Proud Marines

Proud Marines
We are so proud that three of Groton-Dunstable's finest have committed to enlist with a branch of the armed forces.  We are lucky to have them at our school, we are proud of their decision, and we are impressed by their commitment. Thank you Lydia, Andrew and Julie

Lydia Butler

My name is Lydia Butler and I am a senior at Groton-Dunstable High School. Like most of the senior class, I spent the first semester of this year feverishly applying to colleges, none of which I was actually interested in attending. As the year progressed my lack of direction began to affect my grades and everything else in my life, I was lost. February 10, Staff Sergeant Bevilacqua stood in the front commons and handed me a flier, asking me if I have ever considered joining the Marine Corps. In that moment, I immediately found my direction. Now, about a month later, I have officially enlisted in the Marines and couldn’t feel more honored to have had the opportunity to do so. 

In the future, I plan to utilize all of the opportunities that will be provided to me by the armed forces, from world travel to a free education. I am so appreciative of all of the support I have received and have an enormous amount of respect for all people who decide to serve our country. I would also like to acknowledge and thank both Julie King and Andy Karasevich for giving the next four years of their lives to the Marine Corps as well. 

Andrew Karasevich

My name is Andrew Karasevich and I have enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. I took the Oath of Enlistment in January 2016, but I began the process 7 months earlier in May. I was recruited by two separate Marines, SGT McLaughlin and SSGT Bevilacqua, and over the past year I have come to respect and admire them both greatly. I will be the third generation of my family to serve this Country, alongside my brother in the Navy.

I chose to enlist out of a sense of pride, and a feeling debt to my friends and family for all they have done for me. I want to protect the rights and freedoms that I was raised to enjoy, and appreciate. I want to protect my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, to do so I signed up for a Rifleman position in the Infantry. I want to make the best use of the life I was given, and I know this is what I was meant to do. I believe that a man draws a circle around his friends and family and protects it, but great men extend that circle to include all people who are in need of help. 

Julie King

My name is Julie King and I am currently a senior at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. On June 20, shortly after graduation, I will be leaving for 13 weeks to attend basic training to become a Marine in Parris Island, South Carolina. Being raised in an environment such as Groton, I've never felt as if I was being pushed to the limit of my abilities be it mentally, physically or academically. Making the decision to talk to a recruiter, cliché as it sounds, was arguably the most impactful conversation I've had in regards to any plans for my future. While going through the college application phase of senior year, it felt as if all of my peers had a sense of direction; knowing where they wanted to go to college or what their plans were following high school graduation. The only time when I felt the enthusiasm that I had been watching everyone around me experience was when I finally saw the contract stating that for the next five years in the Marine Corps, my MOS will be in Avionics.

Joining the Marines will give me the chance to find the challenge, discipline and self-reliance I've always craved while simultaneously giving my family, friends, and community a reason to support and feel proud of me. Choosing to enlist has also given me the opportunity to create my own path without following the cushioned one that has been neatly laid out, and that I have been expected to follow, up until what seems like just a few months ago. This being said, I have never been more committed to achieving a goal than I am now and readily look forward to earning the title United States Marine.

Women's History Month Career Night (3/30) & Career Fair For Girls (4/2)

 Women’s History Month Committee 2016 Career Night!

Location: High School Library

Time: 7:00pm

By Tammy Reynolds

Our Mission: The Women’s History Month Committee at GDRHS is dedicated to the ongoing reconsideration of women in history by our students, staff and community.  Through an academic and entertaining series of events during the month of March, we will celebrate the contributions of the powerful women who have come before us, honor the strong women who live among us, and empower the ambitious young women who are emerging as leaders in front of us.  It is our hope that our heightened focus will result in a richer appreciation of the interaction between all people in weaving the fabric of history.

Tonight’s Presenters

Susan Daly: A well respected Groton paramedic and EMT. Has been serving the with the Groton Fire Department since 2000 and currently serves as the Groton Fire Captain.

Dr. Katie Novak: Currently is the Assistant Superintendent for the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District. She has 14 years of teaching experience and received her Ed.D. from Boston University.

Lisa Ansara: A psychology professor working at Umass Lowell with a background in social work.  She has a M. Ed. and two kids who are in the GDRSD.

Veronica Sisemore: An engineer contracted by the government. Mrs. Sisemore also has two kids who have been through the GDRSD.

Sheila Harrington: Has served the First Middlesex District since her election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2010. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Providence College, and attended the New England School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1986

Career Fair for Girls

Sat., April 2

By Michelle Emerle

“See What You Can Be,” is a unique career fair for girls in grades K-12 living in Dunstable, Groton, Ayer and Shirley.  It will be held on Saturday, April 2, 3:30-5:00 pm at Ayer Shirley High School cafeteria.  Girls will get a chance to meet 30 women who represent a wide range of professions, traditional and non-traditional, and many locally-based.  This free event is hosted by the local Nash-a-way Girl Scouts as a service to the local communities.  The high school is located at 141 Washington St. in Ayer near Nashoba Valley Medical Center. 

Robotics Team and Sock Drive

Robotics Team Shines Again

By Ginger Vollmar

The Robotomies once again made it into the quarter finals at the First Robotics

competition in Providence this weekend!  After their 12 qualifying matches, their recordwas 6-5-1.  The team had a number of alliances in which our robot was the only robot to perform to its ability.   We were a bit disappointed with the record and this left us ranked at number 14.  The top 8 teams move on to the final elimination rounds.  

Our robot, the Black Knight, is amazing to watch.  It is tough, quick and beats every
defense, every time.  We do not know yet if the team will be asked to participate in the
New England Championship in Hartford in 3 weeks but we should find out soon.

Our team did not get to pick alliances since we weren't in the top 8 but our team was picked by the number 3 seed as part of their alliance.  The team's alliance lost in the quarter finals in a couple of tough battles.

It's been an amazing season so far for the Robotomies!

Sock Drive

Please Donate New Socks

By Rachel Trickett

A group of girls from Groton/Dunstable High School will be attending the CityReach Program in Boston on April 8th-9th, 2016.  This program gives people the opportunity to learn firsthand about homelessness from people who have experienced it.  During this session, they will join CityReach staff in street ministry and offer hospitality, food and clothing.

One of the greatest needs for the homeless and least donated items are "new socks".  Please help by donating a package of men's or woman’s socks.  To some homeless, new socks can be more important to them than food since many of them have access to soup kitchens and pantries.  Being without socks or having ones with holes in them especially during the cold and wet season, can lead to all sorts of foot ailments.

Thank you in advance and let's make this "sock drive" a success by helping put a smile on their faces and know they are being cared about.  All donations can be dropped off in the boxes located in the main office and in the guidance department until April 6, 2016.

Groton-Dunstable Students Are St. Jude Heroes

GDRHS students (Left to Right) Paige Bailey, Cassie Beigel, Meghan Hanagan, Anna Bushnell, Jacqueline Richardson

Groton-Dunstable Students Are St. Jude Heroes

Sixteen students from Groton-Dunstable Regional School District are on a mission, to help kids feel like kids and not patients. Saturday, March 19th, they participated in the 17th annual Fitness for a Cure gala event for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, raising a total of $435,000!  The theme of this year’s event was super heroes.

The St. Jude Performance Team is comprised of over 100 students from kindergarten through college age, from all over the Merrimack Valley region. The team was created seventeen years ago by Sherri Sarrouf of SLS Fitness, who combined her love for fitness and family to raise over $3.6 million dollars to date for St. Jude. The team has volunteered countless hours between Sunday rehearsals and fundraising.  The finale two-part day and evening gala event features the team performing a show composed of fitness and dancing to upbeat music, utilizing their health to give back to the sick and less fortunate.

This past summer, high school students Meghan Hanagan, Paige Bailey and Jacqueline Richardson traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to volunteer their time at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Senior, Meghan Hanagan shares her experience of the trip, “I didn't expect the impact these kids would have on me when I walked through the doors. One girl I was working on crafts with was eight years old, and diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. You would've never suspected she was fighting for her life, with her positive attitude, and joy of life. It's hard to worry about the little things in life, when I think back to this young girl’s positive attitude even with her uncertain future.”

Principal Michael Mastrullo shared his sentiments.  “The students of GD have demonstrated time and time again a commitment to helping others.  It is so impressive to see random acts of kindness everyday.  In my five years as principal I cannot think of a better cause than the one Meghan, Paige, and Jacqueline have tirelessly dedicated their time and energy too. They are great role models for all.”

The Middle School students will continue our community's involvement in this extraordinary event.  Many of these kids have been on the team since elementary school.  Katherine Shea and Caroline Keegan ran a lemonade and friendship bracelet stand on a hot summer day-raising over $50.00 for St. Jude in just a few hours.

The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Fitness for a Cure and these kids from Groton-Dunstable help support founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Danny Thomas’ dream of “Finding Cures, Saving Children.”  

GDRMS students (Left to Right) Back row-Griffen Posner, Ethan Hillenburg, Ryan Bushnell, Caroline Keegan, Katherine Shea, Ruby Bailey, Sarah Bushnell, Penny Bailey, Front row-Cole Beigel, Alexander Hillenburg, Abigail Schuster

Excused Absences, DI, Ryan Bjerke & More

Good Friday & Quarter 3
School will be in session tomorrow.  I have listed all the excused absences that can be found in our handbook.  As with all excused absences, please submit documentation to the office detailing the reason for the excused absence.  If a note was not provided before the upcoming religious holiday please call the attendance line on Friday.  Students can participate in after school activities if the absence is excused.  Also, due to snow days quarter three will end on Wednesday, April 6th.

Excused absences

1. Doctor/dentist appointments or verified illness (notification from doctor due within 5 school days after the absence. (Please note that the student has to be seen at the doctor’s office.  A phone call by a parent to the doctor’s office does not constitute an excused absence)
2. Court appearances
3. College Visits ( Juniors/Seniors only 3 per year)
4. DMV/Registry appointments (maximum of 2)
5. Religious holiday

Pictured are Jacky Coy, Anthony de Freitas, Calvin Parker, Chloe Malsick,
Emily Olson, and Quinn Parker.

Destination Imagination

By Chris Olson

This Saturday is the Destination Imagination Tournament at WPI.  I am excited to bring a team to the state tournament for the third time, performing the improv challenge.  The group performs their central challenge in 9:15 in Perrault Hall Upper with an instant challenge in the afternoon.  It looks like there will be two other teams representing GD at the elementary level participating the technical challenge; they perform in Harrington Auditorium at12:59 and 2:17. 

Ryan Bjerke to Race for Exclusive Autosport

Courtesy of  http://www.f1600series.com/

Exclusive Autosport is pleased to announce that Ryan Bjerke will race for the championship winning team in 2016 competing in the F1600 Formula F Championship in the United States and select SCCA Majors Tour events.

On-track Ryan will make his debut for the Canadian-based squad in this weekend’s SCCA Majors event at Road Atlanta, Georgia, Friday March 18th- Sunday March 20th. He will join fellow Exclusive Autosport drivers Will Harvey and Ben Auriemma.

Bjerke, the former karting champion, will drive the #94 Exclusive Autosport / Spectrum / Honda Racing HPD car this year, as he enters his first full-time season of F1600 competition in 2016.

This coming weekend at Road Atlanta (in the SCCA Major’s Tour) will allow Ryan to gain important seat time in his Exclusive Autosport Spectrum Honda prior to the championship season commencing at Road Atlanta in early April.

“I am really excited to be working with Ryan. I have been watching him drive for the past few years in the F1600 competition. I believe he has a lot of talent and a lot of speed. We are very optimistic and excited about him switching from a Van Diemen into one of our Exclusive Autosport Spectrum Honda’s. I think with the right equipment and support behind him he will be successful right from the get go and will be a strong asset to our program,” said team owner Michael Duncalfe.

“I am very excited to drive for a team as great and as successful as Exclusive Autosport,” said Ryan Bjerke. “It is a great opportunity and I will bring my experiences and winning attitude to the team for a successful season.”

TEDx

We have a really cool TEDx event at GD this Friday.  Great work by Kelly McManus, Leah Mitchell, and other members organizing and planning this event.  It would be great to sell the event out.  Providing an incentive for students to attend would be great.  

Women's History Month Events & TEDx

Fitchburg Mayor Wong Encourages Students to Make a Change

On Wednesday March 16, Mayor Lisa Wong of Fitchburg spoke at an event hosted by the Groton-Dunstable Women’s History Month Committee and sponsored by the Groton-Dunstable Education Foundation. As both the first Asian American and youngest female mayor in Massachusetts, she recounted about the many adventures that have been a part of her life and the many women who have influenced her, including her grandmother and mother. She spoke about how the decision these women made to emphasize education and compassion have greatly impacted her and helped her become who she is. 

“Everyone in this room is here because … at some point… one of our ancestors took a profound risk.”Wong also mentioned the many places around the world that she has traveled to and how these journeys have helped her see problems in her community and find ways to fix them.  Asked about Fitchburg Wong stated that she wanted to “be a champion” for a city that “fell on hard times and had lost its confidence.”   Asked if she had a magic wand and could only pass one law or change one aspect of American Policy Wong said she would “Overturn Citizens United...”  With the explanation that corporations run by a tiny minority of Americans should not be able to unduly influence policy through massive campaign contributions.

She ended the night by encouraging the young women present to try and identify the problems that exist in our culture and community and have the courage to speak out against them and endeavor to make a change.​

Written by Sarah Latario, class of 2017. Photo credit: Mr. Jon O’Connor, Digital Arts teacher.

http://gdrsd.org/gdrhs/2016/03/23/fitchburg-mayor-wong-encourages-students-to-make-a-change/

RAD as part of Women's History Month

By Rachel Mead

I just wanted to let all of you know that on March 23 I am hosting an Introduction to RAD as part of Women's History Month.  So if you weren't sure about RAD when we had classes this fall but would like to come and check it out, come on by the Black Box at 7 PM!

http://www.rad-systems.com

This class is for ladies only (sorry gentlemen, but feel free to pass the information on to the women in your lives). Students must be at least 13 years old to attend.  This is a great way for women to learn ways to be more aware of their surroundings and have some tools in their tool belt if they are ever in an unsafe situation. And for those interested in continuing their self-defense education, we will have a sign-up sheet for the full class, which will start the Wednesday after April vacation. I hope to see some of you there :)

TEDx

We have a really cool TEDx event at GD this Friday.  Great work by Kelly McManus, Leah Mitchell, and other members organizing and planning this event.  It would be great to sell the event out.  Providing an incentive for students to attend would be great.  

Mock Trial Team Success

Mock Trial Team Success
The Mock Trial Team enjoyed a tremendous season. The program was founded just two-years ago by Social Studies teacher Jay Villagomez.  Jay did a remarkable job getting the program off the ground, and his successor, first-year teacher Ian Wilkins, proved adept at building off of that success and bringing the program to new heights. Ian Wilkins grabbed the reins despite being in the midst of a rookie season at GD, and did a fine job leading a group of ambitious students. In his typical humble yet well articulated manner, Ian Wilkins describes the season in detail below.

By Ian Wilkins

The G-D Mock Trial team entered into its third year with some uncertainty as to how the season would proceed. The team had come into being under the guidance of teacher Jay Villagomez, whose heavy schedule of obligations made it impossible for him to participate this year. At the outset, it was unclear to the returning team members whether they would be able to find a faculty member to take over.

Through a series of random occurrences, I agreed to take the role as advisor to the team, and I am so very glad I did. Seniors Brent Emerle and Colin Donaldson approached me with a plea for help. I was hesitant; it’s my first year teaching, and I was nervous about the possibility of taking on too much. They assured me that they would be the team leaders, true captains, with the main responsibilities for recruiting and teaching new members, organizing practices, and focusing the preparation. I saw a desire in their eyes to which I could not say no.

Brent and Colin lived up to their end of the bargain, and then some. I watched them grow as leaders, teachers, and team members. I saw them struggle and adjust, learn from their mistakes, and, as the trials came, lead their team into battle with confidence and poise. The success we experienced this season is due in the greatest part to the leadership of these two students.

Other returning members Cam Glennie (senior) and Clark Johnson (junior) also gave the team a strong backbone of experience. They each performed extremely well in the trials, and added important voices throughout the trial preparation process.

More than half of the team members were new this year. Senior Ethan Gaines, and freshmen Angelina Leach, Eli Sun, Andrew McCusker, and Arthur Wang, all performed impressively, especially considering that it was their first time at it.

Mock Trial is a complex and intense competition. The types of analysis, preparation, and performance these students go through are fascinating to watch. They have to know their material inside and out, and they have to spend the time and energy to get to that point. And it is also one of the most difficult kinds of events to coach:  I can’t communicate with them whatsoever during the trial, and I must maintain full courtroom decorum at all times--no expression of emotion, not even a fist pump. As you can imagine, with the very tight competitions we saw in our three trials, it was incredibly difficult for me to keep my mouth shut!

The main reason I agreed to advise Mock Trial is that it reminds me of the Model Legislature and Model U.N. competitions in which I participated during high school. I was even able to have Attorney Nicholas Meunier, a very good friend of mine who used to participate in these events with me (way back then), serve as the team’s Attorney-Coach. These events provide authentic, real-world experiences for these students, something which is impossible to manufacture within the walls of the school. When they enter the courtrooms, dressed like lawyers, carrying their legal documents, they are transformed from the students you see every day, and it is special to witness. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a trial in the coming years, I suggest you take it.

I also want to express my gratitude for everyone who helped the team and me out this year--Thank You!

The Groton Herald featured a story on the Mock Trial Team.

http://www.grotonherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=115&ArticleID=6452

G-D Robotics Team Excels at WPI Competition!

G-D Robotics Team Excels at WPI Competition! 

By Ginger Vollmar, Publicity for the GDRHS Robotics Team 

The Groton Dunstable High School Robotics team, "The Robotomies", participated in the 2016 FIRST Robotics “FIRST Stronghold” competition at WPI this past weekend. We are happy to report that the team excelled and advanced well beyond anyone’s expectations! This was a thrilling event for all of the team members, mentors, parents and fans that came out to support the team.

There were 80 qualifying matches for the 40 teams represented over the first day and a half. Our team had 12 qualifying matches and after the first 11, we were ranked #1 with a record of 9-1-1. In our last qualifying match, we lost by one point due to one of our alliance members trying an unnecessary maneuver and failing, which cost us 10 points. With an overall record of 9-2-1, we ended up ranked #3 at the end of the qualifying matches!! This was an incredible accomplishment! It is interesting to note that a mere 2 years ago, at this same venue, our robot could barely move, let alone win any matches. This year’s robot was able to beat every defense, every time and move all around the playing field with ease.

The top 8 teams moved on to the finals round on Sunday afternoon. As the #3 team, we got to pick our two alliances to work with during the quarter finals. We were not able to put together our “dream team” but we had a good team. Unfortunately, we lost in the tie breaker match of the quarter finals (it is best out of 3). We had lots of hoarse voices due to cheering on our team and our robot. It was an amazing weekend of competition for the Robotomies. Now we are looking forward to our next regional competition in Providence, RI on March 25th and 26th. Expect more great things from this team.

Mr. Mark Rocheleau, robotics teacher and mentor had this to say: “I'm so very proud of these kids. Many of them have been along on this 3-season robotics ride with me and I've watched as they have refused to give up, learned from their mistakes, and finally, succeeded. Our team built an amazing robot this year and they took the time to fully understand the game and how to maximize points. Because of this we have a LOT to be proud of!”

Our students also showed an impressive level of "gracious professionalism" (a term coined by FIRST's Professor Woodie Flowers) by helping out other teams. One such instance came in our very first match Saturday morning when our own drive team jumped in to help another team in need. While waiting in the queue (minutes away from our first match), Charlie Andrews began fixing another team's code while the others helped them attempt to repair a wiring issue in the robot. This kind of skill, leadership and community spirit demonstrates the quality students we have here at GD.

You can visit our web site at team1277.org for more information about the Robotomies or like us on Facebook at “GD Team 1277”.

All funding for the Robotics team is privately raised. The Robotomies are thrilled to have gotten more sponsors this year. We would like to thank all of our current sponsors who provide funding for the entrance fees for the FIRST competitions and for materials. Thank you to: Justin J. Maynard Memorial STEM Innovation Scholarship; The Department of Defense STEM Program; The Society for American Military Engineers; Raytheon; Ted & Connie Lapres Fund; Mercury Systems; Groton Board of Trade; IBM Northeast Community Grant Program; GE Oil & Gas; Solidworks; the Webber Restaurant Group; Harris Corporation; MJR Engineering Co.; the Hughson Family; and the Adams Family. Additional sponsorships are always welcomed and appreciated.

If you have questions or would like to help support the Robotics team, please contact Mr. Mark Rocheleau at mrocheleau@gdrsd.org.

Taste of Nashoba, WHM, TEDx

Taste of Nashoba

Taste of Nashoba is coming up on March 22nd.  It benefits the Nashoba Valley Scholarship Fund as well as other area organizations including the G-D Athletic Boosters. 

This year, the Athletic Boosters will receive $5 from each ticket that is purchased through our own special Paypal link.  Tickets purchased through Paypal are $26 and will be held at the door.

The link can also be found on our website at www.gdathleticboosters.org

Taste of Nashoba Flyer

Women's History Month Event (March 16th at 7:00pm at the High School)
Lisa Wong was the first Asian American female mayor in Massachusetts and the youngest female every elected in the state.  She will be speaking about three generations of women spanning from China to the United States.  Join us to learn about her story and stories of prior generations of women leaders whose selfless acts inspired her call to public service.

By Celeste Vandermillen

Production is in full swing for Drama Guild’s rendition of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. In this comedy, Hero (Zarah Durst, ‘18) and Claudio (Calvin Parker, ‘18) are happy together. Meanwhile, Benedick (Matt Murch, ‘16) and Beatrice (Emily Olson, ‘16) are constantly bickering. As friends of these characters try to bring people together, villains do their best to ruin plans and cause mayhem. GD’s version of the story will have a sitcom-style setting and is sure to be a success!

Actors auditioned before February vacation, shortly after the Festival of One-Act Plays, and the cast of eighteen actors was determined. After returning from the break, rehearsals and tech meetings were soon underway. Student stage managers, lighting and sound designers, set builders, painters, decorators, costume and prop managers, and stage crew members are all working to perfect the technical aspects of the show.

The production is being directed by Mr. Hoffman and assistant directed by Nick Pellizzari (‘16). Shows are on Friday, April 8 at 7 P.M. and Saturday, April 9 with two shows at 2 P.M. and 7 P.M. in the GDRHS Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Don’t miss it!

TEDx

Fundraiser for the El Cerrito School in the Domincan Republic

Fundraiser for the El Cerrito School in the DR

By Bridgette Philibert and Olivia Straw

The students from The 2016 Dominican Republic Trip are holding a clothing and school supply drive to send down to the students in El Cerrito. Anything is of great gratitude to them. What they have is such a bare minimum; things we have laying around the house. Below is a list of items most needed. If you would like to donate please bring them into the High School office or guidance office. Below is a complete lest of items requested.  

Over February Break (February 11th- February 18th), twenty-nine Groton-Dunstable Regional High School students and four chaperons traveled to the Dominican Republic for a service learning trip that provided them with the opportunity to give back to a lesser community and immerse in an entirely new culture, making an impact on their lives that they will never forget. Throughout the trip, we were able to experience a new lifestyle. The people we encountered were outwardly generous and put forth an effort to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We were able to experience a variety of new foods including fresh passionfruit and fried yuca, a fan favorite. We also spent two nights in the city, one in Hato Mayor and the other in Santo Domingo, where we were truly exposed to the culture and every-day life of the area.

Our time in the Dominican was mostly spent working in the impoverished community of El Cerrito. There, we rebuilt their baseball field, which is a central piece of their culture. We did things such as edge the baseball lines, pick up trash, build steps up to one of their dugouts, install an irrigation system, and much more. We also helped run baseball practices for the children of the community and held a community wide baseball clinic. We quickly learned that baseball was a key element of the Dominican culture. Many children focus all their time towards the sport, some even dropping out of school. During our trip we visited the school of El Cerrito, encouraging the students to stay in school and teaching them the importance of education.

Although our work made a big impact on the quality of their community, the biggest impact was made in the connections and relationships we formed with the people of El Cerrito. They approached us with immense generosity and truly served as an example for us. The children were incredibly happy with the little belongings that they had, and they opened our eyes to the many things we take for granted. Now after coming home, we want to continue our work and send them some of those things which we take for granted.

A List of Requested Items:

Shoe Sizes (4,5,6,7,8,9 10) Shorts and Pants (s, m, l, xl) Soap Toothpaste Toothbrush Shampoo Floss Notebooks Bilingual books (spanish/english) Pencils Pens Sharpeners Erasers Rulers Cardboard

Coloring books Coloring markers / pencils / crayola Play doh Construction paper Foam paper Glue sticks Scissors Staplers Tape Didactic posters (ABC, Numbers, Colors, Animals) Didactic toys (for the little ones) Story books (Both in english and spanish)