Dear GNBVT Families,

As we head into the weekend, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a joyful and relaxing Easter. I hope this time brings you moments of rest, reflection, and connection with the people who matter most.

When we return, we’ll be stepping into one of the most exciting stretches of the school year. One of the highlights we’re all looking forward to is our Spring Fling, and this year we’re turning up the excitement with a neon-themed celebration: Glow Fest! It’s shaping up to be a vibrant and unforgettable evening filled with school spirit, music, and community.

A special moment of the night will be the crowning of our Ms. Voc-Tech, where we celebrate the incredible talent, dedication, and pride of our students. It’s always inspiring to see our Bears shine on and off the stage.

I also want to share an important reminder for our seniors and their families—our Class of 2026 students have received the Senior Calendar, which includes all key dates, times, and details for upcoming senior events. Please be sure to review it carefully so you don’t miss any of these milestone moments.

Let’s come back recharged and ready to make the most of the weeks ahead. There’s so much to celebrate, and I’m proud of the positive momentum we continue to build together.

Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you soon.

With appreciation,

Principal Williams

Lunch Menu

GNBVT Website

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Student Handbook

GNBVT Calendars

Student and Family Technology Support

Apr 6-10- Scholastic Book Fair- All week- School Library

Apr 11- Spring Fling Dance- 6- 10 pm- School Lobby

Apr 13- After Prom Meeting-6:00 pm located in G141, Design and Visual Communications Room

May 16- GNBVT Community 5K- 9:00 am

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!

A DJ will be playing music all night in the Welcome Center for dancing. A silent disco will also be available in the gaming area for students who want to participate!

Get ready to light up the night at our Spring Fling Dance and Ms. Voc-Tech 2026 Crowning! This year’s theme is Glow Fest: Neon Nights—so wear your brightest colors and get ready to shine

Saturday, April 11
6:00–10:00 PM
Welcome Center (music & dancing)

Games, silent disco, food, and more will be located behind the Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on GoFan or from Mr. Rivera in the Athletic Office or Ms. Gaspar in G141.

Don’t miss it—it’s going to be a night to remember!

https://gofan.co/event/6186382?schoolId=MA22184

We’re excited to share that our Spring Fling dance is coming up on April 11th, and we are currently looking for volunteers and donations to help make it a success!

The event will run from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and all funds raised will support the 2026 After Prom, providing a fun and safe celebration for our students.

How You Can Help:

Volunteer: We need help with a variety of roles! Whether you have a few hours or can assist with setup, there’s a place for you.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tt0aGpeMsqahjrkXCtYfAKYH-lojCiD9-qIIOKw-Fzk/edit?gid=1289066418#gid=1289066418

Donate: Any donation—big or small—makes a difference. We are especially looking for beverages and snacks.
Donation sign-up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14XIIq9fDXc487x5unZlfIgSFGZusJDuK2ii9TN7AfRM/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for your continued support in making this event special for our students!

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.

• After Prom 2026: We’re hosting an in-person After Prom meeting on Monday, April 13th at 6:00 PM in G141 at DVC.
• We’re also seeking monetary donations to support After Prom. So far, we’ve raised $13,600 toward our $25,000 goal.

Donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-17th-after-prom-event

Thank you for your support!

Important Spring Reminders: Attendance & Expectations

It is hard to believe that Spring is already here! As we enter the final trimester of the year and the weather begins to clear, please remember that consistent, on-time attendance remains our top priority.

Attendance Guidelines

• School Start Time: School begins promptly at 7:30 a.m.
• First Period: Students must be in their seats by 7:40 a.m. (Walking in the building at 7:40 a.m. is considered tardy.)
• Tardiness: Students who arrive late to school or to their first-period class must serve a tardy detention within 24 hours.

Detentions & Time Owed

Detentions for tardiness and time owed for unexcused absences are held in the cafeteria, Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that failure to fulfill these obligations will result in further disciplinary action. This includes the loss of privileges to participate in:

• Extracurricular activities
• Sports
• Co-op opportunities
• Spring Fling and Junior Banquet
• Senior activities, including Prom and Senior Sign-out

Dismissal Policy

All students must follow standard dismissal procedures, regardless of age. Being 18 years old does not grant the authority to self-dismiss.

• Self-Drivers: Must submit a parent/guardian note to the Attendance Office before school starts. The note must include:

• Student name and ID number

• Date and time of dismissal

• Parent phone number

• A statement confirming the student is a self-driver

• Note: All notes will be verified via phone call before a student is permitted to leave.

• All Other Students: A contact from the emergency list must come to the Welcome Center with a valid photo ID to sign the student out.

Stay Informed

Please refer to the Student Handbook for more detailed Attendance Policy information.

Also please check your email and Aspen daily, for attendance correspondence. If you have questions regarding time owed for tardiness or unexcused absences, please contact the Attendance Office.

"Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow. Being present and on time isn’t just about a seat in a classroom; it’s about showing up for yourself and the life you want to build."

Your success story starts at 7:30 a.m. Be in school on time, every day!

Dear Students, Staff, and Families,

April is Diversity Month, a time specifically dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the unique cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make our school community so incredible. At GNBVT, we aim to foster an inclusive environment where each individual is embraced, celebrated, and treated equitably. When we share our stories, we learn more about the world and, more importantly, more about each other.

🗓️ What’s Happening This Month?

We have several ways for everyone to get involved and share their heritage:

● Autism Awareness/ Diversity Day activities during lunch in the Welcome Area (April 10th): Join us in engaging activities designed to increase awareness of Autism and celebrate diversity.

● Multicultural Day (April 17th): Celebrate your culture by wearing garments that reflect your heritage. ● Morning Spotlight: Each day during announcements, we will highlight the diverse themes celebrated in April, along with fun facts about the cultures represented in our community.

💡 Why It Matters

Diversity is more than just a buzzword; it’s about belonging. Our goal is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels seen, heard, and valued exactly as

they are.

We encourage you to use this month to start a conversation with someone new, ask curious (and respectful!) questions, and celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is 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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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