IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Friday, September 18th - Early Release (10:50) PD District
Friday, September 26th - Picture Retakes
Tuesday, September 30th - Mid Point of Term 1
Monday, October 13th - No School/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Wednesday, October 22nd - PSAT Exam (Juniors only)
Friday, October 24th - Early Release (10:50) PD District
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
We started this week with an unexpected fire evacuation with only minutes into our day on Monday. Thankfully, it was the result of the technician troubleshooting the system and accidentally triggered it. The safety of all students and staff was never in question. Regardless, we evacuated flawlessly and performed this crucial exercise. Thanks to the Groton Fire Department for assistance with our training.
We are excited to hear that potable water will be available to the high school in mid to late October barring any issues. Fingers crossed!!
I sat down with the Homecoming Committee which was very exciting. We are bringing back our club/organization/team tailgate (10/17) which will continue to bolster our very Spirited Start of the school year! The Homecoming Dance is set for 10/18. Details for this event will be forthcoming.
Thanks again to all the parents, community members and students who have expressed their appreciation for the work our staff does on a daily basis. It is a journey but we expect to get better every day. Thanks for your support!!
Enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
Rick Arena
DRAMA GUILD UPDATE
This week Drama Guild began rehearsals for Much Ado About Nothing. For actors with little to no experience with Elizabethan theater, the group amazed the director. Much Ado is the original romantic comedy, think Rock Hudson and Doris Day from classic midcentury films or Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks from You've Got Mail.
Currently our actors are developing their characters, working on blocking (where to move and how to move on stage), and learning Post World War II social customs. In our photo we see Ella Von Kohorn and Meghan Baker rehearsing as Beatrice and Hero. The two characters are waiting for soldiers to return from war.
We hope to see you at the show November 7 and 8.
GROTONFEST VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
The GrotonFest planning committee is looking for student volunteers to assist with set up/break down of this annual event. The event will take place on September 27th, and the committee is in need of assistance between 5:45am-10am and 4-6:15pm. Here are the suggested time commitments for that day:
5:45 am – 8:15 am
7:45 am – 10:15am
3:45pm – 6:15pm
Please let me know if you have any students interested in earning community service hours that day! We appreciate the help.
RSVP to Jennifer Moore - jenniferblount@hotmail.com
LOOKING TO BORROW A THEODOLITE FOR TRIGONOMETRY CLASS
Jon Conlon, one of our high school math teachers, is looking to borrow a theodolite—an instrument used to measure angles horizontally and vertically (see picture). Theodolites are commonly used in surveying and civil engineering. Jon would like to use one (or a few) in his trigonometry class for a couple of days to show students a real-world application of what they are learning. If you, or someone you know, works for an engineering surveying firm or in a civil engineering department at a local college or university and might be able to help, please contact Jon at jconlon@gdrsd.org.
Thank you for supporting our students!
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE:
Please complete the Student Health Information/Health Office Emergency Card and return to the nurse’s office.
This form also has a section for Parent/Guardian permission to administer Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen during the school day
Any questions please email the High School Nurse-Cheryl Shea: cshea@gdrsd.org or call 978-448-6362 X1018
FRIENDS OF GD 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, Sept 26 at 6pm or 8pm at the VFW Hall at 55 Leighton St, Pepperell MA. Adult tickets are $20 ahead or $25 at the door. Student tickets are $10. Visit http://www.gdchamberchorus.org for more info and to buy tickets.
SEPAC
Greetings to families of students in special education!
We’d love for you to join GD SEPAC for our Welcome Back Dessert & Discussion- an informal evening to connect with our community to share ideas about supporting students with unique learning needs as we kick off the school year.
Questions - email gdsepac2@gmail.com
CONGRATS MS FINN!
Ms. Finn was acknowledged in a recently published book by one of our own students!
“The only way on Earth to influence other people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.” - Dale Carnegie
“Being an example is not a way of influencing others, it is the only way.” - Albert Einstein
PEER LEADERS: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
Build leadership skills, make a difference, and set a positive example at GD. Peer Leaders organize projects like Project Mitten, kindness lessons, safe driving programs, and more.
Requirements: 9 service hours/semester, meeting participation, and a pledge against bullying/substance use.
Apply by Sept. 30 at 2 PM: Complete the application form and have two teachers email Ms. McManus a recommendation.
Questions? Contact kmcmanus@gdrsd.org or htraverse26@gdrsd.us
ATTENTION JUNIORS: PSAT REGISTRATION
The PSAT will be given to Juniors on Wednesday, October 22 during the school day. Arrival time for the exam is 7:00 am and should be finished by lunch. Students must be juniors and register below to reserve their exam. Students must use their school issued Chromebook for this exam.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REGISTRATION
The cost is $25 per student. Cash or check made payable to GDRHS. Payments can be mailed to: GDRHS, Attn PSAT, 703 Chicopee Row, Groton MA 01450.
GROTON-DUNSTABLE FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE UMASS LOWELL RIVER HAWKS!
Mark your calendars for a fun night of hockey and school spirit! Join us on Friday, December 5, 2025 as the UMass Lowell River Hawks take on Boston College in an exciting Hockey East showdown.
Where: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
When: 7:15 PM puck drop
Tickets: $15 per person
This is a great opportunity for Groton-Dunstable families to come together, cheer on the River Hawks, and enjoy an action-packed night on the ice!
Purchase your tickets online here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/grotondunstable63
We can’t wait to see you there—let’s fill the stands with Crusader pride!
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Free Webinar on Study Skills Strategies
Wednesday, October 1st at 8:00 PM ET - Start Smart: Helping Students Build Better Study Habits.
This session will provide practical strategies you can share with students and their parents to help them:
Manage time and stay organized
Study more effectively and retain information
Build motivation and accountability
Tackle procrastination
Communicate and self-advocate with confidence
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live – all registrants will receive a link to the full recording! Click here for more information about the event and to register.
Straight Talk About the Cost of College
I'll be offering a presentation -free and open to all- on college affordability for parents and caregivers at Groton Public library on Thursday September 25 from 7-8 pm.
Here is a link to the signup on the library's website.
This would be a good option for families of juniors (and younger students) who want to learn how to incorporate financial fit into their child's college search.
I'll introduce free tools they can use to 1) understand how the government and colleges assess a family's financial strength and 2) find colleges that offer the kind of aid that aligns with their circumstances (whether need-based, merit-based, or both). It's a short, high-level overview and I'll send them home with a financial aid fundamentals handout and a link to a resource document I've compiled that includes the tools I highlight in the talk. My primary goals are to encourage families to start early, focus on net price (rather than sticker price/COA), and use the available tools!
Hannah Pierpont, M.A.L.D./hannah@pierpontedcon.com
Independent College Consultant/Pierpont Educational Consulting LLC
978-254-3831 / www.pierpontedcon.com