Hello Middle School families. I hope you have a great weekend.
We are doing something new at the middle school this new 2025 year. We are going to have Student of the Quarter Awards. We are going to do Attendance awards and OAK awards. Attendance awards will go to any student who does not have an unexcused absence. For this upcoming Quarter 2, we will only look at attendance for Q2. OAK awards, we are thinking 2 per team. This award will go to a student who is demonstrating Ownership, Awareness and Kindness. We are doing this because in our Culture and Climate survey from the 23-24 school year, there was a question about student interaction. Students reported that they feel like a lot of attention goes to negative-acting students. As a team, we want to change that culture.
Project Mitten,
This year we opted to spread out our Project Mitten work so that not every grade was not trying to raise money at the same time. If you have multiple students in the Middle School that could get expensive. This early winter our 5th and 7th grade did the fundraising with a total of $2910.94. The breakdown was 7th Grade = $1997.24 and 5th Grade was $913.67.
You helped 20 families and over 40 children. THANK YOU!
GDMS PTO Update!
ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA FUNDRAISER
Thursday, Jan 30th: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, 201 Constitution Avenue, Littleton (The Point), is donating back 20% of Dine-in, Takeout, & Pick-up orders to the GDMS PTO.
We ask that you RSVP here:
even if you’re not completely sure, so that Anthony’s can plan ahead. We hope you can make it! Please consider sharing the link with friends and family.
FAMILY NIGHT OUT WITH THE WORCESTER RAILERS!
GDMS PTO is hosting TWO nights with the Worcester Railers. Get tickets now and have your child participate in the high five tunnel!
Feb 28th: Open to all Groton Dunstable families
April 6th: Open to all families of Groton Dunstable Middle Schoolers
GD FUNd
GDMS PTO relies on your generosity to fund our initiatives and events. Please consider making a donation today!
LAST CALL FOR PARENT SURVEY!
Your input is critical as we plan our spring workshops. Please be sure to share your feedback before our survey closes at the end of January!
There is a lot happening at the Middle School this January.
Dear 8th Grade Families,
At this time we can no longer accept registration for the Washington DC Trip. The trip cost is based on 3 motor coaches and a specific number of airline seats. We have maxed those out. Any future registrations will go on a waitlist.
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!
Best Buddies next Wednesday! Best Buddies will meet on Wednesday, January 15 from 2:35 - 3:30 in the North cafeteria. Come and have some winter fun!
We are having a Semester 1 Art Show this year. There will be an opening reception on 1/16 that will include some performing arts acts in the PAC. We hope you can make it.
Reminders:
We will have two speakers this month.
January 22 Chris Herron is coming in to speak to our 8th grade students. Mr. Herron was a former professional basketball player who has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. We are very excited to have him. Thank you to the Groton Trust for funding this opportunity.
January 31st, Randy Pierce is coming in to talk with our 7th & 8th grade students. Mr. Pierce is a motivational speaker who was recommended to us last year by a parent. Here is his website: https://futureinsight.org/randypierce
When he speaks, he shares stories of his own experiences and how he has overcome challenges.
Sprint and Hurdle Clinic
This clinic will help athletes learn more about their event (100m/200m/400m/100Hurdles), teach the fundamentals, and get ready for outdoor track season. Run by the Middle School Coaches and GD High School Track Athletes. All proceeds go towards the Middle School Track Program. Register at https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/groton-dunstable-athletics
A message from our Performing Art Department,
Does your student play an instrument, sing, dance, and like to perform? GDRMS is hosting a student showcase on January 16th at 7:00 PM in the PAC. If your student is interested in performing, please fill out THIS FORM. If you have any questions, email Ms. Stone at estone@gdrsd.org.
After school chorus starts on 1/10, 2:30-3:30. It is open to all 6-8 grade students. This group will perform at the 8th grade concert on 5/27 at 7pm, and at the grades 5-7 concert on 6/3 (while they 8th graders are in DC). Sign up here.
YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST 2025
At least 11x8.5". but can be larger
Leave room for the title text in your design, but do include "2025" somewhere in your image
There is NO theme
Artwork may be created in any material, but must be handmade by you
Bring your completed artwork to room 118 North by 1/10- NO late submissions will be accepted, include your name and grade level
Digital art can be emailed to kfaro@gdrsd.org
Deadline: 1/10
Yearbook Club will be starting on January 16th. Spots are limited so if you are interested in joining please get a registration form in either the North or South office, and return it to Ms. Faro or Ms. Ascione in the north building by 1/7/25. Any questions please email Ms. Faro kfaro@gdrsd.org or Ms. Ascione pascione@gdrsd.org.
School Council
Our next School Council meeting will be January 13th 9, 2:45-3:45 in the south conference room.
SEPAC, Attention Groton-Dunstable families! Looking for something fun for your middle schooler to do indoors this winter? Special Olympics of MA is running two Unified Sports programs in our area. Unified Sports are not just for kids with disabilities, they are for everyone!
Registration Links:
Unified Bowling - https://littletonma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30569
Unified Basketball - https://specialolympicsma.jotform.com/232242679408864?program_id=a2BNx000003UvyPMAS&sport_name=Basketball&event_type=Non-Competitive
A reminder about the bus…. The school can not give permission/or ok students riding another bus. If you would like your child to ride another bus you must either call or email the bus company to see if that is ok. Please know if you do not do this and your child gets on a different bus your child will be brought back to school and you will need to pick them up. Thank you for your cooperation.
Erica Renna
Dee Bus Service, INC
Office (978) 448 - 3322 erenna@deebus.com
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."
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
Semester End Art show 1/15-1/22
Early Release 1/17
No School 1/20
Quarter 2 Grades Close 1/24
Sincerely your Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School Principal
Wendy Salvatore