Dear Bears Community,

As we look ahead to the new year, I want to take a moment to remind our school community about two important upcoming opportunities for involvement. Our School Council and Parent Advisory Committee meetings will both take place in January, and your participation is invaluable. Your feedback, insight, and support play a meaningful role in helping us continuously improve our school. I sincerely hope to see many of you there. Additional information, including dates and times, can be found within the newsletter.

As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and joyful holiday and a New Year filled with excitement. Many of us take this time to reflect and set new goals for the year ahead. While I wish you all the very best with your New Year’s resolutions, I also encourage you to hold onto one simple and powerful practice: gratitude. Whether or not your resolutions stay on track, cultivating gratitude for what you have, and for the beauty of life as it unfolds, is truly transformative.

Have a blessed holiday season, and thank you for being an essential part of the GNBVT community

With gratitude,

Principal Williams

Lunch Menu

GNBVT Website

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Student Handbook

GNBVT Calendars

Student and Family Technology Support

Tue Dec 23- Early Release: 10:49 am

Wed Dec 24-Jan 4- Holiday Recess

Tue Dec 30- Frosty Family Sensory Event: 9am-12 pm- Student Forum

Mon Jan 5: Classes Resume

Tue Jan 13: Principal’s School Council Meeting: 3:00 pm- Lighthouse Cafe

Thu Jan 15: Parent Advisory Council: 5:00-6:00 pm- Virtual Meeting

Sat Jan 24: After Prom Fundraiser: Foxwoods Bus Trip

The DEI & Community Specialist is available to support all GNBVT families in meeting

essential needs such as food, housing, utilities, clothing, and more. By connecting families

with local organizations, we can help you access vital resources in New Bedford and the

Greater New Bedford area.

For assistance, please contact the DEI & Community Specialist at 508-998-3321 ext. 752,

email maria.demelo@gnbvt.edu, or visit our DEI Website and click on the Community

Resource tab for a list of available supports. You may also complete a Family and

Community Referral Form to request direct assistance.

In addition, GNBVT provides information on “Know Your Rights” and “Plan for a Family

Emergency” to support our undocumented families. We are here to help and look forward to assisting you!

🎓 If you successfully completed required coursework but did not earn a diploma due to MCAS, please reach out! For more info call 508-998-3321 x563 or x752

Important Attendance Policy Reminders

As Trimester 2 begins, we want to ensure all students and families are clear on our attendance expectations. Consistent attendance is critical for student success and promotion.

Daily Schedule & Tardy Policy

School Start Time: 7:30 a.m.

First Period Class: Students must be present by 7:40 a.m.

Consequence: Students who are tardy must serve a detention (2:30-4:00 p.m.)

Unexcused Absences Limit

· Students are allowed a maximum of 3 unexcused absences per trimester.

· Make-Up Requirement: 1 unexcused absence equals 3 hours of after-school make-up time.

Detention & Make-Up Time

Days: Monday through Thursday
Time: 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Location: Cafeteria

Serious Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to serve detentions or make up time owed will result in further disciplinary action, including:

· Saturday Detentions

· Restrictions on Extracurricular Activities: This includes limitations on participation in all school-sponsored events, such as:

o Co-Op

o Sports and Clubs

o Spring Fling, Junior Banquet, Prom, After-Prom, Mr./Ms. Voc Tech

o Senior Sign-out

· Academic Jeopardy: Students who do not meet the attendance requirements may be in danger of not graduating or being promoted to the next grade level.

Note on Dismissals: All students must adhere to the school’s Official Dismissal Policy, regardless of age.

For complete details on all policies, please refer to the Student Handbook

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School students are leading the way demonstrating Preparation, Passion and Perseverance by maintaining a current 97% overall attendance rate this school year thus far. This is a remarkable achievement that directly contributes to their overall success. Consistent attendance is one of the single most important factors influencing a student’s academic achievement. Missing school means missing key instruction, class discussions, and the vital daily routine that reinforces learning.

We want to take a moment to give a huge THANK YOU to David Ferreira and the team at Ferreira Driving School for their incredible support of our students!

Mr. Ferreira recently made a generous donation to recognize the hard work and commitment of the students who achieved perfect attendance during Trimester 1.

Thanks to Ferreira Driving School, our dedicated students will be celebrated with gift cards to some of their favorite local spots: To celebrate this achievement, the names of all students with perfect attendance were entered into a special raffle for three fantastic prizes:

• $50 Chick-fil-A – Landen Florent
• $50 Playa Bowls – Cole Rosa
• $50 Crumbl Cookies – Hannah Fagundo
• $50 Den (from the Attendance Office) – LeeAnn Lombard

This generous gesture not only rewards responsibility but also reinforces the importance of being present and on time every single day.

A perfect attendance record requires discipline, organization, and a true dedication to learning, and we are thrilled to partner with a local business that values these essential qualities.

Thank you, David Ferreira and Ferreira Driving School, for investing in the future of our students and being such a positive presence in our community!

“Consistency is the key to success. Show up, work hard, and the results will follow. Your attendance today shapes your success for tomorrow.”

Please join us in congratulating the 368 students achieving

Trimester 1 Perfect Attendance.

Click the button below to review the full student list.

The Upcoming Meeting is Tuesday, January 13, 2026: 3:00-4:00 pm- Lighthouse Cafe.

The School Council is a representative committee composed of the principal, parents, students, faculty, staff and community members. The group discusses such issues as budget, curriculum, student handbook, School Improvement Plan and professional development of the faculty. The School Council meets 4 times per year, usually held on the second Tuesday of the scheduled month from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, in the school’s Lighthouse Cafe.

For more information, click the button below.

If your student missed on site measurements on Dec 2 and Dec 4th:

• Students are to contact Robert’s House of Formals directly by calling, 508-672-0009 by Friday, January 23, 2026
• Robert’s staff can assist students over the phone, it is NOT necessary to visit the store in person.
• No payment is due at this time.
• Pickup and payment will be scheduled for Senior Breakfast Day in May. Details will follow as the time nears.

The Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) needs YOU!

Help us strengthen the partnership between families, teachers, and staff to support

student success and build a more connected school community.

🗓 Next Meeting: Thursday, January 15

🕒 5:00 – 6:00 PM

📍 Virtual Meeting

Why Join?

✅ Share your input and ideas

✅ Enhance communication

✅ Encourage collaboration

✅ Promote student success

📩 Contact: Mrs. deMelo, DEI & Community Specialist

📧 maria.demelo@gnbvt.edu | ☎️ Ext. 752

Be part of the conversation—your voice makes a difference!

We are looking for contestants for this year’s Mr. & Ms. Voc-Tech Competition! This is your chance to shine and represent your class with pride.

What to Expect:
Participants will be judged by a panel of five judges made up of faculty, staff, and community members.

Prizes for the Top 3 in Each Category:

1st Place: $100 Gift Card
2nd Place: $50 Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Gift Card

Key Dates:

Mr. Voc-Tech: Friday, March 20th
Ms. Voc-Tech: Saturday, April 11th

Thinking About Participating?
Join us for an informational meeting on January 12th at 2:30 PM in the Student Forum to learn more about the event.

Ready to Sign Up?
Complete the Google Form:
https://forms.gle/X3acFAWh93Mid6rr8

Once submitted, you’ll receive additional details.

We’re excited to invite you to our Foxwoods Trip on Saturday, January 24, 2026! Come enjoy an evening of fun, games, and great company—all while supporting the 2026 After Prom.

Event Details:

• Tickets: $45 (no fees) – Includes bus transportation and entry into a raffle
• 
  
• Departure: Bus leaves GNBVT at 4:00 PM
• 
  
• Return: Bus departs Foxwoods at 11:30 PM
• 
  
• Age Requirement: 18+

Grab your ticket, bring your friends, and get ready for a fantastic night out—while helping us raise funds to create a memorable and safe After Prom for the Class of 2026! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/foxwoods-night

If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets, please reach out. We hope to see you there!

All 9th-grade students will receive postural screenings to detect early signs of spinal issues common during the growth years (ages 10–16). This is the final year postural screening is required. 9th grade students with PE during Trimester 2 will be screened in Cycles 12 & 13, starting December 8th.
If you wish to opt your child out of postural screenings please contact one of the school nurses.
Nurse Casey Clarke – casey.clarke@gnbvt.edu | ext. 661
Nurse Tammy Tisdelle – tammy.tisdelle@gnbvt.edu | ext. 204
Nurse Kim Horsfall – kimmarie.horsfall@gnbvt.edu | ext. 791

Nurse Jaala Duarte – jaala.duarte@gnbvt.edu | ext. 205

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact a member of the nursing staff:

• Nurse Casey Clarke – casey.clarke@gnbvt.edu | ext. 661

• Nurse Tammy Tisdelle– tammy.tisdelle.gnbvt.edu l ext. 204
• Nurse Kim Horsfall – kimmarie.horsfall@gnbvt.edu | ext. 791
• Nurse Jaala Duarte– jaala.duarte@gnbvt.edu I ext. 205

All Medical Forms are available online or in the nurse’s office.

November 23- 24, 2025 Marlborough, MA

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School students attended the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference from November 23-24, 2025. Students at the conference participated in intensive leadership training in multiple areas, including: communication skills, group dynamics and employability skills, while having opportunities to become involved in the SkillsUSA Professional Development Program (PDP), earn a SkillsUSA Massachusetts Leader Award, and learn more about SkillsUSA’s various programs.

The students that attended participated in several challenges, including areas in: Personal Skills, Workplace Skills, Technical Skills and Community Engagement.

Participants included: (all sophomores)

Amaree Amaral Ayla Silva

Caroline Shebek Dennis Ibrahim

Devyn Costa Elizabeth Nod

Joshuel Lopez Lana Chamberlin

Olivia Charest Virginia Oldrid

Devyn Costa, Virginia Oldrid, and Mr. Joseph Arruda worked on a service-learning project enhancing comprehension, achievement, citizenship, and character development, while assembling youth bicycles for YMCA Center in Hopkinton, MA and the MetroWest YMCA in Framingham, MA.

The students traveled with the following advisors/chaperones: Joseph Arruda, Yasmin FleFleh-Vincent and Juliana Vieira.The GNB Voc-Tech students were exemplary participants, making the school, the national organization and themselves proud as they work to become leaders in our programs, school, and community.

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