Week of June 5th, 2023
This week our students were busy with all of the planned end-of-year activities and field trips - all are fan favorites!
Kindergartners showed off their singing and movement skills during the K Informances this week - thank you for such an amazing turnout with our families! It is always very special to see our students’ pride when they can shine and share the school experience with all of you!
Our third graders went to Williams Barn to experience Colonial Life - including how to churn butter. This is a highly anticipated end-of-year trip for our students!
Our 4th-grade actors were able to give our students and faculty a snapshot of their upcoming performance in Beauty and the Beast - amazing all around! I am looking forward to seeing many of you this evening at Opening Night!
And of course, last but not least, to top off this second to last week of the school year, Field Day events went as planned. Mrs. Pelletier and all of the parent volunteers did an outstanding job supporting this event rain or shine! And we of course always love when we can work with our community helpers and thank the Groton Fire and Police Departments for providing pizza and being present in our school!
Many of these events are highlighted each week on the Live Feed Section of our website!
Safety Drills
All year long we have practiced the required safety drills which consist of intruder drills and fire drills. These drills are coordinated with our local fire and police department as well as our School Resource Officer (SRO) Omar Connor. We have practiced barricading, locking down in our classrooms, exiting for potential fires, and exiting to a designated safe rally point outside of the building. Our students and staff have done these practice drills seamlessly and the feedback from local law enforcement has been positive.
Yesterday we held a planned intruder drill. Teachers used part of their morning meeting time with their students to discuss the importance and purpose of safety drills (listening to your teacher and being quiet are two main components). While these are necessary practice drills to prepare in the event of a real emergency, we are also aware how many mixed emotions, anxiety and questions this can raise. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school directly (either your child’s teacher, myself and/or Jeanette Moreau, School Counselor) if you have any questions or concerns. Our goal as a community is to keep everyone safe and out of harm's way.
Each of these drills have been shared out in my weekly newsletter, today being no different. However, after receiving feedback from some families, what you can expect from me moving forward is that on the day of a full intruder drill, you will receive an email the same day. This way you are made aware that the drill took place so that you are prepared to listen to your child when they share with you about it and be informed partners in this process of keeping your children, our students, safe at school.
Summer Fun! Spirit Week
June 12th-June 16th
Brought to you by the Swallow Union Student Council
Monday 12th | Tuesday 13th | Wednesday 14th | Thursday 15th | Friday 16th |
Summer Colors Monday Wear your brightest, happiest summer colors!
| Take a Chance Tuesday Take a chance and talk to someone new. You might just make a new friend! | Wacky Wednesday Wear your summer clothes backwards or mismatched. | Hawaiian Holiday and Memory Thursday Dress like you’re going to Hawaii! Also, be ready to share a favorite vacation memory! | Swallow Union Pride Friday Celebrate our last school day together by wearing your SU gear or blue and white clothing to show your love of SU! |
Groton Dunstable Community Education is proud to offer a variety of Summer Programs for all ages:
Click here to view our catalog.
Visit our website here for details and registration..
Have any program ideas? We would love to hear from you. Please contact the GDCE office.
History of the naming of Swallow Union
Ellen Swallow Richards became MIT’s first female graduate when she earned her BS in chemistry on May 31, 1873 — 150 years ago today. She went on to build the foundations for sanitary chemistry, food science, family and consumer sciences, and ecology as an instructor at the Institute. Her Woman’s Laboratory provided training to over 100 women, many of whom shared her work with their own students, who would later attend MIT. To mark Richards’ graduation and legacy, the Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA) has created a self-guided tour in Boston, where Richards studied and worked before the Institute crossed the river to Cambridge in 1916.
Take the tour: http://mitsha.re/1qYl50OARoI
Important Dates:
June 15th - Half Day of School ~ Dismissal at 12:15 pm
June 16th - 4th Grade Moving On Ceremony @ 9:30 am
June 16th - Last Day of School & Half Day Dismissal at 12:15 pm
GD CRUSADERS GEAR
Sideline Sports is offering a 20% discount - they have men, womens and kids gear as well as accessories including custom GD bleacher seats! Check it out!
LOOKING FOR A HOST FAMILY
The high school has a foreign exchange student registered for the 23/24 school year. Shengqi was born in China but has resided in England since he was five years old so his English is excellent. He will be a freshman and he loves basketball and football. He is looking for a family to host him on his journey here. If you would like more information about hosting an international student contact Mary Cain, mcain@gdrsd.org.
Flag Football Clinic 2023
Hosted by the GD Football Program
When: June 19,20,21
Register:
https://www.familyid.com/organizations/groton-dunstable-athletics
Where: Groton-Dunstable Middle School
Who: Students entering grades 2-6 in fall of 2023
Time: 6-8pm
Cost: $50 cash
What to Bring: T Shirt, Shorts, Water Bottle, Sneakers or Cleats.
Includes: Camp is organized and coached by Groton-Dunstable Football staff and players. Our mission is to have Groton-Dunstable players teach young athletes the fundamentals of football, including running, passing and throwing, while providing a fun and competitive playing atmosphere. All proceeds go to the GD football program.
SEPAC Events
G-D Special Education Parent Advisory Council - click here for upcoming events