For the past 26 years, students enrolled in Ms. Young's Anatomy and Physiology course have had the opportunity to combine science and art. The assignment asks them to create artistic expressions based on their observations of the microscopic structure of cells and tissues that make up the human body.

This year, the students' scientific study of thin slices of tissue under the microscope to understand the composition and function of its cells gave rise to a wide range of impressionistic and abstract artworks. They employed a diverse range of media, including pencil sketches, ink drawings, cartoons, paintings, scrapbooking techniques, mixed-media collages, and ceramics.

Students, parents, teachers, and staff members were invited to view the art gallery during two blocks on Friday and voted for their favorite artwork. The winners were:

• 1st place - Alia Dodge "Mangroves"
• 2nd place - Aidan Marony "Heart of Clay"
• 3rd place - Felix Gervin "Motor Neuron Kraken"
• Honorable Mentions - Logan Montano "Skeletal Snake" and Emma Hart "Smooth Snoopy"
• People's Choice Award (first place chosen by students) - Max Cail "Adipose Blobfish"

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg.

The one-hour adaptation of the Broadway musical features music by Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, They Might Be Giants, and many more.

The story follows SpongeBob and his friends in Bikini Bottom as they face an existential threat: a volcano is about to erupt and destroy their underwater home. With disaster looming, the community must unite to save their world, and an unlikely hero emerges to prove that optimism can truly save the day.

Come see this one-of-a-kind presentation by the ConVal Performing Arts! Reserve tickets are available at our.show/cvsponge.

To read the latest edition of the Cougar News by Principal Heather McKillop, please click here.

Mrs. Moore's English 9 class participated in a culminating mock trial to determine whether George Milton from John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" was guilty of manslaughter or first-degree murder of Lennie Smalls.

Students researched legal statutes from California, where the novel took place, and took on roles including opening statements, witness questioning, and closing statements. The trial was presided over by a super-fan of the novel, Mr. Mudrick, who pronounced the judgment at the end of the class period.

During Block 3 lunches, students in Ms. Leonard's Western World History class recently went to recruit people to their respective ancient civilizations.

In preparation for the recruitment drive, groups had to create a slide presentation with historically accurate information from reputable sources on the "5 Traits of Civilization": advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and advanced technology.

Students worked on synthesizing and comparing information from various sources, organizing it for their audiences, either peers or staff, using logical arguments to persuade people to join their civilization. Students also practiced civics skills like petitions and voter verification to prevent fraud.

After the activity, students shared their key take-aways from the assignment. Here are some of their comments: "My main takeaway was how difficult it can be to sell something to someone." "We had lots of fun going around in every lunch; it was cool how many people we got to talk to!" "I learned that you have to angle your information to who you're trying to convince." "I learned it was really easy to convince people to join a civilization. This was both an advantage and disadvantage." "People are surprisingly cautious about signing things."

ConVal High School's Picture Retake Day is October 30.

Retake day is for new students and staff members, transfer students, or for anyone who may have missed the initial picture day.

Additionally, our photographers from Geskus welcome anyone who is unhappy with the way their original picture turned out and would like to give it another try. Retake photos automatically replace original photos in school services and yearbook.

If a student chooses to retake their photo, please have them return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace it at no additional cost.

CTE teacher Sarah Grossi and her Careers in Education II students organized a field trip to Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard in Greenville today. The orchard has over 700 apple trees where visitors can hand-pick their own fresh apples.

To read the latest edition of the Cougar News by Principal Heather McKillop, please click here.