Hi Middle School families, I hope you have a great weekend. Thursday was a day like no other. Students were in school with no power. Using flashlights and learning or remembering what it’s like to learn without a computer. As one of our staff said, “this is what memories are made of.”
April is here, Yay! That also means MCAS season is upon us. Please try to be mindful of our MCAS schedule when you are scheduling Doctors appointments and the like. We do have makeup days built in but the preference is that all students take the test together.
What does community look, feel and sound like? This weekend’s response comes to us from Mr. Klock’s 5th grade Advisory: Community looks like people getting along and having fun. Community feels like a place where you know everyone and you can be yourself. Community sounds like laughter and learning.
New Information:
MCAS starts this week. Wednesday and Thursday April 5th and 6th are grades 5&6 ELA Session 1 and 2. The entire MCAS schedule is on our website -> News
Snacks for MCAS, If you feel as though your child needs a snack please make sure it does not contain nuts as some of our students just being in a close space with nuts can be dangerous. We also ask that big bags of candy do not make their way into the classrooms. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Time to order your Square 1 Art, Coming home soon will be your child’s custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser. Get a head start, and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like!
Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order!
Order by: 4/21/2023
Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!
If you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online .
Grade 5 and 6 we have secured the Master Storyteller and Musician Odds Bodkin to come and do an assembly with our 5th and 6th grade students on April 10th. It is an 1 hour performance with three age-appropriate tales with music and compelling character voices that teach how kindness works best.
The Stonecutter: a Japanese Samurai Folktale A poor stonecutter wants to be ever more powerful but as he does so, he loses compassion for all those around him. In the end, he returns to what he was but remains trapped forever inside a mountain. (performed on 12-string guitar)
The Boys and the Frogs: an Aesop’s Fable Boys pummel helpless frogs in a pond until a wounded old frog speaks to them about seeing others’ points of view. (performed on Celtic harp)
Finn MacCool and the Big Man: An Irish Tale with Chorus A hilarious story with a sing-along chorus that tells how Finn and his wife Oona outwit the biggest bully they have ever met without hurting him too badly. (performed on 12-string guitar)
Grade 6; Chariot of the Sun is a 50 minute live performance, which uses an age-appropriate, energetic, audience-involved dramatic performance to depict stories from Greek mythology. The subject directly enriches the curriculum taught in all sixth grade classes. Selections from Greek mythology are dramatized on stage both by the actor alone and with the help of student volunteers from the audience. This “one man” production will be staged by either the actor Jeffrey Benoit, or Seth Reichgott. It has won awards for excellence in education. This will be the thirteenth year that Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School has hosted this performance. The past nine years we have been able to do so with the generous support of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. The performance has more than surpassed the expectations of both students and teachers.
Spring Athletics have started. We wish all of our athletes the best this season.
Reminders for all grades:
Groton Dunstable Softball is selling custom GD Pura Vida adjustable bracelets. Great to buy for yourself or as a gift! Please help our players raise money to build protective softball dugouts.
GD Softball Protective Dugouts Fundraiser Custom GD Pura Vida Bracelet Order Form
As we head into the busy months of MCAS, it’s important to remind our students about calming strategies when they are feeling stressed, worried or anxious. Here is a 5 minute relaxation you can try together. Another fun way to explore calming strategies is to use the virtual calming room on our website.
Scholarships and Clubs. We want to make sure that all families know that if you wish for your student to participate in an after school club there are always opportunities for assistance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or your student’s school counselor if you need some financial assistance. We would never want a student to not play because of cost.
Dates to remember:
3rd term ends April 6th
Grade 5&6 Assembly April 10th
Grade 6 Assembly April 12th
Grade 7 SBIRT April 13th
MCAS this month
½ day Friday April 7th
April Vacation 4/17- 4/21
Sincerely your Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School Principal
Wendy Salvatore wsalvatore@gdrsd.org