IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
February 17-21 - February Break
Tuesday, March 4th - Mid Point of Term 3
Friday, March 21st - Early Release Parent Conferences
Link to school calendar - Calendar 2024 - 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I cannot believe how fast the year has gone by as we are already at Winter Break! I want to take a moment and thank everyone for their constant help and support of GDRHS and our students. 2025 has started off in a positive way and we are all excited for the last stretch of the school year. I hope you all are able to relax next week and spend some time with family and friends. Thanks again and we will see everyone back on Monday, February 24.
AP EXAM FEES
AP Exam Fees for Semester two courses are due March 3, 2025. If you do not plan on taking the exam you must inform your AP coordinator and your teacher before the ordering deadline of March 3, 2025. Note: You will not receive AP weight if you opt out, you will only receive honors weight for that class.
If you are taking the exam, a check payable to GDRHS for $110 (for each exam) is due in guidance by March 3, 2025.
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: Extended February 28th ! (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
CLASS OF 2026 - FUNDRAISER
The Class of 2026 is running a calendar fundraiser for the month of March. There will be a drawing every day for many chances to win some great prizes! Calendars are being sold by the junior class for $10 for a one time entry or $15 for unlimited entries for the whole month of March! Sales end February 28th. The calendar of prizes and the entry form can be found here.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact any students of the class of 2026 or one of the class advisors: Caitlin Harrington (charrington@gdrsd.org) or Kerrie Carlozzi (kcarlozzi@gdrsd.org).
ATHLETICS NEWS
Spring Athletic Registration is now open. All students must be fully registered before starting the spring season. All previous user fees must be paid before being added to a spring roster.
Registration link: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/groton-dunstable-athletics
Any student interested in playing Boys Volleyball please register with North Middlesex (registration will open next week)
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/north-middlesex-regional-school-district-athletics
Any student interested in playing Girls Golf please register with Ayer/Shirley
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/238ef5f8-8383-4c42-97ae-205153332176/
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!
DECA FUNDRAISER
Please join the DECA club for a night at Panera in Westford on Tuesday February 25th from 4 PM to 8 PM. Show the flyer or mention GD DECA at the register in order for DECA to receive 20% of your purchase. Online orders for the entire day using the code FUND4U will also be credited to GD DECA. We hope to see you there.
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.
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
Junior & Parent/Guardian College Information Night
Thursday, February 27th * 6:00 - 7:30 pm / High School Black Box
The Guidance Department will be hosting a college night for junior parents / guardians (students are welcome to attend as well). They will provide a general overview of the college process / timeline.
NEACAC COLLEGE FAIR AT BISHOP GUERTIN HIGH SCHOOL
Wednesday March 26, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
BAE Systems is excited to share that we are now accepting applications from high school students interested in participating in our Spring 2025 Session of FOCUS (Fostering Opportunities and Careers Utilizing STEM). FOCUS is an 11-week in person program that provides opportunities for students to explore careers in STEM by participating in curriculum and hands-on activities that introduce them to engineering concepts.
The program takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at our Nashua facility. Students in grades 9-12 with an interest in STEM are welcome to apply!
More information on the program can be found at www.baesystems.com/focus.
FOCUS Spring 2025 details:
Dates: April 2 to June 11
Time: Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Nashua Canal Street facility (95 Canal Street, Nashua, NH)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Application link: https://app.tallo.com/talent/opportunity/view/82c5012d-5caa-44f0-9645-961f1f0fa605 (note: students will need to create a Tallo profile to apply, this is easy and free and compliant with student privacy standards).
Application deadline: March 10
Website: www.baesystems.com/focus
If you have questions about either program, please reach out focus.nashua@baesystems.com.
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!