To the editor:
I attended ConVal High School’s Celebration of Learning last Thursday night and I thoroughly enjoyed learning from the students, who were enthusiastic, courteous and well spoken. I learned about cluster galaxies, wind turbines, the best combination of fabric and fire retardants, which readily available building materials make the best emergency shelters, how to safely store flammable household products, and how low-frequency sounds below our hearing range affect our moods. I was inspired to stop drinking soda. I learned how psychology helps with hospice care. I tried on a heated glove, watched the robotics team prepare for competition, and witnessed a demonstration of a Tesla coil transmitting wireless energy. I viewed thought-provoking photography, talked to students about advances in agriculture, and my jaw dropped when I saw the woodworking projects.
A highlight for me was when I wandered into an English class in which the students had read “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien and created projects to depict the effects of post-traumatic stress on veterans. Among the emotion-filled projects in this room, I viewed MRIs of a normal brain and a brain affected by PTSD and I was shocked to see the difference between them. Two hours went by quickly and I enjoyed every moment.
My only disappointment was low public attendance. Although the general public was invited along with parents and guardians, I didn’t see as many people there as I do at orientations or classroom open houses. I urge readers to attend ConVal’s next Celebration of Learning, which is being considered for this spring. I promise you will be amazed, energized and uplifted. My thanks and congratulations to the teachers and staff who organized this special event. To the students, I must say, “You rock!”
Cindy Griffin
Peterborough