Maggie Wertheimer, Casey Sjoberg, Girls Cross Country & More

Below I am showcasing students with a deep reservoir of talent who are presently performing at a high level in one of their areas of interest. Maggie Wertheimer is a multi-talented individual with a passion for photography.  Below you will find a brief biography of Maggie and a link to her website where her talents are on full display.  

National Art Honor Society welcomes a few new members.  I have included some impressive artwork, and that is an understated and woefully inadequate description of the pieces submitted by Pamela Marino, Lily McCusker, & Haley Ashburn   

In addition, senior Casey Sjoberg placed second in the Affiliate Championships for the National Reining Horse Association.  Also, the Girls Cross Country Team had a tremendous season culminating in a league championship and Sophomore Emily Willson finishing in first place. Furthermore, GD's chapter of International Thespian Society inducted eight new members, and GD Drama production of Harvey is coming soon.  

Maggie Wertheimer

By Senior Maggie Wertheimer

My name is Maggie Wertheimer and I am a senior at Groton-Dunstable. I've been in this district since fourth grade and I can't think of day that I haven't been challenged or learned something new. I have had so many academic, athletic, travel, and artistic opportunities that helped me to discover who I am. My first semester freshmen year I walked into Mr. O'Connor's class with an iPod touch and no idea what it meant to take a photo. I soon realized that photography gives people the power to communicate with anyone despite language, age, or cultural differences. Through my new interest in photography I was recruited to participate in the yearbook as a photo editor and apply for the Leadership Summit in Costa Rica. Hearing Jane Goodall and the voices of 500 other student leaders at the summit helped me realize the effect that we can have on our world when we work together. I have gained so much from teachers, peers, and experiences but I am excited and prepared for what lies ahead. 

http://wertheimermaggie.wix.com/maggie-wertheimer

National Art Honor Society

By Sophomore Haley Ashburn 

The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) at GDRHS welcomes returning members - Charlotte McCarthy (Vice President), Serena Scharn, and Avery Ferrante - and will be inducting new members Pamela Marino (President), Haley Ashburn (Public Relations), Lily McCusker, Kiley Lawton, Saya Norton and National Junior Art Honor Society member Matthew Suchecki this Friday at the high school. A reception will follow at 6 p.m.and will feature various pieces of artwork from current and new members. Afterwards, the GD Drama Guild will perform their opening night of the classic play “Harvey.”

Additional exciting news for the GDRHS NAHS includes the upcoming NAHS Art Show, “Navigating the Imagination.” The show, which is an annual juried exhibit of artwork from NAHS members within Massachusetts, will be held at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA. Selected works encompass a variety of media, techniques, and creativity from NAHS members across the state. This year, the artwork of three GDRHS students will be included in the exhibit. “Splash” (oil on paper) by sophomore Haley Ashburn, “Grandparents' Barn” (acrylic on paper) by sophomore Pamela Marino and “Skeleton” (pastel on paper) by junior Lily McCusker will be on display from November 2^nd to November 28^th at MCLA’s Press Gallery.

Grandparents' Barn” (acrylic on paper) by sophomore Pamela Marino

“Skeleton” (pastel on paper) by junior Lily McCusker

 “Splash” (oil on paper) by sophomore Haley Ashburn,

Casey Sjoberg
By Casey Sjoberg

I went to Syracuse, New York to compete at the Affiliate Championships for the National Reining Horse Association. The Affiliate Championships are a competition one has to qualify for in order to compete against the best in the Northeastern region.  My classes were more competitive because I was competing against higher skilled riders.

The sport I compete in is known as reining. In this western riding discipline we are given a pattern comprised of sliding stops, spins, circles and speed changes.  Each of these maneuvers is rated from a -1.5 to a 1.5 and there tends to be seven to nine maneuvers, the points may be added or subtracted in increments of 0.5. The competitor begins with 70 points and if they remain at 70 they had a perfect pattern, because when a maneuver is done correctly it scores a 0.

With regards to my classes, I placed second out of thirty-two in one in the Green Reiner division and second twice in the Youth Rookie division.  I also scored my first 69. In addition, I competed in a youth tournament on Sunday. For this tournament, the youth competitors were randomly placed on different teams, then they completed their pattern and at the end of the class all of the team members’ scores were added and the highest number wins. Although my team did not win we came in fifth out of eight, we were up against some really lucky teams.

Overall, I had a successful show and I was offered a team spot on a Cobleskill IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association). Although I do not wish to attend that school, I was flattered.  I hope to continue to improve with my horse and to one day ride in college on a NCAA Division one team at Texas A & M.

Girls Cross Country

The girls cross country team ran away with the League Championship on Saturday defeating their closest competitor by 24 points.  The girls earned 5 league all-star titles by taking 6 places in the top 13 runners.  Emily Willson lead her team to victory earning a 1st place finish in 19:46.  Emily Willson, Meagan Odell, Emily McAuliffe, Julianna Higgins, and Emma Demers are MidWach B League All-Stars.  http://gdrsd.org/gdrhs/2015/10/26/girls-cross-country-takes-home-division-b-title/

International Thespian Society Inductions

By Chris Olson

On October 20th, GD's chapter of International Thespian Society inducted eight new members.  To join the drama honor society students need some on stage experience, though typically members have many hours on stage before becoming members.  Members perform community service hours over their high school career in support of theater in the district and in the community.  Though many community service hours are at the high school, building and painting sets for example, hours can also be performed elsewhere.  Some of our honors students will be volunteering this coming weekend at the Florence Roche Halloween Parade.  New inductees are Nick Pellizzari, Laura Barranco, Kasha Jezak, Michael Suchecki, Jack Malone, Pam Marino, Calvin Parker, and Celeste Vandermillen.

Harvey Coming Soon

MEFA College Financing Event at GD: 10/22 at 6:30

MEFA College Financing Event at GD

Parents and students are invited to attend a free seminar on paying for college, which will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 pm in the High School Black Box. This seminar is offered through MEFA, the Commonwealth’s authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative will provide an overview of the college financing process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and financing options for your family. Before the seminar, be sure to visit MEFA’s website — mefa.org — to download a copy of the seminar presentation and explore other tools and resources to assist you in the college planning process.

Meg Colantuoni, College Financing Night, MCAS Results, & More

Crusader field hockey captain Meg Colantuoni, one of GDRHS’ September Athletes of the Month.

By Bob Mingolelli

There are many outstanding student athletes at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. With recommendations from the faculty, the Groton Herald will highlight a few of these individuals during the school year.

Senior varsity field hockey co-captain Meg Colantuoni has lived in Groton for all but 13 months. Her accomplishments are the personification of achievements achieved through hard work. GD faculty and coaches agree Meg’s competitive nature and positive energy make her a pleasure to have both in class and in playing her favorite sport, field hockey.

Mr. and Mrs. Dave and Mary Colantuoni always encouraged Meg and older brother Tim, positively supporting them in school and in their athletic activities. Tim played baseball at G-D and is currently a student at Middlesex Community College.

Meg has played numerous sports including youth soccer; varsity tennis her freshman and sophomore years as well as field hockey.  “I have played hockey since the eighth grade and decided that was the sport I wanted to focus on,” shared Meg.

As a freshman, Meg played JV field hockey, but made up her mind that she wanted to be on the varsity as a sophomore. “I didn’t think I was good enough so I really started working hard, playing club hockey just trying to improve.”  Field hockey included Granite State Elite and Futures Field Hockey and playing year round became the norm.

The hard work paid dividends for Megan who made the varsity as a sophomore and co-captains the team this season along with junior goalie, Abby Vervaeke.

“After that freshman year I really knew I liked the sport,” she remembers and decided, “I might like to play field hockey in college. Nichols College is one of the schools I have looked at but have not committed to.”

In her sophomore and junior years, Meg anchored the defense for the field hockey team. Because she has the skills and savvy to transfer effectively, varsity field hockey coach Rachel Connerty plays Meg at center-mid this year where she transitions from offense to defense as play dictates. “I’m all over the place, calling the plays on the corners. I love it,” she shared. “Meg sets the tone of the game. She certainly has a nose for the ball, doesn’t mind pestering opposing players with tenacious defense. She communicates to her teammates and sets the plays,” comments Connerty.

 “When she is out there going for the ball and playing offensively, her teammates do the same, and it sure is fun to be a part of! She is the backbone and the spirit of the team.  Her positive leadership, dedication, strong defensive and offensive skills, knowledge of the game and motivation to not only improve herself personally but help make the players around her better,” continued coach Connerty.

Meg has had consistent honor roll grades through high school. Talking about her future plans, she shared “I thought about studying nursing after high school but forensics and criminology are very interesting career paths for me.”

 G-D chemistry teacher Steve Kleeman insists that Meg brings the same qualities from the hockey field to the classroom.  “A fighter in what she believes in, competitive energy and her presence improves the atmosphere in class,” relates Kleeman.

Meg enjoys time outdoors with her dog Slinky “You know Slinky, from Toy Story,” she smiled. She also enjoys working at the Groton Country Club as a hostess for various function hall events.

Meg is beyond being proud of being selected field hockey captain. “I love the game and worked extremely hard to improve. Being recognized for my effort is very fulfilling because it was unexpected. It was Great!”

MCAS Results
Students who completed the MCAS exam last year received their results before leaving today.  A presentation on school and district results will be provided at a School Committee meeting in the near future.  I will share data in my blog after that presentation.  

MEFA College Financing Event at GD

Parents and students are invited to attend a free seminar on paying for college, which will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 pm in the High School Black Box. This seminar is offered through MEFA, the Commonwealth’s authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative will provide an overview of the college financing process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and financing options for your family. Before the seminar, be sure to visit MEFA’s website — mefa.org — to download a copy of the seminar presentation and explore other tools and resources to assist you in the college planning process.

Yard Sale Fundraiser

In the spirit of community service and global awareness, students and staff traveling to Ecuador in April of 2016, are holding a Yard Sale fundraiser at Prescott, 145 Main Street in Groton. The yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th from 8:00 am until noon with a rain date of Sunday, October 25th. Don't worry, either way, you won't miss the Patriots! Students, staff, and parents will collect, sort and later sell donated items. 

Donations, a vital part of our yard sale success, should be brought to the rear entrance of Prescott on Friday, October 23rd, between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  After the yard sale ends, any remaining items will be delivered to Savers in Nashua, NH. For a list ofaccepted donations, check the Savers of Nashua, NH donation center site.   Help us help local families and global efforts as we raise funds to help others, create a greener planet Earth by recycling goods, and support Savers designated nonprofit, the Epilepsy New England Foundation New Hampshire.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

Harvard University Event For Students
A one-day conference for high school students to learn how to jump start initiatives.  Keynote speakers and hands-on and small-group workshops aimed at teaching students how to launch and improve initiatives. For more information click on the link provided.  goo.gl/kS2MPy

Yearbook Photo Deadline

The deadline for senior portraits was Friday, October 16. Many seniors haven't submitted their senior portrait yet. Here is a link to a letter explaining how to submit your senior's portrait. 

Please submit the portrait as soon as possible. We cannot extend a grace period beyond October 26 because our first yearbook submission to the publisher includes the senior portrait section. We want to make sure every senior is included!

If you have any questions on senior portraits, please contact Jon Adams (jadams@gdrsd.org).

GDRHS Drama Guild Presents Harvey by Mary Chase

Since the beginning of school in September, Groton-Dunstable High School drama students and teachers have been hard at work preparing for their first production of the year. Harvey is a comedy by Mary Chase that follows Elwood P. Dowd, a man who sees a tall rabbit-like creature named Harvey who is invisible to the rest of the world. His sister, Veta, attempts to put Elwood in a sanitarium for the mentally ill. But is Harvey really only a product of Elwood’s mind? You be the judge.

Drama Guild has started out the year with 50 students involved, most of them currently working on Harvey. The production is being directed by GDRMS English teacher Jennifer Leung and assistant directed by Jack Malone, a junior at GDRHS. Shows are on November 6 at 7 PM and November 7 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the GDRHS Black Box Theatre, 703 Chicopee Row in Groton, MA. Tickets are $10 general admission; $8 for students, senior citizens, and the matinee.

Emily Olson, College Financing Night at GD & More

College Financing Night at GD

Parents and students are invited to attend a free seminar on paying for college, which will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 pm in the High School Black Box. This seminar is offered through MEFA, the Commonwealth’s authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative will provide an overview of the college financing process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and financing options for your family. Before the seminar, be sure to visit MEFA’s website — mefa.org — to download a copy of the seminar presentation and explore other tools and resources to assist you in the college planning process.

PSAT Information

GDRHS will be administering the PSAT exam on October 14th.  The College Board is not allowing a Saturday exam, and the test is 35 minutes longer this year; therefore, we must start the exam early so as to minimize the disruption to the school.  Students taking the exam will need to arrive at the school at 6:45.

Yard Sale Fundraiser

In the spirit of community service and global awareness, students and staff traveling to Ecuador in April of 2016, are holding a Yard Sale fundraiser at Prescott, 145 Main Street in Groton. The yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th from 8:00 am until noon with a rain date of Sunday, October 25th. Don't worry, either way, you won't miss the Patriots! Students, staff, and parents will collect, sort and later sell donated items. 

Donations, a vital part of our yard sale success, should be brought to the rear entrance of Prescott on Friday, October 23rd, between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  After the yard sale ends, any remaining items will be delivered to Savers in Nashua, NH. For a list of accepted donations, check the Savers of Nashua, NH donation center site.   Help us help local families and global efforts as we raise funds to help others, create a greener planet Earth by recycling goods, and support Savers designated nonprofit, the Epilepsy New England Foundation New Hampshire.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

Google Cloud Camp at GD
EVENT POSTPONED/Date & Time TBA SOON

GDRSD will be hosting a Google Cloud Camp Event in the future, but the October 17th event is postponed.  

Emily Olson 

Backyard Productions Director & Producer

Summer Performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This summer, a group of over twenty teens from the towns of Groton, Dunstable, Littleton, and Shirley put on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the park. As the director, it was a fun challenge to coordinate all the particulars. The common conception of a director is a person wearing a beret barking orders through a megaphone at the actors, but that is only partly true. Directing requires a wide verity of skills, such as managing a budget, reviewing concept designs for sets and costumes, and contacting newspapers to advertise; and that is only the tasks outside of the play practices. The best and sometimes most difficult part of this was the lack of adult assistance. The crew and I had to design and assemble all the costumes, set pieces, and props on our own. If something went wrong we would problem solve collaboratively to fix it, and sometimes we would revise a problem many times before we were satisfied with the results. By the time of the show the cast was more than ready to preform, and did an incredible job with the Shakespearian language and stage comedy. One of the most satisfying things about the play was how we were able to accomplish so much, even though we did not have a single member over the age of eighteen.

My assistant director, Julia Joyce, and I went into the preproduction planning on donating the money to a local charity. We made the show free to attend, and asked all who came to place a small sum in basket after the show so we could give all the profits to charity. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, we collected a total of $650. We decided to donate to Loaves & Fishes, because it is so active in our local community.

Directing and producing A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a great way to spend a summer, and probably one of the best summers I have ever had. The cast and crew were wonderful.  It was constructive to learn from my own successes and failings without adult guidance. The donation to Loaves & Fishes also gave us all a real sense of purpose that we were not only having fun, but benefiting the community. Additionally, Backyard Productions has been asked by the Shirley Historic District to perform a Shakespeare in the Park performance next summer. I already cannot wait for next summer to begin!     

Progress Reports, Felix Shen & More

ThinkTaylor Challenge
GD WINS the ThinkTaylor Challenge as the top high school in the Commonwealth for drawing awareness to concussion in sports. Congratulations everyone, well done and for the right reasons. Due to the hard work and effort of the athletic department both the girls and boys soccer teams will get new uniforms.   

PSAT Registration
There are only a limited number of PSAT tests remaining.  The test is October 14th and registration closes on Friday, October 9th.  Sign Up Here! 

School Council
Please fill out the attached form if you are interested in serving on School Council
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KH5R7RZ

Progress Reports & School Brains Registration
First quarter progress reports are now accessible online for both students and parents. To login please follow the link provided.  Students were provided a paper copy of their progress report this afternoon.  We intend to eliminate paper copies and return to an electronic version for quarter one report cards.  

If you have not logged in to the portal yet we ask that each parent / guardian log in and update their information.  If you lost your information you can use the "Forgot Password" option and a new password will be sent to you.  If you do not know your login information please email schoolbrains@gdrsd.org.  

If you have any questions or additional issues, please do not hesitate to contact Phyllis Maynard, our Data & Education Technology Specialist and SchoolBrains Administrator, with any questions, comments or concerns at pmaynard@gdrsd.org.

National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.  Roughly 1.4 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.  The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of  U.S. high school seniors,  includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.  We are proud to announce that one of our own is among the one-percent selected in the entire country. Congratulations to Felix Shen for this tremendous achievement. 

Felix Shen
My name is Felix, and I’ve been in this district since kindergarten. It’s strange and exciting that this is my last year of being in this district after such a long time. I’m glad I grew up in this community. In addition to the school’s academic challenges, there has been plenty of opportunity for me to learn new things through clubs like DECA and other activities like Boys State and Student Council.  However, one of the most important activities to me has been Boy Scouts. It has allowed me to be a part of the community, with things like the Memorial Day Parade and the Mothers’ Day pancake breakfast. A big part is participating in Dunstable’s environmental conservation efforts. A lot of community service from my troop, including my Eagle Project have gone to help out the town’s wonderful land trust. This has sparked my interest in environmental science. I have independently studied the AP environmental science class and hope to continue learning about it later on in college.