Friday, March 27, 2015

2016 International Travel Update

2016 International Travel Update
A few trips are nearing capacity.  There are, however,  spots available for all trips.  The $100 dollar enrollment discount ends on March 31st at midnight.  If you are still interested please register this weekend. Follow the link provided for additional information on each trip. Each individual website provides a detailed itinerary along with information on how to enroll online. 


http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

College Admissions, Travel Information, Arts Boosters Dance, & Romeo &Juliet

Navigating The College Admissions Madness
Very interesting article on navigating the college admissions madness.  It is more about the false perception that one must be accepted to a top school or bust.  


2016 International Travel Update

A few trips are nearing capacity.  There are, however,   spots available for all trips.  The $100 dollar enrollment discount ends on March 31st at midnight.  If you are still interested please register this weekend. Follow the link provided for additional information on each trip. Each individual website provides a detailed itinerary along with information on how to enroll online. 


http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

  
Arts Booster Fundraiser
G/ D Arts Boosters 2nd annual "Dance Dance Dance!"
When: Saturday, March 28th from 7-11pm. 
Where: Groton Country Club (Over 21 years of age only)

A DJ will be playing the best of 70s and 80s music.  There will also be complimentary refreshments, silent auctions, and raffles.  Tickets will be $10 and they are sold at the door.  






Drama Guild presents William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
By Christine Olson

Groton-Dunstable Regional High School’s Drama Guild proudly presents their rendition of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Romeo & Juliet.

In this Civil-War era rendition, tension is raised between two families, the Capulets of the North, and the Montagues of the South, over the relationship between Romeo and Juliet. Romeo, of the Montagues, becomes infatuated with Juliet of the Capulets. The results? Feud, bloodshed, and love that can never be broken.

It takes teamwork to put on a show. In addition to the 27 actors and large crew and tech team, many people have helped make R&J possible. Romeo & Juliet is directed by Latin teacher and drama advisor Michael Hoffman with assistant director, Emily Olson. A great deal of assistance has been offered by others.  English teacher, Brian Tuomi participated in the audition process.  Former theater teacher, Allison Martell is our guest fight choreographer. Science teacher, Heather Salemme, is teaching the students Reel dancing. Parent, Suzanne Hampton, is performing her magic with costumes.  A student band is working on period appropriate music. A student team is leading set design and decoration, including the creation of a silo. Alumni, Andrew Patenaude, as always offers construction and safety advice for the troupe.  Drama adviser and History teacher, Christine Olson, is working on production items such as photography, playbill, and finances, along with painting set.  Williams Barn generously offered us the opportunity to take photos on site.  A special thank you to everyone who has helped with the show!

Performances will be held on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. at the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School’s Black Box Theatre, 703 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA.


Tickets cost are $10 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Will Premru Receives National Recognition


Hiker's Home





Will Premru is making quite the name for himself in the world of photography.  Just a few short months ago Will's Hiker's Home piece was recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards with a regional gold key.  As a result, his piece was displayed at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts located at Boston University. Will's piece is now being recognized nationally as one of only a handful of photos selected from the Massachusetts regional exhibit.  In addition, it is one of only three-hundred to receive national recognition.  


For additional information on the selection process please click on the link provided. http://www.artandwriting.org

Will not only earned national recognition for his Hiker's Home piece, but recently he was awarded a coveted internship position at the Costa Rica Leadership Summit.  Ms. Carol Case, veteran teacher and lead chaperon, offers details on this prestigious honor.  


By Carol Case
After a stringent portfolio review and application process, GDRHS’s own Will Premru was awarded a prestigious internship in photography by our school travel partner, EF.

Will’s considerable skills will be put to use when he attends the Costa Rica Leadership Summit from March 15-24. The Summit topic is environmental sustainability and the keynote speaker is world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. He will shadow a professional photographer and will have special access to capture key moments of the Conference on stage and behind the scenes. His work may also be considered for inclusion in EF marketing materials.

Other highlights of the internship include a one-on-one mentorship with a graphic designer from EF’s creative team, a pre-Summit webinar with the official EF Summit photographer, and the chance for Will to build his personal portfolio. Congratulations, Will!

Mr. Jon O'Conner, his gifted GDRHS photography teacher, had this to say about Will.  

"Will is one of the nicest kids at this school.  Extremely humble, mature and very independently driven.  His dad is a professional photographer and in truth Will's technical knowledge of cameras outpaces mine.   He'd be a great photographer with or without me!  Will submitted 5 photos this year that we thought might get some notice.  He also got an honorable mention for an Analog Photograph.  The Hiker's Home piece came from a trip to Iceland.  The colors in this photo are pretty amazing: I think the simple repetition of the tents is especially vivid and reveals the type of lucid scene that makes travel and expedition so indescribable."





Sunday, March 15, 2015

Progress Reports & Much More

Progress Reports
Please log into iParent and/or iStudent to view the 3rd quarter progress report.




Costa Rica Travelers


Costa Rica Bound
Eleven students and two chaperons departed for a leadership summit in Costa Rica.  The trip boasts many highlights not the least of which is a keynote address by world renowned conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall.  I have included details about the trip below.  

For additional information regarding this trip please click on the link provided. http://www.eftours.com/educational-tour/tortuguero-national-park

Also, I have included additional links that provides details about a recent trip to Peru and the Global Scholars Program.

Costa Rica Website
http://costaricagd2015.weebly.com/

Service Learning in Peru
http://gdglobalscholars.weebly.com/peru-2015-blog

GoPro Footage From Machu Picchu
http://youtu.be/EDM26I15Io4


GD Global Scholars Webpage
http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

Costa Rica Summit Tour:
From March 15-23, learn how local conservationists are protecting endangered sea turtles on the tranquil beaches of Tortuguero. You'll also visit the Tortuguero Conservation Center and Museum where you'll learn about conservation from the experts. From zip-lining adventures to whitewater rafting, you’ll experience the beauty and culture of Costa Rica while doing hands-on work to protect wildlife.

Summit Leadership Conference:

Join other teachers and students in San José for a two-day leadership conference, March 21-22. Hear from world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall and environmentalist Severn Cullis-Suzuki, attend expert-led workshops, and gain valuable insight into the challenges and best practices surrounding environmental sustainability. 

Using Design Thinking—a creative problem-solving technique used by companies like Apple and Google—international teams of students will create and present solutions to an environmental challenge.

Upcoming Events

I) March
Ø  Math & ELA MCAS Testing
Ø  2015-2016 scheduling process
Ø  March 12th Progress Reports
Ø  March 18th-Parent/teacher conferences
II) April
Ø  April 10th  &11th -Spring Play
Ø  April 16th- College night hosted by the Guidance Department
Ø  April 17th--Poetry Out Loud Competition
Ø  April 29th—Digital Café

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Student of the Month

In my previous correspondence I failed to include one of our students of the month.  Clearly, I am not in line for any principal recognition.  Evidenced by her biography, one can see that Macie is not only deserving of the student of the month recognition, but she is multi-talented and very hardworking. Most importantly, she is a great kid.  Congratulations Macie.


Macie Bridge



My name is Macie Bridge, I am fifteen years old and a sophomore here at GD. I have lived in Groton all of my life, with my mom, dad, and sister, and we have two Samoyeds, Shiver and Blitzen. I can honestly say that I love coming to the high school every morning, and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience here so far. In school, my favorite classes are usually in the English category, as I really love writing. I have been able to work a lot on my writing skills this year through helping with the Yearbook, which I have loved every minute of, and already can’t wait to help more next year. Outside of school, I have been playing the Cello for about 12 years now, and have been dancing at Nashoba Valley Dance Academy for 9 years. I also enjoy baking, drawing, and spending time outside (mostly when it’s above freezing). At this point I’m still trying to figure out exactly what my plans are for the future, but I do know that whatever career path I choose will most likely be in the English/Writing field. I also hope to continue dancing both throughout and after college.

Parent/Teacher Conferences & Arts Boosters Fundraiser

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Spring 2015 parent/teacher conferences will be held on March 18, 2015.  

We are pleased to inform you that we will continue to use the online scheduling platform - www.signupgenius.com – to schedule parent/teacher conferences.  You can schedule a conference with your child’s teachers from the convenience of your home computer, smartphone or tablet.  Ten minute time slots are available in the afternoon and evening.  You should schedule all conferences by the end of the day on Friday, March 13th.  

The process of scheduling an appointment online is quite easy; however, we have included a help guide that will walk you through the process.  We emailed the document to all parents last week, and we included information on our website.  It is located under current news. http://www.gdrsd.org/gdrhs

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:  March 9th through March 13th  from 1:00-2:30 pm

  
Arts Booster Fundraiser
G/ D Arts Boosters 2nd annual "Dance Dance Dance!"
When: Saturday, March 28th from 7-11pm. 
Where: Groton Country Club (Over 21 years of age only)

A DJ w ill be playing the best of 70s and 80s music.  There will also be complimentary refreshments, silent auctions, and raffles.  Tickets will be $10 and they are sold at the door.  

Students of the Month

The following students are being recognized as students of the month.  They are being recognized for outstanding academic achievement, and/or a significant contribution to the school, community, or a noteworthy cause.  


Arianna Baker


My name is Arianna Barker and I am currently in my senior year at GDRHS.  I have lived in Groton my whole life and I feel lucky to have grown up in such a nice town.  I’m an only child and travel a lot with my parents.  Seeing new places in the world inspires and excites me.  In school, the subject I feel I’m the best at is math- and I enjoy doing it too.  Sciences like Biology and Environmental Science interest me as well.  In the fall, I’m most likely attending a state school.  UMass Lowell and Worcester State are my top choices as of now.  I hope to study a science, but may change my mind once I start to take classes in other subjects.  I also want to minor in Spanish and one day become fluent.  I definitely want to travel in college and if I could speak the language when I travel to Spanish-speaking countries that would be amazing.  In my free time I like to be outside, hang out with friends and family or listen to music.  I am honored to be a student of the month!    



Lydia Butler

My name is Lydia Butler and I am a Junior at GDRHS. Having school-choiced to groton, I truly appreciate the challenging classes that are offered at GD. Among the plethora of AP classes that are provided, my favorites are History and Chemistry. I have also recently taken advantage of the filming and editing classes offered here and gained knowledge and passion for the art. Shout out to T-dawg and Deep Dark Woods.




Danielle Caefer

My name is Danielle Caefer and I am a senior at Groton Dunstable Regional High School.  My younger sister Jacqueline also attends the high school and is currently a freshman.  In school my favorite subjects are math and science, specifically biology. Although I do not yet know what school I will be attending in the fall next year, I do know that no matter where I end up, I will be studying biomedical engineering.  This year, I am the Editor in Chief of the yearbook.  I have also designed the yearbook for the past two years.  Outside of school I dance with Gate City Ballet.  I also skate with several clubs, both individually and as part of a synchronized skating team.   


Emily Chu


My name is Emily Chu and I am a senior at GD. I have really enjoyed my past four years here, and I look forward to new and exciting experiences. Although I have not decided where I will be going to school next year, I plan on majoring in health science with pre-med advising. I have lived in Groton for 16 years with my parents and two sisters, with whom I am very close. So far I have had many amazing opportunities at GD, two of them being in my senior year. I spent my February vacation in Peru, visiting many historical sites and ending the trip with two service days at a local preschool. This was an extremely rewarding trip and I am very thankful for the opportunity and getting to experience it with my classmates, teachers, and principal. Additionally, I was a member of GD’s first gymnastics team and we had a very successful season. I’ve been involved in gymnastics since I could walk, so it is a huge part of my life. I have been named a member of the Senior National Team, one of my personal goals. I will travel to Florida with 17 other seniors from Massachusetts and compete against other states. I am excited for this trip, and what the future holds :)



Meghan Hanagan

Hello my name is Meghan Hanagan and I am a junior here at Groton-Dunstable regional High School. I am interested in business and communications and hope to pursue a career in this field some day after attending college. Some activities I like to do include playing sports, hanging out with friends, hiking, and being outside. I also participate on a fundraising team for St. Jude Children's research hospital called “Fitness for A Cure.” On this team every year I personally fundraise $1,000+ on my website through donations. Along with fundraising, my team prepares a show that incorporates fitness and dances for a huge gala event at the end of March. 100% of the proceeds earned from this event go directly to St. Jude. I enjoy being on this team not only because it fun, but it is a great way to give back, and is very rewarding knowing that all the money is helping to save kids lives. I am honored to be student of the month and would like to thank all of the wonderful staff and teachers at GD. The teachers really strive to prepare us for success in the real world.



Summer McGilliray

My name is Summer McGillivray and I'm a senior at Groton Dunstable. I have lived in Groton my whole life. I have a twin sister and also a younger sister who is a sophomore. In school I enjoy Spanish. This year I helped teach elementary school kids Spanish after school. In the fall I plan to go to college and study either Veterinary Technology or Captive Wildlife Care.I would someday like to have a career working with animals.




Displaying Photo on 2-23-15 at 5.07 PM.jpg
Kyle Skowranek


My name is Kyle Skowranek and I am currently a Junior at Groton-Dunstable high school. I have two sisters one older she is a senior in high school and my other sister is a freshman. I plan on going to a film school in New York City because i plan to have a job in film when I'm older. The people who influenced me to go into film are teachers at are school. These people have helped me work towards my goals in this subject i am very grateful for that.

                                                                                                                                                           

Stephen Silvestri

I'm Stephen Silvestri, currently a senior. I was born in Boston, and lived in Winchester and Woburn for the first eight years of my life before moving out here to Groton. This year, I have been very active in working on the yearbook. I also enjoy participating in the music and drama programs at the high school, and am an active member of the Environmental Club and Student Council. I will be attending the College of the Holy Cross next year, completely undecided as to what I want to major in. One thing that I am pretty sure of is that I want to study abroad during my time in college. High school has been a huge maturing and learning process, and it's difficult to believe that there are less than three months left for seniors. 



As a student of Groton-Dunstable High School, I am humbled and honored to receive the prestigious Student of the Month Award. Honestly, when Principal Mastrullo told me the news he said “I’m not messing with you,” even before I could ask if he was serious. Needless to say, I was shocked. I would like to thank the Academy of course. Now I feel oddly narcissistic writing this next part, but a biography is about one self, so here goes: I have lived in Groton for over 10 years now. I received my education from the Groton Dunstable Regional School District and plan to continue my education at Middlesex Community college in the fall. One of the people who has influenced me greatly in my life is Malcolm X. I plan to go ahead in life and pursue a career in Videography. I will film anything. Really, I will film anything. I won’t ask questions. Whatever you want me to film, I will do it. Just use an alias because if it is too weird then I will have to call the cops on you. Once again, thank you for recognizing me as Student of the Month.

Jackie Richardson
I'm Jackie Richardson and I got selected for student of the month because of my charity work with "Fitness for a Cure" which is an organization that works to help the children and families at St. Jude's Children Research Hospital in Memphis.  I started volunteering with Fitness for a Cure three years ago when I was in 7th grade, because a friend of mine was enjoying it and she suggested I join.  Participating in the work that this organization does for St. Jude over the past three years has really changed my outlook on life. No matter what I do when I grow up, I still want to be able to do something to contribute to  St. Jude.  Witnessing large numbers of people from different places coming together to support one cause has been a big motivation and inspiration for the way I live my life as I get older. I plan on continuing my work with Fitness for a Cure throughout high school as well as traveling to St. Jude in Memphis to volunteer at the hospital with some members of the Fitness for a Cure team in June.   



Monday, March 9, 2015

Amazon Science Expedition Presentation

Amazon Science Expedition Presentation
There will be an important informational meeting for all students and parents who are interested in the Amazon science expedition trip for 2016. It will be held in the library at 6 pm on tonight. Dr Tim Cole, the head of OpWall will be presenting via skype from England. If you have signed up for a place on this trip we will be collecting a deposit to secure your spot that evening.  

For additional information regarding 2016 travel opportunities please follow the link provided.  http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars


Friday, March 6, 2015

Girls BBall/Poetry Out Loud/Travel/ & Scheduling Info.


Girls Basketball Playoff Game

The GD Girls Basketball team plays at WPI this Saturday at 12:45pm.  They face a formidable opponent, but the lady Crusaders led by coach Mark Hennelly and senior captains Lindsay Werner and Melyssa Langell are up to the challenge.  A fan bus will depart GD at 11am on Saturday morning.  

Poetry Out Loud

Congratulations to David Fitzpatrick who has advanced to the state finals of the Poetry Out Loud competition.  David is one of 24 who will compete on Sunday, March 8 in the Massachusetts State Finals at the Old South Meeting House in Boston.  The incredible talent at the four regional semi-final competitions presented stiff competition and we are proud of David for advancing.   Good luck David. 

2016 International Travel Update
We had quite a bit of activity this week with several trips witnessing growth.  A few trips are nearing capacity.  There are, however,   spots available for all trips.  Please follow the link provided for additional information on each trip.  Each individual website provides a detailed itinerary along with information on how to enroll online. 

 http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

There will be an important informational meeting for all students and parents who are interested in the Amazon science expedition trip for 2016. It will be held in the library at 6 pm on Monday March 9th. A representative from the company hosting the trip will be present via Skype. If you have signed up for a place on this trip we will be collecting a deposit to secure your spot that evening.

2015-2016 Scheduling Update

Parents & Students,

Welcome to the 2015-2016 scheduling season. Groton-Dunstable Regional High School continues to streamline the scheduling process by utilizing the iPass program. Use of iTeacher, iStudent and iParent helps us create a student-centered schedule. It is our hope that IPASS will provide you with more information about your child’s teacher recommendations, and that it will be a valuable tool for planning your child’s high school academic experience.

Currently, teachers are entering their 2015-2016 recommendations into the iTeacher system. This process is one that is done thoughtfully and considers all aspects of the child, including but limited to, learning style, test scores, placement level, maturity, historical grades, MCAS scores, homework patterns and work ethic.  Teacher recommendations are due by March 6th.

On March 9th, grades 9, 10 and 11 will have class meetings during the school day to review the scheduling process. There will be a presentation on the evening of March 9th at the high school  for 8th grade students and parents. This presentation will be recorded for ANY parent who wishes to watch the presentation from the comfort of your home at a later time. Additionally, all information shared during the presentation will be posted on the HS website under the Parents and Students Tab.

On March 10th, iStudent will open. Students and parents will be able to see teacher recommendations and will have a 2-week period of time to select courses for next year. Prior to March 10th, current high school students and their parents are encouraged to meet with their guidance counselors to discuss courses for next year, transcripts and/or graduation requirements.  

A link to the scheduling timeline is here:

It is the hope of the high school staff that you and your student feel well informed throughout the scheduling process.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  

Sincerely,
Marisa E. Brisson
Assistant Principal
Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
978-448-6362

Three Girls Making A Difference




Three Groton-Dunstable High School Students are making a difference . . . .

Meghan Hanagan, Jacqueline Richardson and Paige Bailey are all members of the  “Fitness for a Cure” High School Performance Team. The purpose of “Fitness for a Cure” is to raise money for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the performance team represents the children of the hospital.  This team has brought together high school students from all over New England.  This is their third year participating in this amazing event. They not only learn about what it is to be a part of a team but they learn about the spirit of giving to those less fortunate. The team motto is: “Because we are strong in mind and body, therefore it is our obligation to give back to the sick and the weak.”

“Fitness for a Cure”, started 15 years ago when Sherri Sarrouf, owner of SLS Fitness in Lowell, MA brought her passion for health and fitness together with her passion to help children stricken with cancer. “Fitness for a Cure” raises money for St. Jude, and over the years it has raised more than 2 million dollars since it was founded in 1999. 

 As a member of the “SLS Fitness for a Cure” team, these girls understand that a lot is expected of them. They need to maintain good grades, take pride in themselves, continue to be good role models and be committed.  They give up time every Sunday from November to March, to brainstorm fundraising ideas and learn the dance steps for the “Fitness for a Cure Gala Event” held at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. They each have their own St. Jude website and are expected to raise at least $1,000. In addition they are asked to collaborate together on additional fundraising ideas at their individual high schools.

 St. Jude continues its life saving mission to find cures and save children.  These three high school students will end this school year by traveling to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. They will be volunteering for 4 days with sick children and their families. The valuable lessons they have learned will hopefully continue to encourage them to always want to give back and make a difference in the world!  If you are interested in finding out more about this organization and how you can help, please go to www.fitnessforacure.com.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

International Travel Update/ 3 on 3 Tournament

2016 International Travel Update
There are currently spots available for all trips, but a few have only a few spaces remaining.  Please follow the link provided for additional information on each trip.  Each individual website provides a detailed itinerary along with information on how to enroll online. 

 http://www.gdrsd.org/GDRHS/Portal/225-Global-Scholars

There will be an important informational meeting for all students and parents who are interested in the Amazon science expedition trip for 2016. It will be held in the library at 6 pm on Monday March 9th. A representative from the company hosting the trip will be present via Skype. If you have signed up for a place on this trip we will be collecting a deposit to secure your spot that evening.



 2015 11th Annual WJW 3 on 3 Tournament
Last day to register to guaranty tournament tee shirts is Saturday, March 7th.  Don't miss out! Register online today - click hereRegistration closes March 14Click here for more information about rulesbylaws and corporate sponsors. If you have any questions, please contact the tournament committee at tournaments@gdybl.org We hope you get a chance to enter a team for the 2015 tournament. Looking forward to seeing you.

The Tournament Committee