Important Graduation Information & Art Awards

Graduation Ceremony
The GDRHS graduation is set for May 30, 2014 at  6:00PM. There will be a rain date scheduled for
 Saturday May 31st @ 12:00.   

If  the ceremony is inside it will be limited to 5 tickets per student. If it  is outside there is no limit. We hope this information  helps you so you can plan accordingly. Class Night  will be held May 28th
 in the High School gym at  6:00PM

Art Awards

Terrific news in the wake of the Scholastic Regional Art Awards.   Regional Gold Key winners were evaluated and a select number of students from across the country received National Silver and National Gold Keys.

Elizabeth Garside (2014) received a Gold Key at the National Level for "Tribal Simulations." Not every day this happens:  Almost a million works are submitted and only a few hundred gold key winners are featured nationally. A great moment for Liz and GD.

National Gold Key winners are awarded scholarships to most of the leading art schools.   They are also invited to New York City in June for the Scholastic Art and Writing National Ceremony.  

Congratulations to the recipients of Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in Massachusetts! These awards recognize some of the best student work in the state.

To see all of the winning artwork, please follow this link to the GDRHS Fine Arts news page:

http://bit.ly/GDScholastic2014

Gold Keys

Madeleine Bugbee

Elizabeth Garside

Silver Keys

Madeleine Bugbee

Julie King

Lillian Vo

Honorable Mentions

Madeleine Bugbee

Ethan Cook

Juliana de Groot

Emma Demers

Michael Suchecki

Sara Walsh

Parent Conference Sign-Ups

Parent Conference Sign-Up

We will be using an online scheduling platform - www.signupgenius.com - for parent/teacher conferences. You now will be able to schedule a conference with your child’s teachers from the convenience of your home computer, smartphone or tablet. Spring 2014 parent/teacher conferences are on April 10, 2014. Ten minute time slots are available in the afternoon and evening. You should schedule all conferences by the end of the day on Sunday, April 6th

If you are unable to access www.signupgenius.com you may call the main office 978-448-6362 and one our

administrative assistants will be able to schedule a conference for you. Individuals who need to schedule a conference via the phone should do so during the following dates and times: April 2-4 from 1pm to 3pm

Please use the following guide to walk you through the process of scheduling a conference.

Please visit our website for detailed information.  http://www.gdrsd.org/gdrhs

Effective 7:15 pm 3/25/14 Sign Up Genius went LIVE

Any sign-ups that occurred prior to 7:15 pm on 3/25/14 were deleted.

Parents can log in to the system between NOW and 4/6/14 to sign up for a parent conference

Principal's Notes

Heating Concerns
Earlier this week we had a boiler issue that caused heating issues.  That problem was rectified on the same day and the school has been quite comfortable since.  We are required by law to provide an environmentally appropriate teaching environment, and the heat has remained on the entire winter minus one morning earlier this week when the boiler was down.  

PARCC Testing
I am pleased to announce that the PARCC testing went very well.  The state mandated time allotted to complete the exam was more than we needed; therefore, we will complete the testing during scheduled class time on Friday, March 28th.  There will be no testing tomorrow.

Summer Opportunity For Female Students

BU is pleased to announce that Summer Pathways will take place July 11-18, 2014.  Summer Pathways, now in its eighth year, is an exciting seven-day, residential program for high school girls entering their junior or senior year in September 2014.  The program targets girls from Boston area high schools who show promise and/or interest in science, math, or engineering.  The program will include an overnight on the historic Roseway, a 137 schooner built in 1925.  Tuition is $675 and includes room, board, all travel and activities. Scholarships of up to $575 are available to students with demonstrated financial need.

Participants will live in a BU dormitory, and during this week, will have the opportunity to engage in many hands-on science activities and gain first hand knowledge of a wide range of careers in STEM disciplines. Participants also visit laboratories, listen to career panels, visit local companies, and learn about the college admissions process.  On the Roseway, they will learn about marine life, the physics of sailing, and be active participants alongside the crew.

Information about the program can be found at: http://www.bu.edu/lernet/spathways. Students who would like to participate in the program should complete and submit an online application via the website. In addition, each applicant is required to obtain two recommendations from past or present teachers.  Teacher recommendations also should be submitted via the website.  All applications and letters of reference must be received by May 1, 2014.  If you have any questions, please send email to cab@bu.edu.

If you have any questions, please send email to cab@bu.edu.

p.s. you can download the program brochure at www.bu.edu/lernet/spathways/2014_SPathways_brochure.pdf

English News

Groton-Dunstable Regional High School has received a $4,800 STARS Residency Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

From March through May, two nationally recognized performers, Johnny Lee Davenport and Regie Gibson, will be our Cultural Partners, visiting seven English classes to coach students in poetry interpretation, recitation, and presentation styles as our students participate for the third year in Poetry Out Loud.

With his Shakespearean background, Mr. Davenport will inspire students to discover the need to say what they have to say by embodying the text of the poem. He will also work with students on the technical aspects poetry interpretation and articulation. Mr. Gibson, a national poetry slam champion, will inspire students to develop their stage presence and connect with the audience. Simply, Mr. Davenport will help students work within the parameters of the poem and Mr. Gibson will help students expand their conception of what is possible in a recitation performance. Both will serve as role models not only to students but also to teachers who want to become more skilled in teaching the art of poetry recitation.

The 21st century student skills employed through this generous grant are the following: Creativity/Innovation, Critical thinking/Problem solving, and Communication/Presentation.

Common Core goals met by the students participating in this grant include the following: 1) To understand their poem deeply (Common Core: RL Craft and Structure-analyzing their poem in a variety of ways, including becoming empathetic with the speaker); 2) To demonstrate their comprehension of the speaker's point of view by reciting in a way clarifies the rhetorical choices of the poet (Common Core: SL 3 Comprehension-evaluating a speakers POV and use of rhetoric); and 3) To expand their "comfort zone" in the types of presentations they give in class (Common Core: SL 6 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas-adapt a speech to a variety of contexts).

Principal's Notes

World Series Trophy In Groton 

Come see the Red Sox 2013 World Series trophy in Groton on Sunday, March 23 in the Middle School North gym.  The event is free and open to the community.  Bring your camera and get your picture taken with it.  The trophy will be on display from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.  This event is being organized by the Groton Dunstable Youth Softball League, which is an independent softball league for girls ages 4 to 15.  Those who wish to register for the upcoming spring softball season can do so at the event for a discounted price or visit GDYSL.com for more information.  The trophy event is made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton’s Lecture Fund.

Women's History Month

Two big events tomorrow night as we continue our Women’s History Month Celebration:

1) Meet us in the library from 3:00 to 4:30 for our first annual book group, complete with a Skype visit with the author and pizza. It is not necessary to have read the book in order to participate in this lively discussion.  See Ms. McMannus in the library with questions today or tomorrow.

2) Join us in the Black Box from 6:00-8:00 for our two part evening of fashion.  From 6-7, see your own GD models walk the run way in historical costumes narrated by guest speaker Tracy Wall, Harvard University Costume Historian.  Next from 7:00-8:00 trade out some piece of your wardrobe for something new and exciting to add at our Fashion Swap event!

Attention All Juniors

Are you interested in learning about the college process?  ACT’s?  SAT’s?  Naviance?  Today after school, and Wednesday, March 26th, guidance counselors will be available in the computer lab room 223 to answer questions and get students registered on Naviance.  Please come to room 223 after school today.

Math MCAS Review Sessions

The high school math department will be running math MCAS review sessions on the following dates, from 2-3pm in room 108.  If any students or parents have questions, please email Mr. Conlon. jconlon@gdrsd.org

Tuesday, March 25

Thursday, March 27

Tuesday, April 1

Thursday, April 8

Tuesday, April 15

Thursday, April 17

Tuesday, April 29

Tuesday, May 6

Thursday, May 8

William Shakespeare's The Tempest at GDRHS

The Tempest
Friday, 11 April at 7pm
Saturday, 12 April 2pm & 7pm

Tickets are $12.  For students and senior citizens the cost is $10.

Connor Maguire Receives MIAA Sportsmanship Award

Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to Connor Maguire for receiving the Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship Award.  Connor will be recognized during the Bruins game this evening.  The letter from the MIAA is below.   

Dear Connor,

It is with great pleasure that we write this letter to inform you that you have been selected by your league to receive the 2014 Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award. This award is given annually by the Boston Bruins and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) to one individual from each high school ice hockey league in the state who best exemplifies the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship.

The presentation of this prestigious award will take place on Monday, March 17th at the TD Garden during an intermission of the Boston Bruins game against the Minnesota Wild. Two tickets to attend this game, one for you and one for a guest, will be left in your name at the TD Garden Will Call Window. Please bring a photo ID with you in order to pick up these tickets on the day of the game.

In order to coordinate for the award presentation, please bring your high school team jersey to wear during the ceremony and dress business casual.

Before the Bruins game, arrangements have also been made for you and your guest to attend a special reception in the West End Room (level 2), inside the TD Garden. To access this reception area, please go to the Premium Club Entrance at the west end (pro shop side of North Station). The Premium Club Entrance will be open beginning at 5:30pm. Light appetizers will be available at the reception from 5:30-6:45pm. Please note that alcoholic beverages will not be permitted at the reception.

Please RSVP as soon as you receive this letter by calling Bonnie LeMote at 508-541-9815 to confirm that you have received the information and will be able to attend the game. Bonnie is also available if you have any other questions regarding the event. Thank you for your commitment to sportsmanship. Your values and conduct provide an exemplary model for others to follow and the MIAA and Boston Bruins are pleased to honor you.

Sincerely,

Peter Smith

MIAA - Assistant Director

Mike Dargin

Boston Bruins - Manager of Youth Hockey Development

Student Survey Information

Yesterday we administered two surveys at the high school - The Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Student Report to Congress.  These two surveys are mutually exclusive; there is absolutely no correlation between the two documents. A brief description of the two surveys follows. Please note that ALL NATIONAL STUDENT REPORTS TO CONGRESS HAVE BEEN SHREDDED. Please see below for more information.

1.  The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was anonymous and voluntary, is used by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop health curriculum. The DESE requires towns to engage in local needs assessments to assist with identifying targets for health education. The Youth Survey, a survey in which we have participated in the past, is anonymous and will provide information that will assist in planning future adolescent health curriculum and initiatives. These anonymous surveys have been submitted to DESE.
2. National Student Report to Congress, which was also a voluntary survey, included two sections. The first part of the survey, which asked students for their contact information, collected general information regarding potential college choices and areas of academic interest. The second portion of The National Student Report to Congress included a separate, anonymous component entitled, “Student Report Ballot,” which asked students to provide their anonymous opinions on topics such as the efficacy of Congress and the performance of the President. This portion of the survey did not include any student contact information; it was entirely anonymous.

Some parents have expressed concern about the inclusion of student contact information in the National Student Report to Congress. Thus, as noted above, in an effort to assuage any concerns regarding the inclusion of student contact information THE NATIONAL STUDENT REPORT TO CONGRESS SURVEYS HAVE BEEN SHREDDED.

Principal's Notes: China Leadership Summit/Women's History Month, & More

China Delegation

Ms. Brisson and nine GDRHS students are on their way to China to partake in a leadership summit that will include students from all over the globe.  GDRHS participation in the global leadership summit is the inaugural trip to spawn from the newly formed Global Scholars program.  

The participating students developed a website to share, record, and document their experience.  You can access the website by following this link:  http://gdinchina.weebly.com/

For information about the global scholars initiative please follow this link:  http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

For more information on the leadership summit in China please follow this link:  http://www.efcollegestudytours.com/educational-tours/global-leaders-summit.aspx

China Bound!

Global Service, Global Studies

Next year we could potentially have thirty-four students participating in a service learning opportunity in Peru.  This is an appropriate segue to celebrate the most recent achievement by a inspirational GD graduate. 

 Alia Degen graduated from GDRHS last year.  The University of Vermont is quickly discovering what we already knew.  Alia is smart, compassionate, energetic, and devoted to service.   Alisa was one of fifty students chosen out of thousands of entries to go on a giving trip and personally deliver shoes to impoverished children this past fall. To read the complete story please follow the link provided. 

 http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/?Page=news&storyID=17298#.UxjifFEhinQ.gmail

GDEF Trivia Night March 15

GDEF’s popular adult Trivia Night fundraiser returns for just one night on Saturday, March 15, thanks to students in GD’s National Honor Society who volunteered to run the event for GDEF.   Enjoy a fun night out with friends and neighbors at the Main Street Café, Groton, hosted by DJ Bob.  Come with your own team of four to five, or join a team that night as you compete for great prizes in a friendly, casual atmosphere.  High School students are also welcome to join in the fun.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and trivia begins at 7 p.m. with $10 admission at the door. 

Women's History Month

This Week!

3 Great Events for Women’s History Month

Tuesday, March 11  6pm at the Dunstable Public Library

A One Woman Show of Hellen Keller

Wednesday, March 12  6-8:00pm

GHRHS in the Black Box Theater

WON’T BACK DOWN 

Starring Viola Davis & Maggie Gyllenhaal

Two determined mothers­, one a teacher, look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.

Thursday, March 13  7-8:30pm at the Groton Public Library

Wonder Woman! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

An award winning documentary that traces the birth, evolution, & legacy of Wonder Woman and other dynamic fiction & real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls.

Principal's Notes: Progress Report Info. & Much More

National Merit Scholarship  
In October 2012 1.5 million students took part in the PSAT exam.  Finalists for a National Merit Scholarship have been narrowed down to 16,000.  GDRHS senior Steven Pei is one of those 15,000. Congratulations Steven.  For more information please follow the link. http://www.nationalmerit.org/steps_nmsp.pdf

Global Scholars Program
We are pleasantly surprised to receive such overwhelming support for this new initiative.  The service learning trip to Peru, and the language/cultural immersion trip to Spain filled up completely in less than 3 days. As we noted in the presentation, we intend to offer similar trips for the years to come.  In fact, a service learning trip and a language immersion trip are scheduled to depart in 2016. There is one trip still available for next year. Details on the Global Scholars Program can be found here: http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

 Below you will find details on the Costa Rica trip scheduled to depart in March 2015.  

Global Scholars News-There is Room For You!

Jane Goodall Speaking at EF's Costa Rica Leaders Summit

By Lead Chaperone, Carol Case

Our trips to Peru and Spain have been filled, but for any students who are still interested in traveling in 2015, the Costa Rica Leaders Summit in March is still open for applications. 

Are you passionate about in Environmental Sustainability? Your ideas are valuable, and we’d like you to join us! Don’t let our application process intimidate you! We’re looking for participation and input from all types of students.  If you are interested in this trip, we are interested in you! Tell us what you’ll to bring to the conference, and what you’d like to bring back to our community.

The keynote speaker has just been announced, and we’ll be honored to hear Jane Goodall speak to us about her experiences, and what we can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.  Ms. Goodall is best known for her 45-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. 

Applications are due in the Guidance Office by March 31^st and can be obtained from Ms. Case (Rm 219), Mr. O’Connor (Rm 213) and the Guidance Office, or can be downloaded at:    http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

EF is honoring our application deadline, and all participants will receive the $100 discount for enrollment.

Check out the details at bit.ly/CostaRica2015 and don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to work with Jane Goodall, primatologist, anthropologist and recipient of the UN Messenger of Peace Award. 

Sports Update
TGD Swim & Dive

Congratulations to the GD/Tyngsboro swim team on earning the 2013-14 Midland Wachusett League Championship.

Girls MIAA South Sectional Swimming & Diving Championship Runners-up

Competing from Groton-Dunstable  - Captain Renee Bonnett, Johanna Fischi, Jillian Onishi, Alexandra Sinnery and Lauren Duhamel. These girls also participated in the MIAA State Swimming & Diving Championship at MIT and placed 7th overall.

Leominster Athletics Co-op: 

PJ Kendall and Christian Curll participated and performed well this winter as members of the Leominster High School Varsity Wrestling team.  PJ was named Team Captain.

Girls Ice Hockey:

Caitlyn Berube participated and performed well for the Girls Ice Hockey team scoring 2 goal and totaling 4 points on the season.

MCAS Review

The HS English Department will be offering several prep sessions next week for sophomores who will be taking the MCAS on March 18, 19, and 21. Here are the dates and times:

Monday, March 10, from 2-4 p.m. in room L24

Tuesday, March 11, from 2-4 p.m. in room 227

Wednesday, March 12, from 2-4 p.m. in room L24

Thursday, March 13, from 2-4 p.m., in room 227

Thursday, March 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in room 227

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be available for viewing in both iStudent and iParent by 5pm tonight.

March Newsletter

http://www.gdrsd.org/gdrhs

New England Math League

The fourth NEML exam was given on Tuesday, 

February 11. Congratulations to the top scorers: 

Grade 12 - (4 points each): Bryce McLaughlin, 

Justin Pang, Steven Pei 

Grade 11 – (4 points each): Lucas Acaba, Nick 

Freiter, Eric Yanchenko 

Grade 10 – (3 points each): Jack Battles, Samantha 

Ferraro, Michael Ho, Nick Pellizzari 

Grade 9 – (4 points): Jack Marson 

The cumulative top scorers after 5 exams are: 

Grade 12 – Bryce McLaughlin (24 points) 

Grade 10 – Andrew Cahoon (17 points) 

Grade 9 – Andy Zhao (13 points) 

The sixth (and final) exam will be administered on 

Tuesday, March 11. If you wish to take this exam, 

you can take it after school that same day. 

AP Exams

AP Exams will be held the weeks of May 5th and May 16th. You can register for for AP exams on Naviance. The cost is $89 (per test) and monies must be in by March 28th in order to have an exam ordered. There is a $13 cancellation fee for any test that is ordered and then not taken. If you do not have a Naviance account, please see your guidance counselor or Mrs. Cain. 

AP Exams/Scholarships/Transcripts

AP Exams           

AP Exams will take place between May 5th and May 12th.  If an AP Course was completed in the first semester, monies should have been submitted to Guidance.  If you have not paid for a first semester AP exam please submit payment by the end of the week.  Second semester AP exam monies should be turned in no later than March 21st.  Each test is $89 and must be paid in advance in order for the test to be ordered.  If you have questions please contact Mary Cain in guidance.

Scholarships

Local scholarships information has started to arrive. All current scholarship information has been uploaded to Naviance and can be found under the "College section – Scholarship list."  The applications can be downloaded and printed right from Naviance.  There is also a booklet of information regarding National and Regional scholarships in guidance.  Students can look through and make copies of applications.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts with mid-term grades and GPA information has been uploaded to Junior and Senior iPass accounts.  Transcripts can be downloaded and printed for personal use, or to be included with scholarship applications.