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Paw Prints Family Newsletter
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Dear Families,
Happy New Year and welcome back! It’s been great to see our school community together again as we step into our first moments of 2026. I hope the break gave everyone time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the successes of 2025 and the opportunities ahead.
As I shared in my Monday message to our staff and students, I believe life is about growth—about becoming. Rather than setting many resolutions that can quickly fade, I want to offer one shared resolution for our entire school community this year: strengthening our employability, or soft skills. I went on to say the following:
While hard skills are the technical, hands-on skills students learn every day, soft skills include having a strong work ethic, working well with others, being reliable and on time, communicating clearly and kindly, and showing respect, responsibility, and professionalism. No matter the path after Voc-Tech—college, the workforce, or military service—these skills are essential and often what set people apart.
In a time when kindness and patience can feel in short supply, your ability to bring strong soft skills into the world truly matters. Each of you has the power to make a positive impact every single day. As we move through 2026, I encourage us all to commit to improving our soft skills for life, because our ultimate goal for every graduate is to be employed, enrolled, or enlisted.
Bears, always remember: prepare with purpose, pursue with passion, persevere with pride, and above all—be kind.
It is always my hope that we, as a village, can prepare our students to be beacons of light for our future and we do that by never forgetting the value of soft skills. FInally, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our School Council and PAC meetings next week. I also encourage you to support our SkillsUSA chapter’s Domino’s Pizza fundraiser—more information can be found later in this newsletter.
Warm regards,
Principal Williams
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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
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Support is Available to Meet Essential Needs
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!
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Big News for Former GNBVT Students 2003-2024!
🎓 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
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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.
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Call by Friday, January 23, 2026
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.
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Join Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC): Next Meeting January 15th
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.
🗓 When: Thursday, January 15
🕒 Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
📍Where: Virtual Meeting
📩 Contact: Mrs. deMelo, DEI & Community Specialist
Email: maria.demelo@gnbvt.edu
Phone: Ext. 752 ( for login information)
Be part of the conversation—your voice makes a difference!
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Informational Meeting- January 12th
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.
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Purchase Slice the Price Cards Jan 7th-Jan 23rd!!
Help support SkillsUSA fundraiser. Purchase a Domino’s Slice the Price Card for $20.
If the card is used just one time, you save about the cost of the card !
-ALL NEW BEFORD LOCATIONS Participate-
- Card allows you to buy 1 Pizza and Get 1 Free
- Unlimited use of card until December 31, 2026
- The Slice the Price Card is valid for delivery or carryout!
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Only 2 seats left! We’re working to secure a third bus. If we are able to secure a third bus, we will send you an email as soon as we know. To join the waitlist, email jennifer.gaspar@gnbvt.edu or complete this form: https://forms.gle/1vyMF5b6CVef47BV8
The event is on Saturday, January 24, 2026! Join us for an evening of fun, games, and great company—all while helping fund a safe and memorable After Prom for the Class of 2026.
Event Details:
- Tickets: $45 (no fees) — includes round-trip 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+
Buy Tickets:
Online (no fees) https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/foxwoods-night
Questions?
508-998-3321 ext. 240 or 244
amanda.farias@gnbvt.edu | jennifer.gaspar@gnbvt.edu
Thank you for supporting a safe and memorable After Prom for the Class of 2026!
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2:45-3:45 pm, in the Auditorium
Attention all students:
Unplug, unwind, and find your flow! After a long week of classes, homework, and nonstop demands, the Yoga Club is your chance to reset. Whether you’ve never tried yoga before or already love it, this is a chill, judgment-free space to stretch, breathe, and move at your own pace. No pressure, no competition…just good vibes, calming music, and time to feel better in your body and mind.
The Yoga Club meets every Thursday in the Auditorium and is open to everyone. You don’t need to be flexible, athletic, or “good at yoga” to join. Just show up as you are. Come hang out with friends, reduce stress, boost focus, and leave feeling more relaxed than when you walked in. Give it a try. Your brain (and your body) will thank you!
Contact Mrs. Dube in room B233 with any questions or just show up Thursday!
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS- Open to All GNBVT Students, Staff, and Alumni
FIRST ANNUAL VOC-TECH ART EXHIBITION
Showcasing the Creative Talents of GNBVT Students, Staff & Alumni
The Design & Visual Communication Program proudly presents the First Annual Voc-Tech Art Exhibition, celebrating creativity and artistic expression across the GNBVT community.
May 27, 2026
Michael Shea Student Forum
Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Tickets: $5.00
$5 Admission: proceeds benefit After Prom
Enjoy artwork from current students, staff, and alumni, plus light refreshments. Family, friends, and community members are welcome.
CALL ALL ARTISTS!
Submit up to three pieces by April 1, 2026.
Submissions are open to all GNBVT students, staff, and alumni via the Google Form
Submit: Google Form at gnbvt.edu https://forms.gle/RiV79PhXnKHq8Sku6
Questions or submissions:
DVC Program – Jenn Gaspar or Thai Panayakul
jennifer.gaspar@gnbvt.edu
| uthai.panayakul@gnbvt.edu
508.998.3321 ext. 232
Be part of GNBVT’s newest artistic tradition- don’t miss it!
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All seniors are required by the Department of Public Health to have documentation of their final meningococcal vaccine. If proof has not yet been submitted, please provide documentation as soon as possible. Submission deadline: January 5, 2026.
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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
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Health Office Contacts
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact a member of the nursing staff:
- 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
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Medical Forms
All Medical Forms are available online or in the nurse’s office.
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GNBVT
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