A highlight of Teacher Appreciation week was today's luncheon, generously sponsored by parent volunteers. The luncheon took place during the lunch blocks in the indoor concession area across from the gym.

In addition to delicious food options and cookies for dessert, there was also a raffle for a gift certificate to the Bantam Grill in Peterborough.

Thank you, parents, for recognizing our teachers and school professionals!

Mary Grossi (Class of 2018), EMT and Pharmacy student, visited Mrs. Grossi's Careers in Education I class Thursday morning to answer questions about CPR and First Aid.

The students in Mrs. Grossi's Careers in Education I class recently earned their National CPR, First Aid, and AED certification and had the opportunity to deepen their understanding with Mary's firsthand experience.

A portion of today's staff meeting was devoted to reviewing the proctor procedures for the upcoming NH SAS testing.

The New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System (NH SAS) is a series of tests given to students each spring to measure their progress and mastery of the New Hampshire College and Career Ready Standards (NH CCRS). Juniors will take the Science test this spring which is given in the 5th, 8th, and 11th grade.

NH SAS is a key tool for evaluating student learning and guiding educational improvements across all New Hampshire public and charter schools.

Principal Heather McKillop met with students today to discuss the student initiative for voter registration.

Six student leaders had been nominated by the Social Studies Department and are now working together to plan a Voter Registration Drive to occur at the Senior Breakfast on Thursday, June 12.

Sam Cassin from Open Democracy NH, a nonpartisan organization, visited with the student leaders to review the steps for hosting a successful voter registration drive.

Today, seniors celebrated "Lifelong Learning Day."

Students wore their post-secondary attire to school, whether they committed to college, plan to attend trade school, intend to enter the workforce, or will join the armed forces.

Traditionally, the day was known as "I Decided Day" and would normally be celebrated on May 1, but this year's late spring recess forced a postponement to May 7.

Students from the cast of Hadestown: Teen Edition were invited to perform at the monthly Francestown Coffee House on Saturday, May 3. They were accompanied and arranged by production choreographer Eve Pierce.

On their last day in Salzburg, the ConVal exchange students spent time with their host families, then came together for a brief walk/hike on the Gaisberg, a 4,200 ft peak in the Salzkammergut Mountains, followed by a farewell dinner.

The dinner was held at the Zistelam restaurant, a traditional old timber building in the Salzburger Bauernhaus style with sweeping views of the Alps. The restaurant dates back to the mid-19th century and has been in the same family for four generations.

Students enjoyed a great traditional dinner that was topped off with strudel for dessert. Hannah Daniels and Whitney Adair gave an awesome farewell speech.

"Maibaum aufstellen" (maypole raising) is a centuries-old festival tradition in Salzburg, Austria, celebrated at the beginning of May that marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. The maypole is typically prepared and decorated on April 30 and raised on May 1.

The pole, usually a tall, debarked pine or spruce trunk, is adorned with colorful ribbons, wreaths of pine needles, flowers, and sometimes pretzels or sausages. Decorations may also include hand-tied wreaths, ribbons, and food items, all symbolizing abundance and the vitality of spring.

The actual raising is a communal event, often performed manually with long wooden poles by groups of men, young and old, dressed in traditional lederhosen. The process is done in stages, with breaks for refreshments. The raising is usually accompanied by folk music, dancing (such as the traditional ribbon dance), and foods like sausages, grilled chicken, and other local specialties.

Maypole festivals are held throughout Salzburg and its surrounding villages, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience this living piece of folk culture. The event is a cherished opportunity for community gathering, marking not only the change of season but also local identity and tradition.