Twenty-eight juniors and seniors participated in an information session and campus tour at Southern New Hampshire University on Thursday, October 17.

For more than half of the students, this was their first time visiting a college, according to the exit tickets that they filled out at the end of the visit. Some of the new buildings and programs at SNHU — including Aeronautical Engineering — were particularly interesting to students.

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located between Manchester and Hooksett. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, along with national accreditation for some hospitality, health, education, and business degrees.

Since 2018, ConVal Regional High School has been a designated PASCH school — one of only 14 high schools in the United States to have received this special honor.

"PASCH" stands for "Schulen: Partner der Zukunft" in German, which translates to "Schools: Partners for the Future" in English. PASCH brings together schools that place a high value on German language instruction. Sponsored by the Goethe Institut and the German Federal Foreign Office, the initiative is aimed at promoting German language education and fosters cultural exchanges between Germany and other countries.

Over the past weekend, the Goethe Institut organized a weekend camp in Colorado for German students and teachers from recognized PASCH schools in the United States, with exciting competitions based around the German language and culture. ConVal was represented by Frau Hodgdon, Riley Heider, and Campbell Maggs.

For more information about the weekend in Colorado with the motto "German, STEM, and Sports," please see this Facebook post from the Goethe Institut in Washington.

Spirit Week at ConVal High School was capped by the Homecoming Dance on October 12.

375 tickets to the dance had been sold during lunches in the weeks leading up to the event. The sophomore class sold concessions and had a successful fundraising night.

Learning a world language involves classroom instruction, homework study, becoming familiar with the cultures where the language is spoken, and sometimes a trip to a classroom away from campus.

On Thursday, October 10, students enrolled in Spanish 2 and 4 classes went to the Museum of Fine Arts in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Students got to see paintings of classic Spanish masters like El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco Goya, modern Spanish painters like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dali, as well as Latin American and Indigenous artists, such as Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, and Stan Natchez.

Students in Mrs. Grossi's Careers in Education classes began their twice-weekly practicum work last week in area schools. 

Students in Careers in Education I visit the Dublin Community Childcare and Preschool, and Careers in Education II students work with teachers at Antrim Elementary School as well as Great Brook School. 

These CTE students have the opportunity to observe teachers and their students interacting while building toward writing and then executing their own lesson plans.  This experience gives the high school students an authentic taste of what the student teaching experience will be should they choose to pursue it in college. 

Students who complete all of Mrs. Grossi's classes have the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits through Early College at Nashua Community College!

Students in Mr. Sudell's manufacturing program had the opportunity to tour both American Steel in Greenfield and New Hampshire Ball Bearings in Peterborough recently to learn about the businesses, their manufacturing processes, and internship opportunities. 

They heard from Peter Sirois at American Steel and Bill Farr at NHBB about how they use some of the manufacturing techniques that the students have been learning in their shop classes. 

Students were able to get on the shop floor in both locations and learn about what it takes to be employed in the manufacturing industry.

On the final day of Spirit Week, students and staff were asked to come to school in ConVal's signature colors. This day drew by far the most participants, with many students and staff dressed in combinations of blue and gold.

The day ended with the 8th ConVal Games which included a number of friendly student competitions like flag football, basketball "knockout," and giant beach volleyball. There was even a dunk tank and the Kona Ice truck for refreshments!

As expected, the senior class won the traditional tug-of-war competition.

On Thursday of Spirit Week, ConVal High School turned up the brightness with Neon Day with the unmistakable energy that only neon can bring. 

From bright pinks and greens to eye-popping yellows and oranges, Neon Day was an opportunity for different personalities to shine. 

Students and staff alike got in on the fun, sporting everything from neon vests and caps to neon-colored tutus and glow-in-the-dark accessories.