April 2026 MRMHS Newsletter

April 3

Q3 Ends (All Day)
VEX 6 Ends (All Day)

April 6
Quarter 4 Begins (All Day)

April 8
PSAT / SAT Testing – Grades 9–11 (All Day)

April 13
Career Fair (9:10–9:50 AM)

April 17
BTB – MS Hang Out Night (6:00–8:00 PM)

April 20
Middle School i-Ready Diagnostic Window #3 Opens (All Day)

April 23
Last Day to Buy HS Yearbook

April 27-May 1st

April Break

Come cheer on our student-athletes and show your school spirit. Be sure to check out the MRMHS Athletics Calendar for the most updated dates throughout the year!

Be sure to check out our Monadnock Huskies Athletics Facebook page— and give it a follow to stay connected:

👉 Monadnock Huskies Athletics (Facebook): New Facebook Page!
👉 Game schedules: https://monadnockathletics.com

🏆 Come Cheer On the Huskies!

We encourage families and community members to come out and support our athletes. Let’s fill the stands and show our Husky pride this winter!

Go Huskies! 🐺💙

Registration:

Monadnock uses FamilyID for all athletic registrations. Students must be registered on FamilyID prior to participating in any sport.
FamilyID Support: 1-888-800-5583 | support@familyid.com

Physical Requirements:

• All athletes must have a current physical on file.

• Middle School students need a new physical after April heading into 7th grade.

• High School students need a new physical after April heading into 9th grade.

• Any new athlete to Monadnock sports must provide a physical dated within one year.

• Physicals must clearly state the student is eligible to participate in sports.
  
  

📚 Academic & Attendance Policies

• Student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 4 classes.

• Students must attend at least half of their classes to participate that day.

• Students receiving ISS, suspension, or detention may not participate in athletics that day.

• MRRMHS has a “No F” policy — students may not carry an F for more than two weeks. Previous quarter grades determine eligibility.

• School-sponsored athletics take priority over travel/club leagues (per NHIAA).
  
  

🏅 Expectations

• All athletes, families, fans, and coaches are expected to treat officials and opponents with respect.

• Only coaches and the Athletic Director may speak with officials.

• Coaches determine playing time.

• 24-Hour Rule: Please wait 24 hours before contacting a coach regarding concerns, including playing time.

• For larger or immediate concerns, contact:

  • Athletic Director: Shannon Topa | stopa@mrsd.org | 603-903-6781

  • Principal: Brett Gottheimer
    

Any middle school student with practice after 2:45 PM must be signed up for Beyond the Bell. Students report there after school and are dismissed 15 minutes before practice.

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. Referrals can often be scheduled within 48 hours.

High School

• Baseball (Varsity & JV)

• Softball (Varsity & JV)

• Track & Field

• Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Co-op with Keene; KHS is lead school)

• Boys & Girls Tennis

Middle School

• Baseball (Grades 7–8)

• Softball (Grades 7–8)

• Track & Field (Grades 5–8)

🔗 Important Websites

• Monadnockathletics.com – Up-to-date schedules

• Facebook: Monadnock Huskies Athletics & Monadnock Regional Middle High School

• NHIAA.org – Varsity standings and state information

Shannon Topa

MRMHS Athletic Director

As we head into the early spring days of April, it’s a natural time to focus on making the most of the stretch ahead. This is an important part of the year— there’s a lot of learning still to do, and how we show up each day really matters.

As a school, we’re placing a renewed emphasis on a few key expectations:

• Staying engaged in class – being "mentally" focused in the room, ready to learn and contribute
• Minimizing time out of class – making the most of instructional time and limiting unnecessary time in the halls/bathroom/"breaks"
• Using appropriate, respectful language – with peers and adults, in all settings
  
  

We know that sometimes language can too easily become casual, especially among friends, and it’s easy to lose sight of how it comes across to others. Part of growing as a community mand preparing for life beyond school is understanding the importance of professionalism and respect in how we speak. Students may notice more frequent reminders from staff around these expectations. This is intentional. Our goal is to remind each other that school environment should be somewhere where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to focus on learning without distraction.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations and helping us maintain a positive, focused school climate for all. Having a consistent message between school and home makes a real difference. We ask for guardian/parent support in:

• Reinforcing appropriate language at home by talking with your student about how words can impact others
• Encouraging your student to stay in class and engaged, making the most of their learning time
• Supporting school expectations around respect and professionalism, even in peer interactions

As we also enter standardized testing season, we want to emphasize the value of this time as another opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and learning. These assessments are one of several ways we understand how students are progressing and how we can continue to improve our instruction and support. Just as importantly, they are a chance for students to practice perseverance, focus, and confidence in applying what they’ve learned. We encourage students to approach testing with a positive mindset - taking it seriously, giving their best effort, and recognizing that preparation throughout the year has set them up for success. I encourage you to read the attached message from the NH Commissioner of Education regarding these assessments.

Thank you for partnering with us to support a positive and respectful school environment!

Brett Gottheimer
Principal
Monadnock Regional Middle High School

Spring is here! With the change of season, we are seeing more students experiencing seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include sneezing, running or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and fatigue. To help manage symptoms, you may consider keeping windows closed on high pollen days, having your child shower and change clothing after being outdoors, and using over-the-counter medications as recommended by your healthcare provider. As outdoor activities and sports increase, please remind students to stay well-hydrated, warm up before exercise, and use appropriate protective gear to help prevent injuries. Taking breaks when needed and listening to their bodies is also important. Wishing you and your family a health, safe, and active spring!

Sincerely,

Lisa Brooks, RN
MRMHS School Nurse
603-903-6701

Junior Lila Fox is seen here taking a hands-on approach during her Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) experience at Cheshire Animal Hospital. Lila is currently partaking in a semester long ELO experience at Cheshire Animal Hospital. Lila hopes to continue her ELO experience at Cheshire Animal Hospital next year as a senior. Lila is interested in pursuing a career and education as a veterinarian after high school.

What an amazing opening night of We Will Rock You! Our students truly rocked the stage and proved how much talent we have here. The vocals, acting, music, and crew work were incredible. Another one bites the dust, because expectations were completely blown away! So proud of everyone involved in this fantastic production. 🎭

Our 10th grade honors biology students recently stepped into the role of real-world researchers during an exciting visit to Keene State College, where they presented the results of their five-week investigation into regenerative medicine. Their work centered on planaria, tiny aquatic flatworms with extraordinary regenerative abilities, and students designed and carried out controlled experiments to explore how these organisms heal and regrow.

The experience extended well beyond the lab. Students toured the campus alongside the Assistant Director of Admissions, gaining insight into college life, and rolled up their sleeves for hands-on lab activities in the science building. These sessions were led by Jim Kraly, Head of the Science Department, and Kaleigh Powers, Lab Director, who welcomed our students into an authentic collegiate science environment. They were so impressed with the behavior and engagement of our students.

The evening culminated in a public research symposium held in the Alumni Center from 6:30–8:00 PM, where students presented their findings with confidence and clarity. Like seasoned scientists at a conference, they fielded questions, explained their methodologies, and showcased the depth of their understanding.

They represented themselves, their families, and our school community with remarkable poise. Eloquent, professional, and deeply engaged, these students didn’t just complete a project, they embodied the spirit of inquiry. We could not be more proud of the way they rose to the occasion.

All students in grades 9-11 will be taking the College Board’s SAT’s (grade 11) or PSAT’s (grades 9 & 10) on April 8th, 2026. For juniors, the SAT is a mandatory state test for the State of New Hampshire. Helping our students succeed on their path to college and career begins with understanding the SAT Suite of Assessments. This system includes the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the SAT, designed to measure the same skills in grade-appropriate ways.

🎓 Why These Tests Matter:

• A Roadmap for Growth: The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 act as a "baseline," helping students identify their academic strengths and areas that need more focus before they take the SAT.

• Scholarship Opportunities: High scores on the PSAT/NMSQT (taken in the fall of 11th grade) can qualify students for the National Merit® Scholarship Program.

• College Readiness: These tests are strong predictors of college success, helping students stand out in the admissions process.

• AP Potential: Results can identify students ready for Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which can earn them college credit while still in high school.
  
  

🤝 How You Can Support Your Student:

• Encourage Free Practice: Students should use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy, which provides a personalized study plan based on their previous test results.

• Review Student Guides: Familiarize your student with what to expect by downloading the Official Student Guides for the PSAT 10 and SAT.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for the BigFuture Parent Community to receive expert guidance on financial aid and college planning.
  
  

🔗 Helpful Links for Parents

• Parents' Guide to the SAT: A comprehensive breakdown of registration and test day.

• PSAT 10 Parent FAQs: Answers to common questions about 10th-grade testing.

• SAT Suite Benefits for Families: A portal exploring how these tests connect students to scholarships.

The arrival of spring brings one of the most significant milestones in your senior’s journey: National Decision Day. While May 1st is the standard deadline to submit enrollment deposits, the weeks leading up to it are a critical time for reflection and comparison. These are considerations to help you and your student navigate those final steps with confidence.

Recognizing the "Best Fit"

Choosing a college is about finding where your student will not just attend classes, but truly thrive. Consider these key areas of fit:

Academic & Professional Alignment:
Does the school offer strong programs in your student's areas of interest? Look beyond rankings to specific faculty expertise and job placement statistics.

Campus Culture: Encourage your student to trust their "gut" after attending admitted student events or virtual tours.

Support Systems: Evaluate the availability of academic advising, mental health resources, and career counseling.

Environment:
Consider practical factors like campus size (lecture hall vs. small seminar), location (urban vs. rural), and proximity to home.

Navigating Financial Packages:

Not all financial aid is created equal. It is essential to conduct an "apples-to-apples" comparison:

Identify "Gift Aid": Prioritize grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Check if these are renewable for all four years.

Calculate Net Cost:
Focus on the total cost of attendance (including housing and fees) minus gift aid, rather than just the sticker price.

Understand the Gap:
Distinguish between federal student loans and riskier options like Parent PLUS loans. Use tools like the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator to project future debt.

Appeal if Necessary:
If your financial circumstances have changed, contact the financial aid office immediately for a professional judgment review.

If You Are Still Unsure:

If the May 1st deadline is approaching and a decision hasn't been reached, consider these steps:

Request an Extension: Contact the admissions office. Some schools offer short extensions if you are waiting on final financial aid or scholarship information.

One-Year Perspective:
Remind your student that this is a one-year commitment, not a permanent one. Transferring is always an option later if the fit isn't perfect.

Address the Root Cause:
Help your student identify if the indecision is about a specific school or a broader fear of the unknown. Explore undecided major options if the struggle is about choosing a career path.

Once a choice is made, submit the deposit and notify other colleges so they can offer spots to students on their waitlists. Best of luck!

Granite Edvance is a NH based education non-profit group that helps students navigate financial aid packages and FAFSA filing questions for free. Here is the link to their site. You can go here to book an appointment with a specialist. These can be online or in person!

Decisions are arriving for high school seniors, as well as financial aid packages. Loans? Pell? Grant money? Fees? Scholarships? These can be difficult to decipher and navigate. Granite Edvance can help! Their specialists can meet with you and look over all of the package information for each school so you and your student can make the best decision.

Middle school is a time of immense transition—not just academically, but physically and socially. As bodies change, so do the habits required to keep them healthy. While it can feel like a "sensitive" topic, establishing a solid routine now builds the confidence and self-respect students need to thrive in the classroom.

🧴 The Hygiene "Must-Haves"

• Daily Showers & Deodorant: With puberty comes unfamiliar body odors. Encourage a daily shower routine and help your student choose a deodorant they feel comfortable using.

• The Power of Clean Hands: Handwashing is still the #1 way to prevent school absences. Remind them to wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after sports or using shared school devices.

• Face & Dental Care: Hormonal changes can lead to acne; a simple daily face wash can help. Likewise, remind them that brushing and flossing twice daily is vital for both health and fresh breath.

• Clean Clothes: It’s a common middle school phase to want to wear the same "lucky" hoodie every day. Gently explain that fresh clothes—especially socks and underwear—are essential to managing odors.
  
  

🌙 Healthy Habits for School Success

• Prioritize "Sleep Hygiene": Middle schoolers need 9–12 hours of sleep to stay focused. Experts at the National Association of School Nurses recommend keeping electronics out of the bedroom to prevent late-night "scrolling" that disrupts rest.

• Fuel the Brain: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein supports the immune system. Encourage your student to drink water instead of sugary sodas to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.

• Movement Matters: Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This doesn't have to be a formal sport; a family walk or even "kitchen dancing" helps reduce stress and improve memory.

💡 A Note on the "Counselor Approach."

Try to keep conversations about hygiene positive. Avoid shaming or nagging, as this can affect self-esteem. Instead, frame these habits as skills for independence and a way for them to "take charge" of their growing bodies.

🔥 Fire Team

🌎 Earth Team