IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
February 16th-20th - February Break
Thursday, February 26th - Junior/Parent College Information Night (6-7pm)
Friday, February 27th - Mid-Point of Term 3
Friday, March 3rd - Early Release (10:50)
Thursday, March 5th - Best Buddies Talent Show (6-8pm)
Friday, March 27th - Parent Conference/Early Release (10:50)
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
The week prior to vacation is always one filled with excitement and “energy”. Hopefully, many of us can take the time…. to take time out. Utilizing next week as an opportunity to recharge our batteries, gain some perspective and to just have some fun, can make a huge impact on how we are able to utilize the time period between February and April breaks.
The extreme cold is hopefully behind us. This will enable opportunities to head outside and enjoy the best a New England winter has to offer.
Take care and we will see everyone after break!
We are GD!!
Rick Arena
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.
SPECIAL OLYMPIC FUNDRAISER - POLAR PLUNGE
I’m excited to announce that Bear One is BACK! On Friday, March 13, 2026, you will have the chance to participate in a Mobile Polar Plunge Fundraiser to support Special Olympics & Unified Sports at GD!
You can sign up as sponsors and raise funds for this amazing cause. To be able to participate in the plunge, you must raise a minimum of $25 in donations.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting athletes of the Special Olympics and giving them the opportunity to compete and succeed. If you're interested in signing up to participate, please use the website linked below to get started. I have also attached a video that explains Unified & the polar plunge and what it's all about!! Teams and costumes are encouraged! Join your friends, teammates, and club peers to get involved!
Let’s work together to make this event a big success and support a truly wonderful cause!
BEST BUDDIES TALENT SHOW
DRAMA GUILD NEWS
The GDRHS Drama Guild is in rehearsal for our spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors; Broadway Version. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. mtishows.com.
Our director, Kathleen McKenzie, returns to the Drama Guild after directing Radium Girls in 2025 and She Kills Monsters: High School Version in 2023. As the co-director of the Summer Theater program at the Groton-Dunstable Middle School, Kathleen is excited to bring Musical Theater back to the stage at the High School’s Black Box Theater.
Performances are April 10 at 7pm and April 11 at 2 and 7pm. Look for announcements in March for your chance to purchase tickets and support the GDRHS Drama Guild.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE GD ARTS BOOSTERS!
The GD Arts Boosters are always looking for new parents to join us in supporting music, theater, and visual arts at the high school. Whether you can help occasionally or want to be more involved, every contribution of time makes a real difference for our student artists.
Looking ahead, we’ll especially need extra helping hands for concessions and Candy Grams during the upcoming spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, coming up in April. These events are fun, social, and one of our most important ways to support arts programs and scholarships.
Interested in helping out or learning more? Join our sign-up list here:
https://forms.gle/RFfZT1fsKcVL7Kvz7 or send us an email at GDHSArtsBoosters@gmail.com
We’d love to have you join us and be part of supporting the arts at GD!
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
ATTENTION SENIORS!!!!
Graduation is fast approaching, if you have not ordered your Cap & Gown or verified your legal name for your diploma please do so now!!
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.
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
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.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWS
College Aid Pro
Class of 2026 | How to appeal financial aid & find better scholarships
Upcoming webinar specifically for the Class of 2026. It covers how to appeal your initial financial aid/scholarship offer and how to find private scholarships that actually move the needle.
Private Scholarships & Appeals: How to Get a Better Deal
Hosted by: Kevin Murphy and Dan Maga of College Aid Pro
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 7PM ET
What you’ll learn:
The Appeal Process: How to professionally ask a college for a better financial package.
Better Searching: How to find and apply for private awards more effectively.
Decision Factors: What actually influences financial aid decisions and how to use that to your advantage.
Note: If you can’t attend live, you will still receive the full recording and extra scholarship resources as long as you are registered!
Class of 2027 and beyond (including families with rising 9th graders).
How to Build a College List That Fits Your Budget (Before Senior Year)
Thursday, February 19, 2026/7PM ET
A lot of students build a college list based on name recognition, recommendations, or gut feelings… and only later find out what those schools are actually likely to cost. This webinar helps you flip that, so your list is built with academic + affordability from the start.
What you’ll learn:
How to identify colleges that are a strong match and realistically fit your budget
How to avoid the “we love it…but we can’t afford it” surprise later
How to prepare for effective counselor meetings (including what questions to ask)
A simple framework to build a smarter list before applications take ov
Save your spot: Register Here
SAT PREP WITH LENTZ & LENTZ
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