IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, September 30th - Mid Point of Term 1
Monday, October 13th - No School/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Friday, October 17th - Homecoming Tailgate 4pm, Bon Fire + Football game (7pm)
Saturday, October 18 - Homecoming Dance
Wednesday, October 22nd - PSAT Exam (Juniors only)
Thursday, October 23rd - MEFA Financial Aid Night (6pm)
Friday, October 24th - Early Release (10:50) PD District
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
For the past two Mondays, we had to respond to a couple of hiccups. However, in both instances the students and staff worked as a team to manage these situations to limit the disruption and keep the temperature down for everyone. This week we experienced a loss of power on Monday. Staff who were on prep came down to offer support and served as messengers to teachers and their students. Even students asked if they could do anything to help with communication. This made it easier for the admin team to manage communication, lunch, and everyone’s anxiety. Although we hope to have smooth sailing the rest of the year, I take great pride in knowing that our students and staff have proven to be able to handle uncomfortable and unpredictable situations with intention, care and calm. GD is a special place and I’m happy to be a part of this team!
As a parent of 2 athletes and coach of many seasons and sports, I found great delight in watching this video: 6 Stages of Youth Sports. It is a parody of those of us who have gone through the sometimes insane youth sport journey and what it can do to “normal” parents. Laugh, Enjoy + Exhale on behalf of your student!!
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Rick Arena
Attention Parents… Sign up for School Council!
We are looking to have a few parents on our School Council. It meets only 5 times per year on Tuesdays @ 2:15
Meeting Dates:
October 14, 2025
December 9, 2025
February 10, 2026
April 7, 2026
May 12, 2026
MEFA FINANCIAL AID NIGHT AT G-D
October 23, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30p
Donna Connolly from MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) will present Financial Aid 101 in the high school black box auditorium. Learn more about the different types of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans) and the financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile) as your students prepare for college.
Free to attend. Please register for the event here: online registration form. This will also sign you up for important college planning emails from MEFA. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's guidance counselor.
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.
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.
DECA ANNOUNCEMENT
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.
MEFA Financial Aid Night at G-D
October 23 - 6-7:30pm
Donna Connolly from MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) will present Financial Aid 101 in the high school black box auditorium. Learn more about the different types of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans) and the financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile) as your students prepare for college.
Free to attend. Please register for the event here: online registration form. This will also sign you up for important college planning emails from MEFA. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's guidance counselor.