September 19, 2025
Dear Florence Roche Families,
We had a great turnout for the PTA’s Welcome Back to School event last Friday evening. It was nice to see so many families reconnecting or connecting to build relationships. This event would not be possible without the many volunteers who supported it. I would like to give a shout out and thanks to the leaders of this event including Jennifer Mertes, Jillian Doyle, Michelle Parks, Kelly McMullen, Erin O'Brien, Nichole Johnson and Joey Tomaino.
Fourth grade students worked with poet Andrew Green from Potato Hill Poetry to learn about the craft of poetry writing. This enrichment experience is funded through a generous grant from the Groton Commissioners of Trust. We look forward to Mr. Green’s return next week to finish his work with our students.
Parent/Guardian Pick up Reminders
In an effort to keep our moving pick line flowing smoothly, please do not get out of your car during this process. A staff member will assist your child with a vehicle door if necessary. If you need to get out and buckle your child, please pull into one of the accessible spots beyond the pick up circle to do this. Following this procedure will help us keep the line moving and avoid any traffic back ups at the end of our driveway and onto Route 119.
It’s time for our annual student health screenings. Please read the district letter outlining the different screenings and the available opt out provision for families.
Dear Florence Roche Parents/Guardians:
Florence Roche will begin to conduct the annual state-mandated health screenings in October and into November. We will be conducting the following screenings:
Vision Screenings in Grades K-4
Hearing Screenings in Grades K-3
Body Mass Index screenings in Grades 1 and 4
To learn more about the Vision, Hearing, and BMI screening, or to read about each of the different health screenings conducted at GDRSD, please go to the Health Services page on our district website by clicking HERE and click on “Health Screenings”.
While participation is encouraged, it is voluntary. If you DO NOT wish to have your student participate in one or more of the health screenings offered to their grade, you may opt them out of the screening process by completing the Florence Roche Health Screening Opt-Out Form 2025-2026 by September 30th, 2025.
If you have any questions about the screening process, please reach out to one of our School Nurses in the Health Office.
Sincerely,
Brian O’Donoghue, Florence Roche Elementary School Principal
Pamela Fleming, RN- School Nurse
Natalie Petrucci, BSN, RN, NCSN- School Nurse
The screening team is asking for any grade K and 1 parent/guardian volunteers interested in supporting the transition of students to and from the screening site within the building. The K and 1 Screenings will take place on 10/6 and 10/7. If you are available and interested in helping out, please email me at bodonoghue@gdrsd.org for more information.
Important Dates
School Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1st. More details will be shared as we get closer to the date.
Family Open House is a wonderful opportunity to visit your student’s classroom, meet their teacher and see some of their work. Please mark your calendars!
Grades K, 1, & 3: Tuesday, October 7th from 6:30-7:30 PM
Grades 2 & 4: Thursday, October 9th from 6:30-7:30 PM
This is also a great time to meet with our specialist teachers to see what students are working on with them. Please remember that individual parent conferences are scheduled for November.
MUSIC BINGO to Support the Groton-Dunstable Chamber Choir:
It's time for another night of "Music Bingo” for the whole family! Have fun while supporting the Friends of GD Chamber Choir on Friday, September 26, at the VFW Hall (55 Leighton St, Pepperell MA). Two seating times to choose from: 6pm and 8pm. Adult tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Student tickets are $10. Visit www.gdchamberchorus.org for more info and to buy tickets.
Enjoy the weekend.
Brian