The Souhegan Scoop

Additional event information is available via this interactive Trumba calendar. Click here for the official SAU 39 school year calendar. Additional event information is available via this interactive Trumba calendar.

At SAU39, we are committed to providing all students with access to high-quality learning resources that support both academic growth and personal development. As part of this commitment, Souhegan High School has long offered access to Sora by OverDrive, a platform that allows students to explore a wide range of eBooks and audiobooks for both academic and recreational reading.

While Sora remains an approved resource under New Hampshire's Data Privacy Agreement, a recent update now requires students to sign in using their school-assigned Google account. As part of Google Workspace Marketplace’s terms of use, students will need a signed parent/guardian release form to access Sora using their Google login.

Please note that this update is only about using the Google login for access—students who are already familiar with and using Sora will continue to do so as before. The personal information shared will be minimal (only their school email address) and their accounts will be deleted upon graduation from Souhegan High School.

If you are comfortable with your child accessing Sora via their school Google login, please complete the parent/guardian release form (found in the PowerSchool Parent Portal) by Monday, November 4. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that students continue to have access to these valuable learning resources.

We look forward to welcoming you into the building for PTCs next week on Monday, November 4, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, November 5, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM! As of 11:59pm on Thursday, our signup portal closed. If you want to verify when you signed up for a conference, follow the directions linked here. If you missed sign ups but still wish to conference with a teacher, please contact them directly, but note their schedules may be full at this point.

For more details please see the full letter sent out on Friday, October 11 here.

Today, 11/1, is the final day for students and families to enroll in the Honors Challenge by communicating with the course teacher. All students and families should have received confirmation emails as of last week. All students who have opted into the Honors Challenge will see an “HP” designation on progress reports, and teachers will keep students and families updated on progress in fulfilling Honors Challenge requirements as the year progresses.

As we approach the mid-semester point, please be aware that grades for mid-semester 1 will close on Monday, 11/4, with progress reports available on PowerSchool at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, 11/14. This interim period allows teachers to finalize grades, and we encourage students and families to review assignment scores and communicate with teachers regarding any questions or concerns. Remember, course scores are rolling, and the progress report reflects learning progress up to that date, while final scores will be communicated on transcripts.

Additionally, at the end of each reporting period (November, January, April), students with off-campus privileges and their parents will be notified of any changes to their status based on academic performance and adherence to the student handbook.

We're excited to share a fantastic opportunity for K-12 students! The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched an art contest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Students across the U.S. are invited to submit original art in various mediums—drawings, paintings, photos, dance, songs, videos, poetry, and essays.

Entries will be accepted from October 1, 2024, until January 20, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. For more information, visit the EEOC's website: 60th Anniversary Art Contest. If you have questions, you can reach out to artcontest@eeoc.gov.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with students and fellow community partners!

Picture retake day is Wednesday, November 6.

For Retake Students: If you're unsatisfied with your picture package, just return it along with your proof sheet to the photographers on Retake Day. You'll get a new photo taken, and your package will be replenished at no cost.

For Absent Students: If you missed Picture Day and are getting your photo taken for the first time, join us on Retake Day! You'll receive a proof afterward with all the details on how to order.

Join us in a special tribute to our heroes. SHS welcomes the community to attend as we recognize and honor our nation's veterans, active service members, and their families.

There's still time to sign up for the trip to France and Switzerland over April vacation 2025! Please see Jessica Minott (jminott@sau39.org) or Wendy Sue Williams (wwilliams@sau39.org) for more information.

The Saber Puff Tournament has been moved to Thursday, November 7 after school at 3:30!

The November Student Services Newsletter is now available!

This month’s student services newsletter includes:

Apply NH Details (12th Grade); Accessing PSAT Results (11th); Enrichment Program Information, such as St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program (10th & 11th) and Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar (10th); Mid-semester Grade Info and Cell Phone Addiction Info/Links.

BAE Systems offers 2 STEM Outreach programs for High School students interesting in gaining exposure, building skills and making industry connections. The FOCUS Program is an 11 week, hands-on program open to students in 9th - 12th grade. The Women in Technology (WIT) is 16 week program designed to give high school girls exposure to a variety of engineering disciplines. Additional information, dates, deadlines and applications regarding the two programs are available below. Students who choose to apply, and need assistance, are encouraged to reach out to their counselor.

FOCUS details:

• Dates: January 8 through March 19, 2025

• Time: Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

• Location: Nashua Canal Street facility

• Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)

• Application link: https://app.tallo.com/talent/opportunity/view/57fd7532-0fcb-40d3-8bb1-4595a84432a7

• Application deadline: November 25

• Website: www.baesystems.com/focus

Women in Technology details:

• Dates: January 21 through May 20, 2025

• Time: Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

• Locations: Southern NH BAE Systems facilities (Hudson, Merrimack, Nashua)

• Eligibility: Female identifying students in grades 11 & 12

• Application link: https://app.tallo.com/talent/opportunity/view/6eb96771-ca72-4d9c-8bb0-d8ddcd64c3a4

• Application deadline: December 14

• Website: www.baesystems.com/wit

All students at SHS are required to complete community service hours in order to graduate. Information about the community service requirement as well as instructions for submitting hours can be found on our website.

Click here to view available community service opportunities!

Diet Soda Club - Hayden, Chaz

High schooler Reed spends most of his time in and out of the hospital taking care of his 10-year-old sister Beatrice, who has spinal muscular atrophy. Ever since the siblings' father's recent death in an accident, their mother has struggled to manage the household. When her new boyfriend invites her on a weekend getaway, she leaves Reed to care for Beatrice, who's recovering from pneumonia.

What happened to Reed's mother and can he help his sister recover from pneumonia? How will these heavy responsibilities affect him? Check out this book and find out!

At this point, seniors have been matched with their Senior Project mentors, and they should have an established time and day for their weekly meetings. Seniors and mentors should now be discussing ideas for projects, developing appropriate Essential Questions, and continuing to fill in their Senior Project Planners. The first panel meetings will take place December 4 and December 5 after school.

Dear Senior Parents and Students,

On Voting Day, Tuesday, November 5, the PTSA will be hosting a raffle for a selection of gift cards! To make this event a success, we need volunteers to help sell raffle tickets at a table inside the building, just outside the gym doors.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using this link.

Your support would be greatly appreciated, and it's a great way to contribute to our school community!

Thank you!

Souhegan PTSA

Meet the wonderful and talented staff members of SHS!

Kara Claridge

What is your role at Souhegan?

School Counselor

How long have you been with Souhegan?

This is my first year at Souhegan!

What do you love about your job?

Working in a school is so kinetic and each day is a new and fun challenge. I love building connects with students, helping them identify their goals and then watching those goals come to life!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work my husband and I try to get outside as much as possible! We both love to mountain bike and play in the snow when it's there (backcountry skiing or cross country skiing). I teach weekly fitness classes at a small studio in Manchester. I also love to cook, read and spend time with my family and friends, as well as our cat Jeff Gordon.

If you were given one wish what would it be?

To be able to teleport - sitting in traffic is no fun and it would be a lot easier to travel!

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

“That’s where the adventure is. Not knowing where you’ll end up or how you’ll fare. It’s all a mystery, and when we say any different, we’re just lying to ourselves.” The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This week on council we the appeal of the Rank by Request proposal. Next week because of Parent Conferences we will not be having a meeting, and our next meeting will be Tuesday, 11/12 at 3:00 in the Info Center, where we will continue our discussion of the appeal.

Click here to purchase your 2025 yearbook today!

You can also order the 24-25 yearbook and prior years on MySchoolBucks!

The Souhegan Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is dedicated to supporting all Souhegan students. Think of us as a booster club for the entire high school experience, collaborating with school administration and staff to address matters that impact students and families.

At the polls on Tuesday, there will be a Project Graduation table selling raffle tickets for a prize worth over $100 in gift cards.

Sign up to help out at the table. (Works great around your student’s conference) https://bit.ly/4gXClvS

And don’t forget to stop by to enter!

Buy a gift card! - Money goes to Souhegan students!

The Souhegan PTSA is utilizing a passive fundraiser this year- called RaiseRight. You connect your bank account (or credit card) to the app and purchase gift cards for regular purchases (or as gifts). When you buy the gift card, companies give a kickback to the PTSA. Participation can make this fundraiser a huge success.

Download the RaiseRight App or go online: https://www.raiseright.com/

Enrollment Code: X1SLUER9WCDI

Stay Connected

Follow our Facebook page, Souhegan PTSA, to stay informed about our initiatives throughout the year.

Become a Member

Join us and make a difference! Sign up for PTSA membership here: Membership Form.

Email List

Want to stay in the loop? Email us at SouheganPTSA@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list!

Winter Sports registration is now open. Please log into PowerSchool, click forms on the left, then SHS Athletic Registration-Winter. User Fees are paid through MySchoolBucks. There is not an invoice created for user fees. To find your fee, once logged into My School Bucks, please click stores, then show all. This will bring in the full menu of winter sports to choose from.

Start dates for each sport are as follows:

• Basketball: 12/2
• Bowling: 11/18
• Gymnastics: 11/25
• Ice Hockey: 12/2
• Indoor Track: 12/2
• Alpine Ski: 11/25
• Nordic Ski: 12/9
• Swimming: 11/18
• Wrestling 11/18
• Unified Basketball: 12/16

The Sabers placed 2 girls in the top 16 as they raced to 4th place among
the 17 DII teams at Derryfield Park in Manchester on Saturday. Hanover
topped Oyster River for the team title. Plymouth outraced Souhegan for
3rd place honors, and Coe Brown rounded out the top teams with their 5th
place finish. The Sabers were led by Samantha Swanbon, who placed 12th
in 21:31. Senior Sarah Bryson ran her best race of the season, as she
placed 15th in 21:57! Anna Brammer-DePuy (24th, 23:03), Madelyn Mooney
(38th, 24:11) and freshman Jessie Bowers (48th, 25:15) also contributed
to the Saber scoring.

Souhegan earned a berth at next week's New Hampshire Meet of Champions,
as the top 5 teams advance. This marks the 16th consecutive year that
the Saber Girls Team will compete at the MoC's!

The Souhegan Boys Cross Country Team had their best race of the season
as they captured 4th place among the 17 teams in the DII State Meet on
Saturday afternoon at Derryfield Park in Manchester! The Sabers scored
115 points to easily outdistance Milford (167), and came within 7
points of upsetting a strong Oyster River team! Hanover took first
with 39 points, followed by Coe Bown with 53. Senior Dallen Noorda led
the way for the Sabers with his 10th place finish, but it was sophomores
Tom Arnoldy, and Ryan Quinn, along with freshman Jacob Spencer who had
outstanding races in their first ever state meet, that powered Souhegan
to their low score. Arnoldy, and Quinn both nabbed top 20 spots,
finishing in 18th and 20th respectively, while Spencer closed strong to
finish 28th. Senior Kasen Fox turned in another solid race with his
39th place finish in the field of 114 finishers, to complete the scoring
for the Sabers.

Website: https://www.sau39.org/shs
Location: 412 Boston Post Road, Amherst, NH, USA
Phone: (603) 673-9940
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/souheganhs
Twitter: @SouheganHS