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
Friday, March 27th - Parent Conference/Early Release (10:50)
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
What a week! Our first snow day followed by a delay helped us recover from the storm and now the work of trying to establish momentum as we start Semester II. The custodians and maintenance did a terrific job in getting our campus ready for school. It is still important to drive carefully when snow falls and to take care while the temperatures are in the single digits.
The block schedule, like any other, has its strengths and weaknesses. However, what is so great about it is that our students and teachers get to hit the reset button now instead of waiting until June. They typically have new classes and new teachers. Their attendance and tardies go back to zero which means they have more flexibility to make healthier decisions. ( A reminder that students have 7 unexcused absences for a semester class and 4 unexcused absences for a Term class before they jeopardize their credits. An unexcused tardy or dismissal of more than 25 minutes equals an absence from class) Driving lessons scheduled during school hours will be treated as unexcused dismissals by a parent.
Although we will hold the late bell when driving conditions warrant or if there are extenuating circumstances, students are expected to be in their classrooms at the 7:27 bell. The past two days we have seen over 60 students tardy each day. This is concerning and hopefully we can encourage all of our students to leave a little earlier so they can arrive without delay. Parents of drivers, please remind them that if they receive 7 tardies, they may have their parking privileges revoked. Let’s work together so no student is late and everyone can arrive safely and how they want.
Stay warm!
We are GD!!
Rick Arena
FRESHMAN FUNDRAISER
DRAMA GUILD NEWS
Next week is our 17th Annual Festival of 1-Act Plays here at the High School's Black Box Theater. …. 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.
SEPAC NEWS
SEPAC is having an evening networking event on Thursday, Feb 5th, for parents and caregivers in our Groton Dunstable communities. Jill Greene, Director of Student Services, will be joining us. Please see the attached flyer for details. We hope that you can join us!
HS STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - GROTONFEST SPRING FESTIVAL
If any high school students are interested in volunteering at the GrotonFest Spring Festival on Sunday, May 17th, they are in need of volunteers to assist vendors with unloading / loading up their items. There are two shifts available: Morning from 7:45-10:45am and Afternoon from 3:45-5:30pm
They would appreciate any help! To RSVP or with questions:
Jennifer Moore | Event Coordinator | GrotonFest
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
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.
BAE Systems’ FOCUS (Fostering Opportunities and Careers Using Stem) is currently accepting applications from high school students interested in participating in the Spring 2026 session.
The application deadline FOCUS is on February 9th.
FOCUS details:
Dates: April 1 through June 10, 2026
Time: Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Nashua Canal Street facility
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Regular Application link: https://app.tallo.com/talent/job/8d4fc33e-8a10-4d09-b703-a2e7c30f143c
Mentor Application Link: https://app.tallo.com/talent/job/d123f73d-7994-4d00-8dbb-d42123e148e3
To be eligible for mentoring, the applicant student must have completed a FOCUS session as a non-mentor.
Website: www.baesystems.com/focus
If you have questions, please reach out to the FOCUS team at focus.nashua@baesystems.com