Host Families Needed

 Host Families Needed
The 2016-2017 school year will mark year four of our international student program. GDRHS has welcomed students from all over the world, and by all accounts the international student program has been a tremendous success.  The international students have enriched our school in many ways; adding diversity to our school and providing a global perspective to our classrooms.  

We are actively seeking host families for the 2016-2017 school year.  Host families may choose to host a student for a semester or a full academic year. Currently we are seeking host families for the students highlighted below; however, we are in the midst of reviewing applicants so additional host families will be needed for next year. Host families receive $1000 per month to cover the costs associated with hosting a student.  

If you are interested in learning more please send me an email to mhennelly@gdrsd.org, or mcain@gdrsd.org.  

Eachfuture

By Nancy Liu

http://www.eachfuture.net/efcn/english/index.html

Educatius International 
By Ann Northrup

Educatius International, in partnership with GDRHS, seeks local, caring Host Families for the upcoming school year!

Host Families are reimbursed at a rate of $1,000 per student, per month in exchange for hosting a Chinese student in a private bedroom.  Please contact Ann at Ann.Northup@gmail.com or 508-480-8513

Women's History Month Career Night Highlights

Women's History Month

By Sarah Latario

Pictures by Jon O'Connor

The Women’s History Month Committee at Groton - Dunstable Regional High School held their last event of the month on Wednesday, March 30th in the high school library. The committee hosted a career panel made up of Lisa Ansara, a Professor of Psychology at UMass Lowell with a background in social work, Dr. Katie Novak, the GDRSD Assistant Superintendent, Veronica Sisemore, a Senior Engineer working for Raytheon, Susan Daly, an EMT, Paramedic, and the Groton Fire Captain, and Sheila Harrington, a lawyer and current Massachusetts State Representative. It was  a great opportunity for young students to be enlightened about the many successful women in different work forces and gain insight into possible careers in which women are underrepresented.

When asked about why they chose their careers and how they got to their current position, each agreed that they decided on their specific career because it allowed them to help others. Sisemore spoke about how everyday, going into work, she thinks about the men and women she helps to protect. Most of the women had held other jobs before they came to their current one, and Novak emphasized that “your passion can be your career." Ansara affirmed that one can always change their career stating, “you can get your PhD at sixty”.

Susan Daly shared about how she worked as an accountant but after her brother got into a serious car accident, everything changed for her. Inspired by the EMT who helped her brother and comforted her family, she was motivated to be that compassionate individual for others in similar situations. This led her to become an EMT and eventually the Fire Captain. She also spoke about how many people do not understand everything that firefighters do. As well as putting out fires, they also educate the public on fire safety and inspect buildings to make sure they follow fire codes.

When asked who inspired them, Dr. Novak spoke about her grandmother who, when telling her a story about how she missed the bus one day, stated that she “took off her heels and ran to work”. Her grandmother taught her to be resilient, and that one can always find another way to achieve their goal. Representative Sheila Harrington commented about how she once heard Sandra Day O’Connor speak about when she first became a lawyer, she was only offered secretarial jobs. Years later, when O’Connor was called by the Reagan Administration to be a Supreme Court Justice, she was offered the position by the same man who had offended her by only extending a secretarial job.

Each women went on to discuss how the world had changed from when they were younger and how women have more opportunities. They opened the question to teachers present, prompting Ms. Case to speak about how when she was younger, all she wanted to be was a veterinarian, but when she spoke to her high school guidance counselor, “he said that I could be either a teacher or a nurse. So I became a teacher.” They ended the night in this way to emphasis how far society has come in such a short time, but also to highlight how many fields in which women have not yet had full opportunity to explore.

Running-In His Genes: Nate Danti

Running -In His Genes

Presented by the GD Athletic Department

By Robert Mingolelli

Groton-Dunstable senior Nate Danti, captain of the track and field team his junior and senior years, moved to Groton from the Philadelphia area when he was in elementary school. Nate’s sister Kersten is a freshman running track at G-D and his nine year old brother Jacob plays soccer. His parents, Michael and Samantha Danti grew up in Indiana and ran track in school. “Both are very supportive and encouraging in our activities but my grandmother is especially excited about my running because track is her favorite sport. She has always helped me when she visits from Indiana.”  Must be in the genes.

“When I was younger in Philly, it was all about running and who was faster. I played some baseball growing up but when I got to middle school I wanted to try something new so decided to give track a try,” shared Nate.

He made new friends and found out he could keep up with everyone so he kept running. “I played soccer my freshman and sophomore years in high school but an ankle injury limited my ability to play effectively.”  Straight ahead running worked for him and keeping up with other runners soon became beating everyone.

“Nate has always been a surprise,” said math teacher and track and field coach Angus MacDonald.  “He seems to always be lined up next to guys twice his size and you would never assume that he was fast. Then you watch him run and he ends up smoking them in a race.  He is confident is able to rise to the level of the competition.”

Asked about a significant experience at G-D, Nate smiled. “My first race as a freshman. I had come in feeling pretty good about my running having not been defeated in eighth grade.”  At practice, Danti met Evan Lexo, a sophomore who, during his HS career, was All-State, All-New England, ran in the Nationals in North Carolina, and is currently at prep school preparing for the United States Naval Academy.

 “I knew he was fast but I can still win,” thought Danti. “That first race opened my eyes. I’m going to have to work at this.”

“Having him in front of me all those years helped me improve,” related Nate. “And he’s told me that it has helped him get better because our times were so relatively close. We are very good friends and it was really good for both of us to challenge each other in practice and in races when sometimes the competition wasn’t that great.”

“I have had Nate in math class for three semesters and coached him for four years in track,” continued MacDonald. “He is a role model for his team mates in both the classroom (averages A- including AP Biology and Calculus) and work ethic; and while he is not loud and demanding, his presence is loud and demanding.  He leads by example and others strive to be like him and live up to his expectations.” 

Nate has been accepted at all the colleges he applied to including Middlebury, Brandeis, University of Pennsylvania, Wheaton and Assumption in Worcester. The list speaks volumes for his preparation at G-D. As of our meeting, no decision yet.

“Nate Danti has a very upbeat personality and is an enjoyable student to have in class,” offered Groton-Dunstable chemistry teacher Tamara Allen. “He is always full of questions, loves the opportunity for hands-on investigation and is a strong student academically”.

Asked what could be added to the course study at G-D Nate contributed, “more independent study. With block scheduling it is more class to class, concentrated information with less opportunity for self determined learning. I would need an adviser but independent study would allow students to research and try to figure out things on their own. At G-D, we do have class projects but more of those offerings, I think, would better prepare us.”

For the past few years, much of his summer time has been spent with the Squannacook River Runners youth track program working and teaching elementary school kids running techniques and training aids.

 “To the freshmen from a senior who has been there, join activities that you enjoy,” he suggests.  “You will meet other classmates, upper classmen who will help you navigate the HS, settle in and develop as a person.”

“Nate has been a pleasure to have in molecular biology and AP biology this year,” added science teacher Dan Reid. “His transcript and GPA tell you he's bright and a hard worker, but what they don't reveal is his positive attitude and sense of humor. It's not a secret that molecular biology is a tough subject, but he and his friends in class kept the mood light by keeping a sense of humor and coining the course motto: "Tears are good!" Must ask Nate about that!

“It has been fun to watch Nate grow both on the track and in the classroom.  I am excited to see where he goes academically and athletically in the coming years,” concluded MacDonald.

Attention Students: Test Preparation Software

With test dates on the horizon, I wanted to remind students of the resources we have purchased for test preparation.  Test dates are as follows.  

SAT:      May 7 & June 4

ACT:     April 9 & June 11

AP:        First two weeks of May (Test prep. software includes: AP Language, AP Literature, 

              AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History & AP Environmental)

SAT, ACT & AP Test Prep Software for Students

Naviance Test Prep

We are always seeking  creative ways to best prepare students for college.  It is with this in mind we have invested in a test prep software program for all students to enjoy.  After testing several software test prep programs we settled on a Naviance product that helps prepare students for the SAT, ACT, and AP classes.    

Some schools have de-emphasized standardize tests scores or moved to a test optional or opt-out policy.  Generally speaking, however, four year colleges place a lot of importance on SAT and ACT scores.  We understand the desire to be prepared on test day and some students choose to take test preparation courses.  We decided to make an investment to provide students with the resources to help prepare them for the exam.  We will survey students at the conclusion of the year to determine if this is an investment worth continuing.  Below I have included a few resources.

Test Prep Informational Video

https://vimeo.com/135289887

Naviance Test Prep Student Guide

"Naviance Test Prep provides proven, game-based courses that help students to perform their best on test day.  Naviance Test Prep is also seamlessly integrated into Naviance to help students be college and career ready, all from one place. "

Link to Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3QeV_3XxgdvVmJudy1lQlE5QXc/view?usp=sharing

GDEF Annual Trivial Night

GDEF Annual Trivia Night

By Claire Liledhal

Saturday, April 9th, 7:00pm, gather a team of friends and family to attend Groton Dunstable Education Foundation’s (GDEF) Annual Trivia Night.  The event will take place at The Tavern located at 94 Lovers Lane, Groton.  Admission is $10 per person and may be paid at the door.

What is Trivia Night?

You’ll have lots of fun while supporting enrichment grants to Groton Dunstable district schools!  Teams of 4-6 people answers 7 short rounds of questions in writing then scores are tabulated for each round, as well as a total for the night, and prizes are awarded to each member of the winning teams. Catch up with friends and neighbors while you enjoy delicious Tavern food and drinks, available for purchase from 6pm until close, in a fun, casual atmosphere. Come with your own team, or come alone and we’ll help you form a team.

GDRHS National Honor Society Students volunteer to run trivia night and the evening will be emceed by Groton’s very own DJ Bob.  Proceeds benefit the Groton Dunstable Education Foundation. 

What is GDEF?

GDEF is a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to enhancing the success of our public schools by funding grants for innovative, inspiring programs, materials and professional development opportunities that fall outside the normal school district operating budget.

To date, GDEF has funded 335 enrichment grants totaling over $450,000 – grants that foster our teachers’ creativity and improve student academic achievement. GDEF grants span all curriculum areas and benefit staff and students at all 5 district schools (pre-school through high school).

Website http://www.gdefinc.org/#!/ccjp 

Facebook Groton Dunstable Education Foundation

Twitter @GDEFinc  

Gymnastics Team, RAD, Robotics, Sock Drive & More

Self-Defense for Women

RAD Self-Defense Class for Girls Sign-Up Form

When: Wednesday Evenings 6-9pm
April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18

Where: High School

How to Survive the College Admissions Madness

I have included a NY Times article that is appropriate particularly during this time of year as students await decisions on the college of their choice.  Also, I have include a portion of the article I personally enjoy. It is a letter from a mom and dad to their son as he awaits word from the colleges of his choice.  I also provided a link to the entire article.  

How to Survive the College Admissions Madness

Dear Matt,

On the night before you receive your first college response, we wanted to let you know that we could not be any prouder of you than we are today. Whether or not you get accepted does not determine how proud we are of everything you have accomplished and the wonderful person you have become. That will not change based on what admissions officers decide about your future. We will celebrate with joy wherever you get accepted — and the happier you are with those responses, the happier we will be. But your worth as a person, a student and our son is not diminished or influenced in the least by what these colleges have decided.

If it does not go your way, you’ll take a different route to get where you want. There is not a single college in this country that would not be lucky to have you, and you are capable of succeeding at any of them.

We love you as deep as the ocean, as high as the sky, all the way around the world and back again — and to wherever you are headed.

Mom and Dad

Back Row (left to right): Nastia Subaciute, Amanda Olson, Cassie Biegel, Erin Woodle, Tori Gromann

Middle: Tess Ierardi, Olivia Teh, Carolyn Abraham, Rachel Dibona, Liv Volante

Front: Sarah Rice, Auste Subaciute

Gymnastics Team Shines

By Auste Subaciute 

The Groton-Dunstable High School Gymnastics Team has recently finished their second season since the team was created. Although the team is fairly new, it has firmly set its roots in the rapidly growing high school sport. In their opening year, the team qualified for Team Sectionals (North Division) and ended up placing 9th. Along with a strong team finish, Emily Chu, represented the school at the Senior National Meet in Florida. In their second year, the gymnasts continued to improve, steadily increasing the team score throughout the season. Plagued with several injuries and being placed in the more challenging South Division, the team continued to successfully compete against larger teams and improve their score. Unfortunately, the gymnastics team did not make it to team sectionals, missing the cut by a mere 0.2 points. In the 2015-2016 season, Liv Volante, Amanda Olson, Tess Ierardi and I qualified for the state individuals at Shrewsbury High School. Amanda also qualified for the New England Championship on vault. The number of girls competing at the State Individuals Meet greatly increased from the previous year and it was the first time the team had a representative at  the New England Championship. 

Although the team is smaller than most of the other teams at GD, the determination and dedication to the sport by all of the girls and coaches contributed to the success of the team.  Head coach Bill Kane helped tremendously in teaching every gymnast the different rules and requirements that go along with the MIAA High School Gymnastics regulations. The coaches also provided a ridiculous amount of support and made every aspect of the team possible. Signing up for the team teaches the girls to learn how to balance their academic work along with their high school and club gymnastics practices. The dedication to the team as a whole created a very strong bond between the gymnasts and coaches making the team like a family. The Groton-Dunstable Gymnastics Team has had an impressive first two seasons and intends to continue their steady improvement.

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 record was 6-5-1.  The team had a number of alliances in which our robot was the only robot to score any points or that scored almost all the points.  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.

Students of the Month

The following students are being honored as students of the month.  They are nominated by staff members for outstanding academic achievement, a random acts of kindness, or a significant contribution to the school, community, or a noteworthy cause.  Please take the time to read each biography to learn about their varied interests and talents.  Impressive young men and women.  

Olivia Aumais

My name is Olivia Aumais, and I am a senior here at GD.  I’ve lived in Groton my whole life, with my two brothers, my parents, and my dog Sally.  I’ve gotten to play on the Varsity lacrosse team all four years, and be a part of the history making State Finalist team, which is one of my favorite memories from high school.  I also played on the Varsity field hockey team as a junior and senior, and I played rec basketball, which I got to end my career with a championship.  

After high school I will be attending Christopher Newport University, where I will be playing lacrosse for the Captains.  I plan on going the Pre-Med route, and coming back up to Massachusetts for med school, where I can specialize in Pediatric Oncology.  I am very grateful to have my oldest brother Matt be a role model for me, and to have my best friend Meg Colantuoni, always there to push me and support throughout high school. I want to say thank you for having me be Student of the Month, I’m pretty sure I only got nominated for this because I bring Mr. Mastrullo Reese’s every week, but nonetheless it is a honor.       

Charlie Andrews

I’ve been a part of our school’s robotics team, the Robotomies, my entire high school career. I saw them at the activity fair my freshman year, and I’ve been a member ever since. In my three years on the team, I learned more about engineering and robotics than I ever have in a classroom. I learned, for example, how to program computers, and now I’m the lead software team member. It wasn’t until this year, however, that all of that learning finally paid off. 

We managed to increase our ranking in competitions by a whole order of magnitude, going from 30th to 3rd, and we’re all still learning. Over the summer, for example, I plan to teach myself computer-vision so that next year we can build a robot that is capable of seeing and analyzing the world around it in the same way people do. I plan on continuing my learning in this field even after high school graduation, with aims to get a minor in computer science (alongside a major in physics). I don’t know where and how I’ll be learning, but I know that I’ll be learning for as long as I can.

Steven Bettencourt

Hi, my name is Steven Bettencourt (image far left), I am 17 years old, and I am currently enrolled as a junior at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. I am a triplet currently living in Dunstable and have two siblings, Sarah and Sam, who are attending GDRHS as well. Before entering my freshman year at the high school, I had always been intrigued by engineering and technology and was always looking for ways to learn and do more in these fields. At about the age of five, I knew exactly what I wanted to study in college and do as a profession. I wanted to be a Robotic Engineer. Upon entry into my high school career, I found great interest in our robotics team. 

At first, I was a bit hesitant because I was not quite sure what I was getting myself into and did not have a whole lot of experience with robotic engineering outside of school. But, as the robotics season progressed, I developed a great deal of new and useful skills, became more and more involved, and am currently a co-captain along with being the head robot operator of our team. One individual that has greatly influenced and mentored me over the past three years is Mr. Mark Rocheleau. Mr. Rocheleau is not only a teacher at the high school, but has also been an active mentor on our team for the past three years. He has inspired me to think outside the box, work to the best of my ability, and continuously pushes me to reach my fullest potential. For the future, I plan on attending a 4 year college studying Robotic Engineering and Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering. I look forward to what lies ahead of me and am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me and all the people along the way who have helped me achieve success.

Christian Curll

Hello, my name is Christian Curll and I am a senior at GD.  I have lived in Groton my whole life.  Since my Sophomore year I have been part of  the Co-op wrestling team with Leominster High School,  I am also a two year captain of the team.  This season I met my goal of qualifying for States.   For the past two years I have been a youth wrestling coach at my wrestling club, Doughboys Wrestling Club in Lowell.  I am also part of their high school club team.  Most of my time outside of school consists of wrestling and conditioning.  I  will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute this fall with a major in Electrical Engineering.   I will also be part of their wrestling team.  I am very excited to join the team at WPI, but am also saddened by my imminent departure from GD.  

Whitney Ellis
My name is Whitney Ellis, I am a freshmen at GD.  I have lived in Groton all my life, with my Mom, Dad, and brother Christopher.  My brother graduated last year from GD and now attends Endicott College.  When I'm not in school I am normally hanging out with friends, family, or playing sports. I play Soccer and Softball, I enjoy both sports very much. When I get older, it is my goal to go to college and play Softball. I'm not sure what the future holds for me as of now, but I try to put school before everything. Sometimes balancing it all at once can be hard. I always try my hardest in school and my great teachers seem to help make anything possible. It has been a good year for me so far and I am looking forward to the next three.

Olivia Fordham

My name is Olivia Fordham,  I am sixteen years old and a Sophomore here at GD. I moved to Groton three years ago with my Mom, Dad, sister Bethany and brothers Nick and Matthew. I am enjoying my high school experience so far and appreciate all the support from my Teachers. My favorite classes are U.S History and Biology. Outside school I have been playing basketball and enjoy watching the Celtics. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, family and listening to music. Through hard work and determination I hope to reach my goals for the future.  

Sophia Irby

My name is Sophie Irby and I am currently a junior at GDRHS. I have lived in Groton my whole life with my mom, dad, older brother Nick, and little sister Kat.  My brother is a senior this year at GD and will be attending Bentley University next year. He has made high school much easier for me, and I hope to do the same for my younger sister who will be a freshman here in the fall. I play on the lacrosse and field hockey team, and play rec basketball. Last year when I was a sophomore, my lacrosse team made it all the way to the Division II State Finals. Sadly, we lost to Norwell, but it was a memory I will never forget. Sports have given me the chance to meet so many people, and coaching youth basketball and lacrosse has been a fun way for me to connect to our community. 

During February vacation I had the opportunity to participate in a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic. The experience was life changing, and also made me realize how much I enjoy working with kids. My plan after high school will be to attend college, most likely in New England. I am not sure what I want to study yet, but something I am considering is early childhood education. I am proud to be a student at Groton-Dunstable, and I am honored to have been chosen as a Student of the Month. 

Lain MacDonald

My name is Lain MacDonald and I am a 9th grade student at Groton-Dunstable High School. Thank you for the student of the month award! I am excited to display it in my bedroom. I live in Groton with my Mom, Dad and two younger sisters, Hope and Faith. I also have two dogs, Easton and Bauer. History is my favorite subject. Mrs. Blydenburg at the middle school sparked my interest in history. My history teacher at the high school is Mrs. DeBenedictis and I have learned a lot from her too. In my free time I enjoy watching Star Wars Rebels, being a part of the GDRSD football team and attending Best Buddies events. I am really looking forward to joining my first year of baseball in the upcoming season. Go Crusaders!

Kathryn Preston

My name is Kathryn Preston and I am a junior at GD. Besides my normal academics, you can find me working my job as a waitress at Filho’s cucina and running track with my buddies in the unified track program. I also serve as the public relations officer in the high school's Student Council program in addition to planning the school's pep events at the Student Activities Council. This past winter, I had a lot of fun managing the varsity boys hockey team with two of my friends and loved watching them make it as far as the district championships. Most importantly, I’m happy to be a part of the Best Buddies program here at GD that specializes in assimilating students with disabilities into the school environment. Being an officer of this program has greatly changed my high school experience for the better. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my three older brothers and my dog.

Katie Royal

My name is Katie Royal and I am a junior at GD. I have lived in Groton my whole life with my parents, my older brother and my two dogs. After high school, I plan to attend college and pursue a career in Pediatric Mental Health. My mom, who is a nurse practitioner, has been a role model in this choice by providing me with insight into the medical field and public health issues. I play on both the Varsity Lacrosse and Field Hockey teams, and I am part of the School Improvement Committee at GD. One of my favorite memories from high school so far would be playing in the State Finals for my lacrosse team my sophomore year. Another favorite part of high school for me would be the opportunity I had to travel to the Dominican Republic for a service learning trip this past February. It was a great experience that helped me learn about new cultures while helping others. I am grateful for all my experiences here at GD and I look forward to the rest of my time here. 

Lucas Sottile

My name is Lucas Sottile and I am currently a Junior at GD. I live in Groton with my Mom, two dogs, and my sister attends Suffolk University. I am currently one of the lead drivers for the Robotomies, team 1277, and we have excelled this season. I'm looking forward to my senior year in high school and following STEM in college.

Olivia Straw

My name is Olivia Straw and I am currently a junior at GDRHS. Along with playing Girls Varsity Soccer, I am one of three managers of the Boys Varsity Hockey Team. I am also the treasurer of the Best Buddies Club,and participate in Unified Track, Students Activity Council and Community Service Club. Within school, my favorite subjects include Spanish, English and History. After high school, I am looking to pursue a major in journalism along with a minor in Spanish, which I hope will provide me with opportunities to travel. Outside of school, I coach youth soccer, play piano, snowboard, and volunteer at the Rivercourt nursing home. Also, within the past two years I have gone on three service trips; one to Queens, NY, one to Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and one to the Dominican Republic. These trips have had a great influence in my life and have provided me with many new experiences. I look forward to even more new experiences in my upcoming senior year.