make up or finish an assessment. We will follow the newly revised Friday schedule on that day.
Each year, New Hampshire schools are required, both by state law and federal accountability laws, to assess students using a standardized test.
For full details on the testing requirements, please click here to access the letter to parents and guardians by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Due to the recent changes in our weekly schedule pursuant to Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #89,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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AES Kindergarten is counting down the last few days of school. by means of the alphabet. Today was the letter B so it was Blue Bubble Day. They celebrated by learning how different types of soap create different bubbles. Yesterday was the letter A - All About Me Day. We can't wait to see what's in store as we wind down the rest of the year.
AES Kindergarten is counting down the last few days of school. by means of the alphabet. Today was the letter B so it was Blue Bubble Day. They celebrated by learning how different types of soap create different bubbles. Yesterday was the letter A – All About Me Day. We can’t wait to see what’s in store as we wind down the rest of the year.
German teachers Liz Concannon and Cindi Hodgdon are proud to announce the results of the National German Exam Level 1. Congratulations and certificates are going out to the following students:
Gold Award - Jennifer Hopkins Bronze Award - Ally Larson Achievement Award - Kai Flynn Achievement Award - Miles Higgins Achievement Award - Abbey Shumway
The test results are exceptional for several reasons. "The test writers did not adapt the test at all this year to consider the impact of COVID-19 on instruction. It was the normal exam," Hodgdon noted. "Second, related to the pandemic, circumstances had prevented us from covering the normal German 1 curriculum. But most remarkably, students took part in the exam in a new semester when they did not even have German on their schedule." Given these circumstances, the positive test outcomes take on a special meaning.
The National German Exam is administered each year to over 20,000 high school students of German. The exam is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions divided into two parts with 50 questions each. The listening and viewing portion is 40 minutes in length and consists of a series of short audio and video segments. The reading portion is 45 minutes in length and consists of a variety of print texts, including graphs and images. All materials used in the exam come from authentic resources.
German teachers Liz Concannon and Cindi Hodgdon are proud to announce the results of the National German Exam Level 1. Congratulations and certificates are going out to the following students:
Gold Award – Jennifer Hopkins Bronze Award – Ally Larson Achievement Award – Kai Flynn Achievement Award – Miles Higgins Achievement Award –
The Derry Cooperative School District will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit filed seeking equitable education funding for all New Hampshire schoolchildren.
“As the third-largest school district in the state, the Derry School Board believes that fighting for funding that accurately reflects the cost of educating our students is critical,” Derry School Board Chair Erika Cohen said. “The state must live up to its responsibility to fund education.”
The ConVal District filed suit against the State of New Hampshire and Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut in 2019. The suit maintains that the state does not meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for all students. Plaintiffs argue that base adequacy is not sufficient to fund an adequate education and falls far short of funding services, positions, and items that the State requires school districts to provide. In 2019 districts received $3,636 per student in base adequacy.
The Supreme Court of New Hampshire in March rejected the state’s requests to dismiss the lawsuit and returned it to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff. Ruoff will hold hearings that will allow ConVal and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the state underfunds education. An evidentiary hearing is unlikely to be held until summer 2022.
Derry is the largest school district in the state to join the lawsuit, educating more than 3,000 students. Other co-plaintiff districts are Claremont, Fall Mountain, Grantham, Hillsboro-Deering, Mascenic, Monadnock, Newport, Oyster River, and Winchester.
“We welcome Derry as a co-plaintiff,” ConVal Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders said. “Their support reinforces our position that the state’s failure to provide equitable funding hurts all districts’ students, no matter how large or small the district.”
The Derry Cooperative School District will join the ConVal School District’s lawsuit filed seeking equitable education funding for all New Hampshire schoolchildren.
“As the third-largest school district in the state, the Derry School Board believes that fighting for funding that accurately reflects the cost of educating our students is critical,” Derry School Board Chair Erika Cohen said.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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May 12, 2021
Good Afternoon ConVal Community,
We were informed today of a case of COVID-19 at South Meadow School. We are actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NH DHHS has requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 3 feet for a total of 10 cumulative minutes or more, beginning 2 days prior to first illness onset or collection of positive test, whichever is earlier) with the infected person.
The staff and students of SMS have done a wonderful job of working within the mitigation strategies of our reopening plan. At this point there is no need to change our instructional model. Anytime a student or staff member is potentially exposed they receive a phone call from the appropriate building administrator.
The safety of our children, employees, and community is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting. In addition, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me at ksaunders@conval.edu.
We were informed today of a case of COVID-19 at South Meadow School. We are actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NH DHHS has requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 3 feet for a total of 10 cumulative minutes or more,
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is pleased to announce that Timothy Conway has been selected as the new principal of ConVal School District's South Meadow School.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tim into his new role as principal. He consistently goes above and beyond his regular responsibilities in efforts to make South Meadow School a better place for both students and faculty," said Superintendent Rizzo Saunders. "We are looking forward to seeing him implement his vision of excellence for the school, and are excited that he will continue to build upon the relationships he's fostered during his tenure so far."
Conway has served as an assistant principal at South Meadow School since August of 2018. He will begin his new position July 1.
He has previously worked as a wellness teacher at ConVal Regional High School and as a physical education instructor for ConVal's elementary schools.
Conway received a bachelor's degree in physical education for grades K-12 from Plymouth State University in 2008. In 2017, he also received a master's degree in educational leadership from Keene State College.
During the 2017-2018 school year, Conway was also honored with ConVal's Outstanding Teacher Award.
Additionally, Conway is passionate about coaching and served as head coach for high school and college-aged baseball players in Bedford. He was recognized as the youngest coach in the history of American Legion baseball to bring a team to the World Series.
"I am so excited to begin this new role and to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the ConVal School District," said Assistant Principal Conway. "My last few years at SMS have been nothing but rewarding and I am grateful for the opportunity to remain a part of the school community for years to come.
The search for a replacement for Conway as assistant principal will begin immediately.
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is pleased to announce that Timothy Conway has been selected as the new principal of ConVal School District’s South Meadow School.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tim into his new role as principal. He consistently goes above and beyond his regular responsibilities in efforts to make South Meadow School a better place for both students and faculty,”
Have you recently done a "Spring Cleaning" and find yourself with a lot of "extra" items that you'd like to move on?
The Class of 2024 is happy to offer the community an opportunity and space to sell those items while maximizing the amount of potential customers.
When: Saturday, May 29, 2021 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Where: CVHS parking lot Who: Anyone! Cost: $20 for 2 parking spaces (to allow vendors to park cars at their "site"); $10 for table rental
Vendor spaces are still available, go to this form to sign up. Spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. No electricity will be available. Spaces are not officially reserved until payment is received.
COVID-19 Safety protocols are a priority of the ConVal School District. All participants of this event are required to wear masks, and hand sanitization stations will be available.
Senior Prom is coming up! The event will be held at ConVal on Thursday, June 10, 2021 and the theme will be “A Tropical Night.”
There will be dancing, food, and fun, including catered appetizers, a photo booth, bonfire, and fireworks. The band will be Northern Stone featuring our own Mr. Lambert and Mr. Wozmak!
Seniors can purchase tickets in the link before school, starting in May.
Outside guests will need approval by the administration, please see Mr. Bartsch for the form. As a school-sponsored event, district mitigation measures will be observed, including the wearing of masks.
Senior Prom is coming up! The event will be held at ConVal on Thursday, June 10, 2021 and the theme will be “A Tropical Night.”
There will be dancing, food, and fun, including catered appetizers, a photo booth, bonfire, and fireworks. The band will be Northern Stone featuring our own Mr. Lambert and Mr.
The first week of May marked Teacher Appreciation Week, with many students expressing their thanks to the educators at ConVal Regional High School.
On Friday, student organizations like the National Honors Society provided pizza and treats for lunch. Teachers and paraprofessionals were also treated to a free car wash that was held in the drop-off loop near the gym.
Thank you to everyone who made Teacher Appreciation Week such a great success!
The first week of May marked Teacher Appreciation Week, with many students expressing their thanks to the educators at ConVal Regional High School.
On Friday, student organizations like the National Honors Society provided pizza and treats for lunch. Teachers and paraprofessionals were also treated to a free car wash that was held in the drop-off loop near the gym.
Please click on this link to access the monthly nurses’ newsletter online.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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May is national Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental health is a topic that impacts all of us and we want to encourage opportunities to open up a dialog as a school community. Therefore, on Friday, May 7, there will be an alternate schedule in order to allow for time in TASC to view the final installment of the Mental Health Film Trilogy: Angst.
According to the movie's website, "Angst removes the stigma and opens up the conversation around anxiety, helping people understand and manage their symptoms, and when to reach out for help. Most importantly, it shows people that they are not alone, and that anxiety is 100% treatable."
The film is very well done. Angst is 56 minutes long, and the revised schedule allows 16 minutes for follow-up discussion or activities.
Coping with anxiety is an increasingly important aspect of mental health for our teens at ConVal, and students will benefit from the opportunity to view the film and from the willingness of our staff to model a willingness to talk about mental health and wellbeing. To learn more about the film, you can view the website here: indieflix.com/angst. For the YouTube trailer, click here.
Mental health is a topic that impacts all of us and we want to encourage opportunities to open up a dialog as a school community. Therefore, on Friday, May 7, there will be an alternate schedule in order to allow for time in TASC to view the final installment of the Mental Health Film Trilogy: Angst.
Educators have been as important as ever over the last year, making a positive impact in their students’ lives and helping them not only maintain and continue their learning, but also keeping them connected to the school community and providing a much-needed sense of normalcy.
For Educator Appreciation Week, we want to give thanks to all of our ConVal educators for their tireless efforts to keep their students engaged no matter the circumstances, as well as their ability to adapt and modify their approach to meet students’ needs.
Educators have been as important as ever over the last year, making a positive impact in their students’ lives and helping them not only maintain and continue their learning, but also keeping them connected to the school community and providing a much-needed sense of normalcy.
For Educator Appreciation Week, we want to give thanks to all of our ConVal educators for their tireless efforts to keep their students engaged no matter the circumstances,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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As we all have witnessed this past year, it takes very special individuals to ensure that every student has the tools they need to reach their full potential. Teachers and paraprofessionals have successfully negotiated multiple modes of teaching — virtual, in-person, and a mix of both —, they have weathered outdoor and indoor instruction, and have made or maintained important personal connections with students.
They have provided a sense of stability and a focus on progress in learning despite the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including varying state mandates, constantly changing schedules, and vigilant support of mitigation strategies to keep everyone safe.
Please join us in celebrating the dedication and professionalism of our educators this coming week by reaching out to your student's teachers and paraprofessionals with a word of appreciation.
Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual event sponsored by the National Parent Teacher Association and many schools, including ConVal High School, join in celebrating teachers with the hashtag #ThankATeacher.
As we all have witnessed this past year, it takes very special individuals to ensure that every student has the tools they need to reach their full potential. Teachers and paraprofessionals have successfully negotiated multiple modes of teaching — virtual, in-person, and a mix of both —, they have weathered outdoor and indoor instruction, and have made or maintained important personal connections with students.
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Director of Student Services Cari Christian-Coates are pleased to announce the panelists for the District’s final webinar on student mental health next month.
The District will hold an online viewing of “Angst” on Wednesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. The film is designed to raise awareness about anxiety, especially in youths, and help identify resources and ways they can receive support. The film is rated for those ages 10 and older.
The panelists are:
Karin Gornick, the Emmy award-winning producer of “Angst,” has been creating social impact projects and films for broadcast, nonprofit organizations, and corporations for 25 years. She has developed projects for CNN, Discovery Channel, PBS, The Kaufmann Foundation, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, and Common Sense Media. “Angst” was inspired in part by Gornick’s journey searching for help with her teenage son’s anxiety disorder and learning how much hope and help there is for treating mental health challenges.
Tim Cotreau, Director of School Counseling for the ConVal School District, worked as a school counselor for 12 years before joining ConVal in 2020. Cotreau has a Master’s degree in counseling from the University of New Hampshire, and a Bachelor’s degree in history and sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Judith Winters is the middle school counselor in the ConVal District, and previously worked as the elementary school counselor. Winters has a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Duke University, a Master’s degree in Elementary Math Education from Boston University, and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Rivier University.
After the film, panelists will discuss the film and how students can apply the lessons learned. Parents and guardians will be able to ask questions.
“Angst” is the third in a trilogy of films the District has shown during the 2020-21 school year. In October, “The Upstanders” discussed resilience, attention, and the power of connection to end bullying and the brain science behind cyber-bullying, bullying among friends, families, and co-workers. In February, “Like” explored the impact of social media on people’s lives, the effects of technology on the brain, and taught viewers how to self-regulate their social media use.
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Director of Student Services Cari Christian-Coates are pleased to announce the panelists for the District’s final webinar on student mental health next month.
The District will hold an online viewing of “Angst” on Wednesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. The film is designed to raise awareness about anxiety,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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On Monday morning, April 26, 2021, Antrim Police Chief Scott Lester was invited to AES to receive a handmade gift from staff and students in honor of his retirement at the end of this week. During a short presentation that was on Zoom for the entire school, Principal Syre-Hager honored Chief Lester with an original piece of artwork by Muzart teacher Carole Storro. Mrs. Storro invited all staff and students to contribute to the artwork prior to presenting it, so it truly is a gift from the heart from the entire AES educational community. Chief Lester was also presented with a peace lily as a thank you for keeping the peace in Antrim for the last 13 years. Chief Lester accepted the gift gratefully as cheers from across the school erupted.
On Monday morning, April 26, 2021, Antrim Police Chief Scott Lester was invited to AES to receive a handmade gift from staff and students in honor of his retirement at the end of this week. During a short presentation that was on Zoom for the entire school, Principal Syre-Hager honored Chief Lester with an original piece of artwork by Muzart teacher Carole Storro.
The students had a great time celebrating Earth Day on Thursday! They participated in fun activities including Earth Day art where they made projects for Children and the Arts...
The students had a great time celebrating Earth Day on Thursday! They participated in fun activities including Earth Day art where they made projects for Children and the Arts…
The ConVal School District has been fortunate to be involved in the viewings of 3 movies as part of a mental health trilogy. We have had community viewings for UPSTANDERS in October and LIKE in February. The final movie, ANGST will be shown to the community on May 5th from 6-8 PM. Please follow this link to register your family to view the community viewing of ANGST.
ANGST: On top of academic and social stress, the uncertainty and fears of this past pandemic year have brought all of us a lot more anxiety than before. Angst helps break this down, explaining what’s going on, and what we can do about it to help both ourselves and others. It features World Champion Swimmer Michael Phelps, experts in the field, and regular teenagers.
The ConVal School District has been fortunate to be involved in the viewings of 3 movies as part of a mental health trilogy. We have had community viewings for UPSTANDERS in October and LIKE in February. The final movie, ANGST will be shown to the community on May 5th from 6-8 PM. Please follow this link to register your family to view the community viewing of ANGST.
On Saturday, April 24, sophomores Callie Boisvert and Abbey Shumway organized a 5k run to raise awareness around mental illness and suicide.
All participants received yellow T-shirts, there was a great raffle thanks to donations from local businesses, and there was a bake sale with delicious treats.
"I am so proud of Callie and Abbey for taking the initiative to plan the Break the Silence 5K for suicide awareness and prevention," said principal Heather McKillop. "It is imperative that we create a safe space for students to engage in dialogue about mental health. I was fortunate to talk to students and families prior to the run, and was so impressed by all of the efforts many of our students did in advance to make this event such a success."
Guest speaker Robbie Millward spoke about his own experience with suicide and friends and family who have experienced it as well.
Students made and hung motivational posters to encourage participants along the 3.1-mile running route (see photos below).
"This was a well-executed event and a great opportunity to come together as a community," said mathematics teacher Sarah Gilpatrick who participated in the event.
Callie Boisvert shared that the donations for suicide awareness and prevention amounted to close to $5,000. "I hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting tradition in our ConVal community as we continue to make effort to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health for years to come," McKillop said.
On Saturday, April 24, sophomores Callie Boisvert and Abbey Shumway organized a 5k run to raise awareness around mental illness and suicide.
All participants received yellow T-shirts, there was a great raffle thanks to donations from local businesses, and there was a bake sale with delicious treats.
“I am so proud of Callie and Abbey for taking the initiative to plan the Break the Silence 5K for suicide awareness and prevention,”
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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DCS students enjoyed storied told by Len Cabral. Thanks to the PTO for supporting this treasured visit!
DCS students have been busy! Kindergarten students picked up acorns, 1st and 2nd graders helped with brush clean up, and 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders have swept sand off the play areas and moved a garden bed, as well as picking up bruch. All students helped plants flowers in honor of Earth Day. It is great to be outside!
DCS students have been busy! Kindergarten students picked up acorns, 1st and 2nd graders helped with brush clean up, and 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders have swept sand off the play areas and moved a garden bed, as well as picking up bruch. All students helped plants flowers in honor of Earth Day. It is great to be outside!
The ConVal School District encourages the community to participate in a 5K run this weekend to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention.
All proceeds from the “Break the Silence” run on Saturday, April 24, at ConVal Regional High School will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. ConVal sophomores Callie Boisvert and Abbey Shumway organized the run.
“This is an important issue. It needs to be talked about,” Boisvert said. “People of all ages need to be able to cope with mental illness and know that it is okay to reach out and get help. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy. AFSP lists suicide as the eighth leading cause of death in New Hampshire, and the second-leading cause among those aged 10 to 34.
“We want to break the stigma on mental health. Mental illness is serious for all ages,” Shumway said. “As a community we need to raise awareness and ‘break the silence,’ and help people know what to do, how to handle it, and know that people are here for them.”
Boisvert and Shumway have raised almost $1,000 in online donations and invite the community to support the cause by attending on Saturday. Principal Heather McKillop will be among the runners supporting the students and their effort.
Those interested may register from 8-8:30 a.m. for the race that begins at 9 a.m., or register from 11-11:30 a.m. for the race that begins at 12 p.m. A donation of $20 is suggested. Other events include a bake sale, raffle, and a guest speaker who will share their family’s struggle with mental health issues and how they have coped.
“Mental health is a critically important issue in our state and country, one that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders said. “I commend Callie and Abbey for raising awareness and ask the ConVal community to support them in this cause.”
The ConVal School District encourages the community to participate in a 5K run this weekend to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention.
All proceeds from the “Break the Silence” run on Saturday, April 24, at ConVal Regional High School will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. ConVal sophomores Callie Boisvert and Abbey Shumway organized the run.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Structure-function relationships in nature are a main theme in the Life Sciences. In AP Biology, students study the structures of flowers that allow them to carry out their function.
"The function of a flower is to produce seeds," explained AP Biology teacher Dr. Moira Milne. "Through dissection, students get to examine up close all the reproductive parts of the flower, the fruit, and the seeds."
Structure-function relationships in nature are a main theme in the Life Sciences. In AP Biology, students study the structures of flowers that allow them to carry out their function.
“The function of a flower is to produce seeds,” explained AP Biology teacher Dr. Moira Milne. “Through dissection, students get to examine up close all the reproductive parts of the flower,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The ConVal School District announces that four more school districts will sign on as co-plaintiffs in the District’s lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire over education funding.
The Fall Mountain, Claremont, Newport and Hillsboro-Deering School Districts join the ConVal, Monadnock, Mascenic and Winchester School Districts in arguing that New Hampshire does not meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for all students.
ConVal and its co-plaintiffs argue that base adequacy is not sufficient to fund an adequate education and falls far short of funding services, positions, and items that the State requires school districts to provide. In 2019 districts received $3,636 per student in base adequacy.
In March the Supreme Court of New Hampshire returned the lawsuit to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff and rejected the state’s requests to dismiss it. Ruoff will hold hearings that will allow ConVal and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the state underfunds education. An evidentiary hearing is unlikely to be held until summer 2022.
Ruoff on Wednesday, April 21, allowed other school districts 30 days to join the ConVal lawsuit.
“For nearly 30 years the State of New Hampshire has ignored the spirit of the original Claremont funding decision. As a result it has shifted its responsibility to local communities, creating funding inequities across the state,” Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Superintendent of ConVal School District, said. “We welcome the Fall Mountain, Claremont, Newport and Hillsboro-Deering School Districts, and encourage other districts to join us in ensuring the state meets its constitutional responsibility to the children of New Hampshire.”
The ConVal School District announces that four more school districts will sign on as co-plaintiffs in the District’s lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire over education funding.
The Fall Mountain, Claremont, Newport and Hillsboro-Deering School Districts join the ConVal, Monadnock, Mascenic and Winchester School Districts in arguing that New Hampshire does not meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for all students.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Mrs. Christensen's kindergarten class made necklaces to celebrate Earth Day. Here are a few examples....
Students in the Purple Pod Mrs. Decibus Science class have been studying magnetism, electricity, and electromagnets. Their final project of the unit was to design and build an electromagnetic fishing pole and participate in a fishing derby where they fished for "paperclip" fish. Their fishing pole had to have a switch and an electromagnet. To get to this point, students had to determine three variables that they were going to test to create the best fishing pole they could. Students had one swipe over the pile of magnets to see how many they could attract. Pictured here is the winner of the derby with Mrs. O'Bryant.
Students in the Purple Pod Mrs. Decibus Science class have been studying magnetism, electricity, and electromagnets. Their final project of the unit was to design and build an electromagnetic fishing pole and participate in a fishing derby where they fished for “paperclip” fish. Their fishing pole had to have a switch and an electromagnet. To get to this point,
Outdoor learning delivers many benefits — reducing stress, improving moods, boosting concentration, and increasing a child’s engagement at school.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest, who oversees the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the ConVal School District, recently gave two presentations to the School Board.
The first presentation addressed the learning loss that students in all grades experienced as the COVID pandemic showed negative impacts on learning, beginning in the second half of the 2019-2020 school year.
"A review of fall assessment data nationwide revealed that students, on average, were about one and a half months behind where they would typically be in reading and about three months behind in where they would typically be in math as a result of the 'shutdown' last spring," Dr. Forrest noted.
For the slide deck that covers the first portion of the two-part presentation, please click here.
The second presentation addressed the strategies that are required to achieve successful learning recovery across a broad spectrum of focus areas through the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.
These solution-oriented approaches include, among others:
expanded learning time — before, during, and after school as well as during the summer months — for both existing academic programming and through high-intensity tutoring;
learning acceleration based on a focus on vertically-aligned priority standards in ELA/literacy and mathematics; and
attention to social-emotional learning, including the creation of supportive environments for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
The second presentation contains detailed recommendations for the elementary school, middle school, and high school levels in the ConVal School District. It also lays out what the projected cost factors are that will be associated with the implementation of the learning recovery plan, from professional development opportunities for existing teachers and paraprofessionals to required new staffing.
"All costs associated with the key recommendations of the learning recovery plan will be covered using federal grant monies," Dr. Forrest concluded. "By the same token, any additional positions would be temporary in nature and also be grant funded."
For the slide deck of the second presentation, please click here.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ann Forrest, who oversees the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the ConVal School District, recently gave two presentations to the School Board.
The first presentation addressed the learning loss that students in all grades experienced as the COVID pandemic showed negative impacts on learning, beginning in the second half of the 2019-2020 school year.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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On Beach Day last week, Anatomy & Physiology II students dissected pig hearts.
ConVal’s Athletic Director, John Reitnauer, led the dissection as a guest speaker.
He was assisted by Anatomy Teacher Carol Young and Keene State College student teacher, Jordyn Burke.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Pursuant to Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #89, beginning the week of April 19, all students will have the opportunity for in-person learning five days a week.
The following sets forth the ConVal Regional High School's procedure for implementing the order with an early release schedule on Fridays, starting on Friday, April 23.
[table id=41 /]
The morning arrival time will remain the same, and we will utilize the same screening protocol in the morning as students arrive.
All blocks will be utilized for academic intervention, recovery, or enrichment. Remote-only students will still be able to remote in to each respective class block.
All blocks will be of equal duration (40 mins) which will allow teachers to conduct academic interventions with students during this dedicated time. Setting aside TASC time during regular school days (Mon-Thu) will be at the teacher’s discretion based on the needs of their students.
The final block of the day will be devoted to connecting homeroom teachers and TASC students in person. Dismissal will be at 11:15 am with a grab-and-go lunch available as students depart campus.
Transportation will continue to be offered in the same capacity as it is now.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather McKillop at hmckillop@conval.edu.
Pursuant to Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #89, beginning the week of April 19, all students will have the opportunity for in-person learning five days a week.
The following sets forth the ConVal Regional High School’s procedure for implementing the order with an early release schedule on Fridays, starting on Friday,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Mrs. Topping's class designed, and built rock towers.
Mrs. Topping’s class designed, and built rock towers.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Students who will attend ConVal High School in the fall of 2021 will find a brand-new learning opportunity at the Region 14 Applied Technology Center (ATC): the building of a street-legal electrical car that is based on a kit provided by the California-based company SwitchLab.
ATC Director Jen Kiley pursued this grant-based project with a funding request in January of this year. She envisioned the different strands of career and technical education (CTE) at ConVal contributing to an assignment with a shared focus, one that would allow students to gain knowledge and skills by engaging with an authentic challenge and working together for an extended period of time.
While students in the automotive program would address the mechanical aspects of building the car from the kit, students enrolled in robotics, computer programming, and networking classes could work to adapt the car’s electronics. In addition, graphic communication students could learn how to design skins for the car, similar to the car wraps made from vinyl films. For business students, there could even be a connection to local businesses if they wanted to advertise on the student-designed car wraps, Kiley explained.
Besides its wide-ranging applicability to different CTE curricular areas, a key benefit of the program is that the kit is reusable, Kiley noted. The car can be put together, taken apart, and reconfigured by different students the next year. The SwitchLab e-car kit is expected to last for at least ten years, which allows several generations of ATC students to acquire sought-after skills in the rapidly expanding area of electric vehicle design and maintenance.
According to its website, the SwitchLab is an all-inclusive, turn-key program with different vehicle options. The kit includes the chassis, AC, DC, or permanent magnet drive system, battery, all required wiring, lights, seats, seat belts, and windscreen. The kit is expected to arrive before the end of the school year, Kiley said, in order to give instructors an opportunity to get familiar with its components before students will work on it in the fall.
To explore a YouTube playlist of SwitchLab videos where you can see the finished cars in action, please click here. To read Jack Rooney's related Keene Sentinel article on the electric car project at ConVal, please click here.
Students who will attend ConVal High School in the fall of 2021 will find a brand-new learning opportunity at the Region 14 Applied Technology Center (ATC): the building of a street-legal electrical car that is based on a kit provided by the California-based company SwitchLab.
ATC Director Jen Kiley pursued this grant-based project with a funding request in January of this year.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Pursuant to Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #89, beginning the week of April 19, all students will have the opportunity for in-person learning five days a week.
The following explains the middle school procedure for implementing the order with an early release schedule on Fridays, starting on Friday, April 23. Students who have chosen in-person learning are expected to attend in person Monday through Friday. Students who have chosen remote learning, will still remote into their classes Monday - Friday.
Pursuant to Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #89, beginning the week of April 19, all students will have the opportunity for in-person learning five days a week.
The following explains the middle school procedure for implementing the order with an early release schedule on Fridays, starting on Friday, April 23. Students who have chosen in-person learning are expected to attend in person Monday through Friday.
In a demonstration of both school pride and community spirit, the ConVal Class of 2024 has committed itself to a highway cleanup project for the next two years. For their commitment to remove litter four times a year from a two-mile section of Highway 202 leading north to Hancock and Antrim, the class is being recognized on the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the jug handle leading to the school entrance.
The idea originated with the freshman class advisors Jen Kiley and Jim Wickham. "At the beginning of March, I noticed that the Adopt-A-Highway sign across from ConVal, near the Cornucopia greenhouses, was available," Kiley said. "So I contacted the state highway department to find out more about the program."
"Jim and I spoke with the Class of 2024 officers, and they agreed that this would be a good opportunity to give back to the community and lend visibility to our class," Kiley continued. "We are hoping to schedule our first cleanup for early May."
In a demonstration of both school pride and community spirit, the ConVal Class of 2024 has committed itself to a highway cleanup project for the next two years. For their commitment to remove litter four times a year from a two-mile section of Highway 202 leading north to Hancock and Antrim, the class is being recognized on the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the jug handle leading to the school entrance.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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South Meadow School will be offering Baseball, Softball and Running Club/Track and Field for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 this spring.
For information regarding these sports, please click on the following documents:
Did you know that paper can hold the weight of books or other heavy items? It can when you fold and roll it to support the weight of the objects!
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Miss Heard's 3rd graders experimented with paper and built various structures to see which one would hold the most books. Students could fold or roll the paper any way they chose.
Miss Heard’s 3rd graders experimented with paper and built various structures to see which one would hold the most books. Students could fold or roll the paper any way they chose.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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SMS Artists in Mrs. Russell's art class created 3D Robots using colored pencils.
See below for some of their imaginative creations!
Happy April!!! The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and the students at HES have been hard at work. Kindergartners have been learning about number stories...
Happy April!!! The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and the students at HES have been hard at work. Kindergartners have been learning about number stories…
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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We are so excited to finally announce that we are doing a musical this spring!
You will have to wait until Monday, April 12, to find out the title, but in the meantime, please review the information relating to the process we're using this year (attached below).
The show is 60-80 minutes long but it is NOT a Disney or Jr. title. We have a shorter amount of time than usual to prepare, so we're ready to hit the ground running!
We will have a meeting next Friday, April 16, from 2:35-4:00 pmin the ConVal Cafeteria for everyone interested in participating.
Please come! All are welcome! Bring friends! Sharebit.ly/cvspringshowto link everyone to it easily!
Auditions are NOT required, but if there is a part you'd like to be considered for, you can prepare something to share with the directors at the meeting. Click here for the signup sheet.
Those not "auditioning" will be able to meet with us and say a quick hello, while also playing theatre games and getting to know our awesome theatrical community!
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing Liz Moore, Director, or Brian Moore, Music Director. We can't wait to get started!
We are so excited to finally announce that we are doing a musical this spring!
You will have to wait until Monday, April 12, to find out the title, but in the meantime, please review the information relating to the process we’re using this year (attached below).
The show is 60-80 minutes long but it is NOT a Disney or Jr.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Spring means flowers, warmer weather and being outside again!
Spring means flowers, warmer weather and being outside again!
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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In order to accommodate the higher number of students who attend ConVal High School in person after the change to the non-cohort model on April 5, new procedures had to be implemented for many areas, including lunches.
Before the switchover, lunches were brought to the classrooms and eating lunch was flexible during Block 3, whenever there was a natural break in instruction. Now a new, more strictly timed lunch schedule is in place with three 30-minute lunch periods and 20 min spacing in between for cleaning. The new schedule was assigned to individual teachers based on class size, grade level, and subject.
Classes now must eat lunch during their assigned lunch period. Each Block 3 teacher works with their classes to designate half of their students to eat in the cafeteria and half to eat in their classroom. This assignment is the same for every day in a given week. New assignments can be made on the first school day of each week. Students not eating in the cafeteria remain with their Block 3 teacher for lunch.
Students who are getting school lunches pick them up in the cafeteria while observing physical distancing guidelines. Students who are eating in their classrooms return to class as soon as they have picked up their lunch. Those who remain in the caf use the mobile school cafeteria tables with seat limits — three students per round table and two per rectangular table.
Another effect of the changed lunch procedures has been the reopening of previously closed-off spaces. In the picture at the top of this post, teacher-administrator Carol Young checks on students eating lunch in the newly-reopened courtyard between the cafeteria and the ATC hallway.
In order to accommodate the higher number of students who attend ConVal High School in person after the change to the non-cohort model on April 5, new procedures had to be implemented for many areas, including lunches.
Before the switchover, lunches were brought to the classrooms and eating lunch was flexible during Block 3,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The ConVal Blue & Gold Cohort model, which had characterized in-person instruction at ConVal High School since September of last year, was suspended as of Monday, April 5. This was done to give all students the opportunity to attend school and join in-person learning together.
Even with the significantly higher number of students attending in person, the morning check-ins have run smoothly. Students have been exceptionally good in maintaining physical distancing guidelines and wearing masks as they arrive on campus.
Part of the success of the quicker morning procedures is that students and staff members have access to an online service provided by ConvenientMD that asks the screening questions and, based on the answers, issues a clearance for in-person participation for the day.
"The ConvenientMD COVID-19 Assessment and Screening tool has truly helped expedite our arrival process," principal Heather McKillop noted. When students have their clearance on their phones, all that remains is a mandatory temperature check at the door which speeds up the arrival procedure for each student and reduces wait time in line.
"We are hopeful that, by the end next week, the majority of our students will use this platform," McKillop said.
The ConVal Blue & Gold Cohort model, which had characterized in-person instruction at ConVal High School since September of last year, was suspended as of Monday, April 5. This was done to give all students the opportunity to attend school and join in-person learning together.
Even with the significantly higher number of students attending in person,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date_gmt] => 2021-04-03 20:19:00
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The Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors invites you to participate in a calendar drawing fundraiser to support a ConVal High School graduate in their pursuit of a post-secondary degree.
The scholarship will be awarded for "employment, extra-curricular activities, including sports, student groups, and community service, and academic performance," according to the Board of Realtors.
Here is how the contest works: To get into the raffle, all you need to do is buy a calendar for $10. Every day in April, a random drawing will be held to determine the daily prize winner. Prizes are listed in the calendar below.
All prizes have been donated by local businesses, artists, farms, and individuals. By entering, you are eligible to win:
4 Red Sox tickets/prime seating together
artwork by Matt Patterson
a photoshoot
autographed Sy Montgomery books
gift baskets
jewelry
$100 cash/debit cards
hardware store gift cards
gift cards to restaurants
and more.
All calendar sales are applied directly to the scholarship. There are no restrictions on the number of calendars you can buy. All calendars will be numbered to correspond to the purchasing individual.
On each day of the drawing, a Google random number generator will be utilized to draw the daily winner. All numbers are re-entered into the drawing, so there are multiple chances to win.
Winners will be notified via phone or email. Gift cards can be mailed. Local pickup is required of larger items and will be arranged with the winners.
The Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors invites you to participate in a calendar drawing fundraiser to support a ConVal High School graduate in their pursuit of a post-secondary degree.
The scholarship will be awarded for “employment, extra-curricular activities, including sports, student groups, and community service, and academic performance,” according to the Board of Realtors.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-04-02 19:35:12
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April 2, 2021
We are so excited to welcome all of our high school students back on Monday! There have been many questions about the unusual bus schedules so I thought it would be helpful to share some information.
In a routine school year, we are able to use all of our buses to provide transportation and the middle and high school students travel together by community. Our COVID safety protocols have required us to separate students by pods and buildings and we have been using 80% of our buses to transport middle school students leaving 20% to transport high school by cohort.
On Monday, all of our high school students who wish to return for in-person learning will have the opportunity to do so, but we still have the same number of buses available to service these students across our nine communities. We still must separate our middle and high school students for transportation. We modified our typical late bus routes in order to meet the demand.
These new routes are included with this email and will also be available on our website this evening. Please check them carefully to find the stop closest to your home as there have been some adjustments. Please see CV ROUTES- LATE BUS STYLE- plan b.pdf.
We are so excited to welcome all of our high school students back on Monday! There have been many questions about the unusual bus schedules so I thought it would be helpful to share some information.
In a routine school year, we are able to use all of our buses to provide transportation and the middle and high school students travel together by community.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-04-02 18:34:56
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Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-04-02 13:26:46
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[post_content] =>
This detailed document will guide the return of all students who have chosen to come back to campus for in-person learning on April 5, 2021. The plan was approved by the ConVal School Board in a special meeting on April 1, 2021.
Please see also the video presentation of the plan highlights by principal Heather McKillop.
This detailed document will guide the return of all students who have chosen to come back to campus for in-person learning on April 5, 2021. The plan was approved by the ConVal School Board in a special meeting on April 1, 2021.
Please see also the video presentation of the plan highlights by principal Heather McKillop.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-04-02 13:01:15
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In Muzart at AES, third and fourth graders are working on W.O.W. creations-wonderful original works.
At AES third graders are working to place fractions on a number line, and find equivalent fractions on a number line. We're having fun by writing on our desks and using clothesline rope as a number line on the floor! Keeping fractions fun!
At AES third graders are working to place fractions on a number line, and find equivalent fractions on a number line. We’re having fun by writing on our desks and using clothesline rope as a number line on the floor! Keeping fractions fun!
"Sometimes we meet teachers in the forest, or in the barn, or in the ocean- or right in our own house. Some of my teachers have had two legs while others have had four or even eight. But all have taught me something important about how to be a good creature in the world.” This is how local author Sy Montgomery starts her book How to Be A Good Creature, a children’s book that can teach us all many lessons including how to be patient, respectful and to show courage. We used this book as a guide during kindness week before vacation.
All students listened to the story and thought about an animal that they have connected with or reflected on how they are good creatures in the world. Every child created a watercolor page about their reflection. These pages were turned into a beautiful book with the help of Jeannie Connolly of the Arts Integration program. The book was then hand-delivered to Sy Montgomery and her dog Thurber in Hancock. She was so touched that she took time to answer questions from students through Zoom this week. This integrated project was a wonderful way for students to think about who their teachers might be and what they might be able to teach others. Kindness and Courage are certainly a few examples that all Pierce School students can share.
“Sometimes we meet teachers in the forest, or in the barn, or in the ocean- or right in our own house. Some of my teachers have had two legs while others have had four or even eight. But all have taught me something important about how to be a good creature in the world.” This is how local author Sy Montgomery starts her book How to Be A Good Creature,
I hope everyone has enjoyed the break. This message contains lots of important information regarding our return to school on Monday, March 29th.
Let’s begin by talking about travel quarantines. As I am sure you have heard travel quarantines have been lifted for domestic travel by the State of New Hampshire. This means that all staff and students can return to school on Monday, March 29th. (Families and students who have elected to be remote can continue to do so.) The exception is the Gold Cohort at ConVal High School, there is more information regarding CVHS later in this letter.
Guidance regarding travel has been updated to include the following:
All people participating in international and domestic travel who are NOT required to quarantine are recommended to get a PCR test on day 3-5 after travel to test for asymptomatic COVID 19 (see CDC travel guidance).
As we return to school please be aware:
We will continue to implement our Reopening Plan.
We will continue to update our Reopening Plan as new information and new guidance become available.
We will continue to screen employees and students upon arrival daily, please continue with home screening routines as well.
Face masks will continue to be required for all students, staff, and any individuals in school buildings or on school property.
NH public health will not recommend quarantine for students or staff if an exposure occurs in the classroom setting where students and staff are seated and spaced at least 3 feet apart with consistent and appropriate face mask use.
The District will continue to report and follow the guidance of NHDHHS related to any positive cases that impact our schools.
ConVal High School
We are actively planning the return of all ConVal High School students. The administration’s goal is to have all high school students, regardless of cohort, back in school on Monday, April 5th. (Families and students who have elected to be remote can continue to do so.) However, there are several final steps that must be taken in regard to transportation, staff, and food service. These steps are the priority upon our staff returning to school on Monday, March 29th. More information will be out to students and parents by Wednesday March 31st. As previously communicated, all students participating in high school sports will be able to do so beginning Monday, March 29th. Prior to the vacation, the gold cohort was in-person. This is why we will welcome back the blue cohort on Monday, March 29th.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the break. This message contains lots of important information regarding our return to school on Monday, March 29th.
Let’s begin by talking about travel quarantines. As I am sure you have heard travel quarantines have been lifted for domestic travel by the State of New Hampshire.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-03-23 11:01:05
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The Superintendents of the ConVal, Monadnock, Mascenic and Winchester School Districts wish to provide the following statement in response to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire’s ruling this morning:
“We are heartened by today's ruling by the Supreme Court of New Hampshire on the Districts’ lawsuit regarding state education funding. The Court’s decision to remand the case to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff for review allows the District and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the State of New Hampshire is not providing adequate education funding. In today’s ruling, the Supreme Court rejects both the State’s Motion to Dismiss and the State’s Motion for Summary Judgment.
“In the landmark Claremont decision, the Court ruled that the state is obligated to pay for an adequate education for all children. Nearly 30 years later, that still has not happened.
“Adequate funding, according to the state, does not include transportation costs, funding for school nurses or food services, and only a fraction of facilities operations and maintenance costs -- all of which combine to ensure a quality education for our students. The state determined that in 2019 it cost $3,636 per student to provide an adequate education. By the state’s own formula, our districts all should have received more than $9,900 per student.
“Education costs $18,000 per student on average. No one could reasonably argue that $3,636 per student will provide an adequate education.
“The Legislature, though under court order to repair its funding formula, has not done so. This has shifted responsibility for education funding to the communities, whose residents have had to decide between education funding and rising property taxes. Inequities in taxation and funding now stretch across the state.
“Today’s outcome is a positive one for students of New Hampshire, but it is only one small step toward solving an urgent issue for students throughout the state. This issue has now impacted two generations of New Hampshire children and will continue as long as the state fails to meet its obligations under our state Constitution.
“Our students, and students across the State of New Hampshire, deserve an adequate and equitable education immediately, and we will continue working together to ensure the state upholds its constitutional responsibility to them.”
The Superintendents of the ConVal, Monadnock, Mascenic and Winchester School Districts wish to provide the following statement in response to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire’s ruling this morning:
“We are heartened by today’s ruling by the Supreme Court of New Hampshire on the Districts’ lawsuit regarding state education funding. The Court’s decision to remand the case to Superior Court Judge David Ruoff for review allows the District and its co-plaintiffs to present factual evidence that the State of New Hampshire is not providing adequate education funding.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-03-18 19:23:34
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ConVal School District Moderator Bob Edwards would like to provide an update on the recount held for Article 1, the proposed budget, from last week’s warrant.
The recount, which was held this evening at ConVal High School, showed that the proposed operating budget was passed by voters during the March 9 vote. The final count was 1,636 (Yes) to 1,629 (No). The School Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 19 to discuss the outcome of the recount and next steps.
The recount was requested by private citizens from the district’s nine towns through a petition submitted to the District clerk in accordance with state law. The School Board was legally bound to perform the recount because a valid petition was submitted. Recounts must be requested by registered voters in the district.
The recount was overseen by the District moderator. Though the School Board served as the Board of recount, members of the school board did not carry out the recount themselves. The recount was completed by volunteers from the nine communities.
ConVal School District Moderator Bob Edwards would like to provide an update on the recount held for Article 1, the proposed budget, from last week’s warrant.
The recount, which was held this evening at ConVal High School, showed that the proposed operating budget was passed by voters during the March 9 vote. The final count was 1,636 (Yes) to 1,629 (No).
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-03-17 07:28:13
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In accordance with guidance provided by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the Office of the Governor of the State of New Hampshire's Emergency Order #85, the Governor's Economic Reopening Taskforce, the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the ConVal Athletic Department has issued "Spring Sports Programs for the 2020-21 School Year" for students in grades 9-12.
Please see this link for more detailed information on the following sports programs:
In accordance with guidance provided by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the Office of the Governor of the State of New Hampshire’s Emergency Order #85, the Governor’s Economic Reopening Taskforce, the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the ConVal Athletic Department has issued “Spring Sports Programs for the 2020-21 School Year”
Notice is hereby given that timely application has been filed with the School District Clerk in conformity with NH RSA 40:4-c(I) for a recount of the ballots given on the question of School District Warrant Article Number One (1), the Operating Budget Article.
The Clerk has appointed that the Recount shall occur on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 4:30 PM in the Gymnasium at the Contoocook Valley Regional High School Gymnasium located at 184 Hancock Road, Peterborough, New Hampshire.
The applicants and all other members of the public are invited to attend and observe the recount. All attendees shall be required to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols of the School District and Moderator.
See the official, signed notice here and the detailed recount procedures here.
Notice is hereby given that timely application has been filed with the School District Clerk in conformity with NH RSA 40:4-c(I) for a recount of the ballots given on the question of School District Warrant Article Number One (1), the Operating Budget Article.
The Clerk has appointed that the Recount shall occur on Thursday,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The SMS Blue Pod celebrated outside with a Winter Festival. They were able to compete in sled, egg , and kicking the ball relay races. They also had the chance to sled and snowshoe. They were extremely lucky as this was the warmest day of the winter! (Though not great for the snow!)
The SMS Blue Pod celebrated outside with a Winter Festival. They were able to compete in sled, egg , and kicking the ball relay races. They also had the chance to sled and snowshoe. They were extremely lucky as this was the warmest day of the winter! (Though not great for the snow!)
Students displayed their lucky numbers to celebrate.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The results of the 2021 school budget vote are in and can be viewed here.
“Thank you to the many voters in our District towns who came out to vote on March 9," said Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders in a statement.
"This past year has been a difficult time financially for families across the District. We remain committed to providing the best possible education for our students, whether the District operates under its proposed budget or the default budget," Saunders continued.
"The last year has showcased the dedication and commitment of the entire community to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all ConVal students.”
"While Article 1, the proposed budget, failed by four votes," Saunders noted, "all other articles on the warrant passed with majority support, including the one-year contract for our educators."
"Thank you to the School Board members and administrators, who worked so diligently during the budget process so that we can continue to meet the needs of ConVal students," Saunders concluded.
The results of the 2021 school budget vote are in and can be viewed here.
“Thank you to the many voters in our District towns who came out to vote on March 9,” said Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders in a statement.
“This past year has been a difficult time financially for families across the District.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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[post_date] => 2021-03-09 12:08:26
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SMS students in Mr. Hammett's IAT class studied the design of packaging and materials. To test their product, they dropped an egg to see if their design prevented the egg from breaking. Someday one of these students may use this experience to pursue a career where they will design a product that will help protect people. This SMS student, while remote, sent a video to document her experiment.
SMS students in Mr. Hammett’s IAT class studied the design of packaging and materials. To test their product, they dropped an egg to see if their design prevented the egg from breaking. Someday one of these students may use this experience to pursue a career where they will design a product that will help protect people.
Student at Temple Elementary School are learning about American symbols.
The students have been working very hard on this project. They have been drawing American symbols, like this beautiful Bald Eagle. They will then write some facts about their illustration. Once they have completed this process for each symbol, the students will then put the pages together to create a booklet. Their focus and enthusiasm have been exciting to watch.
Student at Temple Elementary School are learning about American symbols.
The students have been working very hard on this project. They have been drawing American symbols, like this beautiful Bald Eagle. They will then write some facts about their illustration. Once they have completed this process for each symbol, the students will then put the pages together to create a booklet.
Our Huskies have participated in some exciting learning adventures at HES over the past two weeks, from Read Across America and information writing about arctic animals, to Cornmeal Canyons and Rube Goldberg Machines...
Our Huskies have participated in some exciting learning adventures at HES over the past two weeks, from Read Across America and information writing about arctic animals, to Cornmeal Canyons and Rube Goldberg Machines…
We will be offering door-to-door meal service the week of March 22 – 26. Please complete this form by March 10th if you would like to have breakfast and lunch delivered to your home.
Meals for all kids ages 18 and younger are currently subsidized by the Federal Government, so there is no cost to you! This is available to all families within our ConVal communities.
We will resume our current meal service on March 29th. Meals must be reserved in advance. Please complete this form to reserve meals for your remote students.
In-Person Students – The schools will collect the meal information each morning and forward the results to the kitchen. I understand some schools use a Google document to facilitate this process.
Remote Students – We are unable to continue home delivery because our transportation resources will be used to transport the kids between home and school. Meals can be picked up curbside at the school’s front entrance on Monday and Wednesday as follows:
Early Morning Pickup 6:30 – 6:45 CVHS, GBS, and PES
Lunch time Pickup 11:40 – 11:55 FES and TES 12:15 – 12:30 Pierce, DCS, and HES 12:30 – 12:45 GES
Pick up service is not available at AES and SMS
Breakfast and lunch for each day will be in a single bag. The Monday pickup will include meals for 2 days and Wednesday will include meals for 3 days.
Unfortunately, we are only able to offer a cold lunch at this time. This will be the same option served to in-school students.
Food allergies must be documented by your physician and provided to the school nurse. Please contact your school office if you need the form.
For assistance with weekend meals, contact lcarac@yahoo.com with “Conval End 68” as the subject. End 68 Hours will provide food for two breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners for each school-aged child in your household.
For access to the SMS Food Pantry, please email Judy Hertzler at jhertzler@conval.edu or send a text to (603) 582-0986 and use “SMS Food Pantry” in the subject line.
We will be offering door-to-door meal service the week of March 22 – 26. Please complete this form by March 10th if you would like to have breakfast and lunch delivered to your home.
Meals for all kids ages 18 and younger are currently subsidized by the Federal Government,
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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3rd and 4th graders designed cushioned containers using different materials to see if an egg would break after being dropped from a ladder!
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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We celebrated Read Across America and Spirit Week and ended the week with Pajama Day! Students participated in read-alouds and crafts to promote literacy all week long.
We celebrated Read Across America and Spirit Week and ended the week with Pajama Day! Students participated in read-alouds and crafts to promote literacy all week long.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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The SMS Yellow Pod celebrated their own Spirit Week the first week in March. Part of the festivities included a Door Decorating Contest (Disney Theme) and a Caricature Contest of the Yellow Pod Teachers. They certainly displayed some amazing creativity! Go Yellow!
The SMS Yellow Pod celebrated their own Spirit Week the first week in March. Part of the festivities included a Door Decorating Contest (Disney Theme) and a Caricature Contest of the Yellow Pod Teachers. They certainly displayed some amazing creativity! Go Yellow!
On March 4, ConVal High Schools hosted a Spring Virtual Open House starting at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
For a schedule of events and Zoom links to teacher classrooms, please click here.
Below is the video that Principal McKillop shared during the welcome and introduction to the Open House. Click on the play button to see the 3 min video in its entirety.
On March 4, ConVal High Schools hosted a Spring Virtual Open House starting at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
For a schedule of events and Zoom links to teacher classrooms, please click here.
Below is the video that Principal McKillop shared during the welcome and introduction to the Open House.
Read More: ConVal School District Publishes Fall 2021 Reopening and Recovery Plan
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In this installment of the Yellow Pod Press, SMS student, Harlan B. gives an insightful view into what life is like at South Meadow School in the 2020-2021 school year following the Covid Protocol.
In this installment of the Yellow Pod Press, SMS student, Harlan B. gives an insightful view into what life is like at South Meadow School in the 2020-2021 school year following the Covid Protocol.
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