|
Paw Prints Family Newsletter
|
|
|
|
>

|
|
|
 |
Dear Bears Community,
Tonight is a very special evening for Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech as we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026. I am filled with excitement, pride, and gratitude as we honor our seniors and all they have accomplished throughout their educational journey.
For twelve years, our graduates have worked tirelessly to learn, grow, and prepare themselves for the future. Tonight’s graduation ceremony is more than just the closing of one chapter: it is a commencement, a beginning that launches them into the next journey of their lives.
The Class of 2026 leaves GNBVT equipped not only with strong academic knowledge and advanced trade skills, but also with the soft skills, work ethic, resilience, and problem-solving abilities that will help them thrive in college, careers, and life. They are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities, support their future families, and inspire the generations that follow them.
As principal, there is no greater reward than watching our students walk across that stage with confidence, purpose, and pride. Each graduate represents the strength, determination, and spirit of our Bear community.
To the Class of 2026: never forget that “Knowledge is Power.” Continue to live by our core values:
- Prepare with Purpose
- Pursue with Passion
- Persevere through all of life’s difficult seasons with Pride
Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish.
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
GO BEARS!
With appreciation,
Principal Williams
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29- Graduation Ceremony- 6:00 pm- Jeffrey E. Riley Football Stadium @ GNBVT
June 17, 18, 22 & 23- Final Exams: Early Dismissal: 10:49 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
In collaboration with the Design and Visual Communications department, the DEI Office is proud to present "Stop the Hate." This video highlights the vital importance of respect and unity as we celebrate our differences and strive to build a community where everyone truly belongs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Office Reminder: Medication Return
End of the Year Medication Return All student specific over-the-counter medications will be sent home with students prior to final exams. If you prefer to pick up your child’s medication, please contact the Health Office to arrange a time. Thank you.
|
Health Office Reminder: Dismissals & Student Drivers
As a reminder, per the Student Handbook, The school nurse will contact the parent/guardian if it is determined that dismissal due to illness/injury is necessary. Students dismissed from the nurse’s office are not allowed to drive personal vehicles.
|
|
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.
|
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
|
|
|
Medical Forms
All Medical Forms are available online or in the nurse’s office.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please donate your gently used sneakers to help support our travel club. All m
Please donate your gently used sneakers to help support our travel club. All money raised is to fund the 2027 Italy trip. Donations can be left in the designated bin in the lobby.
|
|
|
|
On May 16th, the GNBVT Cross Country team proudly hosted our first annual South Coast Community 5K . Over 100 runners of all ages and abilities came out and competed in an incredible event filled with energy, effort, and community spirit.
Thank you to everyone who ran, volunteered, donated, and helped make the day such a huge success. We are grateful for the amazing support and look forward to making this event even bigger in the years to come.
#GNBVT #GNBVTXC #SouthCoastCommunity5K #BearsXC
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, two of our outstanding student-athletes, Jai-Ana Silva and Lila Emken, were recognized at the 2026 MIAA Girls and Women in Sports Day held at Faneuil Hall.
Jai-Ana and Lila, members of our Varsity Girls Basketball team, have built exceptional athletic careers through their dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment both on and off the court. Their hard work and perseverance continue to represent our school community with pride and excellence.
Each year, the MIAA Women in Leadership Committee recognizes women and girls who have worked with distinction, while celebrating the many opportunities girls and women have to compete in sports throughout the Commonwealth and across the nation.
This year, our two athletes were proudly escorted by Head Cheerleading Coach Crystal Vitorino as they were honored among some of the Commonwealth’s most inspiring female leaders and athletes.
Congratulations to Jai-Ana Silva and Lila Emken on this well-deserved recognition. Your achievements, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
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, “Champion Your Future”.
On April 30 to May 2, 2026, 68 students competing represented GNB Voc-Tech in career and technical areas at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. Additionally there were 25 voting delegates and 17 chaperones. 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 1-6, 2026. Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School’s results are following:
Gold Medalists:
James Edminster (Fairhaven )- Architectural Drafting- Advisor: Tom Richard & Tracy Teixeira
Michael Silva (Dartmouth)- Cabinetmaking- Advisor: Joe Arruda
Alyssia Serpa (New Bedford)- Career Pathways Showcase- Health Services- Advisor: Jeannine Carreiro
Sophia Sorbal (New Bedford)- Career Pathways Showcase- Health Services- Advisor: Jeannine Carreiro
Layla Vieira (Fairhaven)- Career Pathways Showcase- Health Services- Advisor: Jeannine Carreiro
Silver Medalists:
Angie Torres (New Bedford)- Architectural Drafting- Advisor: Tom Richard & Tracy Teixeira
Kaden Ventura (New Bedford)- Power Equipment- Advisor: Paul Estrella
Bronze Medalists:
Wagmendia Porceus (New Bedford)- Health Occupations Professional Portfolio- Advisor: Erin Marcotte
Brooklyne Costa (New Bedford)- Outstanding Chapter- Advisor: Lauren Aubertine
Isabella Amaral (New Bedford)-Outstanding Chapter- Advisor: Lauren Aubertine
Tatiana Amaral (New Bedford)-Outstanding Chapter- Advisor: Lauren Aubertine
Recognition:
Dennis Ibraham (New Bedford) – National Voting Delegate– Advisor: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent Virginia Oldrid (New Bedford )- National Voting Delegate–Advisor: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
We are extremely proud and impressed with the students who attended the SkillsUSA State Conference. Each student displayed leadership skills, which will surely bring them success in the future.
|
 |
2026 State Leadership Conference- Graduating Seniors
|
 |
2026 State Leadership Team
|
 |
2026 SkillsUSA State Competitors
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Athena Racine, Matt Faria, Garrett Barriera, and Coach Racine for representing our Run Club in the Loucks 5k in White Plains, NY on 5/9.
Athena ran a personal best 26:25 and placed third in her age group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Monday, April 27th the Business Technology shop welcomed back alumni to share insights after graduating from the program at GNB Voc-Tech.
The panel consisted of Tony Lee (Class of 2006), Dora Lima (Class of 2014), Monique Onuoha (Class of 2014), Josh Abreu (Class of 2024) and Nicole Pinto (Class of 2010). With their wide variety of experiences and expertise, they were able to answer various student questions including choosing a major in college, interview tips, and how to market themselves.
Tony expressed the importance of financial literacy before becoming an adult. Dora and Nicole encouraged students to stay true to themselves in interviews and be confident. Dora stated, “You can have a personality while still maintaining a professional image. Having fun while networking professionally is a way to make connections.”
Josh and Monique discussed how your vision for your future can always change, and also how you know yourself best when it comes to making big life decisions. Josh highlighted how AI is at our fingertips, but it is causing a lack of critical thinking, which is such a valuable skill in the workforce today. Our students loved being able to gather insight from alumni of the same program they are currently a part of.
While their career paths vary, they all agreed the skills they learned in Business Technology gave them an edge in the workplace. These skills included Microsoft Excel, presentations, interviews, and participating in co-op.
A huge thank you to Cathy Chace for coordinating the event and Culinary Arts for baking cookies for our event!
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
GNBVT
|
|
|
|
|