Weekly Cougar News
ConVal High School Happenings - June 9, 2023
Message from Principal McKillop
Good Afternoon, Cougar Nation!
We had quite a busy week on campus. Please make sure to reference the table of contents below for a complete list of the sections and stories in this newsletter.
On Wednesday morning, we celebrated student successes in grades 9-12 with academic and athletic awards. In the evening, some of our soon-to-be graduates were recognized for their accomplishments with over $154,000 in local scholarship awards to support their post-secondary plans. Over the course of the week, I enjoyed attending the senior breakfast, marching practice, signing yearbooks, and engaging in conversations with so many seniors who were sharing their plans post high school.
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 am, will be the 52nd commencement ceremony at ConVal High School. Graduation has always been one of my favorite events of the year. This momentous
occasion marks the concluding chapter of the high school careers for our students who truly demonstrated resilience throughout their time here. For those who cannot attend in person, there is a livestream link below to view the ceremonies.
This will be the last newsletter of this school year and I already look forward to continuing the ConVal Weekly News during the 2023-2024 school year. Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who read the newsletters this year. Please be on the lookout for school-related updates next week from the ConVal High School email address.
I look forward to spending the morning with so many in our community tomorrow.
Have a wonderful weekend, and GO COUGARS!
Best,
Heather
Graduation Livestream
The stream has been scheduled for June 10th at 10am on our Convalevents youtube channel (the same place it appeared last year):
Table of Contents
Upcoming Dates and Events
Dr. Helfried Zrzavy Honored
Graduation Practice Was A Success!
Scholarship Awards
CVHS Academic and Athletic Awards Assembly
Classroom Snapshots
Region 14 Applied Careers & Technical Education
School Counseling News
Athletic, Co-Curricular and Club Updates
Student Council Mud Volleyball
Yearbooks
Air Force Award
ConVal Performing Arts
Graduation Photo Contact Information
NH Department of Education - ReKINDling Curiosity Program
Tod Silegy Soccer Camps (June 26-June 30)
Help Wanted
Library Survey
Upcoming Important Dates and Events
- June 10: ConVal High School Graduation, 10:00am
- June 14: Final Exams Blocks 1 & 2, 7:45-11:15 am
- June 15: Final Exams Blocks 3 & 4, 7:45-11:15 am
- June 15: Chromebook Returns Grades 9-11 After Last Final
- June 16: Final Exam Make-ups
Staff Achievements
Dr. Helfried Zrzavy Honored at the 29th NH Excellence in Education Awards (EDIES)
Helfried Zrzavy Honored at the 29th NH Excellence in Education Awards (EDIES)
Technology Integration Specialist Helfried Zrzavy was honored at the 2023 NH Excellence in Education Awards on June 3rd with the Susan Janosz Technology Impact Award from the New Hampshire Society for Technology in Education (NHSTE).
Zrzavy accepted the award on behalf of the entire ConVal High School Library, Integration, and Technology Services (LITS) team and the district-wide Blended Learning Leadership Team (BLLT). He also thanked the school and district administrations as well as the ConVal School Board for their support, without whom the establishment of a successful blended learning environment would not have been possible.
The NHSTE Technology Impact Award is named in memory of Susan Janosz, a longtime employee of the Manchester School District who was employed as a Technology Integrator. In the past, this award has gone to Technology Directors, Technology Coordinators, Technology Integrationists, Curriculum Coordinators, Media Specialists/Generalists, School District Administrators (i.e., Principals and Vice Principals), and SAU Administration (i.e., Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents).
GRADUATION PRACTICE WAS A SUCCESS
The chairs are set up, the stage is set, the speeches are written and Saturday is the culmination of all of the students' hard work and dedication! Marching practice for ConVal’s graduating class of 2023 took place this past week. Students practiced the processional, receiving their diplomas, and the recessional. The graduating seniors were joined by junior class parade marshals, Nathan Klonel and Jack Harris, ConVal’s Concert Band, Principal Heather McKillop, Assistant Principals Rick Simoneau and Erik Thibault, and Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders. Rehearsals looked phenomenal, and the students were attentive to detail. Students also had time to connect as a class one last time, sign yearbooks, pick up their caps and gowns, and return school supplies following the final practice and senior breakfast on Thursday. Thank you to the graduating class for all your hard work this week. We look forward to a wonderful ceremony on Saturday!
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The ConVal community gathered together Wednesday evening to recognize members of the senior class that received over 154 thousand dollars in scholarship monies. The ConVal community is very appreciative and grateful for the generosity of the many organizations, families, and individuals who have established scholarships in memory and honor of others.
Congratulations to the following seniors receiving scholarships and we wish them the best as they move on to their selective post-secondary institutions:
ConVal High School Recipients:
Morgan Bemont, Bryson Boice, Callie Boisvert, Wyatt Burbank, Lydia Cleveland,
Rowan Davidson, Brianna Decker, Annabelle DeLisle,
Addison Dodge, Kai Flynn, Eliza Harris, Sophia Hatmaker, Madison Hatt, Allison Hodgen,
Isabelle Howard, Liliana Juarez, Hayden Kaltsas, Abigail Kamieniecki, Audrey Lang,
Danielle Luke, Addison Lustenberger, Lily Mandel, Catherine Martin, Olivia Martino,
Emily Martins, Eva McCullough, Makennah McPherson, Zoe Nevers-Hiers, Liam O’Mahony,
Alexander Olivo, Natalie Preble, Leigha Psiras, Madigan Rogers, Keegan Ross,
Jada Stevens, Kendall Stevens, Avery Swasey, Dominic Trodella
Scholarships:
Adam Vaillancourt, LLC Scholarship
Amy Zaluki Stone Memorial Scholarship
Antrim Wind Energy
Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors Scholarship
ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars - John Vance Scholarship
ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars -PJ O'Rourke
ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars-Kenneth Christian Scholarship
ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars-Martha Scott Memorial Scholarship
ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars-Peterborough Garden Club Scholarship
CVEA Scholarship Awards
Daniel A. Blanchette Memorial Scholarship
Daughters of the American Revolution
David Day Memorial
Derek Witherell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Diane McClintock Scholarship
Doris Belcher Scholarship
Dr. Herbert Flewelling Scholarship
Dublin Community Scholarship
Edward E. French Scholarship
Grand Monadnock Rotary Club
Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship
James W. Jameson Scholarship
Joan C. Schnare Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of Peterborough - Ann Geisel Memorial Community Service Award
KMS Foundation
Mary Lou O'Neil Memorial Fund
Morgan Betz Memorial Scholarship
Norma A. Houghton Scholarship
Peter Michael Abbott Scholarship
Peterborough Women's Club Scholarship
Peterborough Lions Club Scholarship
Pops Wescott Scholarship
Todd Warner Burgess Memorial Scholarship
CVHS Academic and Athletic Awards Assembly
On June 7, 2023 an all-school assembly was held to present academic and athletic awards to students in grades 9-12. Families of award recipients were also in attendance.
Awards categories included announcing the Class of 2023 Valedictorian (Natalie Preble) and Salutatorian (Katherine Craig), as well as numerous awards in the following categories:
- Library Award
- Athletic Awards
- NHIAA 3-Sport Athletes
- Art Awards
- ATC Awards
- Edith Bird Bath Essay Awards
- English and Theater Arts Awards
- Health and Wellness Awards
- Math Awards
- Music Awards
- Science Awards
- Social Studies Awards
- World Language Awards
- Silent Servant Awards
- College Book Awards
- NH Honor Society
A full list of award recipients will be posted on the school website next week!
Classroom Snapshots
Ms. England's Environmental Science
The 28th session of the United Nations' Climate Change Program was hosted by students in Ms. England’s Environmental Science class the past two weeks. In whole and small groups, students acted as representatives from countries and discussed proposals on rising sea levels, deforestation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas emissions. On the last day of the summit, students voted on resolutions and debriefed on the process of the summit.
Mr. Putnam's Ceramics
Mr. Putnam’s Ceramics class reflected on their growth as art students, specifically ceramic artists during their final presentations. Students showcased their pieces and their artistic processes.
To access the information about the CTE programs at the Region 14 Applied Technology Center, please click this link.
ConVal High School Counseling
School Counseling Newsletter
For the June edition of the School Counseling newsletter which covers a variety of topics, from mental health awareness month to "I Decided Day" celebrations, please click here.
In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741
You can also reach out by typing @CrisisTextLine on Facebook Messenger.
The service is here for any type of crisis and is available 24/7 for high-quality, text-based mental health support.
A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.
Reach out to get the help you need.
Athletic and Co-Curricular Updates
Upcoming in Athletics and Co-curriculars
Upcoming in Athletics and Co-curriculars:
Big News: Our softball team played their final game of the season last Saturday vs. the number one seed, Kingswood in the quarterfinals of the NHIAA Division II tournament. The Cougars played a tremendous game falling short in the top of the seventh inning by a score of 5-4. Congratulations to our softball team for a great season.
Big News: Three members of the softball team were awarded All-State recognition this fall. Morgan Bemont received first team All-State recognition, Lily Mandel received second team All-State, and Avery Moore received an honorable mention. Conval Nation is very proud of you!!!
2023 Fall Sports Registration is Open!!!!
Go to the link below or complete the registration process by hitting the link on the ConVal Athletics website. https://www.familyid.com
Student Council Hosted Mud Volleyball
The student council hosted Mud Volleyball last Friday, and now have a new team of champions! Congratulations to the Volleyball Diggers captained by Kendrick Edwards with teammates Briar Bethel, Zach Pease, Garret Rousseau, Carter Rousseau, and team MVP ConVal’s own Mr. Greg Leonard!
YEARBOOKS
Yearbooks were released this week during the senior breakfast and student lunches. The theme for this year's book is technology and it features everything from the new app BeREal to coverage of amazing ConVal events like Homecoming and Spirit Week. Books will continue to be on sale during school lunches for the remaining days of the school year. They are $85.00 cash or check made out to ConVal Yearbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Mitschmyer at kmitschmyer@conval.edu.
Air Force Award
On Wednesday, during the ConVal staff meeting, Brian Moore was awarded the Air & Space
Force Sentry Award. The award recognizes the top 10 educators across New England for their
exceptional commitment to their mission by embodying excellence, integrity and service in all
that they do. As one of the ten New England educators recognized, Mr. Moore will receive an
official Air Force Sentry trophy and will automatically be enrolled for the Air Force Educator tour.
The Air Force's Distinguished Educator Tour give educators such as principals,
superintendents, teachers and guidance counselors from all over the nation an opportunity to
experience the Air Force and Space Force firsthand. Congratulations Mr. Moore.
ConVal Performing Arts
ConVal Performing Arts hosted their 2nd Annual Performing Arts Banquet to celebrate the successes of their students this past year. Students and families from band, choir, and theatre arts gathered for a delicious potluck, followed by inductions to the International Thespian Society, Band Senior Superlatives, Choir Senior recognitions, and the annual student-hosted Lucy Awards! ConVal teacher, Jason Lambert, was also inducted into the Thespian Society as an honorary adult member for his contributions to the program.
Graduation Photos Contact Barksdale Photos
Looking for Substitutes, Paraprofessionals
The ConVal School District is looking for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.
The qualifications for employment as a substitute teacher or paraprofessional are as follows:
- Teaching experience not required
- Ability to work well with children and adults
- High school diploma or GED required
- At least 21 years of age
An appropriate certification or permission is required for long-term sub assignments.
To apply, please follow this link to the District’s online application system.
CVHS Library Survey
The library is looking for your feedback to assess the effectiveness of our program and improve our services. You can access the anonymous survey by clicking here. We appreciate your time!
Thank you!
Mrs. Bowman and Ms. Jones
ConVal Regional High School
Location: 184 Hancock Road, Peterborough, NH 03458 (map)
Phone: (603) 924-3869
Email: conval.highschool@conval.edu
Website: cvhs.convalsd.net