Updates from Principal Langille
Dear KRHS Family,
Welcome to December! While slightly longer than November for a month of school, it is a busy, busy, busy one; as well as a busy season for most all of us. We have our Winter Concert this week along with an Empty Bowl Fundraiser. What is that you ask? It is a fundraiser where you can buy fresh homemade soup and ceramic bowls made by students and many local artisans. And…it happens just before our Winter Concert tomorrow night! It is a fundraiser that helps bring awareness to hunger and poverty. See the flyer below for more details.
Winter Sports are starting up with games, so keep an eye on the schedule on our website. Especially important to keep an eye out for cancellations or make-ups due to inclement weather that comes this time of year. Speaking of which, make sure to leave some extra time in the morning for safe travel. Icy roads are starting to find their way into our lives, and while attendance on time is important…safe arrival is even more so.
Remember, December Recess starts on December 23rd. If you know you are traveling earlier, email hsattendance@kearsarge.org or myself to let us know that you will be out on holiday just a few days earlier or later. We start back on Monday, January 2nd.
With all the holiday gatherings, busy events, etc., please remember that the illnesses running around are impacting many things. If you don’t feel well, please take a sick day. We will definitely miss you but we don’t miss the germs. Many thanks for helping our community stay healthy.
With a parting note from me to you, one thing I enjoy so much this time of year is driving around looking at the lights and decorations on homes. If my team loses a big game or my holiday plans get canceled, it is one thing I look forward to. If you have never tried spending a few hours driving around and finding the best displays, I encourage you to try it. If you know of a few bright and fun ones that I may not have found around here yet, feel free to reach out with some tips.
Best wishes for a happy, blissful, and wonderful Holiday Season! May you find lots of joy in spreading Cougar Love and Support all around the community!
Kind regards,
Charles Langille Jr., KRHS Principal
Important Dates For December & January
December 7: 6:30pm Snow Date-Band Concert
December 14: Math Meet
December 15: 6:30pm School Board Meeting
December 23-30: Holiday Recess
January 2: School Resumes (Blue Day)
January 5: 6:30pm School Board Meeting
January 7: Deliberative Session at KRHS
January 14: Snow Date Deliberative Session at KRHS
January 16: No School ( Martin Luther King Day)
January 17-20 Midterm /Final Exams
January 19: 6:30pm School Board Meeting
January 20: Last Day Quarter 2/ Semester 1
January 24: 5:30pm Poetry Out Loud
January 25: Snow Date Poetry Out Loud
School News and Announcements
KRHS Student Government is hosting a Giving Tree for the holidays this year. The gifts will be for underprivileged Kearsarge elementary school children whose families are looking for assistance in purchasing gifts for the holiday season.
This is a great way to help the community, so anything helps! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Happy Holidays!
Thank you,
KRHS Student Government
Maggie Ellison, President
Mason Russell, Vice President
Remi Jacques, Treasurer
Caroline Allen, Secretary
Please send in a written note, or email to
hsattendance @kearsarge.org with an explanation for you child's absence. Written/emailed notes must be on file to excuse any absence(s).
Don't forget about your 20-hours of community service needed for graduation!
December 2, 2022: Bibliography/Research Update - Running Bibliography (Works Cited/References). Students are expected to maintain a running bibliography throughout the project. Any website, book, person or experience that they access for their project will need to be recorded. This can be done using MLA or APA styles guides. A final Bibliography will be submitted with the completion of your project
Department News and Announcements
The high school special education department recently took a number of students on a trip to NHTI in Concord to explore different careers and post high education programs. Students spent the day speaking to representatives of NHTI, visiting with vendors, and delving into the opportunities that NHTI offers.
Harvard Model United Nations is upcoming January 26th - January 29th with 16 students who are excited about the upcoming experience in Boston.
YMCA Youth and Government is beginning to organize organizational meetings during Flex sessions where students have the opportunity to craft legislation at the state level in Concord. Each year for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, we are required to teach about the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
Each year for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, Social Studies teachers are required to teach about the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
Here are the questions students answered this November (answers in parentheses):
During which war was the Star Spangled Banner written? (War of 1812)
In what state was Fort McHenry located, where the Star Spangled Banner was written? (Maryland)
The Star Spangled Banner was first written as a? (poem)
How many stars were on our flag when the Pledge of Allegiance was written? (43)
"the flag of the United States" was added to the pledge in? (1923)
Why were the words "under God" added to the pledge in 1954? (fear of Communism)
AP US history students came in "character" to class last week while studying the Reform Era. Pictured here is Dorothea Dix, reformer of women's prisons and advocate for mental health institutions-really, it's Rose Patrick wearing an outfit she made just for the occasion!
Students Reflecting Upon their Experiences in the Kearsarge Actors Guild's November Production of MAMMA MIA.
Under the direction of Sandra Nelson, over forty students were involved with the production of MAMMA MIA and the Kearsarge Actors Guild would like to thank all of the community partners involved: Sugar River Bank, Spring Ledge Farm, Sotheby's, Newbury Electrolysis, Apple Tree, Floorcraft, New London Barn Playhouse, Barton Insurance, Carter Bascom, Bubba's Bar and Grill, Charlie Mac's, KCPA, and Chadwick's Funeral Home.
Student: Amanda Lyon Grade: 12
Role: Ali
How many years have you been involved with acting/performing?
I have been performing since 4th grade, starting with the Shining Stars program at Bradford Elementary school. Since then, I've performed in all the KRMS Drama shows and KRHS shows.
Why are you involved with the Kearsarge Actors Guild?
I absolutely love theater! From the first read through of the script, to learning the choreography and songs, to taking our final bow on closing night, it brings me so much joy. Besides performing, there is a wonderful, caring, supportive community within the entire cast. We all bond over our shared love of theater and cheer each other on, every step of the show.
What are some highlights from being part of this performance?
Some of my favorite moments from the show are dancing in "Voulez Vous" with the whole cast, and the final three dance numbers after bows are so much fun!
As you look back over the production of this show, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how we came together as a cast during the last few weeks. From late rehearsals to words of encouragement, every single cast and crew member put in so much effort to make this show so amazing.
What would you say to a student that is considering being part of a future show?
You should 100% do it!! The Kearsarge Actor's Guild is the most accepting and supportive community I have ever found. You learn so much about yourself and working as a team, all while having a blast.
Any other thoughts about the experience being part of the Kearsarge Actors Guild and the production of Mamma Mia?
All my time with Kearsarge Actor's Guild has been the highlight of my years at KRHS. I will never forget the friends who are more like family and all the memories I know I will cherish forever. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Student: Thomas Shephard Grade: 11
Role: Sam Carmichael
How many years have you been involved with acting/performing?
I have been performing with KRMS/KRHS Chorus since sixth grade, and this is my first time in musical theater since “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in fifth grade.
Why are you involved with the Kearsarge Actors Guild?
I have always loved acting and performing, and my mother has been a huge inspiration through her career performing professionally and her work as a singer-dancer with the “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes”. This is the first time since fifth grade that I’ve been able to be a part of any production, and I jumped at the opportunity to perform.
What are some highlights from being part of this performance?
I have absolutely loved getting to work with other students who love to perform and sing, as well as being directed by Ms. Nelson, Ms. Tucker, and Mrs. Putnam, who have all done an incredible job throughout production.
As you look back over the production of this show, what are you most proud of?
I am personally most proud of the way that we have come together as a team. Throughout production, everyone has been willing to help each other, and as a result, we have been able to put together an absolutely incredible show!
What would you say to a student that is considering being part of a future show?
I would always recommend trying new things, especially something in performing arts. Performing on stage is a great way to push your limits and skills, and meet a large number of people who you will likely be friends with for years to come.
Any other thoughts about the experience being part of the Kearsarge Actors Guild and the production of Mamma Mia?
I can’t thank everyone enough for all the work and effort that has been put into this show.
Student: Emma Geraghty Grade: 9
Role: Sophie Sheridan
How many years have you been involved with acting/performing?
I started in 2nd grade as part of a community production of Hapeny Magick and have been acting in KRMS, KRHS, and the New London Barn Playhouse productions every since, about 7 years.
Why are you involved with the Kearsarge Actors Guild?
Ms. Nelson got me involved with the Kearsarge Actors Guild when I was in 4th grade to be a part of Mary Poppins as a child ensemble member. In 5th grade I was "Little Wednesday" in the Addams Family, and in 6th grade I played Gracie Shinn and Amaryllis in The Music Man. I love acting and get so much out of the experience. The stage is somewhere where I can be myself and have fun. You make the best friendships and make amazing relationships.
What are some highlights from being part of this performance?
I love all the times we have high energy performances with the full cast on stage and you can just feel the energy and happiness radiating around us.
As you look back over the production of this show, what are you most proud of?
I am so proud of everyone that’s a part of the show and how much everyone has grown and the energy everyone is putting into the show.
What would you say to a student that is considering being part of a future show?
I would definitely encourage them to try it. The community is so fun and everyone is welcoming. There is a lot of team building throughout the process and you develop amazing friendships.
Any other thoughts about the experience being part of the Kearsarge Actors Guild and the production of Mamma Mia?
I am so excited to finally be a part of a show as a Freshman! I loved working with everyone involved, I will never forget this incredible experience!