November 2026 MRMHS Newsletter
November 2026 MRMHS Newsletter
Hello MRMHS Families!
There is a lot to celebrate at Monadnock as we head into November. Our students are taking their next steps toward life after high school, representing us in athletics and the arts, and building new skills in their classrooms. I have also appreciated seeing staff and families in the stands, at performances, and alongside students as they take on new challenges. Showing up for one another makes a difference.
November brings a fresh start with Quarter 2 and opportunities to recognize the people who contribute to our community. As we observe Veterans Day, we thank our veterans and military families for their service and sacrifice. As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope each of us finds a moment to thank someone whose encouragement has helped us along the way.
Academic Momentum
The start of a new quarter is a useful time to ask: What went well? What was difficult? What is one thing I can do differently? Students and families can work together to:
- Check Alma regularly for grades, missing assignments, and teacher feedback.
- Make a manageable plan to address unfinished work with teachers.
- Reach out early when questions or concerns arise.
- Use WIN time and available extra help to practice skills and make progress.
Executive Functioning Spotlight: Flexible Thinking
Flexible thinking means being able to consider another approach when something feels difficult or does not go as planned. It can help students move from “I can’t do this” to “What is one way I could try?”
Sometimes, getting started is difficult because a student feels stuck on how a task needs to happen. Having a small amount of choice can make that first step feel more manageable.
One strategy our staff are working on with students is offering controlled choices: two clear, acceptable options that lead toward the same learning goal. The expectation stays consistent, while students have a voice in how they begin.
- Choose the order: “Would you like to start with the reading or the first two questions?”
- Choose the first step: “Would you like to talk through your idea first or write down a few key words?”
- Choose the support: “Would you like to try the first problem yourself or work through it together?”
How Families Can Try This at Home
When your child feels stuck, keep the choices simple and specific:
- Offer two options: “Would you like to work at the kitchen table or at your desk?”
- Keep the expectation clear: “It’s time to begin homework. Which assignment will you start with?”
- Give a little thinking time: Allow a moment to choose without adding more directions.
- Recognize the effort: “You found a way to get started, even though it felt difficult.”
The goal is to help students practice making a decision, trying an approach, and adjusting when needed. If neither option helps, a brief check-in—“What part feels hard?”—may reveal that they need clarification or a smaller first step.
Each small success helps students build confidence and independence. Thank you for keeping the conversation going at home and for working with us to help your child grow.
Brett Gottheimer
Principal
Monadnock Regional Middle High School
bgottheimer@mrsd.org
Winter Sports: Meeting & Registration
Information meeting
Monday, November 9 • 6:00 PM • MRMHS Cafeteria
Students and families interested in a winter sport are invited. After a general overview in the cafeteria, families will meet individual coaches in classrooms to discuss tryout schedules, team expectations, communication procedures, and season details.
NEW: Register with FinalForms
All parents/guardians of students planning to participate must create an account and register their student(s) in FinalForms, our online system for athletic registration and forms.
Find the Parent Playbook on the MRSD Athletics page. For assistance, select “Get Help” at the bottom of any FinalForms page.
Physical requirements
- A current physical must be on file before participation.
- NEW: Every student participating in Monadnock athletics must provide a physical dated within the last 14 months.
- The physical must indicate medical clearance for athletics.
- Families are encouraged to upload their most recent physical directly into FinalForms.
Husky Athletics: Sportsmanship & Resources
Sportsmanship: athletes, families & fans
- Treat teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, and spectators with respect.
- Only coaches and the Athletic Director may communicate with game officials.
- Each coach determines playing time.
The 24-hour rule: Wait at least 24 hours before contacting a coach about playing time or team decisions to keep conversations productive and respectful. Direct immediate or significant concerns to Athletic Director Shannon Topa or Principal Brett Gottheimer.
Winter sports — High school
- Boys & Girls Basketball (JV, Varsity)
- Indoor Track
- Girls Ice Hockey — co-op with Keene; register with KHS FamilyID
- Boys Ice Hockey
- Swimming & Diving
- Wrestling
- Alpine Ski (practice with Keene)
Winter sports — Middle school
- Boys & Girls Basketball (Grades 7–8)
- Indoor Track (Grades 7–8; practice with high school only)
Useful resources
- Athletics schedules
- Facebook: Monadnock Huskies Athletics and Monadnock Regional Middle High School
- NHIAA.org — varsity standings and statewide high school athletics information
Athletic trainer
Our certified athletic trainer serves high school student-athletes only. Students with athletic injuries should first check in with the trainer, who works with Cheshire Medical Center Orthopedics and can help arrange an appointment within 48 hours when appropriate.
Questions: Shannon Topa, Athletic Director
stopa@mrsd.org • Office: 603-903-6781
Athletic Training & Getting Involved
Athletic training
Our Athletic Trainer, Dana Dearborn, works directly with high school athletes and partners with Cheshire Medical Center’s orthopedics department. Students should check in with their coach and the Athletic Trainer regarding injuries.
Want to get involved?
Interested in coaching, volunteering, supporting a team, or helping Husky Athletics in another way? Reach out to Athletic Director Shannon Topa to learn how you can get involved!
Go Huskies! 💚🤍
Shannon Topa
Athletic Director
Monadnock Regional Middle High School
Physics in Action: Essentials of Science
Our Essentials of Science class explored elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, work, and energy lost to friction through their rubber band project. Students had a great time putting physics into practice!
A big thank-you to Ms. Farhm and our support / paraprofessional staff for their guidance, encouragement, and creativity in making science engaging and accessible for our students. We appreciate all you do!
Hard Work, Sweet Reward: PSAT Day
Kudos to our juniors for their focus and effort on the PSAT! Students celebrated with donuts from Silly Moose Baking after completing this valuable practice for the SAT. We are proud of their hard work and the steps they are taking toward their futures.
Seniors Take the Next Step on Apply NH Day
On October 15, nearly 40 seniors participated in Apply NH Day, taking important steps toward higher education, training, military service, and careers. With support from Granite Edvance and UNH volunteer Chelsea Baker, students finalized and submitted dozens of applications. Congratulations, seniors—we are rooting for you!
Celebrating Our Marching Band
A round of applause for our Monadnock marching band! We are proud to celebrate the students who bring music and Husky spirit to our school community. Thank you to our musicians, staff, and families for their dedication and support.
Click the photo to view it on Facebook.
MRMHS Choir Takes the Stage at VTSU
Health Office — A Healthy November
Hi Students and Families,
As the weather gets colder and cold and flu season kicks into gear, it is a great time to focus on staying healthy. Remember to wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water.
A few other important reminders for our middle and high school students: energy drinks and too much caffeine can affect your sleep and increase anxiety. Limiting these products and drinking extra water instead can have a positive impact on how you feel.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. School, friendships, and everyday life can be stressful, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted adult when you need support.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe November!
Lisa Brooks, RN, BSN
MRMHS Nurse
603-903-6701
Fall Wellness Tip: Take a Walk Outside!
Get outside and enjoy the last of the fall weather before the cold and snow settle in! Even a short walk during daylight hours can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and give you a much-needed mental reset.
From the MRMHS Wellness Committee
November 12 — Senior Financial Planning 101
Monadnock senior families are invited to a Financial Aid Zoom with Granite Edvance on November 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Granite Edvance, a nonprofit serving New Hampshire families, will explain the FAFSA and answer your financial aid questions. Click the flyer to register!
Schedule a meeting with your school counselor if you have not yet met about postsecondary planning. Visit schools and file the FAFSA!
Samantha Sestito
High School Counselor (A–K)
Bethany Maynard
High School Counselor (L–Z)
Brett Gottheimer
Principal
Rebecca Russell
High School Assistant Principal
Staci Willbarger
Middle School Assistant Principal
Kathryn Schnare
MS and HS Special Education Administrator
Shannon Topa
Athletic Director
Marvin
Samantha Sestito
High School Counselor (A-K)
Bethany Maynard
High School Counselor (L-Z)
Marilyn Pimentel
Cheryl Costa
MS At Risk Counselor
Elizabeth Motta
Melissa Johnson
Hailey Hazen
MS Admin Assistant
hhazen@mrsd.org
Victoria Tupper
HS Admin Assistant
Amy Chaput
Special Education Admin Assistant
Karin Wilson
MRMHS Registrar
kwilson@mrsd.org
Misty Kennedy
Principal's Administrative Assistant
Lisa Elllis
Reception