Cougar News
ConVal High School Happenings - September 12, 2025
Message from Principal McKillop
Good Afternoon, Cougar Nation!
It has been wonderful to share our first full week together on campus. As I’ve popped into classrooms, I’ve seen students deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and showing energy for learning. Clubs are beginning to meet, students are exploring ways to get involved, and class elections are underway...the excitement of a new school year is definitely here!
Last night we were delighted to welcome parents, guardians, and community members to our Fall Open House. For many new families, it was their first opportunity to experience our school community. As I shared, please never hesitate to reach out with any questions. To support you, here again is our school communication protocol. This ensures your questions are answered in a timely and helpful way.
The sun is shining, excitement is in the air, and today we have Girls Soccer at 4:00 pm, Varsity Football at 7:00 pm, and auditions for the fall musical after school. Our drumline is also preparing to perform tomorrow (Saturday) at the Home and Harvest Festival in Antrim at 11:30 am. As a reminder, this month we are kicking off the NH Tackles Hunger food drive. Please read more below.
I look forward to cheering on our student-athletes this afternoon and celebrating our talented students at the festival tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend, and as always, GO COUGARS!
Best,
Heather
The bell-to-bell ban on personal communication devices in all New Hampshire schools prohibits the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and similar technology from the first to the last bell of the school day. This new law took effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to eliminate distractions and maintain an learning-focused environment. Students are expected to keep personal devices powered off, locked in the school-provided NuKase containers, and stored away during all instructional and transition times, ensuring that attention remains on academic and school community participation.
Picture Day for ConVal Regional High School is September 16, 2025. Picture Day fosters a sense of community and provides professional pictures for the annual school yearbook. Students need IDs for various reasons, such as serving as proof of identity for work permits or to take the SAT, so please ensure that your child has their picture taken on picture day.
To order pictures:
- Login at geskusprint.com
- Enter the event code C9ZY72JL
- Select your product
- Check out
Easy Transition to Using NuKase Boxes
With Assistant Principal Mr. Thibault looking on, students proved themselves adaptable as they adjusted their dismissal routine during a staggered release on Thursday. This was the first day that the NuKase electronic device management system was in place. At the end of the school day, students had no problem getting their devices unlocked in the main corridor with Mrs. Pike before heading to their buses.
Fall Open House Fosters Parent Connections
The ConVal High School Fall Open House was held on Thursday, September 11. It gave parents an opportunity to connect with school counselors and administrators. Families got to interact with classroom teachers, learn about their specific teaching styles, review the curriculum, understand classroom expectations, and get answers to questions, all in an effort to build a collaborative partnership that is crucial for their students' growth.
A Thank You To ConVal's School Bus Drivers
As part of Open House, Principal McKillop met with school bus drivers in the library. She expressed appreciation for their central role in ConVal's positive school culture. Bus drivers establish the first and last impression of the school day, provide a safe and reliable start to education, foster a respectful atmosphere on the bus, act as crucial resources for student well-being, and embody a sense of community that extends beyond academics.
Hope Squad Indoor Field Trip
Members of Hope Squad held an indoor field trip with their advisors on Friday, September 12. Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that trains trusted student leaders to recognize peers in distress, encourage them to seek help, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The program aims to foster human connections and helps connect struggling students with counselors and other trusted adults.
Health and Wellness
In Health and Wellness I this week, Mr. Benham brought his class into the fitness center for a hands-on introduction to the equipment. Students explored both cardio machines and weight-training tools, with a clear focus on proper use, technique, and safety. The lesson emphasized building confidence in the space while reinforcing the importance of health and wellness.
3D Art
As students work on their 3D art projects, Mr. Putnam demonstrates proper folding techniques, clarifying the process and helping them grasp each step more effectively.
Upcoming School Counseling Events
Throughout the months of September and October, school counselors will be meeting with seniors in small groups, and will be scheduling 1:1 meetings with every senior to go over their post high school goals and help with resumes, job searches, college applications, and more. Seniors, be on the lookout for an e-hall pass from your school counselor. During September and October school counselors will be meeting with their freshmen students in small groups for an introduction to high school and school counseling and to complete the Strengths Explorer survey in Naviance.
FAFSA Information
What is FAFSA?: FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid.
Who should fill out the FAFSA?: All college-bound seniors and one parent need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to be eligible for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.
When: The FAFSA is available each year starting on October 1. It is best to submit your FAFSA as early as possible because many schools offer financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click the link above for more information.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, October 22 at 6:00 pm for our Financial Aid Presentation with Granite Edvance - Click HERE to register for the webinar
College Overview Night for Seniors and Families
Who: Seniors and their families
What: Join the school counselors for an overview presentation about the college application process, application components, and financial aid.
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Where: ConVal Library
PSAT Sign Ups (Sophmores and Juniors)
The PSAT/NMSQT is an optional practice exam for the SAT, which all students take in the spring of their junior year. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to participate as a way to strengthen their skills and prepare for the SAT.
Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Interested students can sign up in the School Counseling Office with Ms. Bull. Deadline to sign up: Friday, September 19, 2025.
PSAT Test
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Where: ConVal High School
Cost: $18 dollars (cash or check made payabe to ConVal High School).
Click here to sign up for the PSAT Exam
St. Paul's Advanced Summer Program-Rep Visit (Sophmores and Juniors)
Who: Donald Anselmi from St. Paul's School
What: Is your student interested in a unique residential summer program where they work with other talented and engaged high school students on academic exploration, leadership development, and college prep? Check out St. Paul's School Advanced Summer Program. Learn More Here
When: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Room 417 (across from the library) - Sign up in school counseling if you're interested in learning more.
NHCUC Mini College Fair
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 9:45 am – 10:55 am
Location: ConVal Cafeteria
Visit with college admissions reps from New Hampshire Colleges - Keene, UNH, Plymouth, SNHU, Rivier, St. Anselm's, NHTI, MCC, NCC, Colby-Sawyer, New England College, and more!
Ask your teacher for a pass to the college fair during TASC.
(Open to all grade levels)
Field Trip
What: NEACAC Fall College Fair
Where: Mount Wachusett Community College - Gardner, MA.
When: Thursday, September 25, 2025. 9:00 am - 11:15 am
* Permission slips are available in the school counseling office. Space is limited, first come first serve.
Kiwanis Club of Peterborough
The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is continuing to generously support the Region 14 Applied Technology Center CTE Student of the Month this school year. Every month, students are nominated by their CTE teachers for demonstrating work readiness skills and a willingness to engage with their communities. Through the financial support of the Kiwanis Club, award recipients receive a $150 prize, with $100 going to the student and $50 going to a nonprofit of the student's choice, in addition to other benefits. Please consider supporting the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough at one of their upcoming yard sales!
Bring Back The Trades
Bring Back the Trades awards monthly scholarships during the school calendar year to students from across the United States who are attending post-secondary education in the Skilled Trades. Monthly scholarships of $1,500 are awarded each month and sent directly to the secondary school the award recipient is attending. Applying is easy! Click here, write a short essay or share a short video (8 MB or less in size) explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
NH Construction Career Days
Exciting Field Trip Opportunity! Students who are interested in careers in construction trades, engineering, and natural resources should sign up for NH Construction Career Days! This fun, full-day field trip happens at the 4H Fairgrounds in New Boston and students have the opportunity to drive heavy equipment, control
robots and drones, and climb trees with arborists. Space is limited,
Athletics
This week our Unified Soccer Team played their first game at home against Souhegan. Our team played great and came away with a victory! They play their last home game on Wednesday, 9/17. We hope to see you at the Stadium!
If you missed the football game last Friday night, you missed a good one. ConVal defeated Kennett High School 21-20 in overtime. The Cougars play at home again tonight vs. defending D2 champs Souhegan at 7:00 pm .
The boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball teams are off to great starts: the boys’ soccer team has started 3-0 for the year with a win this past Wednesday, 9/10 over John Stark. The volleyball team won their first two matches of the season this week, 3-0 versus Gilford and Campell.
Tomorrow (Saturday, 9/13/25) the cheerleading team is holding a carwash at ConVal High School from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Swing by, get your car sparkling clean, and support our amazing team!
While we are at the start of the fall season, please know that registration for winter sports is open. Don’t wait until the last minute to register. Registration must be completed using Final Forms which can be found in the Sports Registration tab on the Conval Athletics website.
NCAA Eligibility: Student athletes looking to play college sports at the Division I or Division II level must register with the NCAA. To do so, please check out the NCAA Eligibility Center by clicking HERE.
NH Tackles Hunger
This month we are kicking off the NH Tackles Hunger food drive! Each year WMUR, the New Hampshire Foodbank and the Dead River Company partner with high school athletic departments to bring awareness to, and collect donations to support our local foodbanks. At school, classes are collecting non-perishable food items, and at games and events, we will have a box for donations. Each year, Conval is a leader in the state for supporting this cause and our local community. The drive culminates during our homecoming weekend, with our NH Tackles Hunger Football Game on Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. Fans who bring a non-perishable item to the game will receive free admission.
Homecoming
Homecoming is happening on October 3 and 4, 2025! On Friday night, October 3, volleyball and football are scheduled to play. Volleyball is hosting Hanover, while football is taking on Plymouth. As mentioned above, the football game is the NH Tackles Hunger Game! On Saturday, October 4 we have a slate of games: field hockey (10:00 a.m.), boys’ soccer (12:00), and girls’ soccer (2:00). This promises to be a great day of sports and community. We hope to see you there!
Co-Curriculars
With school back in session, school club advisors met to begin planning opportunities to enrich our students’ school experience. One of the best things about high school is the opportunity to join a team or club, and Conval has several opportunities for students to get involved and engaged in school activities. To see what clubs are offered, please take a look at our Co-Curricular offerings on our website. Feel like something is missing? Please reach out to the Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars, Larry Pimental at lpimental@conval.edu.
📬 184 Hancock Road, Peterborough, NH 03458
📞 (603) 924-3869 📧 conval.highschool@conval.edu
gps 42.9099171, -71.9407079 (map)