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Paw Prints Family Newsletter
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Dear Bears Community,
As we approach the final week for the Class of 2025 here at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, I want to take a moment to reflect with pride and gratitude on this remarkable group of young people who have left an indelible mark on our school community.
This coming week is filled with celebrations to honor their journey—our Pep Rally, the Senior Cookout, Senior Breakfast, and an exciting series of events that will culminate in what promises to be an unforgettable Prom and After-Prom. Each moment is a tribute to the years of growth, perseverance, and community they’ve contributed to during their time at GNBVT.
These seniors are more than graduates—they are leaders in the making. As they prepare to sign out next Thursday, they carry with them not only their academic and technical achievements but also the values we hold dear: Preparation, passion, and perseverance. They embody the spirit of our Creed of —Preparing with purpose, pursuing with Passion, and persevering with pride.
We send them forward with full confidence in their ability to succeed and thrive. They leave our halls ready to pursue their dreams, contribute meaningfully to the world, and face the future fearlessly. And above all, we hope they always remember: they are more than capable and more than enough.
Let us all continue to support them, celebrate them, and honor what they have meant to this community. Because here at GNBVT, once a Bear, always a Bear.
Bears United!
With appreciation,
Principal Williams
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Ongoing- Candy, Snacks & Beverages Sale: Afterschool: Field House
Tues May 20- Seniors- Cap & Gown Pick up- following Senior Breakfast
Tues May 20-Senior Breakfast
May 20-21- MCAS-Math: Gr 10
Wed May 21-Senior Car Decorating, Senior Cookout, Senior Sunset
Thu May 22- Senior Sign-out, Senior Prom, After Prom
Mon May 26-Memorial Day : No School
Fri Jun 6- Early Release:10:49 am
Fri June 6- Graduation: 6 :00 pm
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Cap and Gown pick up is on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following Senior Breakfast
1. Roberts will be on site for pick up.
2. Cost is $25-Includes cap, gown, stole and tassel-student keeps the items upon graduation.
3. Venmo payments can be made to Roberts through May 19, 2025.
4. Venmo payments should have: School, Name, ID#, Shop listed: Venmo-Roberts Tuxedo CO@mrtux
5. Cash payments (NO CHECKS) on pick up day (wi-fi is not available to have students making payments in line).
6. Roberts will also be on site pre-ceremony day to assist students with adjustments or provide missing or lost tassels/stoles. Any questions, please contact Roberts Tux:508-672-0009
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Cap & Gown Payments: Venmo-Roberts Tuxedo CO@mrtux. Include: School, Name, ID#, Shop listed:
Payments due by Monday, May 19th. CASH accepted day of pickup (May 20th)
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2025 Senior Activity and Event Schedule
Senior Families and Students, please refer to the Activity and Event Schedule for important dates and information for upcoming Senior events and graduation!!!!!
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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 you with local organizations, we can help you access these vital resources in New Bedford and the Greater New Bedford area. For assistance, contact the DEI & Community Specialist at 508-998-3321 ext. 752, email maria.demelo@gnbvt.edu, or visit our DEI Website to complete a Family and Community Referral Form. Additionally, GNBVT has partnered with the Immigrants Assistance Center (IAC) to provide families with up-to-date information on “Know Your Rights” and “Plan for a Family Emergency.” We also have a wonderful one page Guide for families of immigrant students’ right to attend school. We are here to help and look forward to assisting you!
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Finals Schedule:
Wednesday, June 11th
7:40 – 8:41 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 1 Final [Even Cycle in shop – will do shop finals and cleanup, etc. over these 2 days]
8:44 – 9:45 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 2 Final
9:48 – 10:49 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 3 Final
Thursday, June 12th
7:40 – 8:41 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 4 Final
8:44 – 9:45 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 5 Final
9:48 – 10:49 Odd Cycle in academics take Block 6 Final
Friday, June 13th
7:40 – 8:41 Even Cycle in academics take Block 1 Final [Odd Cycle in shop – will do shop finals and cleanup, etc. over these 2 days]
8:44 – 9:45 Even Cycle in academics take Block 2 Final
9:48 – 10:49 Even Cycle in academics take Block 3 Final
Monday, June 16th – Last day of the year
7:40 – 8:41 Even Cycle in academics take Block 4 Final
8:44 – 9:45 Even Cycle in academics take Block 5 Final
9:48 – 10:49 Even Cycle in academics take Block 6 Final
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After School Candy & Beverage Sale in the Gym Foyer!
This sale is for seniors and BPA chapter members, and all proceeds go toward supporting the After Prom event and the BPA-GNBVT chapter.
Snacks & Soda – $1
Gatorade, Chips & Candy – $2
Location: Gym Foyer
When: Ongoing -After School
Candy & Beverages available for purchase.
Don’t miss out—your support means so much!
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We’re excited to announce that we’ve officially reached our $25,000 fundraising goal—thank you so much for your incredible support!
Now, we need your help to make the event happen. To successfully run After Prom, we need 20 more volunteers to fill two shifts throughout the night. Without enough help, we simply won’t be able to hold the event.
We especially encourage underclassman families to get involved—this is a great opportunity to support the senior class while gaining insight into what it takes to host a large-scale event. Your time and energy will help create a fun, safe, and unforgettable night for our seniors!
We’re also seeking raffle prizes and prepared food donations to help make the night extra special. If you’re able to help, please sign up or donate using the links below:
Volunteer Sign-Up:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/gnbvoctechhighschool/afterpromvolunteer2025
Donations & Raffle Prizes:
https://forms.gle/ei3qRYM4iRAtGjVX6
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2025 and helping us bring After Prom to life!
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To the Class of 2025
The nursing staff would like to congratulate you on a job well done as you prepare for
graduation and beyond. We are very proud of you and wish you all of the best for your future!
May you continue to learn and grow upon whichever path you take and know that you will
always have our support! Keep shining your light and make us proud!!
Best of luck to our future GNBVT Bear Graduates!
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Our mental health and physical health are deeply connected. Taking care of one supports the
other. Depression and anxiety can increase the risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease and
diabetes. Exercise, good nutrition and quality sleep support both mental health and physical
well-being. Preventative care and strong social supports promote lifelong wellness.
During this month it’s important to remember and know the impact that we can have on others.
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Health Office Contacts:
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Multi-Cultural Week Celebration
In celebration of Diversity Month this April, GNBVT held its annual Multicultural Week, on Monday, April 14 through Thursday, April 17, 2025. This vibrant, weeklong celebration honored the rich cultural diversity of our school community through music, dance, art, and storytelling. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to engage with dynamic performers and cultural experiences that showcase traditions from around the world. Events were held during all three lunch periods, culminating in a school-wide assembly on Thursday.
Schedule of Events Held:
Monday, April 14 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM 🎧 Dance Party featuring a live DJ, 360° photo booth, and community resource tables.
Tuesday, April 15 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM 🎨 Live Art Experience with multicultural muralists and painters creating artwork in real time.
Wednesday, April 16 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM 🥁 African Drumming Performance that brings rhythm, energy, and tradition to the cafeteria.
Thursday, April 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM 🏹 School-Wide Assembly in the Fieldhouse featuring the Wampanoag Singers and Dancers, showcasing Indigenous culture and history.
This cherished tradition not only brings excitement to our campus but also provides meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. It encourages students to embrace their own identities while gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse world around them
Stay tuned for photos and highlights in an upcoming edition of Paw Prints!
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Haitian Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural contributions and history of Haitian Americans. This month recognizes the resilience, art, music, cuisine, and traditions of the Haitian diaspora, highlighting their impact on American society. Through events, festivals, and educational initiatives, Haitian Heritage Month fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, while also acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of the Haitian American community.
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It is observed in May in both Canada and the United States. It’s a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions, history, culture, and achievements of Jewish Canadians and Americans. The month-long observance aims to promote understanding, education, and awareness about the Jewish community’s diverse heritage and significant role in shaping countries’ social, economic, and cultural fabric. Various events, activities, and educational programs are organized to honor the heritage and foster intercultural dialogue.
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It’s a time to celebrate diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American Society. This observance recognizes the significant role these communities have played in shaping the nation’s history, culture, economy, and social fabric. Throughout the month, events, performances, exhibitions, and educational programs are held to showcase the achievements, struggles, and stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander individuals and communities. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges these communities have faced and continue to face, as well as to promote understanding. Appreciation, and unity among all Americans.
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It is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental health care and support. It strives to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions, encourage open conversations, and provide resources for individuals and communities to better understand and address mental health challenges. If you need mental health services or resources, please see your guidance counselor or school adjustment counselor.
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In April, approximately 275 World History I students participated in an exciting and educational field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston. Organized by the Social Studies Department, this trip brought the curriculum to life by giving students the opportunity to engage directly with the art and artifacts they’ve studied throughout the year.
During their visit, students explored a wide range of exhibits, including Art of the Americas, Japanese Buddhist Sculpture in a New Light, Art of the Italian Renaissance, the Chinese Song Dynasty Gallery, Arts of Islamic Cultures, and the Benin Kingdom Gallery.
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SkillsUSA is an organization of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA impacts the lives of America’s future workforce by reinforcing the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills, by seizing the moment while embodying this year’s SkillsUSA theme, “Ignite Your Potential”
On May 1 to May 3, 2025, 70 students represented GNB Voc-Tech in career and technical areas at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. For those students competing in technical areas, this is the third round in the competition process. These students first competed against one another in a local competition, held within the school, then performed well at a District Competition held at the school in February. Other GNB students competed in the SkillsUSA leadership competitions after winning a local competition. All state gold medalists will continue on to the National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia between June 23- 28, 2025.
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The Early Education & Care students explored the cultural springtime celebration of the Maypole while also promoting physical and social-emotional development to strengthen children’s skills such as coordination, balance, teamwork, and communication. Happy Spring!
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On a recent April day, 36 Seniors in AP Literature and AP History visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, a field trip that brings learning to new heights, making invaluable historical and literary connections through art. The tour included selections from the museum’s rich holding of European paintings, sculpture, tapestries and decorative arts, and the most notably its collection of Renaissance art.
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Shakespeare continues to pull people in and our own school’s performance of Macbeth is living proof. Laura McLean collaborated with Jen Gaspar from Media Tech to produce the tragedy Macbeth, honoring the 461st birthday of its creator William Shakespeare.
The players consisted of seniors from Mrs. McLean’s AP Literature class. Even before reading the play in class they had decided they wanted to take it to the stage. For many this was a first-ever experience and they soon learned the hard work of learning lines, cues, and staging, not to mention interpreting Shakespeare’s lines.
This was Mrs. McLean’s 7th production of a Shakespearean play, and the most technologically advanced.
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We’re proud to announce that our GNB Voc-Tech BPA (Business Professionals of America) Chapter headed to Orlando, Florida to compete at the National Leadership Conference!
These incredible students have worked hard all year and earned their spot to represent our school on the national stage. We’re so proud of their dedication, leadership, and professionalism.
Join us in wishing them the best of luck as they take on this exciting challenge!
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GNBVT
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