IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, February 3rd - T2 Report Cards Published
Friday, February 6th - Early Release (10:50)
February 16th-20th - February Break
Friday, February 27th - Mid-Point of Term 3
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
Semester II is underway! I reminded a few students today that they all had perfect attendance and all had A+s!! Yes, the start of a new semester means the start of new classes, classmates, teachers and even a new lunch period with different lunchmates.
Because it is the start of a new semester, we will be reviewing all of our safety protocols and also evacuation procedures.
We have passed the midway point for many sports and are now heading down the stretch. Being a good teammate has always been the cornerstone of any successful team. Regardless of the record, having a WE first attitude and always working hard to get better, makes for a successful season. Let’s cheer on the teams as they finish their seasons.
Another exciting part of the season are the improvements we experienced and will see in the near future. Our banners are now hanging in the gym. The bleachers have been repaired. We have a few new desks and chairs that finally arrived. New signage for our campus is in the works so be ready for lots of maroon + our school shield to be placed throughout the campus. Lastly, our biggest endeavor is the renovation of our Black Box Theater. Thanks to the generosity of the community and Dr. Bruno’s commitment to the Arts, we hope to finally replace the floor, install a curtain(there has never been one in this theater if that makes any sense??), paint the walls and possibly get new lighting fixtures.
Get ready for Old Man Winter to knock us around this weekend. Stock up on wood, candles, batteries and gas and be sure to take care with the snow + arctic blast coming our way.
We are GD!!
Rick Arena
DRAMA GUILD NEWS
Next week is our 17th Annual Festival of 1-Act Plays here at the High School's Black Box Theater. Pictured here are the Seniors rehearsing The Proposal, by Anton Checkov. A new translation by Paul Schmidt. This play features Maddy Young, Evan Bilodeau, and Bee Hawthorne who also shares Director credits with Anna Kinnon. The Juniors will present The Clearing, by Jennifer Reif, directed by Meghan Baker and Michelle Go and Isla O’Neill is directing the Sophomore production of Ian McWelty’s Most Likely to …. All performances at the Black Box Theater @ GDRHS, 703 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA 01450. Performances are at 7pm on Friday 1/30 and Saturday 1/31 and an additional Saturday 2pm matinee performance.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
The 69th Senior Central District Festival Concert recently took place and with seventeen Groton-Dunstable students qualifying to perform, it was a success! After two days of long, five hour rehearsals taking place at the North Middlesex High School, the Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Concert Band have been pushed to new limits they never dreamed imaginable.
Under the direction of Michelle Adams and Nayda Potemkin, Choir and Orchestra challenged each of the GD students to push their musical abilities. From the first breath of the first rehearsal to the last note of the second, the various groups learned how to play together, not individually. “The most impactful thing Mrs. Adams said to us would be ‘tone and expression are king,’” said first time participant Abby Turner, “it stood out because it made me think about my singing as more than just from my mouth, but instead something that requires my whole body”.
The morning of the performance started quiet, but as Mechanics Hall grew busy with performers arriving for the day, the energy grew. “My favorite part was making new friends”, says three time participant Xander Crouse. With a new batch of bright eyed musicians every year coming from fifty-seven different schools from all across the state, you are bound to meet someone new. All the different programs have so many unique people with different perspectives, coming together to make a single, beautiful concert.
When the time for the performance came, it was remarkable. Starting with the Chorus and ending with the Band, the four groups made beautiful harmonies and eloquent sounds. The famous Mechanics Hall in Worcester allowed for gorgeous acoustics while all the young performers played their hearts out. Each note rang across the venue with ease, creating an amazing listening experience. The magic in the air was noticed by all who saw.
In a final reflection, what makes Districts so special is not the music itself, but the community it brings together. For those couple short days each ensemble joins together up to 200 kids to achieve one shared goal, making the best concert they can. The ability to work on your musicianship to this level is something only attainable at the Central Districts Senior Festival. Congrats to all and good luck to all who are continuing to the All-State auditions!
Pictured: Director Timothy Savoy with the 17 GD Students who qualified for Senior Central Districts
SENIOR NEWS!!!!
DIPLOMAS: A form was sent to all seniors about how you would like your name to appear on your diploma and how you would like it announced at graduation. If you have not done so, please be sure to complete that as soon as possible. Click here for link.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are arriving. They can be found in your Naviance account or on the Guidance Website. Check back often because new ones arrive daily.
CAP & GOWN: In order to participate in graduation, you must wear a cap and gown. Order by January 30th to avoid late fees. All that is required for graduation is the cap, gown and tassel, that is the Graduation Kit and is $34.25. CLICK HERE to order your Cap & Gown and other graduation accessories.
Questions? Call us at (888) 248-9084 or Email us at jostens@scholasticsolutions.net
LOST + FOUND- A NEW TWIST!!
Did we lose our lost and found? Read our newsletter (link below) to find information about how you can report lost items, return items found around the school, and get your lost belongings delivered!
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Junior & Parent/Guardian College Information Night
Thursday, February 26th * 6:00 - 7:00 pm
High School Black Box
The Guidance Department will be hosting a college night for junior parents / guardians (students are welcome to attend as well). They will provide a general overview of the college process / timeline.