Message from Principal McKillop
Good Afternoon, Cougar Nation!
The temperatures have been rising and the sun is shining ... Spring is finally here!
We kicked off the first day of Spring on Monday with the first annual district band concert that showcased students in grades 5-12. This was followed on Tuesday evening with the first annual district choral performance that showcased students in grades 4-12. The gymnasium was packed and it was wonderful to celebrate all of our students! It was nice to host two district concerts here and was exciting to welcome future ConVal cougars performing in our building.
Speaking of future ConVal cougars, I had the opportunity to visit Pierce Elementary in Bennington on Thursday and participated as a mystery reader. I was welcomed by the staff and students, and loved every minute in the building as I shared my love for reading.
We were grateful to have a five day school week! In addition to the learning activities in classrooms, there are other exciting things happening. Spring athletics have started practicing and there is palpable energy for the new season. Play rehearsals are taking place, clubs are meeting, and students seem to have an extra pep in their step.
Have a wonderful weekend, and GO COUGARS!Best,
Heather
Careers in Education Students Qualify For Nationals
Congratulations to our Careers in Education students who competed in the state Educators Rising competition on March 17. Five of our Region 14 ATC/Educators Rising students qualified for Nationals in Orlando, FL, June 29 - July 3, 2023.
Top 5 Children's Literature K-3:
- Christine Broderick (ConVal)
- Wubalem Harrison (ConVal)
Top 5 Ethical Dilemma:
- Kim Leroux (Mascenic)
- Angelina McCabe (Mascenic)
- Zoe Never Hiers (ConVal)
Students will be fundraising in order to pay for their travel expenses. If you wish to contribute, please contact their instructor, Sarah Grossi, at sgrossi@conval.edu. Thank you!
Students Receive Cougar CARES Awards
Congratulations to the recipients of the February Cougar CARES Awards. Faculty, staff, and students can nominate one student each month for a Cougar CARES Award. The goal is to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate the actions described in the ConVal C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Adaptability, Respect, Engagement, and/or Safety) behavior matrix.
The following students were recognized:
- Freshmen: Alex Akerley, Owen Chauncey, Nora Eliopoulos, Ally Larson, Olivia Michaels, Henry Siegl, Henry Vivilecchia
- Sophomores: Amanda Bergeron, Eliza Bull, Hannah Daniels, Autumn Pierson, Kalyn Ross, Ryan Whitney
- Juniors: Ruthie Cassidy, Joshua Decker, Jessica Henrikson, Makila Sestito, Rosemary Shifflet
- Seniors: Liam Bishop, Chelsea Cilley, Nicole Davison, Sam Henderson, Mikala Mackesy, Shannon O’Malley
Congratulations, all, for modeling Cougar CARES behavior!
Science Teacher Receives International Fellowship
Congratulations to ConVal science teacher Carol Young who has been selected by the nonprofit organization Ecology Project International (EPI) to participate in an 8-day Teacher Fellowship in Costa Rica in April. She will be immersed in the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope. Days will be spent collecting data and planning hands-on lessons near Pacuare Reserve, a field research station managed by EPI.
Young will work alongside other researchers and instructors on a variety of ongoing ecological studies, such as monitoring leatherback sea turtles and observing the behavior and social structures of primates. Throughout the program, she will learn strategies she can bring back to her classrooms to help students observe, question, collect data, and critically analyze the world around them.
Mrs. Fabianski's Introduction to Technology
Mrs. Grossi's Human Growth and Development
In Human Growth and Development students are exploring the influence of nature and nurture on a child's development.
Students watched and responded to a documentary on a child's first three years of life.
Fascinating fact: 90% of our brain's growth happens in our first three years of life!
To access the information about the CTE programs at the Region 14 Applied Technology Center, please click this link.
Since 1984, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded over $250 million in college scholarships to deserving students. Through nationally recognized educational programs, the Association reaches out directly to our nation's young people with a message of hope, opportunity, responsibility, and perseverance.
We are proud to continue providing support for students seeking to pursue career or technical education in a post-secondary environment. This program provides financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.
Criteria:
- High school or equivalent completion by July 1
- Be enrolled in an associates, certificate, or diploma program leading to employment (may not be enrolled in pre-requisite courses)
- Attend a not-for-profit school
- Demonstrate financial need (Family income under $55,000 OR Pell eligibility)
- US citizenship
- Student is under the age of 35
The application is now open to students who are currently enrolled or will enroll at a community college/technical center in pursuit of a technical degree. Applicants may apply online at CTE Application with a priority deadline of June 15.
This year, we will award 500 new CTE scholarships to help students pursue their programs at community colleges and non-profit technical institutions with a maximum award amount of $2,500 depending on the length of program and need of the student. For more information about this program please visit our website. Any questions regarding the CTE scholarship can be submitted to scholarships@horatioalger.org.
Course Selection Process For 2023-2024
Course selection for the 2023-24 school year is well under way! Students entered their course selections in PowerSchool this week, and school counselors will have follow-up meetings with students over the next several weeks. For other school counseling news, please follow this link: March 2023 School Counseling Newsletter.
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.
Big News: April 16th the Baseball Team will be playing at Delta Stadium, home of the NH Fisher Cats, for a double header against Milford High School. Reach out to a ConVal baseball player to purchase tickets or contact the athletics and co-curricular office for more information.
ConVal School Store - Fan Wear Spring Sale 2023
The ConVal School Store is located in the ConVal Cafeteria and is open during the school year. Visitors can find everything from t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, winter hats, and jackets.
There is also an online store option that accepts orders for all of our regular apparel items as well as accessories like ConVal-branded backpacks. Click here for the special sales.
