Friday, January 31, 2014

Military Night/Youth Hockey Night & Report Cards


Report Cards
Second quarter and first semester grades are now complete.  Grades can be viewed on iParent and iStudent. Report cards will not be mailed.  Please contact our Guidance Department if you would like to receive a hard copy.  

Military Night & Youth Hockey Night
This coming Wednesday, February 5th, the Crusaders Hockey Team is hosting the 3rd Annual Military Night.
It's a big game for the community as we honor all military personnel, both past and present, on this special night. All proceeds from the night will benefit the Sgt. William Woitowicz Memorial Fund.  All military veterans and all youth hockey players (wearing team t-shirts and accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free of charge.  







GDRHS Hockey Captains

From Left: Justin Cole, Connor Maguire, Joshua Rabbit






One-Act-Plays Information

"The Challenge is On!

GD’s graduating classes of 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 are preparing to duke it out in the Fifth Annual Festival of One-Act Plays. Freshman Jill, sophomore Emily, junior Ben, and senior Zach are directing casts of students from their respective years in a one-act play competition that will be adjudicated by community judges.  

The Fifth Annual Festival of One-Act Plays will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. and Friday, February 7 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Groton-Dunstable High School.  The 3 p.m. show is a new idea offered in the hopes that more students will be able to attend the show directly following the school day.  Be sure to mark your calendars and see the four grades compete for the gold!"



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Special Budget Informational Night: Tonight 7pm @ Swallow Union

Special Budget Informational Nights: Tuesday 7pm and Thursday 7pm

GDRSD Budget Meeting


There will be two special financial informational meetings this week.  Tuesday, January 28th at Swallow Union Elementary School and Thursday, January 30th at the Performing Arts Center, which is located at Middle School South.  Both will begin at 7pm, and both are open to the public.  All members of the community are encouraged to attend.  

Alison Manugian, Chair of the School Committee, will present details about the budgets for FY13 (last yr.) and FY14 (this yr.) that will illuminate the genesis of our current dilemma. In addition, the presentation will provide details about budget projections for next year. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tony Bent, will also be present to answer questions related to our current financial situation.  

Women's Night In Sports: Tonight at 6:45 HS Gymnasium


Women's In Sports Night
Groton-Dunstable Regional High School will celebrate the 18th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day prior to the start of our January 28th Girls Varsity Basketball game vs. Hudson (7pm start).  
Honorees for the evening will be Kasie (Strong) Fairburn - GD Class of 1999 and recent inductee into the Rochester Institute of Technology Athletic Hall of Fame (Women's Ice Hockey), Senior Celina Antonellis (Basketball/Softball) and Senior Livy Penny (Field Hockey).

JV Game:          5:30
Ceremony         6:45
Varsity Game:   7:00



Monday, January 27, 2014

Special Budget Informational Nights: Tuesday 7pm and Thursday 7pm

GDRSD Budget Meeting


There will be two special financial informational meetings this week.  Tuesday, January 28th at Swallow Union Elementary School and Thursday, January 30th at the Performing Arts Center, which is located at Middle School South.  Both will begin at 7pm, and both are open to the public.  All members of the community are encouraged to attend.  

Alison Manugian, Chair of the School Committee, will present details about the budgets for FY13 (last yr.) and FY14 (this yr.) that will illuminate the genesis of our current dilemma. In addition, the presentation will provide details about budget projections for next year. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tony Bent, will also be present to answer questions related to our current financial situation.  

Correction: Special Budget Informational Night Information


GDRSD Budget Meeting

There will be two special financial informational meetings this week.  Tuesday, January 28th at Swallow Union Elementary School and Thursday, January 30th at the Performance Arts Center, which is located at Middle School South.  Both are open to the public and all members of the community are encouraged to attend.  

Alison Manugian, Chair of the School Committee, will present details about the budgets for FY13 (last yr.) and FY14 (this yr.) that will illuminate the genesis of our current dilemma. In addition, the presentation will provide details about budget projections for next year.  Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tony Bent, will also be present to answer questions related to our current financial situation.  

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Special School Budget Informational Night

GDRSD Budget Meeting

There will be a financial information night on Wednesday, January 29th from 4:00 to 5:00pm.  Members of the community are encouraged to attend.  The presentation will be held in the Performing Arts Center at the Middle School South.  

Alison Manugian, Chair of the School Committee, will present details about the budgets for FY13 (last yr.) and FY14 (this yr.) that will illuminate the genesis of our current dilemma. In addition, the presentation will provide details about budget projections for next year.  Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tony Bent, will also be present to answer questions related to our current financial situation.  




Thursday, January 23, 2014

GD Mock Trial Team

Mock Trial Team



Dear GD Community,

The GD Plaintiff Team did a superb job at our first match yesterday in defeating North Middlesex RHS at Leominster District Court. The judge scored the match 80 vs 72 in favor of GD. Highlighted by the judge prior to announcing the winner were several outstanding performances on our team.

Kate Nash deftly handled the opening statement, which she presented forcefully and knowledgeably. Throughout the match, Kate's calm, collected presence before the judge and the defense team set the tone
for the rest of the proceedings.

Gaining the only perfect score on the judge's ballot was Sage Mastakouras-Seppala's performance as plaintiff witness Bari Jacob (son of the deceased stunt pilot) was convincing and emotionally moving.
She made the audience feel the loss of a father and the culpability of faulty aircraft maker Carborite Industries.

Colby Reardon "hit over the Green Monstah" in his cross and re-cross examinations of Don Hamel (the defense expert witness). He ensured the team's win by nailing the issue in the head: Hamel himself would not
fly Carborite model 2; therefore, the plane was defective and violated the warrant of implied merchantability.

Rebecca Roberts's first appearance as plaintiff attorney helped anchor the team's direct and cross examinations. Her knowledge of the case came through during her cross and re-cross examinations of the defense witness.

Brent Emerle aptly suited the role of aeronautical expert Bryce Henderson, Ph.D., as did newly-minted member Stephen Silvestri as flight instructor Matthew Dohll, who relied on "experience" to answer
both the direct and cross examination questions.

Also present at the court house and elated at the GD victory were attorney coaches Chris Reardon and Susan Edgett. Our next match -- weather permitting -- is January 27 (Monday), also at Leominster District Court, where the GD Defense Team will be competing.

Sincerely,


Jay Villagomez

Students of the Month

Students Of the Month
The following students were chosen as students of the month.  Students are nominated by staff members for one or more of the following reasons: outstanding academic achievement, a significant contribution to the school, community, or a noteworthy cause.  Congratulations on your well deserved recognition.  


Front: Hope St. Gelais, Jillian Onishi, Heather Beebe, Rachel Fulreader
Back: Roger Murray, Emily Gaines, lauren Malsick, Meghan Frisard, Trystan Lynch, Mike McDonough


Heather Beebe

My name is Heather Beebe, and I am a seventeen year old high school senior. As my senior independent experience I am one of seven yearbook editors working hard to create a yearbook for the 2014 graduating class. Next year I will be following in my parents footsteps and will go to college to become an engineer. In the fall I’ll be attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell as an undecided engineering major. I have a loving supportive family which consists of my older sister Jessica (19) and younger brother James (8). My sister has been my best friend since the day I was born and I don’t know what I would do without her. She has been my guide through the stress of college applications and the rest of senior year. As many other seniors can relate I am currently studying for finals and counting down the days till I am handed my high school diploma so I can begin the rest of my life.
Meghan Frisard

I am a seventeen year-old senior at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School, and I was nominated to be a Student of the Month because of my work on the GDRHS yearbook, The Key. As one of the seven students involved with yearbook this year, I have taken on many responsibilities and dedicated many hours to this project, but I am completely sure the book will turn out great! I also lifeguard at the Nashua YMCA and work at a local arts camp in the summer both of which are like second homes to me. I am not sure what I want to study in college next year, nor do I know where I want to go, but I am leaning towards Environmental Policy, Environmental Engineering, or Journalism. Whatever I choose, I know that my experiences at GD will help me succeed!

Rachel Fulreader

As many seniors can relate to, this last year of high school has been full of tedious college writing prompts asking me to sum up my seventeen years of life in a small, sheltered town. What have I done that makes me unique, strong, and valuable? I have found that what I have done in my almost two decades here has impacted me far less than the people I have met. 

A typical day at the Fulreader household consists of arguments about the “healthy” cereal we have too much of and constant exasperated demands to “clean our rooms because it looks like a disaster”. It is easy to get fed up with each other, but without my mom’s type A-personality I would have no idea how to work hard. Listening to my dad complain about the cost of college made me think realistically about the future. Jumping on me while I am trying to do last-minute homework is annoying, but my brother showed me, in his own way, what my priorities should be. Lydia, our former foreign exchange student, has a contagious excitement about everything that taught me to be appreciative of the things I have. These lessons are obtained randomly, and while my deep love for these people won’t get me a job or prestigious title, I have been able to see that my talent is the innate appreciation I have for others. The little moments are the most important because it is people, not actions, that are truly great in life.

Hope St. Gelais 

My name is Hope and I have been nominated by Ms. Bartel for student of the month. I want to start out with thanking her for all the wonderful support she has given me throughout these four years of high school. I am thankful for her and I feel privileged to have known her personally as well as to have her as my teacher. My past could be considered heartbreaking to most but I have learned to cope with my past. I was seven years old when I became orphaned. My mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was four and had passed away not long after her diagnosis. My dad followed shortly behind, with the diagnosis of cancer and passed away when I was only seven years old. I now live with my guardians, who were my parent’s best friends. 

I am thankful to have them in my life because I do not know where I would be without them. They have given up a lot for me, but I am thankful they did and I know it is hard to take on another’s child. When people find out this story they become shocked because they tell me “but you are like the happiest person ever.” My story has been said to be inspiring for others. Honestly, I am proud of my story because it gives me hope that I can do something wonderful in my life. My future plans are to attend the Post-Grad Program at Nashoba Valley Technical High School for health assistant. After a year I can graduate and be a certified nurse. After I like to attend college, I would like to get accepted into Landmark College to major in psychology and double minor in photography and English. Later on I would be honored to work for Hospice. I hope to succeed in my goals and I am honored to be part of the many students of the month. 

Emily Gaines

My name is Emily Gaines, I am seventeen and a senior here at Groton-Dunstable High School. Both my parents are teachers so I have grown up in a learning environment, yet also I have experienced my fair share of pressure to do well.  My brother is in tenth grade, and I hope he sees me as someone to look up to, not just that annoying older sister. My two dogs are definitely at the top of my list for who I am going to miss the most when I go off to college. Luna is a 9 year old golden retriever and Comet is a crazy, love-seeking, maximum contact Lab mix puppy. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, which is why I am planning on studying animal science in college. I also plan to minor in theater, for it has been a key part of my life these past four years. I really discovered myself through the theater program we have at my school. I learned that I loved talking and working with people. I am excited to be going off to college to be able to study the subjects I have learned to love throughout high school. I’m honored to be receiving the Student of the Month Award and proud of my accomplishments. 

Tristan Lynch

At the age of five, you would think I would have been too young to recall that day of September 11th nearly twelve years later, but I was old enough to know one thing, that war has come to our country, and it was no longer a game I would play with toy guns and my friends. Within a few weeks my dad was gone. He was in the Army and had been deployed to Kuwait and later to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was gone for eighteen months, that length of time without your dad at home takes its toll on a family. My mother was to care for me and my older brother with father. I look back now and think of how she must have felt. I may have not known it at the time but that September day would affect me for the rest of my life.

I am now seventeen, the war that started when I was five is still being fought today with men and women are still fighting and dying. At first, I wanted to go into the military just because my dad was, and I looked up to him. Now, I looked to go be in the military for more reasons. People these days are focused on peace throughout the world. Don’t get me wrong it I would love to see a world at peace. But the harsh reality indicates I will not see peace in my lifetime. There will always be a force whose only regard is to oppress a weaker force and make them submit to their way of life. That is why I want to fight, our great country that does not accept opression and we are defenders of democracy. As Winston Churchill said “There is something going on in time and space and beyond time and space, which weather you like it or not spells duty” We all have a purpose in life and sense being part of this country I believe it is my duty to serve my country. I look forward to attending either Norwich University or Massachusetts Maritime Academy, so I can fulfil my dream of being an officer and America’s armed forces.

Michael McDonough

My name is Mike McDonough and I am a sophomore at GDRHS.  I am grateful to be chosen as a student of the month.  I really enjoy playing hockey for the school.  One day I would like to become a doctor.  My mother is a great inspiration in my life and I love her very much.  

Lauren Malsick

My name is lauren Malsick and I am not your average teenager – or I guess by saying that I am. Either way, I am a quirky, happy, perceptive, and passionate young adult. I have two younger siblings Chloe (14) and Colby (7), who both drive me crazy but make my life what it is. A lot of people ask me what my plans for the future are, and I wish I knew the future. I really do. But my “plan A” is to major in biology (with specialization in molecular biology/genetics) and archaeology. I guess you could say “plan A” = be Indiana Jones (with more science). If “plan A” doesn't work, I plan on living life to the fullest and doing what makes me happy. I've spent too much time looking at the negative aspects of life, and now I've been able to turn myself around and be happy with who I am, and what I want to do. I’m so fortunate to have such a supportive network of friends and teachers here at GD, some so close I consider them family. Otherwise, for right now, I’m studying for finals, thinking about colleges, and trying to keep my brother from making a mess of the living room. Again.

Roger Murray

My name is Roger Murray, and I am a Sophomore here at GD.  I've lived in Groton my whole life.  I love running, and I'm on the cross-country team.  In school, history is by far my favorite subject, and I would like to become a middle school history teacher after college.  Outside of school, I love being outdoors.  I am very involved in Boy Scouts.  In addition to spending the summer counseling at a scout camp, I attend meetings and outings that usually take up about four nights out of my week. It's a huge part of my life.  I am currently working on getting my Eagle Scout Award.  

Jillian Onishi

I am a junior at GD. High school is exciting, fun, and is something to look forward to at the beginning of my day. It’s where my friends are, and it’s also where I learn new and often interesting subjects. The most interesting subjects to me are most types of math, chemistry, and writing. Outside of school, I spend my time practicing flute and piano, participating in Girl Scout activities, and swimming. In the winter, I swim on the school team with Tyngsboro. Last year, I had the opportunity to go to states as a member of a medley relay and this year is my first year qualifying for sectionals in an individual event! 

One of my favorite hobbies is learning new languages. In school, I study Spanish. The past few years, I’ve also been trying to learn some Japanese in my spare time. Over the summer, I went with a study group to live in Japan for a month. I had the chance to communicate with new people, learn about new cultures and religions, and practice different etiquette. My trip to Japan was really exciting and inspiring. I want to learn as many languages as possible in order to communicate with many different people around the world. As a junior, I look back on the past two (almost three) years and I think that they have gone by quickly. High school can be challenging, but also something that I will miss in a couple of years.




Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Athletic Information/Exam Schedule

Athletic Information
Due to an impending storm, both boys and girls basketball games are canceled for tonight.  The swim meet has also been canceled.

Exam Schedule
The severity of the storm will ultimately dictate the exam schedule.  No decisions have been made with respect to school tomorrow; however, I wanted to provide the anticipated changes to the exam schedule should school be delayed or cancelled.  I have provided the current exam schedule and detailed information on potential changes should the weather necessitate adjustments. 

Current Exam Schedule

I)              Wednesday, January  22nd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,B,C,D
B)   Exams:                                       B & D

II)            Thursday, January  23rd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,C,B,D
B)   Exam:                                         C

III)          Friday, January 24th

A)   Schedule:                                 A
B)   Exam:                                         A
C)   Students Dismissed at 9:15     (Bus transportation provided at this time only)
D)   B,C,D Makeup Exams


If There Is A Delayed School Opening 
Abbreviated schedule with one exam. 
Wednesday      D Exam
Thursday          B & C Exams
Friday              A Exam (Early Dismissal)

If School Is Cancelled 
Thursday         B & D Exams
Friday               C Exam
Monday           A Exam (Early Dismissal)


Sunday, January 19, 2014

Second Semester Summer Reading

Summer Reading

Second Semester English Students,

Hopefully, you completed your summer reading assignment over the summer as you were supposed to. Be sure to have your assignment thoroughly prepared and ready to hand in on the first day of your spring English class. Here is a link to the assignment.


Scroll down to your grade and be sure you have completed your work according to the directions.


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Principal's Notes

Massachusetts Students Among Top-Performing Students In The World
All to often you hear about the demise of public education in the United States.  Pundits typically express those sentiments  after the publication of standardized test results on international exams.  

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is one test that is largely used to measure student progress on an international scale.  PISA is intended to test student preparation for adult life by assessing their ability to apply knowledge to real-life applications. The test is given every three years to 15-year-old students around the world.  Sixty-five education systems around the world participated in 2012, in addition to the three U.S. states.

Massachusetts scored higher than all but three other education systems (Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore) in reading. In science and math, Massachusetts tied for seventh and 10th place. Reading literacy was a strong point for Massachusetts students. The results show local teens tied for fourth, behind Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Female students performed more than 30 points better than their male peers on the reading portion of the test. 
For a complete list of results, and to see how Massachusetts students scored relative to the rest of the world, please click on the link provided.  
PARCC Field Test
This spring Groton-Dunstable will participate in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) field test.  The test will be administered to over one million students across PARCC states.  The PARCC Field Test represents a critical milestone in PARCC’s work toward building assessments for the 2014-15 school year, and will give students and local educators the opportunity to experience the administration of PARCC assessments.  For more information please follow the link provided.  

GDRSD Community Tech Night

On Thursday, January 16th at 7pm the GDRSD EdTech team will host a community tech night for all members of the Groton-Dunstable community in the high school library.  For more information please click on the link provided.  

Exam Schedule

I)              Wednesday, January  22nd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,B,C,D
B)   Exams:                                     B & D

II)            Thursday, January  23rd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,C,B,D
B)   Exam:                                      C

III)          Friday, January 24th

A)   Schedule:                                 A
B)   Exam:                                      A
C)   Students Dismissed at 9:15     (Bus transportation provided at this time only)
D)   B,C,D Makeup Exams

Important dates in February 

 3 & 4 MCAS –Biology students in Gr. 10 
 13 Open House@6:00PM 
 17 President’s Day 
 17 -21 Winter Vacation 



Saturday, January 11, 2014

Principal's Notes (Exam Schedule, Early Dismissal, Art Exhibit)

Exam Schedule
Friday, January 24th will feature an A period exam and makeup exams.  In addition, there will be a full compliment of busses on the 24th of January both to and from school; however, transportation will not be provided for those taking makeup exams on the 24th.   

I)              Wednesday, January  22nd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,B,C,D
B)   Exams:                                     B & D

II)            Thursday, January  23rd

A)   Schedule:                                 A,C,B,D
B)   Exam:                                      C

III)          Friday, January 24th

A)   Schedule:                                 A
B)   Exam:                                      A
C)   Students Dismissed at 9:15     (Bus transportation provided at this time only)
D)   B,C,D Makeup Exams


Student Art Exhibit
The following students have been accepted into the exhibition at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts : 

The show will be opening on January 11th and stay on exhibit until the awards ceremony on March 30th at noon. 

Samantha Ferraro
Sarah Brown
Scott Henriques
Erin Olson
Ryan Hardy
Nicki Wilkinson
Emily Figueroa
Mitch Navetta

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