Hello Middle School families. I hope you’re having a great weekend.
As a reminder both Wednesday and Thursday of this week are ½ days. Dismissal at 11:30 for parent conferences. Wednesday afternoon conferences and Thursday evening conferences.
5th grade families, I hope your students reported having a wonderful time at Nature’s Classroom on Thursday and Friday…. Those pictures I will have for next week’s memo. Big shout out to Ms. Breault for setting up the trip and to the Lecture Fund for funding it.
Thank you to Ms. Solitro and the 5th grade for setting up and having our students learn about spinning and weaving wool. Robin Hu from Harvard Ma was here on Monday and Tuesday of this past week. I had the opportunity to observe one of the presentations with Ms. Lefebvre’s class on Tuesday. Ms. Hu talked about how she does the work with her sheep, she gave a quick history lesson about spinning in the American colonies and taught students how to use her drop spindles and weaving wheel. It was really cool.
We had a little crew of students fill Mr. Walsh’s truck with the gently used winter clothes for Katie’s closet. This was part of our spirit week fundraising effort. Thank you again to all who donated and supported our school. It takes a village.
The Groton Dunstable Community Education Program and the Middle School present “Shrek Jr.”, the Musical. November 22 (7pm) and November 23 (2pm and 7pm) in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available only at the door and are $5 for students, staff and seniors, and $10 for adults. Please come and support the students and your community!!
Need help with Holiday Dinner. Loaves and Fishes food pantry can help.
If you are a resident of Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, or Shirley please visit if you need help.
Just join the drive-thru line to receive a holiday dinner with all the fixings!
Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution
Monday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holiday Dinner Distribution
Wednesday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Counseling Team
978-772-4627 x 312 | clientassist@loavesfishespantry.org
SEPAC- Please join us on Friday, November 22nd at 9:30am for coffee and conversation. This is a great networking opportunity for families and caregivers. SEPAC board members will be available to answer questions and chat. We hope to see you there!
Counseling Corner:
There has been some confusion about Nashoba Tech (Groton students) and Lowell Tech (Dunstable students) applications. Please complete the online application for your student. Counselors will be notified by the technical school that the application has been submitted. After 1st term grades are available, counselors will complete transcripts and recommendations.
Please refer to this page for information: GDRMS counseling department website
If your student is applying to a private school, please be aware that our administration does not complete recommendations. All private school recommendations and transcript requests are completed by the school counselor and current 8th grade teachers.
Please refer to this page for information: Requesting recommendations
Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.
Ms. Leah Nessco 5th Grade, and 8th Grade, last name G-N lnessco@gdrsd.org
Ms. Cara Zwicker 6th Grade, and 8th Grade, last name O-Z czwicker@gdrsd.org
Ms. Patricia Ascione 7th Grade, and 8th Grade, last name A-F pascione@gdrsd.org
Coping Skill of the Month: Noticing November
Noticing is more than just paying attention—it’s about creating space between ourselves and our thoughts. When we notice a thought, we’re not reacting to it or letting it define us; we’re simply acknowledging its presence and allowing it to pass like a cloud in the sky.
Here’s why the skill of noticing is so powerful:
Creates Distance from Thoughts: By observing their thoughts instead of getting caught up in them, we create emotional distance. We can see thoughts for what they are—just thoughts—rather than facts or truths.
Reduces Reactivity: Noticing gives us a chance to slow down and avoid reacting impulsively to our thoughts. This empowers us to respond calmly, rather than becoming overwhelmed by negative self-talk or worries.
Builds Resilience: When we learn to notice and let go of thoughts, we build resilience. We understand that thoughts are temporary and we don’t need to give every passing idea power or attention. This strengthens our ability to cope with challenges and manage emotions.
What thoughts are you noticing today? Interested in hearing a song about Noticing our Thoughts? Click Here.
In conjunction with the Athletics Boosters we will have a box in both buildings during conferences this week.
Reminders:
Quick note to families, If you are dismissing your child or you need them to go to the pick up line and not the bus please call the main office before 2.
One of the goals of the middle school teaching team is that we will focus on writing across all content areas including integrated arts classes. We have set some expectations when asking our students to write. I tell you this because you may see that your student is bringing an assignment home to rewrite. We ask that you partner with us on this journey. We want to create independent writers, who can use language to represent their full ideas. Thank you for your support.
Vision and Hearing screenings for grade 7 will be completed on Monday, November 18th. Vision Screenings for grade 5 are scheduled for Tuesday, November 19th. Please see this letter from our nurses for more information. All screenings will be done during the school day. Please remind your child to wear or bring any hearing/vision aids on the day of the screening
A note from GDEF, "Are you looking for a unique way to recognize a Teacher, Administrator, or Other Staff/Community Member for their hard work and impact they’ve had on your child? GDEF Teaching Stars are the perfect gift! They are a great way to say "Thank You" while helping to enrich the schools in the form of a donation to the Groton-Dunstable Education Foundation (GDEF). Certificates are great for showing your gratitude in November or as a holiday gift in December! Learn more here about how to show an educator how much they are appreciated with a Teaching Star: https://www.gdefinc.org/teaching-star."
8th grade Civic Action project, we currently have an 8th grade student who is collecting new Squishmallows for the Worcester Children's Hospital as part of their 8th-grade civic action project.
All Squishmallows collected will go to Kendra Frederick (Groton resident and Mom). Kendra is one of the hospital's amazing Child Life Specialists. On any given day, the hospital has approximately 60 kids staying overnight. My goal is to collect at least 60 Squishmallows this holiday season. We will be collecting Squishmallows until Friday, December 13th.
There are several ways for you to participate:
1. You can drop off a new, unused Squishmallow to the donation box at the middle school north building.
2. Donate $5-$10, and we will do the shopping for you!
Venmo: @Lori-Ogden-4
In the comments please put "Squishmallows"
3. Purchase a Squishmallow from my Amazon wish list, and it will be delivered directly to me. (Make sure to include your name in the gift message so I know who to thank!)
If you did not see my email the other day our Middle School Library is looking for some book donations. We are looking for “like new/ new condition” books that are appropriate for grades 5-8. If you have some and would like to donate you can do so by dropping them off in either office labeled Mrs. West or Mrs. Thibault.
Grade 8 Families,
Washington DC Trip Information
If you need a scholarship here are the directions, you can apply for a scholarship by doing the following. district website -> scroll down to registration -> kindergarten registration -> kindergarten registration scholarship.
Help for the Holidays:
For some people in our community, the holiday season can be anything but happy. If you are a family with school aged children and are experiencing financial difficulties, please remember that our Community Children's Fund can help with food, winter clothing and holiday gifts.
If you would like to experience the joy of giving during this upcoming season, the Community Children's Fund is able to offer several different options. To participate in either of these traditions, giving or receiving, please contact Karen Tuomi at (978) 877-6787 or email trustfunds@grotonma.gov.
Confidentiality will be strictly maintained.
School Council
Our next School Council meeting will be December 9, 2:45-3:45 in the south conference room.
The Middle School handbook can be found on our Middle School website. Link to Website
Our Core Values:
Ownership, Own your space, Own your learning, Own your behavior.
Awareness, Be aware of yourself and others, Be aware of your surroundings, and Be aware of your impact.
Kindness, Be kind to yourself, Be kind to others, and Be kind to your surroundings.
Important dates.
Teachers update schoolbrains 11/15, 11/29, 12/13,1 /17
Vision and Hearing Screening grade 7 Monday 11/18
Vision Screening grade 5 Tuesday 11/19
Parent Conferences afternoon 12-2:30 Wednesday 11/20
Parent Conferences in the evening Thursday 11/21 6-8
And then it’s Thanksgiving…
Sincerely your Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School Principal
Wendy Salvatore