For the past 14 years, Mr. Jon O'Connor has shared his passion for photography with Groton-Dunstable Regional High School students. As a dedicated educator and photographer, he brings technical expertise and creative enthusiasm to his classroom daily. Through his Photography I course, he provides students with an immersive experience in digital and darkroom photography, ensuring they understand the art and science behind capturing powerful images. Keep reading for the full story!
Spotlighting Innovation & Tech Tips Across GDRSD
Capturing the Moment: Mr. O'Connor Inspires Students Through Photography
Parenting in the Digital Age: The Anxious Generation!
Reminder: Copies of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt are available! Please email me if you want to read this insightful book on parenting in the digital age. As an educator and parent, I highly recommend it to those seeking hope and actionable tools to support their children. We have limited copies available, but as parents finish reading, many have returned their copies for others to borrow!
GDRSD Online Safety Hub
We’re excited to introduce our new Safety Hub with Linewize! We are dedicated to supporting our students' well-being and ensuring their digital experiences are safe, positive, and enriching. The GDRSD Online Safety Hub offers resources and guidance to help parents and teachers navigate challenges and protect children from potential digital risks.
Visit gdrsd.onlinesafetyhub.io to support your child’s safe and healthy digital journey!
Encouraging Digital Balance: Ms. Cardillo’s Wellness Lesson Inspires
Now in her eighth year with the district, Ms. Sharon Cardillo recently introduced an interactive lesson on screen addiction, an issue that resonates with today’s digitally connected students. Click here to read more!
Save the Date: Anxious Generation: Collective Action for Healthier Childhood
Join the discussion on Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation, which is an in-depth exploration of children's mental health challenges in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech. This discussion will cover recommended practical steps for parents, educators, and policymakers to restore a healthier, more balanced childhood for the next generation.
When: Thursday, April 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Community Room, Groton Public Library, 99 Main Street in Groton
GDRSD SchoolBrains Community App
We are excited to announce the launch of the SchoolBrains Community App, now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This app provides parents, guardians, and students convenient access to essential academic information, including assignments, schedules, attendance, and grades. Just log in using your existing SchoolBrains Community Portal credentials. If you encounter any issues logging in, please contact Data Administrator Phyllis Maynard at pmaynard@gdrsd.org. Please click here to read more!
Murphy Explores AI’s Role at Summit
On March 11, Nichole Murphy, a dedicated educator at GDRMS attended the AI Summit at Bentley University to explore how artificial intelligence can improve teaching and learning. Read more on Ms. Murphy's experience!
Essential actions to safeguard your child's digital world
Linewize's experts demystify data privacy: Top Tips to Protect Your Child’s Digital Privacy. Read the article and learn how to:
Teach your child how to download apps & games safely
Explain "Cookies" (not the delicious kind) to help your child make more informed decisions
Cultivate lifelong online safety habits
Parental Consent Required for Google Additional Services
For the 2025-2026 school year, parental consent for these services will be included in the school handbook acknowledgment process. Please log into the SchoolBrains Community Portal and consent to Google Additional Services as soon as possible, but no later than March 31, 2025. If you have multiple children, you can provide consent for the entire family. Click here to read more!
Google Family Link Offers Greater Parental Controls
Last month, Google announced a series of updates for its parental control software Google Family Link, designed to allow parents or guardians the ability to restrict access to content and control various privacy and security settings... Read More on TechCrunch!
Protecting Staff, Students: A Comprehensive Approach
At GDRSD, we prioritize cybersecurity and data protection to ensure the safety and security of staff and students. We employ a multi-layered approach, using various strategies to create a secure digital environment. Click to read more!
Reminder: Review Handbooks for Device Damage Responsibility
To support your child’s use of their GDRSD Chromebook or Apple iPad, we encourage all parents and guardians to review the school handbook's section on Taking Care of Your GDRSD Chromebook or iPad. This section outlines essential responsibilities for students, including proper care of their Chromebooks and expectations for handling damages. Familiarizing yourself and your child with these guidelines helps ensure the device remains in good working condition and effectively supports your child's learning.
Handbook PDF Links: Florence Roche | Swallow Union | GDRMS | GDRHS
Exciting: GDRSD Moves Towards Interactive Teaching Panels
We’re excited to announce that GDRSD is taking a significant step forward in enhancing and replacing classroom technology with a capital expenditure in FY2026! As part of our ongoing lifecycle replacement efforts for educational tools that impact teachers and students, we’re transitioning from traditional projectors to TouchView interactive teaching panels in our middle and high schools and Boutwell Early Childhood Center. This shift aligns with industry standards and promises to revolutionize how we teach and learn for years. Continue reading the full article!
