IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, December 9th -HS Music Concert at the PAC. 7:00 pm. Friday,
Friday, December 12th - Early Release (10:50)
Dec 24th - Jan 2nd - Winter Break
Friday, January 16th - Early Release (10:50)
Monday, January 19th - No School/MLK Day
Wednesday, January 21st - End of Term 2
Thursday, January 22nd - Term 3/Semester 2 begins.
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
If anyone had a chance to attend the concert Tuesday, what a treat it was to see so many talented musicians! From the Concert and Jazz bands to the Chorus and Chamber Choir, these young performers dazzled and impressed throughout the concert. In addition, we were treated to Mr. Savoy, donning a train conductor’s hat while the Chamber Choir made like a train and simulated a train going around a track, whistles and all!!. What an impressive performance by all the students.
Having students involved in any activity increases self-esteem, academics and expands social networks. Once again our courts, track, mats, ice and slopes will be filled with many winter athletes and our theater will have many thespians working together to produce yet another great show later in the winter. Don’t let your day end at 2!!
The next week and a half can bring about many emotions for not just students but for families and staff. Let’s all work together and have a little patience as we try to make the season bright!!
We are GD!!
Rick Arena
GD PEER LEADERS IS COLLECTING BOOKS FOR THE CHILDREN OF SEVEN HILLS
Seven Hills Pediatric Center (SHPC) is an 83-bed facility for children and young adults with profound disabilities and complex medical needs.
We put their personally requested titles on mittens and hung them on our fireplace display just outside the gym.
How to Participate:
Ask your student to get a mitten.
Record the mitten number and your name on the sign-out sheet.
Shop for and wrap the requested book.
Attach the mitten and return to Ms. McManus by December 18th.
Too Busy? Let our elves shop and wrap for you!
Any donation amount will help us make sure that every resident has a book to unwrap on Christmas morning.
You can drop off cash or check at the front office c/o Kelly McManus. Email Kmcmanus@gdrsd.org if you have any questions or would like me to send you a book title.
Thank you for your generosity and for making their season brighter!
GDEF TEACHING STARS
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 (easy!) 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). Learn more here about how to show an educator how much they are appreciated with a Teaching Star: https://www.gdefinc.org/teaching-star.
Also, don't miss out on year-end giving opportunities for GDEF. All donations are tax-deductible, may qualify for employer matching, and are directly applied to grants in the current year and beyond. We're 56% of the way to our goal! Find more information and consider donating here: https://www.gdefinc.org/annual-giving-campaign. Thanks in advance!
ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS -
ON-SNOW AND OFF-SNOW VOLUNTEERS - NEW ATHLETES TOO !
Nashoba Shooting Stars Special Olympics Ski and Snowboard Team seeks volunteers to be ski and snowboard buddies. As a ‘ Buddy “ you will be helping our developmentally challenged Athletes to ski or ride safely, have fun and to improve their skills.
Just say “ Yes “ and join us as we celebrate exercise, wellness and inclusion during January and February of 2026.
Volunteers are invited to select one or more of our weekly practice times :
Sunday afternoons - Nashoba Valley - 2:00 - 4:00 PM ( starts 1/11/2026
Tuesday evenings - Nashoba Valley - 6:30 - 8:30 PM ( starts 1/6/2026)
Wednesday evenings - Wachusett Mt. - 6:30 to 8:30 PM * starts 1/7/2026)
Saturdays - all day - Gunstock Mt. - 8:00 AM until early to mid afternoon ( starts 1/10/2026 )
Practice season ends with state competition on Friday 2/27/2026.
We have opportunities for Athletes and Volunteers at levels - Beginners to Downhill Racers seeking fun on the snow this Winter. Please help our team to grow beyond our 44 Athletes and to continue a program that offers healthy outdoor Winter sports activity. It's our 31st year. “ Buddy to Athlete pairing” comes with the promise of a great experience this Winter. Volunteer lift tickets will be provided on a complementary basis.
Our Off-Snow Volunteers provide the magic - one on one matched partners, lift tickets, needed help and support.
We hope to see you on the slopes with one of our wonderful Athletes in Winter 2026 !
If interested or just need additional information please contact :
Bob and Judy Russell/Hometown Volunteers and Head Coaches
Nashoba Shooting Stars/Special Olympics MA
Tel : 978-448-3087 Cell : 978-337-2326 ( Judy ) ; 978-302-7852 ( Bob )
E-Mail : bobjudydj@verizon.net
PRESCOTT CENTER LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER TO HELP MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT WITH HOMEWORK
The Prescott Community Center provides a safe and supportive homework help program for students in grades 5-8, held Mondays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Local high school students are available to assist middle schoolers with their work, including math, writing, reading, organization, time management, and study skills.
Schedule:
4 Mondays, Jan 26-Feb 23, 4:00-5:00 PM, Skip Feb 16
5 Mondays, Mar 2-Mar 30, 4:00-5:00 PM
5 Wednesdays, Jan 21-Feb 25, 5:00-6:00 PM, Skip Feb 18
4 Wednesdays, Mar 4-Mar 25, 5:00-6:00 PM
We have created a Google Doc for high school students to sign up to volunteer: https://forms.gle/sh8ZykYUSPjUMcSa9
TOY DRIVE
SEPAC NEWS
You’re invited to a casual morning of conversation and connection with other parents and caregivers on Friday, December 19 at 9:30 a.m. at Salt and Light Cafe. SEPAC board members will also be available to answer questions and chat about special education resources, experiences, and support. — we hope to see you there!
