Sideline Shutterbugs: GD Students Tackle Sports Photography
What happens when you take fifteen Groton-Dunstable Regional High School photography students, hand them expensive DSLRs, and place them three feet away from an elite school-day fullback? Awe-inspiring shots. And a little bit more added to school culture. Today, Mr. O'Connor's Photography I class traded the quiet comfort of the classroom studio for the chaotic, fast-paced sidelines of an impromptu outdoor football game. Our mission? Freeze the action, capture the emotion, and withstand the thunderous atmosphere provided by GD superfan Matthew B. on the cowbell. Here is a look behind the lens at how we captured the game, along with the top technical tricks we learned to freeze time.
The Playbook: How We Got the Shot
Mr. O'Connor highlighted to his students that shooting sports is not like like taking a portrait, and they had to be fast, predictive, and completely locked in on their camera settings. The class then split into teams (players and photographers) to cover different angles, focusing on three major goals: The Action ... The Emotion ... The Details.
Our Favorite Shot of the day
While Mr. O’Connor’s students took dozens of photos, the undisputed class favorite was unanimous. They managed to get low to the ground right near the end zone, capturing both Mitch and Coby as they tore through the defense for a pair of touchdowns, silencing the deafening roar of the cowbell. The class left the field with full memory cards, dead batteries, no grass stains, and a massive appreciation for professional sports photojournalists.
EVERY STUDENT I EVERY DAY I EVERY MOMENT MATTERS
The co-curricular club/activity program at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School is one of the best bargains around. It provides students lifelong lessons as important as those taught in the classroom, fosters success in later life, and provides valuable lessons for many practical situations. Student involvement in GDRHS’ co-curricular program pays off in other ways, too. College admissions directors, the military, future employers, and many other organizations will want to know about your involvement and accomplishments. This includes your activities as well as your academic record.
Groton-Dunstable High School offers one of the most comprehensive co-curricular programs among public high schools in Massachusetts, and the quality of the programs, along with the students participating, have been regularly recognized and honored. Currently, the high school offers approximately sixty co-curricular activities encompassing academic, athletic, service, performance and visual arts, music, journalism and writing, and many other opportunities.
Here is a look at our annual GDRHS Club/Activity Fair from this week.
Happy IT Professionals Appreciation Day!
We want to take a moment to thank our GD Information/Educational Technology Team for everything they do for our high school/district. Whether they are solving urgent tech issues, securing our systems, or helping projects run smoothly, their hard work keeps us all connected and productive. We often rely on their expertise behind the scenes, and their dedication does not go unnoticed.
We thank our GD IT Team for their patience, their problem-solving skills, and their constant support. We truly appreciate them and everything they bring to the team.
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3ed36NY | Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/3k91J6Q
The Class of 2027 posted their milestone events today. It will be the last time they experience these wonderful GD traditions. Make your year memorable and enjoy the ride!
GD New Student Orientation (8.27.26) https://youtu.be/m7BidVZjBEc
✨ Stay connected and save time! Download the Raptor Safe app today to create your profile and save time signing in to visit GDRSD schools! Available on the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raptor-safe/id6737568144) and the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.raptortech.safe). #RaptorTechnologies #RaptorSafe #GDRSDChat
They guided a thoughtful conversation about building community and creating a culture of belonging across GDRSD.
We’re incredibly proud of the confidence, insight, and leadership they brought to the conversation. Well done!
GDRHS New Student Orientation: 2026-2027
Location: Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 am to 11:00 am
CLICK HERE to reserve your spot for orientation (using your school-issued email).
The SchoolBrains (WEB) Community Portal will have limited access until the week of August 14th while we prepare to roll over to the school year.
Groton-Dunstable Summer Strength & Conditioning Program '26: The clang of weights, the encouragement of teammates, and the determination to improve have become the soundtrack of summer at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School as the GD Strength & Conditioning Summer '26 Program is in full swing, bringing together current and incoming high school students with a common goal: becoming stronger, healthier, and better prepared for whatever challenges await them in the coming school year.
With participation continuing to grow, the program has quickly become a cornerstone of the summer for many students across the district. Whether students are training for a specific sport or simply looking for an enjoyable way to stay active, the program offers opportunities for everyone. Participants work through a comprehensive training regimen that includes strength training, speed and agility development, conditioning, plyometrics, and core-focused exercises. Each session emphasizes proper movement mechanics and exercise technique, helping students understand how efficient body movement contributes to both athletic performance and everyday health.
While many participants are preparing for upcoming athletic seasons, the program extends well beyond traditional sports training. Students who do not compete in athletics are equally encouraged to participate, making the program an opportunity for any high school-aged student to improve their fitness in a welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable environment.
Each training session combines strength training, speed and agility work, conditioning, plyometric exercises, and core development. Just as important as the workouts themselves is the emphasis on proper technique. Students learn correct lifting mechanics, body movement, and exercise fundamentals that not only improve athletic performance but also promote lifelong health and reduce the risk of injury.
"The goal is to build a strong foundation," said Phil Unger, Program Director/Teacher. "When students understand how to move properly and train safely, they become more confident and healthier individuals."
That foundation pays dividends both on and off the field. Participants develop greater strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion, and core stability while gaining the confidence that comes from setting goals and seeing measurable progress. The supportive atmosphere also encourages teamwork, accountability, and friendships that extend beyond the weight room.
As the summer continues, the enthusiasm surrounding the program shows no signs of slowing down. Each workout reflects the commitment of Groton-Dunstable students to improve themselves—not just as athletes, but as individuals.
By the time the first day of school arrives, participants will leave the summer program with far more than increased strength. They will carry with them healthier habits, greater self-confidence, and the knowledge that consistent effort and proper preparation can lead to success in athletics and in life.
