IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, February 4th - Term 2 Report Cards Released
Friday, February 7th - Early Release (10:50) District
February 17-21 - February Vacation
Tuesday, March 4th - Mid Point of Term 3
Link to school calendar - Calendar 2024 - 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Just a reminder…
As we begin Semester 2, if you are dropping off your student in the morning (side entrance by the tennis courts), it is important that you pull up as far as you can before your student gets out of the vehicle. This will help ensure that morning drop off moves smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Thank you for your help.
TRAFFIC NEWS
Hollis Street/Chicopee Row project. Please use the link below for guidance on detours. This is updated often (as much as weekly) as the project moves forward so check often.
https://www.grotonma.gov/grotonwaterproject/
DIPLOMAS: There is a list in the front office with Senior Names as they will be printed on your diploma. Remember this is a legal document and your legal name should be used. If you do not want your middle name announced at commencements that is an option. Diplomas will not be reprinted if there is a mistake so be sure to check your name for accuracy.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are arriving. They can be found in your Naviance account or on the Guidance Website. Check back often because new ones arrive daily.
Local Scholarships Misc Scholarships
CAP & GOWN: In order to participate in graduation, you must wear a cap and gown. Order by January 31st to avoid late fees. All that is required for graduation is the cap, gown and tassel, that is the Essential Package and is $32.25.
Groton-Dunstable Seniors! ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN NOW Deadline: JANUARY 31ST ! (avoid late fees) CLICK HERE to order your Cap & Gown and other graduation accessories.
Questions? Call us at (888) 248-9084 or Email us at jostens@scholasticsolutions.net
NEWS FROM ATHLETICS
High School Spring Athletic Registration is now open: All students must be fully registered before tryouts begin on March 17th.
All previous Athletic User Fees must be paid in full before being added to a Spring Roster
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/groton-dunstable-athletics
GD Cheer Launches Sneaker Drive Fundraiser to Raise Money for new equipment, mats, and warm ups. Groton-Dunstable Middle School and Varsity Cheerleading is holding an athletic shoe drive fundraiser from 2/3/25 to 2/18/25 to raise money for new equipment, mats, and warm ups. GD Cheer will earn funds based on the total quantity of gently worn, used, and new sneakers collected. GotSneakers, a social enterprise, will issue funds in compensation for the collected sneakers. Those funds will benefit GD cheer. Anyone can help by simply donating gently worn, used, and new sneakers (heels, flip flops, boots, sandals, etc. not accepted). They love brands like Nike, On, Hoka, Adidas, Jordan, New Balance, Asics, Brooks, and many other brands.
GotSneakers has developed a unique fundraising program that asks communities to reach into their closets, not their pockets! The sneaker recycling program helps keep sneakers out of landfills, which has harmful effects on our environment, and helps organizations like ours raise much needed funds. The program is truly a win – win!
Drop off boxes will be set up outside both the middle school and high school main offices and we just ask that each set of sneakers is either tied together by the laces or bagged individually so we can keep each shoe with its right pair!
Any questions? Reach out to Head Varsity Coach Marie Noll by email at Morales.marie36@gmail.com or any of our GD cheerleaders!
GD PLAYERS NEWS
Friday, January 31st is opening night for the 16th Annual Festival of One Act Plays! Come join us as each grade puts on their own individual, student directed short play. From comic stores to art museums, the audience will be delighted and charmed by each production!
Showtimes: Friday, January 31st @ 7:00 PM and Saturday, February 1st @ 2:00 and 7:00 PM
DECA FUNDRAISER
The High School DECA club is holding a fundraiser at Chipotle in Nashua on Daniel Webster Highway on Sunday February 2nd from the hours of 4 to 8 PM. Please stop in for your favorite mexican dish and either show this flyer or mention GD DECA at the register. Orders can also be made online with the code (EQRNET9) from the flyer below. Thank you for supporting Team DECA.
West Auto Repair of Dunstable is supporting the GD DECA club with a February fundraiser. Schedule a repair or preventative service and mention DECA at the time of booking your appointment and they will donate a portion of the repair bill to the high school club. A big shout out and thank you to this local business for sponsoring this fundraiser.
GD SEPAC NEWS
GD SEPAC is hosting a workshop on Understanding the IEP on 2/6 from 7-9pm. This workshop will focus on the new IEP and will take place via zoom. Please register using the link below.
https://fcsn.org/event/groton-dunstable-understanding-the-iep/
Any questions, please send an email to gdsepac2@gmail.com.
GROTON-DUNSTABLE FAMILY NIGHT AT THE RIVER HAWKS!
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. Brought to you by the GD Athletic Boosters.
UMASS LOWELL VS NORTHEASTERN/Feb 15, 2025 6:05 PM EST
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Grotondunstable70
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Every year, Emerson Hospital, ICanShine bike and Lawrence Academy work together to offer an amazing camp for 35 campers, ages 8 and up, with special needs. During this one week, most of them learn to ride a two-wheel bike for the first time! Each camper needs two volunteers. It is helpful if they can run alongside the camper.
It is super fun and rewarding to participate as a volunteer. Students will earn 10-20 hours of community service, a T-shirt and a certificate from Emerson, but more importantly, will experience the thrill of helping a child attain a life skill. Students can sign up for as many slots as they like. Details are in the flyer attached to this message.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWS
College Aid Pro's Monthly Financial Aid Webinar Series: Every parent wants their child to go to a college they’ll love—without breaking the bank. That’s why we’re launching a free monthly webinar series to help you navigate the financial side of college planning with clarity and confidence.
Join College Aid Pro on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for expert advice and practical tools to help you make smart financial decisions for your family’s future.
Choose the Series That Fits Your Family:
For Parents of Seniors: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Senior Year - From understanding financial aid offers to making the final decision, we’ll walk you through paying for college without unnecessary stress.
For Parents of Juniors & Underclassmen: Your Roadmap to College Success - Learn how to plan ahead, maximize scholarships, and set realistic expectations so you’re fully prepared before senior year hits.
When: The 2nd Tuesday of every month
Where: Online – join from anywhere
Why: Because college should be a smart investment, not a financial burden
Click Here to Register Once for the Entire Series!
JR TECH INC: Jr.Tech will host the Massachusetts premier Girls STEM Summit–Statewide event on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Regis College, Weston, MA (just off Rte 128).
The summit serve students* in grades 8-12 who are interested in careers in the STEM fields. The Summit is an annual daylong event and students will:
Hear an inspirational keynote speech from a female leader in a STEM field.
Meet successful women role models working as experts in STEM fields.
Experience hands-on learning activities in each career track.
Expand their knowledge of STEM industries and emerging career paths.
The registration fee is $85 per student and includes; speakers, materials for all hands-on sessions, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages, and a take-home gift. Feel free to reach out with questions to phyllis@juniortech.org
*Girls STEM Summit-Statewide 2025 is open to all persons who identify as female, non-binary, or other gender identity or expression.
LOOKING FOR HOST FAMILIES FOR 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR
Each year, as part of our commitment to promoting intercultural learning, we welcome international students to join us here at Groton-Dunstable High School. Hosting these students brings incredible value to our school, enriching our community with diverse perspectives and meaningful connections. This year, we are fortunate to have students from Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, Vietnam, and Germany, and they have already made a positive impact on our school culture.
Our host families play a vital role in making this program possible. By opening their homes and hearts, they provide international students with a welcoming environment and help create lasting cross-cultural connections. Many past host families have shared how rewarding the experience has been, with friendships continuing long after the students return home.
As we look ahead to Fall 2025, we are beginning the search for host families. While many of our dedicated past hosts are returning, we are also seeking a few new families to join this meaningful initiative. To support our efforts, we are partnering with Educatius Group, a leader in international student exchange.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a host family, please feel free to contact me. Mary Cain (mcain@gdrsd.org).
Hosting an international student not only supports this valuable program but also offers an unforgettable experience for your family. Hear directly from host families by watching this short video: https://youtu.be/YfSgFj_Cmn8?si=AWNonk9KFbiSpxgY
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!