Paw Prints Family Newsletter

Dear GNBVT School Community,

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the hard work and dedication each of you has shown this school year. Students, your commitment to learning and growth has been inspiring. Staff, your efforts to support our students and foster a vibrant school community do not go unnoticed. Together, we’ve made incredible strides, and now it’s time for a well-deserved break!

As we head into the holiday vacation, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to enjoy the warmth and joy this season brings. Whether it’s cozying up to a classic holiday movie, indulging in some eggnog, or simply soaking up merry cheer with loved ones, may these moments fill your hearts with happiness.

When the calendar flips to January, many of us will dive into our New Year’s resolutions. Whatever your goals may be, I wish you the strength and determination to achieve them. Let’s embrace 2025 with positivity and excitement for what’s to come.

I can’t wait to see you all back, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the school year, when we return on January 6th. Until then, have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Wishing you the very best,

Mr. Warley J. Williams

Principal, GNBVT

Lunch Menu

GNBVT Website

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Student Handbook

GNBVT Calendars

Student and Family Technology Support

Dec 23-Jan 3- NO SCHOOL- Holiday Break

Mon Jan 6- CLASSES RESUME

Mon Jan 6- ELA MCAS Tutoring Starts- Mon & Wed 3-4 pm

Mon Jan 20- NO SCHOOL- Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

As we approach the holiday season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness of our diverse community and to foster a school environment of inclusion and understanding. Our school values the diversity among our students, families, teachers and staff, and we believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger together.

With upcoming celebrations like Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, we recognize the importance of acknowledging and respecting various cultural traditions. These celebrations hold deep meaning for many within our community, and it’s essential that we create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Diversity enriches our lives and provides us with the chance to learn from another. Please encourage your child to share their cultural traditions with their fellow classmates and teachers. This will allow for a deeper understanding of the beautiful tapestry of traditions that exist within our school community. We also encourage our teachers to involve education about various holidays, encourage empathy and emphasize the importance of respecting each other’s beliefs and choices. This might mean reaching out to those who might feel isolated or alone during this time, organizing activities that are inclusive to all, and fostering a sense of community through acts of kindness and support.

Moreover, we are committed to upholding principles of equity and inclusion. We strive to ensure that all students feel supported, included and represented. Let’s embrace this season as an opportunity to learn from one another, appreciate our differences, and foster a more inclusive community together.

In solidarity,
Yolanda Dennis, Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance

As we experience the holiday season, we would like to acknowledge the pagan celebration of the winter solstice Yule, which begins on the shortest day of the year from December 21 to January 1. It is a time of reflection and celebration. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by people all over the world. Many cultures celebrate these short days by lighting bonfires, burning candles, and bringing evergreen trees into their homes.

During this holiday season, we would like to acknowledge the celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah in Hebrew means “dedication”. The holiday begins on the evening of December 25 to January 2. It is popularly known as the festival of lights. It is also the festival of rededication, established to honor the victory of the Macabee (pronounced MAK-uh-bee) soldiers over the Syrian Greek army. In the Jewish faith this instance is referred to as the miracle of Hanukkah, and every year families honor that miracle during the eight day holiday. A candle on the “menorah” or “hanukkiah” (pronounced Hah-noo-KEE-ah) is lit each night to mimic the one that burned the Holy Temple so many years ago.

Christmas, which is observed on December 25th is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of the religion. It is a time of joy, love, and giving, symbolizing hope and goodwill toward all. Christmas holds deep significance for Christians, while also serving as a time of unity and celebration for people of different cultures and backgrounds around the world. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa to arrive.

Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural holiday that celebrates African heritage, unity, and traditions. It is observed annually from December 26 to January 1, primarily in the United States and other African diaspora communities. The name “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahali (pronounced swah-HEE-lee) phrase “matunda (pronounced Mah-TOON-dah) ya kwanza”, meaning “first fruits”, reflecting traditional African harvest celebrations.

Grade 10 families: After-school ELA MCAS tutoring starts Jan. 6 and runs through Mar. 4, with sessions on Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs, 3:00–4:00 PM. Register by Dec. 13 to help your student strengthen their reading and writing skills. Watch for an email with the registration link!

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.

Robert's House of Formals:

310 Rhode Island Ave

Fall River, MA 02721

508-672-0009

Please call in advance of going to ensure they will be open.

$1,000 Worth of Prizes: 28 Days of Winnings!
Win up to 4 Graduation Tickets!
Winners’ names go back in for more chances to win!

How to Enter:

Submit your name, email, and $10 to purchase a calendar.
Wait for your name to be drawn!

Purchase your calendar:

Through GoFan: https://gofan.co/event/1975453?schoolId=MA22184
Or contact 998-3321 ext: 244 or 300

Winners will be announced on the GNBVT After Prom Facebook page and contacted directly.

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.

Students that missed the onsite measurements on Dec 3rd & Dec 5th:

At their convenience, by January 17, 2025, students may visit Robert’s House of Formals to be measured.

Robert’s House of Formals

310 Rhode Island Ave

Fall River, MA 02721

508-672-0009

Please call in advance of going to ensure they will be open.

Attention Freshman Class of 2028

Scoliosis Screenings Continue

Dec 9th-Jan 6th (during gym)

MA Department of Public Health MANDATORY Scoliosis Screenings will continue to be conducted from December 9th-January 6th for freshmen who are in gym during Trimester II. This is a state requirement for the nursing staff. If you do not want your student to participate please notify the nursing staff to opt-out your student. Future scoliosis screenings are also scheduled for Trimester III (April 28th-May 12th).

Attention Junior Class of 2026

Please remember to provide us with a copy of your most recent immunizations that would include your meningococcal vaccination record. We continue to collect this information throughout the school year.

Attention Senior Class of 2025

The Department of Public Health (DPH) requires nursing staff to report on the final status of meningococcal vaccinations. We ask that if you have not sent in proof of this vaccination, please provide a copy at this time. We are required to report vaccination compliance to the DPH, this will take place in January 2025.

Please continue to provide our nursing staff with updated medical paperwork, including physicals and immunization records so we can have the most up-to-date medical information on file.

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.

If at anytime, you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the nursing staff:

Nurse Ursula Crowell: ursula.crowell@gnbvt.edu- ext 205

Nurse Casey Clarke: casey.clarke@gnbvt.edu- ext 661

Nurse Jaala Duarte: jaala.duarte@gnbvt.edu- ext 204

Fall State Leadership Conference: November 24-25, 2024
The SkillsUSA Massachusetts Fall State Leadership is a jam-packed experience full of excitement and experiential learning as SkillsUSA Massachusetts members and Advisors develop personal, workplace and technical skills and discover Chapter development strategies. The experiences also include interactions with education, business, and community leaders as well as opportunities for community engagement and team recognition.

Ten students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School

joined peers from other schools across Massachusetts at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Fall

Leadership Conference, hosted at the AC Hotel in Worcester. The event brought together aspiring leaders for a

day of networking, skill-building, and engaging workshops.

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