Weekly News
June 11, 2020
Calendar of Events
June 12, 2020: A Midsummer Night's Dream, viewable on the Groton Channel at 7:30pm
June 15, 2020: Scheduled last day of school
June 15, 16, 17 . Underclassmen sign-out dates
July 31: Class of 2020 Graduation: 6pm
August 1, 2020: Graduation Rain Date: 10am
Update: Week 11
Quarter 4
Like Quarter 3, Quarter 4 grades will also be Pass/Fail. Please note that neither quarter three or quarter 4 grades will be factored into student GPAs.
Scheduling for 2020-2021
Scheduling is in full swing for next year. Our Curriculum Coordinators are busy working on schedules. Any questions that students or parents have in the scheduling process should be directed to the assigned guidance counselor.
Graduation Updates
Graduation has been officially scheduled for July 31, 2020 with a rain date of August 1, 2020!
We are in the process of approving our protocols for our graduation ceremony later this summer. The DESE guidelines are included in this newsletter for your information.
One important factor that will affect many families is that we will need to limit the number of guests per graduate. After researching available space at our venue we have set the number of guests at four per graduate. All guests will have to be registered when families sign-up for participation at our commencement exercises.
Next week, all families will receive instructions on how to sign-up for graduation. We will only have seats for those that sign-up and seating preference, with few exceptions, will be determined by the time-slot that families sign-up for. Because we need to limit the number of people arriving at given times, all guests and graduates will sign-up for a specific arrival time. Graduates and their guests will all arrive together and only one car will be allowed per graduate. With this in mind, those that secure earlier arrival times will have more choices on where their group will be sitting but will have a longer wait time before the ceremony begins. All guests will be seated on the field in "pods" of four chairs spaced six feet away from all other "pods". All graduates will be seated in front of the stage in rows, also six feet apart in all directions.
For now, this is the extent of plans for graduation that I can share with you as we will be sharing our proposal with local entities to gain approval on all of the specifics. When approval is granted we will share the guidelines with all families in their entirety.
Be on the look-out for an email with sign-up information next week.
Yearbook News
From Ms. Cook...
It was great to see the Class of 2020 on June 4 during senior sign out. Thank you to senior Caroline McCretton and her mom Colleen and father Martyn for treating our yearbook staff, along with all the seniors, to free ice cream!
The Key 2020 Has Sold Out
The Key 2020: "We See You" has sold out. Occasionally, we receive a few "overage" copies from the printing plant. If we find we have a few copies left over after distribution, we will notify students and parents through email and will sell any overage copies first-come first-serve.
Here's a timelapse video of The Key 2020 "We See You." Be sure to buy your 2021 yearbook as soon as sales open next year.
Distribution for Grades 11, 10, and 9
If you purchased a yearbook, when you arrive at the high school to return your academic books and materials, yearbook staffers from your grade will have your yearbook waiting for you.
Parents, please let your child know if you bought a yearbook (many are unaware that you have). Students, ask your parents if they bought you a yearbook (many have but forgot to tell you). Here's the schedule:
- Grade 11: June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Staffers: Hannah Ketelhohn and Morgan Kimball
- Grade 10: June 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Staffers: Sydney Barlow, Julia O'Brien, and Alekhya Puttagunta
- Grade 9: June 17 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
- Staffers: Keira Lyle and Paige Carleton
If you don't pick up your book, we'll hold it and deliver it to you during a school day in the fall.
Signing Yearbooks: When and How?
As soon as state guidelines permit, the yearbook staff will host a signing event for students who bought the 2020 yearbook.
For now, our yearbook publisher Herff Jones has partnered with Kudoboard to a offer a digital signing option: "Friends can 'sign' your board and share thoughts and memories from the year. They can even add a custom image. The completed board can be downloaded as an image and kept electronically or printed to tuck in your yearbook." Herff Jones is giving everyone a free signing page, equivalent to one page in your yearbook, and it can show up to 10 posts from friends. If you want more pages, you can buy them at a discount with provided codes.
To access your free Kudoboard, follow the directions on this pdf.
The show must go on!
Hello, everyone, as you may or may not have been aware, the spring show that Drama Guild should have presented in April was A Midsummer Night's Dream. Unfortunately, everything closed down with just three weeks to go on the show, and we were unable to perform.
But, not to fear! After weeks of grueling Zoom'ing and thanks to the generous help of the Groton Channel, we will be presenting our socially distanced Zoom performance of Midsummer this Friday at 7:30 PM. It will be available for viewing on the Groton Channel at that time, and it will also be available to watch online via a link that I will share. (We will share the link as soon as it becomes available)
This link will continue to work after Friday night, so if you're busy on Friday, don't worry. You can watch it any time! I'll email out the link and any other information once I have it.
The kids have worked super hard and created a really beautiful product, when they could have simply shrugged and given up. So, watch, support, and enjoy!
Junior, Soph. Freshmen return dates
On June 15th, 16th, 17th Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen will be asked to arrive at the high school and drop off materials to the school. Please click on the appropriate tabs in the document below.
*Please check the link below for times as the schedule has been adjusted since last week.
Student Sign Out Information - Click here for your Scheduled Time
Juniors - Monday, June 15th 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Sophomores - Tuesday, June 16th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Freshman - Wednesday, June 17th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Please double check your assigned time as they may have changed. Wear a mask and adhere to six foot social distancing when coming in.
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PARKING - Parking sign up documents will be accepted during your sign out assigned time. You must have all documents in order to be registered. You will receive your parking sticker after a lottery assignment. All documents must be submitted by June 19th to be in the Lottery.
All other students will be able to register after July 6th.
Parking Registration Form and Instructions, Click here.
If you are unable to come in during your assigned time, please contact the office to make arrangements for an alternate date.
YEARBOOK - If you purchased a Yearbook they will be available for pick-up during sign out.
If you have borrowed a Chromebook there is a specific time and destination for that. Our Tech Director, Luke Callahan, is sending out reminder emails with regards to this. Do not drop off Chromebooks at the high school. Thank You.
Covid 19 infographic - Mind Matters
Feeling lonely is normal but it needs to be acknowledged to help prevent social isolation, depression, substance abuse, poor sleep, and more. As humans we depend on those around us for survival, and emotional connectivity is a core component of the biology of the human race. Separation can often lead to feelings of isolation, so as a community at GD let us find ways to connect and commit! Hold yourself accountable and create a schedule. Let's start by getting out of bed and turning our camera on for our zoom calls -- and maybe even find a way to get together outside and practice social distancing with those you love. Balance is a powerful tool in all aspects of life, and now more than ever.
Limit your news intake, be realistic, and focus on the present. Times right now are nothing short of dwelling, but we will get through it and things will get better.
Wishing you well and in good health,
The MindMatters Team
Attention Juniors
We work with Mark Lawrence for our yearbook. Although we have had a great working relationship with this company you are not bound to utilize this company for yearbook protraits.
To the Class of 2021:
Below you will find the link to our virtual junior class meeting. This virtual presentation will show samples of our work and also explain the importance of having the senior portrait taken over the summer.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bey6O-j85ajVCqRPA4_QSK8gCW7Dt_Pj/view
Summer ELA News
From Ms. Cook....
Summer Language Exploration Assignment: ELA Grades 9 - 12, All Levels
The GDRHS English Language Arts Department requires students to complete a summer language exploration for their upcoming school year. Because we know that many students are ardent viewers, creative writers, journalists, movie makers, actors, vocabulary vultures, conversationalists, storytellers, and more, we want them to tap into their passions, as long as they play with language. This approach follows the philosophy of Universal Design for Learning.
It is important for students to continue to engage with language during the summer to prevent losing some of the gains they made in their skill level during a school year. (Typically, students who stop reading, writing, and other language activities will regress a bit.) This assignment is a way to keep students’ language skills at or above their grade level.
Here is a link to the 2020 options. We've modified previous options to account for social distancing guidelines and we've added suggestions for students wanting to become better informed about social justice issues.
Summer Reading Requirements for Honors ELA Classes and AP Lang. and AP Lit.
Here is the link to summer reading assignments for Honors ELA Classes in grades 9 (open honors), 10, 11, and 12, as well as additional assignments to those juniors and seniors taking AP classes.
Living in Turbulent Times
For our part, we will be working as a school to provide opportunities for students to learn more about the factors that have lead us to this point and provide outlets for students who want to take even deeper dives into this area. Mr. Wilkins is heading up a group to create a forum to discuss these matters and we will provide more information as we have it.
Attention New Drivers
If you anticipate a visit to the RMV over the summer to obtain a learners permit, you may need an official transcript for proof of residency. If you would like to pick one up during your sign out time, fill out this spreadsheet and one will be ready for you when you sign out. If you need one after sign out you will need to email mcain@gdrsd.org.
Need Working Papers?
https://sites.google.com/a/gdrsd.org/guidance-department
Once you have completed the forms email Mrs. Cain to set up a time to process the paperwork.
Arts Update
The Fine and Performing Arts Senior Show 2020. Like many things this term the show came together unconventionally with an open source google slideshow for all seniors who wanted to contribute. The result was a nice collection of Paintings, drawings, Illustrations, Photography and Musical Scores from some of our dedicated seniors who were able to contribute on relatively short notice. I plan on sharing this with other admin/ forums as well.
I wanted to send a note of appreciation in regards to Caddy Cicogna as it is evident she did a remarkable job under historically difficult circumstances.
Ms. Cicogna is very hard working and very much deserving of finding a great district.
Mathletes continue to excel at GD
This year an increased number of students participated in several extra-curricular opportunities offered to all students at the GD. Twenty students were part of the GD math team that competed in the Worcester County Math League. Even though they did not place in their division, the team was invited to the Massachusetts State Meet based on the fact that they performed well in the top "A" division. The Fitchburg State Math Competition which was scheduled for early May was to host 55 registered GD students when it was unfortunately cancelled due to the current shutdown. Another seven students chose to take the very challenging AMC10/12. Although none qualified to move on to the next level, all agreed it was a worthwhile experience and hope to take part again!
The Mathletes and co-advisors wanted to specifically thank the Town of Groton's Lecture Fund which graciously grant-funded these initiatives. Everyone is looking forward to continuing these activities next year.
Cafeteria Balances
If you would like to carry the balance over to next school year you do not need to do anything. This will happen automatically.
Graduation Guidelines from the Commissioner of Education
• Any graduation ceremony held outside must be in an unconfined outdoor space that can accommodate social distancing and the flow of air. Tents or other enclosed spaces are not permitted.
• Schools must communicate in writing to any graduate, their family, school personnel, and others who may attend that if they are feeling sick, are exhibiting any of the following symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or have potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, they should not attend the graduation ceremony. A potential exposure means having household contact or having close contact (within 6 feet) with an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (over 15 minutes) while the person is symptomatic or 48 hours before symptoms developed. Persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control (e.g., due to age or underlying conditions) should be discouraged from attending the graduation ceremony.
• The outdoor space must have sufficient space to accommodate attendees who are not from the same immediate household spaced at least 6 feet apart.
• Attendance must be limited to graduates and their immediate family members only. Families must sign up in advance of the graduation, and only those who have preregistered may attend.
• Children under the age of 5, older adults, and those with vulnerable health conditions should be discouraged from attending.
• Staff or attendants must monitor the number of attendees entering the graduation ceremony and confirm that they had pre-registered.
Social Distancing Seating
• Attendees who are not part of the same immediate household must be seated at least 6 feet apart. Members of the same immediate household are permitted to sit together and less than 6 feet apart.
• If there is fixed seating, rows should be blocked off and kept empty to allow for sufficient distancing between rows. • Graduates must be seated 6 feet apart. Entering and Exiting
• Every effort must be made to encourage the orderly arrival and exiting of individuals attending the graduation in a manner that encourages social distancing.
• Graduates must enter and exit 6 feet apart from one another in a single line.
• Social distancing measures include: o Signage or pavement/ground markings should be posted to have one-way aisles or otherwise direct attendees to follow certain pathways for entering and exiting from the graduation service.
• If a line forms outside of the graduation, those waiting should be directed to maintain social distancing. Tape, chalk, or other markings should be laid on the ground outside of the venue in order to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet.
• Staff should direct people to help maintain social distancing. o Staff should direct successive, row-by-row exiting.
Face Coverings
• All attendees must wear face coverings before, during, and after the ceremony. The only exceptions are when a person is unable to wear a face covering or mask because of a medical or other disabling condition. Speakers may remove masks during their remarks.
• For children between ages 2 and 5, the wearing of a face covering or mask is at the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. Children under the age of 2 should not wear a face covering or mask. Children under the age of 5 are discouraged from attending the graduation ceremony.
• Any person who refuses to wear a face covering or mask without a valid justification may be denied entry.
Ceremony: Pre, During and Post
• The venue must be cleaned prior to the service, including heavy transit areas and high touch surfaces (e.g. bathrooms, microphones).
• There can be no communal gathering/reception either before or after the graduation.
• No food or drink is allowed.
• The venue must have sufficient access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol available at all entrances and exits. • On the dais/platform, faculty and distinguished guests should be limited and must be seated 6 feet apart.
• Graduates may be invited to walk across the stage individually and turn their tassel in lieu of receiving the diploma. Alternatively, diplomas and awards could be distributed if bestowing the awards and diplomas is done cautiously (e.g. placing each diploma and award on a table as the graduate walks by to retrieve it).
• No hugging or hand shaking should occur.
• Ceremonies should be kept as brief as possible.
• Individuals must promptly depart the premises in an orderly fashion after the ceremony is over following the directions of school officials.
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