Dear GNBVT Families,

As we wrap up our first full month of school, October will usher in the crisp air of fall, colorful foliage, and of course, the season of sweaters and jeans. With this new month comes plenty of excitement for our Bears! Students can look forward to Spirit Week, leading up to our Pep Rally and Homecoming Dance, as they show their Bear pride and celebrate together as a school community.

I’d also like to take a moment to remind our 9th grade families of the importance of this first year. Students are working hard to earn their first-choice shop placement, and attendance, academics, and behavior all play a critical role. Please be sure to check Aspen regularly to monitor your child’s progress, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s guidance counselor with any questions. It truly takes a village, and your support makes a big difference.

Thank you for helping us kick off the school year on such a positive note. I look forward to seeing all the energy and Bear pride this October has in store.

Wishing you all a fun-filled next two weeks!

Sincerely,

Principal Williams

Lunch Menu

GNBVT Website

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Student Handbook

GNBVT Calendars

Student and Family Technology Support

Fri Oct 10: Sophomore ID Photos- Div 2 Students

Sat Oct 11: Class of 2027 Car Show–10:00 am, School grounds

Mon Oct 13: No School: Columbus Day – Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Tue Oct 14: Principal’s School Council Meeting: 3:00 pm, GNBVT’s Lighthouse Cafe

Oct 20-24: Fall Spirit Week

Mon Oct 20: Winter Athletic Registration Opens

Tues Oct 21: College Financing Seminar-6:30 pm, Auditorium

Wed Oct 22: Trafficking 101- Virtual Training: 5:00 pm (details below)

Fri Oct 24: Pep Rally: 1:30-2:30 pm- Students -Fieldhouse

Fri Cot 24: Homecoming Football Game: 7:00 pm

Sat Oct 25: Homecoming Dance: School Lobby: 6:00-10:00 pm

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!

🎓 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

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.

Looking to destress at the end of the week?
Interested in learning more about mindfulness, meditation and breathwork to reduce anxiety?
What to get stronger and find balance, mobility and stamina in your body?

Come see what the Yoga Club has to offer! Under the guidance of Mrs. Dube, students will learn the basics of yoga poses, stretches and breathwork. All are welcome and no prior experience is needed – just an open mind and a willingness to grow in mind, body and spirit.

Classes will begin on October 9 in the Auditorium and will continue every Thursday.

We are committed to supporting the well-being of our students and believe supporting mental health is an important part of overall student health. This school year, we’ve partnered with Cartwheel to provide teletherapy, family check-ins and guidance, and psychiatric care—all with licensed clinicians and no waitlists.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, having a hard time staying focused, or just needs someone to talk to, Cartwheel is here to help. Visit www.cartwheel.org/families to learn more.

• A licensed therapist or psychiatrist with no waitlist, within a matter of days.
• ️ Telehealth sessions from 8am to 8pm, whenever is most convenient.
• ️ Care in several languages, including English, Spanish, and others.
• Completely free care for families who have Medicaid or are uninsured and considered an in-network provider for families with private insurance (standard co-payments and deductibles may apply).
• Individual therapy sessions are available for students in grades 3+ and parent guidance sessions are available at all grade levels, providing families with the right level of support at the right time.

You can raise your hand for support today – we’re here when you need us: www.cartwheel.org/families

The Guidance Department would like to invite Juniors and Seniors and their parents or guardians to attend a College Financing Seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 pm, in the Auditorium. The seminar is hosted by the Educational Opportunity Center and MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) and will focus on navigating the financial aid process for college-bound students and their families. All Juniors and Seniors planning on attending college are highly encouraged to attend.

If your child has a life-threatening allergy and requires an EpiPen, please ensure the following steps are completed as soon as possible, if you haven’t already:

• – Submit a completed EpiPen packet for the current school year, including a signed doctor’s order.
• – Provide the school with a current, non-expired EpiPen to be kept in the health office.

The EpiPen packet is available on our website, or your child can request a printed copy from the school.

• A signed Parent/Guardian Permission Form
• A Doctor’s Written Order for the medication
• The medication delivered to the school nurse
• • Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy-labeled container
• • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications must be in a new, unopened bottle

All Medical Forms are available online or in the nurse’s office.
https://www.gnbvt.edu/parents-students/student-health/

• All 9th-grade students will undergo postural screenings, which are conducted to detect early signs of spinal issues during the rapid growth period between ages 10–16.
• Please note that 9th grade is the final year in which postural screening is performed.
• Screening Schedule by Phys Ed Trimester:
• Trimester 1: Cycles 5 & 6 – Starting October 1st
• Trimester 2: Cycles 12 & 13 – Starting December 8th
• Trimester 3: Cycles 24 & 25 – Starting April 8th
• If you wish to opt your child out of the postural screening, please contact one of the school nurses.

• All 10th-grade students will receive BMI, vision, and hearing screenings as part of routine health monitoring.
• These screenings help identify potential health issues that may impact learning and development.
• Screening results are confidential. Parents/guardians will only be notified by mail if their child does not pass the screening.
• Screening Schedule by Division:
• Division 1: Cycle 7 – Starting October 20th
• Division 2: Cycle 8 – Starting October 28th

If you wish to opt your child out of BMI, Vision & Hearing Screenings please contact one of the school nurses.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact a member of the nursing staff:

• Nurse Ursula Crowell – ursula.crowell@gnbvt.edu | ext. 205
• Nurse Casey Clarke – casey.clarke@gnbvt.edu | ext. 661

• Nurse Tammy Tisdelle– tammu.tisdelle.gnbvt.edu l ext. 204
• Nurse Kim Horsfall – kimmarie.horsfall@gnbvt.edu | ext. 791

All Medical Forms are available online or in the nurse’s office.

Champion Your Future! Our SkillsUSA Chapter Leadership Team is off to a grand start! Sailing with Community Boating Center, Program of Work with our very own Mrs. Roberts and Art, History and Architecture {AHA} Community Engagement! We look forward to the many workforce skills we have on the agenda this year, proving that GNBVT students have a competitive advantage! Going for Gold!

On October 1st, the Student Council hosted a debate for the Class of 2026 presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Senior James Edminster asked the candidates questions, such as what they would do for their class if they win. Candidates for President include: Jordan Diaz, Micaella Goncalves, and Adelany Perez Rustand. Students running for Vice-president include Denisse Reyes Garcia and Owen Figueiredo. Voting will begin on October 3rd. Winners will be announced on October 8th.

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
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