

Paw Prints Family Newsletter

January 24, 2025- Vol 3 Issue 9
Principal's Message
GNBVT Families,
As we navigate through this chilly stretch of winter, I hope this message finds you well and warm. I’d like to take a moment to share some exciting news about our ninth graders who are nearing an important milestone in their high school journey.
Since August, our ninth-grade students have been immersed in their exploratory experience, rotating through various vocational programs to discover their interests and talents. Soon, they will be selecting their vocational shops and receiving their placements, where they’ll spend the next three and a half years mastering skills that will shape their futures.
This is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and opportunity. For some students, their placement will align perfectly with their top choice, while others may end up in a shop they didn’t initially envision. No matter the outcome, I want to assure you that every program at GNBVT is exceptional. With over two dozen shops staffed by outstanding educators, each offers unique opportunities, including co-op placements, specialized training, industry-recognized licenses, and certificates.
What truly sets GNBVT apart is the work ethic and professionalism instilled in every student across all programs—skills that prepare them for success no matter where their paths lead.
To our ninth-grade families, thank you for supporting your children during this exploratory phase. Your encouragement and guidance are invaluable as they make these important decisions. Please remind them that the skills, experiences, and mindset they gain here will open doors to a bright future.
Wishing you all a warm and restful weekend!
Principal Williams
QUICK LINKS:
Upcoming Events:
Jan 6-Feb 28- BPA Shoe Drive
Jan 17-Feb 14- BPA Professional Clothing Drive
Jan 6- Mar 24- Grade 10 ELA MCAS Tutoring 3-4 pm, Library (Jan 6- March MCAS testing)
Jan 28- -School Council Meeting- 3:00 pm- Lighthouse Cafe
Feb 17- Feb 23- NO SCHOOL-WINTER VACATION
Feb 24-Classes Resume
ELA MCAS Tutoring
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!
After Prom
Support the 2025 After Prom by Purchasing a Gift Card Raffle Calendar!
$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.
Donations Needed for the 2025 After Prom Concession Stand Fundraiser!
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!
BPA Sponsors Shoe Drive- Jan 6-Feb 28th
Join Our Shoe Drive!
Did you know over 600 million people worldwide need shoes? Your gently used shoes can help support MA Business Professionals of America (BPA). We’re collecting shoes—sneakers, boots, sandals, heels, and more for all ages. Our goal is 150 pairs, but every pair helps!
How to get involved:
Gather shoes you no longer need.
Ask friends and family to do the same!
Drop off your donations in the Welcome Center or you can drop off shoes to Ms. Gaspar or Mr. Panayakul.
Why Participate?
Help the environment: Keep shoes out of landfills.
Aid developing nations: Shoes help microenterprises in Haiti, Cambodia, Ghana, and more. Together, we can make a difference! Thank you for your support!
BPA Sponsors Professional Clothing Drive-Jan 17-Feb 14
The BPA chapter is hosting a Professional Clothing Drive to support students who need attire for upcoming BPA events. We are accepting gently used professional clothing in good condition. If you have business attire you no longer need, please consider donating it!
Donations can be dropped off at the Welcome Center from January 17th through February 14th. All items will be provided for free to students, and any remaining clothing will be donated to GNB Voc-Tech or MA BPA.
Let’s come together and help our students look their best for BPA events. Thank you for your support!
From the Guidance Department
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt.
Seniors and Families:
Seniors applying to college should check out the Guidance page on the GNBVT website. https://www.gnbvt.edu/admissions-guidance/scholarships You will find Scholarship information that is updated as they are sent our way. This month check out the following:
https://www.gnbvt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mass-JCI-Scholarship-2024-25_0001_0001.pdf and https://www.gnbvt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/St-Annes-Credit-Union-Scholarship-2024-25_0001.pdf.
Federal Student Aid ID Reminder and FAFSA Is Available
Federal Student Aid ID Reminder: Students should apply now for their Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) before completing the FAFSA form.
FAFSA Is Available Now: The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is now available for all students and parents/guardians. Complete the form to apply for financial aid for college or vocational technical school. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for more information.
College Access Resources
Resources are available to help students afford a college degree:
MassEducate https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/masseducate.asp
provides free tuition and fees at the MA community college for all eligible students.
MassGrantPlus https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massgrant-massgrant-plus can provide discounts at the MA four year universities depending on family income.
Eligible, non-US citizens can apply for state financial aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-application-for-state-financial-aid-masfa
A wonderful, extremely helpful resource is the Seven Hills Educational Opportunity Center https://www.sevenhills.org/programs/education-programs-in-new-bedford which is located on Welby Rd. in New Bedford. The staff will assist you with the FAFSA process.
HBCU College Fair at the Z- Feb 15th
Please contact the staff from the Z that are coordinating the event, with any questions:
Emma York, Associate Director of Education & Community
508-997-5664 EXT. 154
Blair Taylor, Director of Education & Community
btaylor@zeiterion.org
508-997-5664 EXT. 129
Cartwheel Webinars
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.
From the Health Office
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.
Health Office Contacts:
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
Early Education & Care
Juniors Take On Prop Box Challenge
Juniors in the Early Education & Care Program completed a five-minute Prop Box Challenge using found materials in the classroom as part of our Guiding Play & Puppetry Unit!
Seniors Design Game Boards
Seniors in the Early Education & Care Program designed Game Boards to teach developmentally appropriate skills and reinforce Sportsmanship followed up with a reflective essay outlining the benefits of games in the classroom to enrich the curriculum and scaffold lessons.
SkillsUSA
Smart Start Summit
Smart Start Summit is a freshmen only conference. All students who attending have been nominated by a teacher for having leadership qualities. As freshmen there are limited opportunities for competition, this will help our students on the path for leadership and give them more opportunities for competitions in the future. With the assistant of the upperclassmen as facilitators they covered several topics explaining what SkillsUSA is all about. Our team presented on Chapters of Excellence and won 3rd place.
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