Friday, September 4, 2015

Principal's Blog: Advisory, Freshmen Orientation, Athletics & More

The first week of school is both exciting and chaotic.  Efficiency must have an elastic quality during this week as we aim to have all the disruptions that accompany the start of school completed in week one.  Freshmen orientation, Advisory, multiple safety and evacuation drills, student pictures, and freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior class meetings were all completed in the three days of school this week.  

 During class meetings we reviewed the student handbook and highlighted the most important policies and procedures.  Students left with a copy of the GDRHS Student Handbook Highlights and details on how to access the complete document online.  They also went home with the Nurse's Office Emergency Card and a copy of our Acceptable Use Policy. All documents need to be signed and returned.  In addition, I talked about the need for students to be leaders.  I showed them a short Ted Talk that neatly summarized the essence of my discussion. I have included a link to that video for your review. 

 Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership 
http://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership?language=en

 Advisory Information

 For those who are not aware, Advisory is a high school program that is designed to meet the following mission.


"The GDRHS Advisory Program for the school year 2015-16 is designed to promote school spirit and enable our students and staff to develop meaningful relationships in a small group setting.  Combining our collective initiative, ideas, and resources we aim to reach beyond our school walls to not only strengthen our GD community but also make a positive difference in addressing the unmet needs around us.” 

 The Advisory theme for the school year is community service, and we intend to keep the service as local as possible.  With this in mind, the next Advisory will be on the 17th of September and we are asking students to bring in non-perishable items that will benefit the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. 

 We want students and staff to enjoy the Advisory Program, and we intend to incorporate challenges and competitions whenever possible. Advisory class will meet twice a month for 30 minutes, and Thursday, September 3rd was our first meeting.  The culminating competition required students to build a free-standing tower using only their shoes.  If you wish to see pictures from the competition please follow the link provided.  

 https://drive.google.com/a/gdrsd.org/file/d/0B3QeV_3XxgdvX2RmVWJaTWI5MWJwa29FOUFDM1NfclVydUdZ/view?usp=sharing
Freshmen Orientation
Freshmen orientation was a great success.  I want to thank all the upperclassmen who donated their time and effort to welcome our incoming freshmen. A special thanks to Katie Ferro, Peter McLaughlin, Emily Acone, Catherine de Groot, Emma Demers, Julianna Elmasri, and Katherine Thompson.  Furthermore, we welcomed 16 students from across the globe as part of our international student program, and they also participated in the events of  the day.  It is a great way to welcome our new students. If you would like to see pictures and videos highlighting the the events of the day follow the link provided.  https://goo.gl/4zinfe

 Athletics Update
By Michael McCaffrey

 Boys Soccer hosted Royal Grammar School of Newcastle England in a scrimmage yesterday at GDRHS. It was a spirited competition that displayed tremendous sportsmanship. Afterwards, both teams retreated to the house of a GDRHS soccer player to enjoy a meal and a swim to celebrate this international event.


News Coverage of the game


http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_28743681/g-d-entertains-royal-opponent

Sports Information Night
High School Fall Parent Sports Information Night will be held Tuesday, September 8th in the Black Box Theater at GDRHS. http://gdrsd.org/crusader-athletics/

 GD Arts Boosters
By Sue Hampton
The Groton-Dunstable Arts Boosters are ready to start another year of supporting the very talented students at GDRHS and we are planning to hold our first meeting on Monday, September 14th. We plan to meet on the front common of the high school to make it as convenient as possible for you all to attend.

We will meet at 3:00 and talk about our plans to help foster the Arts for the school year of 2015-16. We will also be electing officers. Don’t miss it! Hope to see you there!

Student Produces Shakespeare in the Park performance


Welcome Back Art Exhibits at GDRHS

http://gdrsd.org/gdrhs/2015/09/02/welcome-back-art-exhibits-at-gdrhs/

 New Website
Special thanks to Luke Callahan and the Technology Department for creating a fantastic website.  Follow the link to see the new and improved website.  

 http://gdrsd.org/gdrhs/

Check Out Our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Groton-Dunstable-Regional-High-School/125405274274341
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