January 10, 2025
Dear Florence Roche Families,
Welcome back to school and happy new year! The 2 week break was very nice, but I am glad to be back into my school routines. Students arrived on Monday morning excited to see their friends and teachers. They were very impressed with the newly applied graphics that went up during the vacation. In particular, the full size giraffe mural in the main hallway was certainly an attention grabber.
First graders learned about how seeds travel by a variety of ways and end up growing in different places. This was part of a presentation and hands on learning experience with the Nashua River Watershed Association. This program is generously provided to us by funding from the Groton Commissioners of Trust.
The temperature and combined wind chill factor were too cold for us to have outdoor recess this week. We intend to get outside when it is safely above a combined 20 degrees. Warm coats, hats and gloves will keep students safe and comfortable during their outdoor recess. Even with the combined temperatures of 20 degrees or above., exposed skin can be impacted when outdoors for an extended period of time.. Please make sure your student has appropriate outerwear for the winter months. This is also a good time to remind them to be checking the lost and found for any missing items. The collection of items including single mittens and gloves is beginning to grow.
Officer Wayne shared information with us about the road work being done on the Hollis St. and Chicopee Row project. This may impact parent and bus traffic while the project is underway. He shared this link to the project as a resource and update for any road issues.
The Spring 2025 MCAS dates for our grades 3 and 4 students are set. Please note these dates on your calendars now so that we can avoid any potential student absence.
2025 MCAS
Grades 3 and 4
4/7 Grade 4 ELA Session 1 | 4/8 Grade 3 ELA Session 1 | 4/9 Grade 4 ELA Session 2 | 4/10 Grade 3 ELA Session 2 | 4/11 |
5/12 Grade 4 Math Session 1 | 5/13 Grade 3 Math Session 1 | 5/14 Grade 4 Math Session 2 | 5/15 Grade 3 Math Session 2 | 5/16 |
The elementary science fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th. This year the science fair will be held at the Swallow Union School. Stay tuned for more details coming over the next few weeks.
The Florence Roche musical, Schoolhouse Rock, featuring our 4th grade students and our 3rd grade accompanying choral students is scheduled for shows on March 21st and 22nd. Students are busy with their rehearsals now. I can’t wait to see their performance.
The Groton Public Library kicked off their winter reading challenge on January 2nd. Stop by the GPL to learn about the reading challenge and pick up your reading logs. You can also pick up any bookmarks entered during the fall contest. The library will hold on to them until the end of February.
A reminder from before the vacation break…
The Technology Department has informed me that our student device damages have increased this year. To date, we have had 10 damaged screens that needed replacement. We had a total of 8 all of last year. Beginning January 6th, the Technology Department will be sending home collection notices for repair fees for any newly damaged student device. This practice is currently in place at both the middle and high schools. Here is the language regarding device damages quoted from page 20 in our elementary handbook.
Student Expectations for Device Damages
Parents are responsible for the cost of damaged or lost Chromebooks or iPads, similar to textbooks.
Typical repair costs range from $75 to $100, while a replacement due to loss or extreme damage costs $275.
Parents who face financial hardship should contact their student’s principal.
Groton Dunstable Youth Softball Registration
Registration for the 2025 Spring Softball season is now open for grades PreK-11! Registration can be found on our website at http://www.gdysl.com
Please contact don@gdysl.com for any questions. We hope to see you this spring!
Groton-Dunstable Family Night at the River Hawks!
February 15th at 6:05pm
Join us for an evening of college hockey on Saturday, February 15th. Watch as the UMass Lowell River Hawks face off against the Northeastern Huskies in a thrilling Hockey East matchup. By purchasing a ticket through this special offer, you’ll also be supporting the G-D Athletic Booster Club.
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Grotondunstable70
Enjoy the weekend!
Brian