Cougar News

Good Afternoon, Cougar Nation!

Monday, March 2 kicked off Read Across America Week, and I have been fortunate to serve as a guest reader in half of our district’s elementary schools so far. This week I had the pleasure of visiting Hancock, Greenfield, Francestown, and Peterborough. Next week I will travel to Temple, Dublin, Antrim, and Pierce.

It was such a joy to read with students across our schools. I am pictured here with some students from Francestown Elementary School. After reading to the school, I was invited back into a classroom to join a few reading groups before heading back to the high school. Sharing my love of reading with our younger learners was a true highlight, and I enjoyed telling students in all schools how excited we are to welcome them to the high school one day.

Back at the high school, we also welcomed home students who traveled to Belize over break for a wonderful learning experience. Please be sure to read more about that trip below. We hope to offer the trip again in the spring of 2028. You will also see classroom and athletic highlights from the short time we have been back together, as well as important updates from our School Counseling Department.

I hope to see as many of you as possible on Friday, March 13, for our District Band Concert. The evening begins promptly at 6:30 pm and promises to be a wonderful celebration of our students and the gift of music.

Staff have professional learning on Monday and Tuesday, so we will welcome all students back to school on Wednesday, March 11.

Have a wonderful weekend, and GO COUGARS!

Best,
Heather

• March 9 & 10 - No School - All Staff PD Days
• March 11 - UNH Manchester Field Trip (CTE)
• March 11: American Exchange Project Meeting - 6:30 - 7:30 pm
• March 13: District Band Concert at ConVal - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• March 14: Concord State House Field Trip - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• March 18: District Choir Concert at Conval - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• March 19: Spring Sports Meeting - 6:00 - 7:00 pm
• March 21: Spring Formal Dance - 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Congratulations to seniors Ema Richardson and Mason Deschenes who were both recognized by ELO/WBL Coordinator Nicole Flynn as our February CTE Students of the Month! Both Ema and Mason assisted during recent sending school student tours during February's National CTE Month. In addition, Ema was a teaching assistant for Mrs. Grossi in semester 1 who was always ready to lend a hand, and Mason has been a diligent and dedicated student and intern with Greenfield State Park.

The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has generously decided to honor our CTE Students of the Month this year with a $150 award, $100 of which goes directly to the student and $50 which will be donated to a nonprofit of the student’s choice. Please join the Region 14 ATC in congratulating Ema and Mason. We are proud of their successes and look forward to seeing where they go from here!

Over February Break, thirteen students chaperoned by Mrs. Andria Johnson, Mr. Toby Brown, and Ms. Carol Young, traveled to Belize with Ecology Project International to study tropical marine and rainforest ecology. The first half of the week was spent on Billy Hawk Caye where the students learned to snorkel, studied coral reef and mangrove ecology, dissected invasive lionfish, and collected data for an ongoing coral reef health survey. The Sabal family graciously hosted the group, teaching students about Garifuna culture through food, music, and dance. The last half of the week was spent at Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (TREES) research station. There students collected stream macroinvertebrate data, assisted with bat and mud turtle studies, learned about rainforest plants from an ethnobotanist, and completed individual research projects. The group also participated in several team-building activities, coconut bowling, and plenty of volleyball, strengthening friendships and collaboration skills. These experiences allowed students to practice field research techniques, contribute real data to ongoing conservation efforts, and deepen their connections to each other and the natural world. The group wishes to thank the many community members who supported this incredible opportunity. The Science Department hopes to offer this trip again in 2028. Look for more information to come in early spring 2027.

For the field trip opportunity below, permission slips are required; see Ms. Johnson for details.

Students in Careers in Education I & II are continuing their twice weekly practicum work at the Dublin Community Preschool & Childcare Center, Antrim Elementary School, and Great Brook School.

A selection of photos from students in Mr. Levesque's Digital Photo & Video class.

Students in Entrepreneurship researched famous entrepreneurs and shared their stories with their peers. Individuals researched included Tony Hawk, Jacob Wheeler, Carl Kiekhaefer, and Gabrielle Reece. Students were assigned to focus on their career chronology, risks they took, and successes they had.

Students participated in a live video call with a German parliamentarian, Jürgen Hardt, in Frau Hodgdon's classroom recently. Hardt has served in the Bundestag since 2009. Students asked a variety of questions, ranging from current world affairs to comparisons between the German and American political systems. The videoconference was sponsored by the Goethe Institut in Washington, DC. ConVal High School is one of just 14 schools in the entire US to be designated as a "PASCH" school — a partner school for the future — by the Goethe Institut.

Students in Graphic Design 1 are creating their own Lego figures. Designs range from the Wizard of Oz to famous soccer players to modern military.

Jayden Johnson, a Gordon University master's student and Ms. Montgomery's former student, had the opportunity to teach the students in US History about the Civil Rights Movement. Students had participated in a gallery walk where they investigated primary source documents from the Civil Rights Movements, such as Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech," newspaper articles and photographs from the Selma march to Montgomery, and songs from the movement, such as Billy Holiday's "Strange Fruit" and Aretha Franklin's "Respect."

Teaching Assistants Evan Aho and Henry MacKenzie-Hartwell worked with the wood lathes to create prototypes of wooden cups. Once they have the techniques down, the students will use hardwood to create the outer layer for stainless steel cups.

Learn about the building blocks of construction--CONCRETE! Tour the Mobile concrete Technology Center, check out live demonstrations and up-close precast elements, and learn how mix designs drive performance. The trip is Wednesday, March 26; the bus will leave ConVal at 8 and return by 12. Fill out this Form to sign-up, and see the main office for permission slips.

Cold and flu season has begun! We ask for your help in preventing the spread of illness in our school. Please click on the link for more information.

• March: Counselors meet 1:1 with all students to review credits, graduation requirements, and course requests.

• March -April: ConVal scholarship application is open in Naviance - deadline to submit: April 8.

• March 26: Field trip to Empire Beauty School - permission slips are in the office
  

• April 8: All Juniors take the school day SAT with essay.

• April 17: Field trip to Mount Wachusett Community College - permission slips are in the counseling office.
  

The State of New Hampshire requires all juniors to take the SAT with Essay during the school day. This assessment will be administered at ConVal on Wednesday, April 8.

All students are required to complete a digital readiness check on their chromebooks prior to the exam. All juniors will be booked to the LHT during TASC to complete the readiness check, and must arrive with a fully charged chromebook. View the CollegeBoard website for more information about what to expect on test day. Students are encouraged to prepare for the exam by completing practice tests and review activities available through Khan Academy and the College Board. Additional information about the SAT can be found at collegeboard.org.

Seniors: Now is the time to begin exploring ways to pay for your postsecondary education. The ConVal Scholarship Application will open in February and is due by April 8.

ConVal is fortunate to have a generous and supportive community that donates thousands of dollars each year to help graduating seniors pursue their future goals. Last year alone, over $100,000 in scholarships was awarded to ConVal students to support their next steps after graduation. Check Naviance in February for the ConVal Scholarship Application.

The NH Charitable Foundation is another scholarship organization available to ConVal Seniors to apply. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the largest provider of private scholarships in New Hampshire, awarding close to $8 million to nearly 2,000 students each year.

The NH Charitable Application opens for students applying for the Fall 2027 school year on January 30. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, April 10. For more information click HERE

School Counselors are offering a series of opportunities on Tuesdays during TASC related to selecting courses, preparing for college, applying for scholarships, and SAT prep time. We will meet in Room 417, across from the Library.

The School Counseling Department would like to share a college planning presentation with you to help you and your child begin thinking about and preparing for the future.

College Planning Presentation

In case you missed it, view the Applying to College 101 presentation from Granite Edvance at the link below.

https://graniteedvance.zoom.us/rec/share/aJpt3rjtu1gwcaqTlq8kUKAUs5D4OBAY8Lv_PIuTskTk9XJN9yjwrVJ1Zx6Sm8aM.iQBhNGtg5ybY50SY?startTime=1770850950000

Passcode: EU1A9^8n

Interested in a career in cosmetology? Join us for a tour of Empire Beauty School in Hooksett, NH, on Thursday, March 26. Permission slips are available in the school counseling office.

Interested in pursuing a 2 year degree or trade certification? Mount Wachusett Community College, located in Gardner, MA has a lot of wonderful programs, including Automotive Technology, Arts, Computer Science, and Veterinary Technology, among many others Check out their site here.

Join us on Friday, April 17 for a tour of MWCC and info session. Permission slips are available in the school counseling office.

Over the February break, the Athletic Department stayed busy.

On Sunday, 2/22, we hosted 145 wrestlers from 23 schools for the Division 3 State Wrestling Championship. ConVal fared well, with freshman Lane Williams winning the D3 Championship in the 120 lb weight class defeating all opponents by pin, while junior Colin Mao took 3rd in the 138 lb division. Both wrestlers earned an invitation to the state Meet of Champions to take on the best wrestlers in the state across all divisions. At the MOCs, Williams finished as runner up in his weight class, and has qualified for the New England Tournament this weekend. Good luck, Lane. Congratulations goes out to freshman wrestler Bella Erickson who competed in the Girls’ State Championship on 2/27, earning a place on the podium by finishing 4th overall.

The basketball teams each had 3 games over the break, including senior nights for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. On Wednesday, 2/25, seniors Brayden Boice, Max Cail, Max Erickson, Evan Lyons, and Jack Phleps were recognized for their commitment and contributions to the boys’ basketball program, and the winter spirit team celebrated Nora Eliopoulos’ for her dedication and leadership during her 4 years on the team.

On Friday, 2/27, the girls’ basketball team played the last home game of the winter season, recognizing seniors Brielle Proctor and Savannah McCarthy. And what a way to end the season! The team won 38 - 25 over Kennett High School of North Conway. Captains McCarthy and Proctor led the way for the Cougars with McCarthy scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds and Proctor scoring 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds registering her first double double of the season. The girls would like to thank ConVal Nation for all the support throughout the season, especially the ConVal Spirit team.

Speaking of the Spirit Team, they have their winter competition on Sunday, March 8 at 9:00 at Pinkerton Academy. Good luck, Cougars!

This week, members of the Nordic Ski team competed in the Nordic Skiing State Championship at Oak Hill Outdoor Center in Hanover. Senja Cox, Norah McNamara, and Lydia Decker all scored points for ConVal. Senja qualified for the Meet of Champions and the U16 Eastern High School Championships at Gore Mountain this coming weekend. Congratulations and good luck to Senja.

Spring season is upon us! Tryouts and practices start March 23, 2026. For specific practice information, please contact our coaches at: Coaches Contacts. As a reminder, all athletes need to be registered to participate.

We will be holding a spring preseason meeting for parents and players on Thursday, March 19, at 6:00 PM starting in the gym. The purpose of the meeting is for players, parents, and coaches to meet each other and learn about team expectations, goals, communication, schedules, and more. We look forward to seeing you.

The Class of 2029 (Freshmen) are seeking donations for their concession stand at the CV Spring Formal Dance (Peterborough Town Hall, March 21, 2026). The proceeds of the concessions help with Class of 2029 activities. If you are able to donate an item, please sign up here and drop off your donation to the CV Main Office by 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 19. Thank you for your support and generosity!

-- The Officers for the Class of 2029

The 2029 Class Officers hosted a cookie decorating class social event recently. About 50 freshmen students engaged in this opportunity during TASC. Students enjoyed getting to know others, being creative, and, of course, enjoying a sweet treat! A large thank-you to parent volunteer Mrs. Ruthanne Boice for baking and donating the cookies and frosting. With such positive feedback, the freshmen officers hope to plan more social events in the future. The freshmen class's next activity is selling concessions at the upcoming Spring Formal Dance on March 21 (see the poster above).

The ConVal High School Yearbook staff members are putting the final touches on this year's edition of the ConVal Yearbook. The book is an annual collection of your stories and your photos from the year. There's nothing else like it to share with your friends today and to hang on to share with your families for years to come! Order your copy by clicking here.

Punk Rock Skate Night

Youth Mountain Biking Team

📬 184 Hancock Road, Peterborough, NH 03458

📞 (603) 924-3869 📧 conval.highschool@conval.edu

🌐 cvhs.conval.edu

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