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Paw Prints Family Newsletter
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Dear GNBVT Families,
With spring finally making its way in, it’s a great time to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our students.
I want to congratulate all of our SkillsUSA and Business Professionals of America (BPA) students who competed recently. Stepping into competition takes courage, preparation, and confidence; and each of them represented GNBVT with pride.
A special congratulations to those who have advanced to the next level—SkillsUSA States at Blackstone Valley Tech High School and BPA Nationals in Nashville, Tenn. This is an incredible achievement, and we are excited to see them continue to shine on an even bigger stage.
I also want to recognize our advisors for their continued dedication and support. Your guidance plays a huge role in our students’ success, and we are truly grateful.
Enjoy the warmer days ahead, and I hope to see you at the School Council meeting on Tuesday.
Have a great weekend.
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Mar 24- Principal’s School Council Meeting: 3 pm – Lighthouse Cafe
Mar 28- Theater Company Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: 4-7 pm
Apr 1- Art Exhibit Submission Deadline
Apr 11- Spring Fling Dance- 6- 10 pm- School Lobby
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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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The Upcoming Meeting is Tuesday, March 24, 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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Through March 30th
The Class of 2026 is hosting a Gold Athletics cookie and treats fundraiser from now until March 30th. Proceeds will help us pay for end-of-the-year activities for our Senior. Use the QR code to purchase. Treats will be delivered right to your door! Thank you for your continued support!
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The Voc-Tech Theater Company is excited to announce that our annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 28th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. To purchase tickets, please see a cast or crew member or call 508-998-3321 Ext 796.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS- Open to All GNBVT Students, Staff, and Alumni- Exhibit: May 27:5:30 pm
FIRST ANNUAL VOC-TECH ART EXHIBITION Showcasing the Creative Talents of GNBVT Students, Staff & Alumni
The Design & Visual Communication Program is excited to announce the First Annual Voc-Tech Art Exhibition, celebrating creativity 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.
CALLIING ALL ARTISTS!
We invite students, staff, and alumni to submit up to three pieces of artwork. Please note that both the artwork and the required Google Form must be submitted by April 1, 2026
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
Family, friends, and community members are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
Questions or submissions: DVC Program – Jenn Gaspar or Thai Panayakul jennifer.gaspar@gnbvt.edu | uthai.panayakul@gnbvt.edu
508.998.3321 ext. 232 We look forward to seeing your work and making this new GNBVT tradition a success!
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6-10 pm in the Main Lobby
GNB Voc-Tech students are invited to attend this year’s Spring Fling Dance and the crowning of Ms. Voc-Tech 2026 on Saturday, April 11th, from 6:00–10:00 PM in the Welcome Center.
This year’s theme, Glow Fest: Neon Nights, will feature a high-energy evening with a DJ, silent disco, yard games, and a variety of food and snacks available for purchase (cash or GoFan).
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online via GoFan or in person from Mr. Rivera in the Athletic Office or Ms. Gaspar in Room G141. Students are encouraged to dress in neon, casual, or semi-formal attire and come ready to enjoy a fun and memorable evening.
https://gofan.co/event/6186382?schoolId=MA22184
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Own a suit for the price of a rental!!!
Professional Image, Men’s Fine Clothing has extended a prom special to New Bedford Voke students.
Own a 2 piece G. Fiorelli Suit for $129.99 ( reg $199.99)
See the flier below for details.
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May 16th @ GNBVT
Join the GNBVT Community on May 16th at 9:00 AM for our SouthCoast Community 5K — a fun event for runners, joggers, walkers, students, staff, families, and community members of ALL levels!
This event is a fundraiser for the GNBVT Cross Country Team, so come out for fitness, fun, and community spirit while supporting our athletes. Grab some friends, bring the family, and hit the course with us! Students run for 10 dollars with the code STUDENT26
We hope to see you there! https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/NewBedford/GNBVT5K
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FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
As you consider your options after high school, we encourage you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA in order to access grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds for college. Filling out the FAFSA is one of the most important steps students and their families can take to pay for college and is the key to unlocking college financial aid from federal, state, and local sources.
If your immigration status prevents you from qualifying for federal aid, you might still be eligible for aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) – Mass.gov which can help you attend public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts.
Applying for financial aid helps keep college an option for the fall but does not commit you to enrolling. Fill out the FAFSA or MASFA as early as possible to maximize the aid you can receive.
There are resources available to help with this process, including the following: 1. Go Higher is the Commonwealth’s initiative to share information about access and affordability at public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. Go Higher offers paths that make higher education more affordable–like free community college, free or affordable four-year degrees, career-connected scholarships, and more.
2. DESE, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and the Executive Office of Education, has identified FAFSA resources that may be helpful.
3. The Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance is the Commonwealth’s “go to” on resources concerning student financial aid.
4. The federal government’s FAFSA website includes steps for families, and entities such as the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) provide information and continuing support during the school year for educators, counselors, administrators, students and their families.
Fill out the FAFSA or MASFA as early as possible to maximize the aid you can receive!
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Class of 2029- Postural Screenings
All 9th-grade students will receive postural screenings conducted by a school nurse to detect early signs of spinal issues, which are common during the growth years (ages 10–16). This is the final year postural screening is required. 9th-grade students with PE during Trimester 3 will be screened in Cycles 24 and 25, starting April 10, 2026. If you wish to opt your child out of the postural screenings, please contact one of the school nurses.
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Class of 2028- Updated Physical Exam
For the upcoming school year, all students entering 11th grade are required to provide proof of an updated physical exam and meningococcal vaccination. Please forward your student’s updated physical and immunization records to the school, or contact your child’s pediatrician to schedule an appointment. The confidential nurse’s office fax number is 508-998-4647.
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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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SkillsUSA is an organization creating a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA impacts the lives of America’s future workforce through the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics.
SkillsUSA is an applied method of instruction for preparing America’s high-performance workers in career and technical programs. It provides quality educational experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communication skills. It emphasizes total quality at work, including: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work.
At Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech on March 4, 2026, 75 students from GNB Voc-Tech competed against the following District 1 Schools: Blue Hills RTHS, Cape Cod RTHS, New Bedford High School, Old Colony RTHS, Plymouth North High School, Plymouth South High School, Silver Lake Regional High School, South Shore VTHS, Taunton HS and Upper Cape Cod RTHS. The first step was a local competition held within the school. This second step is the written portion of the competition, where competitors are tested in their trade area, professional development, and safety & health. All gold medalists, most silver medalists and some bronze medalists will continue to the state competition on April 30, 2026 through May 2, 2026 in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School’s results are following:
Overall results:
13 Gold Medalists
5 Silver Medalists
6 Bronze Medalists
2 State Officer Candidates
Gold medalists:
James Edminster- (Fairhaven) Architectural Drafting
Michael Silva- (Dartmouth) Cabinetmaking
Jack Kobza- (Fairhaven) CNC 2 Axis TurningProgrammer
Daevin Hwang- (New Bedford) Criminal Justice
Lana Chamberlin- (New Bedford) Job Interview
Shirley Yac-Castro- (New Bedford) Medical Assisting
Caden Medeiros- (New Bedford) Power Equipment Technology
Evelyn Cardoza-Coj- (New Bedford) Prepared Speech
Attyanna Timas- (New Bedford) Urban Search and Rescue
Michelle Medeiros- (Fairhaven) Urban Search and Rescue
Aaliyah Chase- (New Bedford) Welding
Silver medalists:
Angie Torres- (New Bedford) Architectural Drafting
Kaden Ventura- (New Bedford) Power Equipment Technology
Jasmin Gonsalves- (New Bedford) Sheet Metal
Rafael Cardoza- (New Bedford) Urban Search and Rescue
Wilson Mejia- (New Bedford) Urban Search and Rescue
Bronze medalists:
Eduard Hernandez- (New Bedford) Cabinetmaking
Makayla Murphy- (Dartmouth) Criminal Justice
Namari Casteel- (New Bedford) Medical Terminology
Jonathan Lopez-Simaj- (New Bedford) Power Equipment Technology
Christopher Baptista- (New Bedford) Urban Search and Rescue
Nathan Gendrin- (New Bedford) Urban Search and Rescue
State Officer Candidates:
Dennis Ibrahim- (New Bedford)
Virginia Oldrid- (New Bedford)
We are extremely proud of the students’ accomplishments, with 37% of the students who competed going home with a medal. We are looking forward to attending the State Competition with them from April 30 – May 2, 2026, with the Awards Ceremony on May 2nd.
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Congratulations to our BPA Chapter for their incredible hard work and dedication at the State Leadership Conference! We are so proud of all of you and the effort you put in to represent our school so well.
A special congratulations to all of our medal winners — your achievements are something to truly celebrate!
Our winning competitors will now advance to the National BPA Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this May. What an amazing accomplishment!
Once again, congratulations to the entire BPA Chapter. We are extremely proud of you and wish our national qualifiers the best of luck in Nashville!
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Congratulations to Athena, Matt, Garrett, Jocelyn, Bella, Jayden, Shelbie Chace, and Abbie, who represented the GNBVT Run Club as part of the Half Marathon Relay Team. Together, they completed the course in an impressive 1 hour and 58 minutes!
We’d also like to give a huge shout-out to Coach Racine and Coach Shimala, who completed the entire 13.1-mile half marathon course.
Events like this remind us how powerful teamwork, dedication, and perseverance can be. Your hard work and commitment inspire others in our school community to get out, stay active, and challenge themselves.
Great job, everyone, and keep running strong!
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GNBVT
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