Paw Prints Family Newsletter
Dear GNBVT Community,
As the frigid weather sets in, I hope you’re all staying warm and keeping your spirits high. This week, I want to speak directly to you, our parents and guardians, about an important matter that requires us to work closely together as partners.
As parents, it is natural to feel that we know our children completely. However, as they grow older, they begin to explore their own identities, make new friends, and form habits. This is all part of growing up, but it also means that open, honest conversations about making good decisions are more crucial than ever. We cannot assume they will always make the right choices on their own—it’s our responsibility to guide them through those decisions.
Two serious concerns we need to address are drugs and weapons. At this time, marijuana use has become a social contagion, and many young people use it without fully understanding the health risks or the impact it has on their ability to attend school (as it is an expellable offense). Similarly, weapons have no place in our school environment. Some students say they carry them for protection, but this creates safety risks for everyone. Please speak to your child and remind them to check their pockets or bags before leaving home in the morning. Possessing weapons in school can lead to expulsion. Together, we must maintain a safe and secure environment where all students can thrive.
I understand these topics can be uncomfortable, but they are critical. My goal is to see every student graduate and move forward to a bright future, without anything preventing them from reaching that milestone. I’d like to share a snippet from my Monday message to students over the PA system that reinforces this point:
“We’ve got an exciting remainder of the year ahead—opportunities, events, and moments you don’t want to miss. But to make sure we all get to be a part of it, I need you to be mindful of a few things. Follow our school rules, show respect to one another, and absolutely—absolutely—say no to drugs, weapons, or anything else that could cost you your time here at GNBVT. Let me be clear: this isn’t to scare you—it’s to prepare you. Because I want to see every single one of you succeed, thrive, and make it to those big moments ahead.”
Let’s work together to ensure that every student at GNBVT can enjoy the rest of the year safely, responsibly, and with great success.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Principal Williams
Dear GNBVT Families, Students, and Staff,
Greetings from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion! Happy 2025! As we enter the new year, GNBRVTHS is continuing our efforts in maintaining and fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all parents/guardians, students, staff and members of our surrounding community. In response to an alarming rise in hate incidents across schools and communities, the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Executive Office of Education, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have jointly issued updated guidance to help K-12 schools address hate and bias effectively.
Last school year, these offices received a concerning number of complaints involving incidents rooted in racism, white supremacy, xenophobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate. Such incidents reflect broader challenges within our society, including deep political divisions, polarization, and the impact of social media and cyberbullying. Furthermore, certain forms of hate have intensified due to past and current events, underscoring the urgent need for action.
At this critical moment, it is our responsibility as a beloved community to:
● Take a firm and united stand against all forms of hate.
● Recommit to continue creating a school culture that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all students, staff and families.
● Proactively protect students from historically marginalized groups.
Every child deserves to attend school without fear of being targeted and/or bullied based on any aspect of their identity or background. Simultaneously, we must uphold students’ rights to express their views, engage in open discourse, and explore challenging topics, provided their expression respects the rights of others and does not disrupt the school environment.
To achieve these goals, our district will continue to ensure:
- Equitable and Inclusive Curricula: Instruction that includes diverse perspectives and amplifies the voices of marginalized and diverse groups.
- Proactive Measures: The promotion of learning environments free of hate and bias-related incidents.
- Responsive Actions: Prompt investigation and resolution of any allegations of harassment or bullying.
The updated state guidance will assist our school in distinguishing between protected student speech and unprotected bullying or harassment. Every situation will be assessed based on its specific facts and circumstances, including the context of the conduct, its intent, and its impact on individuals or groups. For resources and additional information, please refer to:
● Q&A flyer Families & Students - English
● Q&A flyer for Families & Students - Spanish*
We are committed to equipping our school community with the tools and information necessary to prevent and denounce hate in all its forms, promote meaningful dialogue, and address incidents when they occur. Together, we can create a community that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and ensures that all students can learn and thrive in a safe and respectful environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 508-998-3321 x563 or email yolanda.dennis@gnbvt.edu.
Thank you for your partnership and support in this vital work.
In Unity and Respect,
Yolanda Dennis
Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance
*Additional translations will be available in future editions of Paw Prints
Contact Robert's House of Formals Directly by Jan 17, 2025
Students that missed the onsite measurements on Dec 3 and Dec 5:
At their convenience, by January 17, 2025, students may visit Robert's House of Formals to be measured.
310 Rhode Island Ave
Fall River, MA 02721
508-672-0009
Please call in advance of going to ensure they will be open.
We’re gearing up for the 2025 After Prom and need your help to stock the concession stand! The stand will be open in the Field House Foyer, Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, and your donations will help make it a success!
Items Needed:
Drinks: Coke, Sprite, Pepsi, Gatorade, Powerade
Snacks: Anything that is at least 1.5 ounces (please, no candy)
Donation Details:
Please drop off your donations at the Welcome Center, Attention: Jenn Gaspar.
Donations are needed as soon as possible to keep the stand stocked.
If you’re interested in donating, please complete the Google Form using this link
https://forms.gle/db8GXbMwxRuE4kSy6
Your donations will directly support the 2025 After Prom!
Thank you for your support!
Webinars Offered Monthly!
About Cartwheel: We partner with school districts to provide students and families with rapid access to mental health assessments, evidence-based therapy, medication management and consultation, and parent/guardian guidance. All of our services are via telehealth with licensed clinicians. We are committed to providing affordable care for everyone - including uninsured families and those covered by Medicaid. To learn more about Cartwheel's services, please contact a member of your school’s counseling or guidance team.
REMINDER–It’s that time of the year to protect yourself and your family from the flu...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter.
ADDRESS:
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
1121 Ashley Blvd
New Bedford, MA 02740
508.998.3321
INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA:
WEBSITE: www.gnbvt.edu
INSTAGRAM: @gnbvoctechhighschool
X: @GNBVocTechHS