Welcome Back

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