IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
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
Our wonderful community supporting “Be an Elf” contest raised close to $3000 for needy children of our GD family. Mr. Sam McLellan’s Class donated the most so they were “Elves” who went shopping for specific items that children requested. We are so happy to know that through the generosity of the students and families of GD, many children will wake up on Christmas morning with special gifts but more importantly, brighter smiles.
On Tuesday, the staff at GD was treated to an incredible display of generosity by 19 families from our communities. A breakfast with special treats, drinks and gifts were organized in the staff room and front office. This demonstration of gratitude is a testament to the goodness of people and can be more valuable than any paycheck, stipend or time off. It is with sincere appreciation I would like to thank all those who made this possible and brightened our day.. Grazie MIlle!(1000 Thank yous!)
Our Winter teams are off to a great start. The positive and unifying cultures established by the coaches and the seniors of each team is obvious. They are reflective of what the students and staff have worked hard at creating this year and I am so proud to see this permeate to other parts of our co-curricular programs. Let’s be great spectators and support our teams with class, loud volume and sportsmanship!!.
We are GD!!
Rick Arena
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Another way to elevate students and their contributions to our community is through Students of the Month. After being sidelined for a few years, it is with great pride and pleasure to reinstate this tradition of recognizing outstanding young adults. Congratulations to the November Students of the Month who best represent our Core Values:
Shea Keane - 9th grade - Perseverance
Ellery Howard - 10th grade - Respect
Sawyer Brumbaugh - 11th grade - Integrity
Evan Bilodeau - 12th grade - Respect
Luke Ambrose - 12th grade - Perseverance
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
GUIDANCE NEWS
FROM SCHOOLHOUSE (FROM THE CREATORS OF KHAN ACADEMY):
We've officially opened registration for our free Spring Dialogues Clubs and we'd love for you to let your students know.
Our Dialogues clubs bring students from across the globe together over Zoom to discuss important topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and freedom of speech. Clubs are open to students 14-18 worldwide and meet twice per month from January to May.
By participating in our Dialogues Clubs, your students will receive a Dialogues Portfolio like this one that is accepted during the admissions process by our 7 college partners: Columbia, NYU, WashU, Colby, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and UChicago.
Check out this Dialogues Overview Doc that has additional context, FAQs, and ready-to-share flyers about the Dialogues program. If you're having trouble opening the doc, email dani@schoolhouse.world and I'll send over a PDF version.
Here are the top reasons previous participants recommend our Dialogues Clubs:
Learn: Discuss global topics to understand alternative perspectives
Connect: Form a community with others students who might see the world differently Grow Your Skills: Develop communication, empathy, and collaboration skills
Build a Portfolio: Use the Dialogues portfolio to stand out on college apps.