Dear GDRHS Students, Parents and
Guardians:
It seems as if each summer
passes more quickly than the one before. If you're like me, you set goals of
things to accomplish before summer's end. That may come in the form of home
improvements, a summer reading list, catching up with friends, or learning
something new. Perhaps too ambitious, or time simply lapsed, but even with best
intentions some of us did not complete all the summer objectives we set out to
accomplish. Regardless, it is that time where we need to start thinking ahead
to the school year, and setting goals we hope to reach by year's end.
It is with great anticipation
and optimism that we open our doors for the 2014-2015 school year. We begin
this school year with a dedicated learning community in place all working
towards the common goal of keeping Groton-Dunstable High School among the top
performing in Massachusetts. We greet our incoming freshmen, welcome our
returning sophomore and junior classes, and look to our Class of 2015 to
provide the leadership to make every student’s high school experience a
positive and memorable one.
Last year the difficult budget
situation cast an ominous cloud over the school year. Fortunately, there is a silver lining to this
story. Members of the school system,
town employees, and residents of these two great towns worked together to solve
the difficult budget problem. Without
the diligent efforts of all parties the upcoming school year could have been
quite different. It was quite impressive
to see such a broad group of people usher aside politics and work together for
a common cause. It is abundantly clear
that all parties are committed to maintaining and improving a great school
system.
As with all school years, we
begin with lots of new faces. Several
new faces reside in key central office leadership positions. None more important than Dr. Kristan
Rodriguez our new Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Rodriquez and her staff bring an impressive work-ethic and
enthusiasm that borders on infectious.
Furthermore, the year ahead brings many challenges for both students and
staff, and those challenges spawn goals. Continuing the implementation of the
Common Core Standards, continuing our work on the new Global Scholars
initiative, expanding and strengthening our AP program, providing our talented
staff with ongoing professional development,
increasing student exposure to app development, coding, and robotics are
but a few of our initiatives. All goals
supporting the overarching objective of preparing Groton-Dunstable Regional
High School students for their future. Preparing our students to compete in the
21st Century is a monumental task that requires a hardworking, dedicated staff
committed to student achievement. That challenge begins soon, and I am
confident we are worthy of the challenge.
The three basic ingredients of
every good school are: safety, organization, and high expectations for
learning. You have my utmost assurance that these three factors will guide our
daily decision-making in the months and years ahead. I look forward to your
input and participation to assist this focus. In an effort to enhance our
academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs, your involvement is both
welcome and needed. The active participation in your child’s education is the
most worthwhile contribution. I look forward to working with and meeting each
and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Michael
Mastrullo
