Write up and Photo credit to Mr. Jon O'Connor

On Wednesday December 14th, Groton-Dunstable Regional High School continued its annual tradition of The GDRHS Winter Concert and Art Show at the Middle School Performing Arts Center.   Doors opened early to a large audience for the art show which featured a variety of drawing, painting, photography and design from students of all levels at the High School.   The reception was accented with food and fundraising by the Groton-Dunstable Arts Boosters who help sustain the Arts at the High School.

Catherine de Groot (2017) has had artwork in the show for the last three years.   She helps with the set up and take down, all of which occurs in one evening. "Its amazing how colorful the hallway becomes with hundreds of art pieces. It totally transforms."

For yet another year the crowds packed the performing arts center.  The concert featured performances from concert band, jazz band, chorus and the internationally recognized High School Chamber Choir.  Special acts included Drum Corps, numerous music solos and jazz singer Hannah Loomis (2019) who performed Sammy Cahn's Let it Snow through a special effects blizzard.  

Saxophonists Charles Peterson (2019) and Grant Wilsie (2019) both commented on the significance of the Winter Concert.    Peterson has been playing for ten years and Willsie for four but both made the cut for Jazz band which is audition based.    "Its great to be home at the PAC playing just for the community," said Peterson.  

Wilsie explained, "A good deal of our performances are for paneled competitions. 

 But this is one of our biggest shows and it's just about getting out there and having fun."  

Peterson nodded.  "As fun as it is, a ton of work goes into the prep for this one night, there are many songs we only do just for this show, so this is one of the best reasons to get out and see us play.  Be sure to catch us next year if you missed us this year."

PSAT Reports are available.  Please see the following communication from the Guidance Department.  Thanks.


Paper PSAT Student Score Reports are available in Guidance.  They can be picked up during break and all lunches.  Any reports not picked up will be filed in the students cumulative folder.

Congratulations to Mr. Savoy and the following 15 students from GD that made it into Central Districts Music:

Sarah Bettencourt

Taryn Emerle

Mary Heinser

Matt Lilliedahl

Joshua Marion

Nathaniel Martinez

Andrew McCusker

Shay McGillivray   Number #1 Bass vocalist in Central Districts.

Finn McGillivray

Emily Miller

Curtis Monahan

Emma Rasmussen

Matt Suchecki

Alex Sullivan

Celeste Vandermillen  Number #1 Obeo in Central Districts.

Great job Ms. Penchansky and Student Council for their efforts to help those in needs and to bring service opportunities to our school.

On Friday, December 9th, the Groton Dunstable Student Council hosted its first Community Service Fair. Various local charities were invited to showcase a poster presentation about their mission, along with a signup sheet for students to volunteer with their service. Representatives from ten local organizations, ranging from The Groton Community School and Miracle League to larger charities such as Loaves and Fishes and Habitat for Humanity, were present. Overall, the fair was a great success! Not only did the fair expose students to the need for service in their community, but it was truly heartwarming to see how many of our students were eager and willing to sign up to make a difference this holiday season. Additionally, the Lowell Humane Society brought two adorable puppies to their booth, which were undoubtedly a huge attraction!

As mentioned, this fair was hosted by the Groton Dunstable Student Council, and organized by Connor Griffiths, Jennifer Kenney, and a team of Class Representatives. Throughout Community Service Week (December 5th-9th) the student council has raised over $2,500 and has collected an abundance of food and clothing for donation. The Community Service Fair was a good way to show students that, in addition to donating money and goods, another great way that they can help out their community is by donating their time this holiday season.  

Term 2 Progress Reports will be available in the Community Portal this afternoon.  
Have a wonderful weekend.

Congratulations to the TGD Swimming & Diving teams who opened up with wins over Leominster yesterday!   Of note, GD Senior George Colarullo set the team 1 Meter Dive record with a score of 262.35.
http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_30645274/swimming-sums

Join us for a seasonal tradition! 

High School Winter Concert and Art Show 

Wednesday,  Dec 14th

Middle School Performing Arts Center

6:15 PM: Art Show, Concessions, Raffles

7:00 PM: Concert 

Adults: $10

Students: $5

Seniors and Children under 12: Free

We have had concerns voiced to us lately about the number of parents who are dropping off in the morning in the student parking lot. This is a high traffic area and is not the approved location for dropping off students. Please use the approved and "safe" area at the far end of the parking lot near the tennis courts. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Congratulations to the following students who have been nominated by GDRHS staff for student of the month honors so far this year.  While we have not received bio information from all students we wanted to recognize everyone who was nominated.

Matthew Monroe, Alexis Tubens, Sam Leinhard, Julia Joyce, Ainsley Wortman, Liam Smith,
Zoe Pappas, Alex Valles, Shay McGillvary, Emily Wilson, Ethan Cooke, Jacob Lhodra
and Andrea Whitney.

Thanks, Mr. Fittz, for sharing this article.  Well deserved recognition for our staff and our school.

https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-high-schools/best-teachers/m/boston-metro-area/