Bishop Guertin Updates | 2026-27

Update 9.9.26

Dear Parent,

I hope the start of school has gone smoothly for you and your son/daughter!

Last week, we introduced our students to our school-wide theme for the year: BE MORE. The theme acknowledges that every student walks through the door with unique gifts, talents, and potential. In an environment where we strive to ensure that they are known, valued, treasured, challenged, and supported, we encourage them to develop this potential to its fullest extent. It takes hard work and effort to become our best selves, and our theme reminds us to have the courage to apply ourselves fully, rather than seeking shortcuts.

The inspiration for this year’s theme came from Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnificent Humanity, which addresses artificial intelligence and other technology. The Pope notes that if we do not grow in our humanity to match the technology available to us, there is a risk of “having more” without “being more.” Throughout the encyclical, he reminds us that the learning process is hard, that it requires us to engage with ideas and with other people, but this journey is necessary in order to live out our full potential.

In presenting the theme to students, I used AI as a focal point. A growing body of research (which I look forward to sharing in detail throughout the year) is demonstrating that an over-reliance on AI by students produces detrimental effects on their cognitive growth. One study, for instance, showed that the use of AI decreased time spent on homework and increased the grades of AI users on their homework assignments. However, when the time came for an examination, the heavy AI users performed much worse. AI had fooled them into thinking that they were learning, but in reality, they had avoided the effort needed to internalize the knowledge and thinking skills. They produced a product that suggested learning (“having more”) without the learning actually having occurred (“being more”). This is a common theme in research - when AI is used for “cognitive offloading” (or, in the words of a recent MIT document, “cognitive surrender”), the effort of learning is short circuited and the growth does not occur. It takes considerable determination (courage) on the part of the student to actually read the book, write the essay, and figure out the math problem. We are encouraging our students to embrace the challenge of learning and not to over-rely on the easy shortcuts offered by AI.

I should note that the school’s position is not pro- or anti-AI. The exact shape that AI will assume in society is uncertain, although it is unquestionable that it will play a significant role in our students’ futures. In our personal experiences as adults, many of us have seen both the benefits and pitfalls of the technology. The difference between us and our students is that we are approaching the technology having already learned a set of knowledge and skills that help us understand and evaluate information and ask the right questions. In other words, we are asking AI to help us do things we already understand how to do. Or, we are using it as a tool to manage various tasks that we need to accomplish. This is very different from how a student might use the technology - they still need to build up this intuition and experience before they can risk the shortcut.

There is a wide range of outcomes to the growth of AI. We have no way to predict one outcome or another. What we can control is the preparation of our students to serve in any future. It seems clear that if AI grows in use, the gap will widen between those with the ability to think, relate, and act and those who lack these skills. We want our students to possess these skills over the course of their lives.

Our theme extends beyond AI and into any growth opportunity that is hard, but worthwhile.

For instance, many students are cautious in the courses they select because they are focused on their GPA. They want the number, but hope to avoid the challenging path (and growth). Grade inflation is a national discussion; as colleges reinstate standardized tests and scrutinize the academic paths taken by students, we are seeing the start of a pendulum swing back toward the question of what was actually learned. The equation shifts from outcomes to process; from the GPA to the rigor along the way. Outside the classroom, we can also challenge our students as members of a community - to help create an environment that is kind and compassionate, where it is “cool to be smart.” Such an environment helps all of its members to be at their best. We ask our students to grapple with questions of faith and belief - even if the answers aren’t known, the journey is important to our identity as a person. In other words, just like AI provides us with shortcuts and we must make the courageous choice to continue developing ourselves, there are other shortcuts available to us in all facets of our lives. The theme for the year calls our students to embrace these challenges rather than avoiding them.

The pessimistic things that are said about our students and their future are not a destiny. Our students have a choice of what skills they will bring to their futures. We hope that together, we as a school community will embrace this challenge and have the courage to BE MORE.

Thank you for your partnership in this journey. It is great to have students back in the building. Welcome back!

Sincerely,

Jason Strniste

Principal

Upcoming Events and Activities

9.10 | Club Fair

The Freshman and Sophomore Classes will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. and will follow the schedule below:

Freshmen: Report to the KLC from 2:00–2:15 p.m. for reminders and information regarding their upcoming class trip to Franconia Notch. They will then attend the Club Fair from 2:15–2:30 p.m.
Sophomores: Attend the Club Fair from 2:00–2:15 p.m. and then report to the KLC from 2:15–2:30 p.m. for a class meeting regarding their upcoming Boston class trip.

New Continuing Students: Dismissed at 2:15 p.m. to attend the club fair.

Juniors and Seniors: Will have the opportunity to attend the Club Fair after school.

9.10 | Project Blackout Football Game vs. Exeter (Dress-Down Day)

Students are encouraged to wear the 2026 Project Blackout t-shirts purchased this summer to the BG football game vs. Exeter at Stellos Stadium

9.12 | Franconia Notch Freshman Class Trip

Saturday, September 12 | 8 AM – 3 PM – Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain

The Freshman Class Trip is a day of adventure, friendship, and community at the Franconia Notch and Loon Mountain in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
This is an important class milestone and opportunity for community building, and all freshmen are strongly urged to participate.
Students are transported by bus from BG. Lunch is provided.
Dress code is casual, and students are asked to wear Bishop Guertin attire (sweatshirts, t-shirts).
To register, please see this form.

Saturday, September 12 | 8 AM – 3 PM – Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain

The Freshman Class Trip is a day of adventure, friendship, and community at the Franconia Notch and Loon Mountain in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
This is an important class milestone and opportunity for community building, and all freshmen are strongly urged to participate.
Students are transported by bus from BG. Lunch is provided.
Dress code is casual, and students are asked to wear Bishop Guertin attire (sweatshirts, t-shirts).
To register, please see this form.

Saturday, September 12 | 8 AM – 3 PM – Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain

The Freshman Class Trip is a day of adventure, friendship, and community at the Franconia Notch and Loon Mountain in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
This is an important class milestone and opportunity for community building, and all freshmen are strongly urged to participate.
Students are transported by bus from BG. Lunch is provided.
Dress code is casual, and students are asked to wear Bishop Guertin attire (sweatshirts, t-shirts).
To register, please see this form.

9.16 | 11th Annual Water Walk (Greeley Park)

Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 9 a.m. in Greeley Park, Nashua, NH!

Meet at the Greeley Park stage and register between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Then receive a bucket and walk a two-mile loop from Greeley Park to the Front Street Boat Launch to collect water before returning to Greeley Park. This walk is to reflect the walk women and children must take every day (often over 10 miles each way) to collect water from unclean rivers in Africa. One of the goals of the Thank You Project is to provide two rural communities in Nigeria (Ututu and Achi) with freshwater wells and offer university scholarships to deserving students.

Thank You Project sets aside funds for the maintenance of the wells to ensure that they continue to provide clean water for the communities in which they are located. All 8 wells are solar powered, giving the community the freedom from constantly having to supply gas for a generator. I am excited to be working together towards our 9th well.

To sign up, please join the BG team here: https://givebutter.com/water-walk-2026/bishop-guertin-hs-1. You do not have to fundraise in order to walk. The educational experience alone is well worth your time! However, if you fundraise $25 or more, you receive a cool t-shirt.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

-Miss Mollie, Campus Minister

9.16 | Back-to-School Night

You are cordially invited to our annual Back-to-School Night!

The evening offers parents the opportunity to experience an abbreviated version of your child’s daily schedule, meet our dedicated faculty and staff, and learn about your child's course curriculum and expectations.

Please park in the school parking lots and use the marked entrances. You may also park in the neighborhood during evening hours.

Student-volunteers will be at the entrances and throughout the building to assist you with classroom locations. You are asked to start in your child's advisory, where you will receive a copy of your son/daughter’s schedule. Advisory begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The format of the evening does not permit us to discuss your child’s individual progress. Parent/teacher conferences will be held in November, and you are welcome to contact our faculty at any time.

Members of our counseling department will be in the Beaumont Center during the night should you like to introduce yourself or need a moment to speak briefly with your student's counselor.

The Bishop Guertin faculty, staff, and administration look forward to seeing you on September 16!

SCHEDULE

Warning Bell (6:25 PM)

Advisory (6:30 - 6:40 PM)

Period A (6:45 - 6:54 PM)

Period B (6:59 - 7:08 PM)

Period C (7:13 - 7:22 PM)

Period D (7:27 - 7:36 PM)

Period E (7:41 - 7:50 PM)

Period F (7:55 - 8:04 PM)

Period G (8:09 - 8:18 PM)

Period H (8:23 - 8:32 PM)

9.19 | Sophomore Class Trip to Boston

Parents of Sophomores,

Registration is now open for our Sophomore Class Trip to Boston on Saturday, September 19!

The Sophomore Class Trip is a fun opportunity for students to spend time together outside of the classroom and continue building relationships as a class. Students will have time to explore Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market with friends and enjoy a high-speed ride on Boston Harbor aboard Codzilla.

We hope to have as much of the sophomore class with us as possible!

The trip will depart BG at 9 a.m. and return at approximately 2:30 p.m. The cost is $60, which includes bus transportation and the Codzilla ticket. Students should bring money for lunch and will be able to choose from the restaurants and eateries in the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market area.

The permission form and payment are now available through the parent portal in MyBG or directly through this link.

Please complete the form by September 9 so that we can purchase tickets and finalize our plans. If your student is unable to attend, you can simply select “decline” on the form.

If the cost poses a challenge, please reach out to Mr. Adams at adamsk@bghs.org.

We hope your sophomore will join us for a great day in Boston.

Mr. Keith Adams

Director of Mission

9.12 | Franconia Notch Freshman Class Trip

Saturday, September 12 | 8 AM – 3 PM – Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain

The Freshman Class Trip is a day of adventure, friendship, and community at the Franconia Notch and Loon Mountain in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
This is an important class milestone and opportunity for community building, and all freshmen are strongly urged to participate.
Students are transported by bus from BG. Lunch is provided.
Dress code is casual, and students are asked to wear Bishop Guertin attire (sweatshirts, t-shirts).
To register, please see this form.

9.24 | College Financial Aid Night

Thursday, September 24 | 6:30 PM

Learn more about the college financial process from the Counseling Department.
This program is meant to inform members of the Class of 2027 and their families about this important part of the college admission process.
With this taking place in the KLC, we ask that you please enter and leave the building through the Junior/Senior Locker Room and park behind the building in the senior lot.

10.10 | Homecoming Dance

Homecoming Dance Information

When: Saturday, October 10 | 7-9 PM

Where: BG Courtyard/Cafeteria. Arrive around back and drop-off by the tent.

Who: All BG students. No outside guests.

Ticket information: Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased on myBG from Monday 9/21 to Friday 10/2.

No ticket is “issued” - once a student purchases a ticket, their name will populate onto a master list that will be used at check-in.

Questions? Contact Dr. Millett (millettc@bghs.org)

10.29 | College Representative Panel (Zoom)

Thursday, October 29 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom

Please join the Bishop Guertin Counseling Department on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 PM for our annual ‘Meet the College Representatives Night’
This event will be hosted via Zoom. A link will be sent out to community members as the event nears.
A panel of representatives from colleges and universities throughout New England are schedule to be on the call, ready to talk with you and answer any questions you might have about the admission process and their respective schools.
Parents and students from the Classes of 2027 and 2028 are strongly encouraged to log in.

BG Service Immersion Experiences

Opportunities for Students:

More information regarding these events will be made available at the start of the school year.

Other Information

Host Families Needed for 2026-27 International Students

Dear BG Families,

BG is excited to welcome international students into our school community for either a single semester or a full academic year. As we prepare our students for their futures, we are proud to foster a culturally diverse environment that reflects the richness of campuses across the country.

We are still seeking host families for the 2026-27 school year and beyond. Hosting an international student is a meaningful way to support BG while making a lasting impact on a young person’s life. Host families provide a safe, welcoming home, meals, and a supportive environment as students adjust to life in the U.S. In appreciation, hosts receive a $1,250 monthly stipend.

If you are interested in hosting, please click here to learn more or apply. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact program coordinator Casey Henry at henryc@bghs.org.

We are grateful for the generosity of our community and hope you will consider opening your home to an international student.

Thank you for your support!

Volunteer at BG!

Volunteers are an invaluable resource to our school community. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other families and our school community.

Your time, energy, and talent are needed in a variety of areas. Please take a moment to look over the array of opportunities and see if there is an area that might interest you. Any amount of time you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Attendance Procedures

REPORTING AN ABSENCE: On the day of a student’s absence, parents/guardians must provide the student’s name and reason for absence to the Attendance Office no later than 8:00 AM. The attendance line number is 603-889-4107 Ext. 4314. Voicemails can be left at any time at that extension.

Parents will be contacted if a student is not in school and no notification has been received.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: Extraordinary circumstances may be considered in excusing absences for eligibility and academic purposes. The pardoning of absences is left to the sole discretion of school administration and may require supporting documentation. Reasons why an absence may be excused for eligibility purposes may include: family emergencies, documented illness, professional/medical appointment, funeral. A student’s history of attendance and tardiness is considered in determining whether an excused absence will be granted.

TARDY TO SCHOOL: The school day begins at 7:40 AM. Students arriving to Advisory after the “late” bell (7:40 AM) are considered tardy and are required to report to the Attendance Office. Late arrivals due to doctor/dental appointments are only excused when supported by official documentation. Notes or calls from parents do not excuse late arrivals. In extenuating circumstances, the Dean of Student Formation shall make the final determination as to whether a tardy is excused or unexcused.

On the day a student will be coming in late to school, parents/guardians must provide the student’s name and reason for the late arrival to the Attendance Office no later than 8:00 AM.

DISMISSALS: Students should bring notes from parents to the Attendance Office before or during Advisory if they will be dismissed early. All absence and tardy guidelines apply to dismissals. Passes are issued from the Attendance Office before the start of the first period only. As medically necessary, the Nurse may also dismiss students early, after receiving permission from the students’ parents.

Morning Traffic Routine

As we begin the school year, we want to remind our community about important traffic safety guidelines during our busiest morning drop-off period. Between 7:20 and 7:35 a.m., we experience the highest volume of traffic along Lund Road and through our drop-off loop, which poses safety risks to both student and parent drivers.

Key Traffic Guidelines

Drop-Off Best Practices:

Arrive early when possible: Consider arriving before 7:20 a.m. to avoid peak traffic
Pull all the way forward: When using the Loop, please pull forward to the gym entrance for drop-off
Quick exits: Encourage your students to exit vehicles promptly regardless of drop-off location
5 MPH speed limit: Please observe our campus speed limit at all times

Loop Usage:

Most vehicles should continue to use the front Loop for student drop-off
Vehicles turning left off Lund Road should utilize the Loop
Parents should pull all the way forward and drop off in front of the gym
One of the leading causes of traffic backup on Lund Road is vehicles stopping well before the gym entrance

Lower Lot Guidelines:

The lower lot is available for morning drop-off
- If you notice the line on Lund Road forming, pull into the driveway leading to the lower lot to ease congestion
When dropping off students in the lower lot, please drop off as close to the tent as possible
Afternoon pick-up from the lower lot is only permitted after 3:00 p.m.
Please see maps below for traffic pattern

Additional Reminders

For Everyone's Safety:

Please be mindful of students and staff walking through parking areas
Follow all traffic directions and posted signage
Do not attempt to bypass the drop-off line
Remember that student safety is our top priority

Afternoon Pick-Up:

If possible, arrive after 2:50 p.m. to help ease afternoon traffic congestion
The front loop remains the only pick-up location until 3 p.m.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe environment for all students, staff, and families. Your adherence to these guidelines helps ensure smooth traffic flow and, most importantly, keeps everyone safe.

Thank you for your continued support.

Bus Transportation (non-Nashua Residents)

During the 2026-27 school year, Bishop Guertin will continue to offer morning transportation using the school’s minibuses.

The cost for the entire year is $925.

Those interested in signing up for a morning bus route should reach out to Mrs. Caito.

PLEASE NOTE:

The East Route has been filled at this time. If you were considering this route, please reach out to Mrs. Caito in the Main Office regarding alternative transportation options.

We are currently working to adjust other routes to accommodate students who were hoping to utilize the East Route. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to find a solution.

This year, we are also allowing payments to be added to your tuition management account. To use this method of payment, please contact Mrs. Caito in the main office to set up your account, instead of filling out the form below.

East Route (Currently Full)

Market Basket, 90 Old Ferry Rd, Lowell, MA | 6:10 AM
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, Bridge Street, Dracut, MA | 6:25 AM
Hannaford, Bridge Street, Pelham, NH | 6:35 AM
Icenter Salem, Lowell Road, Salem, NH | 6:45 AM
Shaw's, Indian Rock Road, Windham, NH | 6:55 AM
The White Birch Catering & Banquet Hall, Central Street, Hudson, NH | 7:10 AM
Bishop Guertin High School | 7:20 AM

North Route

Saint Peter Catholic Church, 567 Manchester Rd, Auburn, NH | 6:10 AM
Market Basket, 30 Market Drive, Hooksett, NH | 6:20 AM
Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH | 6:35 AM
LaBelle Winery Amherst Event Center, State Route 101, Amherst, NH | 6:50 AM
Los Primos Mexican Restaurant, Amherst Road, Merrimack, NH | 7:05 AM
Bishop Guertin High School | 7:20 AM

West Route

Walmart Supercenter 85 NH-101A, Amherst, NH | 6:05 AM
NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, Route 13, Brookline, NH | 6:15 AM
Hannaford, Main Street, Townsend, MA | 6:30 AM
Pepperell Community Center | 6:45 AM
Dunstable Free Public Library, Main Street, Dunstable, MA | 7:00 AM
Bishop Guertin High School | 7:20 AM

Bus Transportation (Nashua Residents)

To Purchase Your Pass

The Nashua School District will continue to provide bus transportation for Bishop Guertin students residing in Nashua in 2026-27.

In the mornings, students will ride their neighborhood high school bus to either Nashua North or South, and will then take a shuttle bus from there to Bishop Guertin.

To purchase an annual bus pass for $65, please visit the City of Nashua website.

To Register Your Student

The City of Nashua’s transportation office has requested that both families who have already purchased an annual bus pass and those planning to enroll in the morning bus system complete the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/tp5zPx25B6XD4Fvh9

This form will help the city plan morning pick-up routes to ensure students arrive at the Nashua high schools on time before boarding the shuttle to Bishop Guertin.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to welcoming your students this fall! For questions or additional information about bus or shuttle transportation, please contact Mrs. Amy Caito in the front office.

Drivers Education | Pedal Pushers

Bishop Guertin partners with Pedal Pushers to offer driver's education classes to our students.

Key Information:

Open to New Hampshire residents only
Students must be at least 15 years and 9 months old at the time of enrollment
Classes follow the Bishop Guertin academic calendar — if BG is not in session, there is no class
Attendance is mandatory. This program requires a significant time commitment over the two-month course. Please coordinate with coaches and other extracurriculars to ensure you can fully participate. Success in the program also requires time for driving practice both during class and at home, in addition to staying on top of your schoolwork
All classes and driving sessions begin and end at BG

To see all of their policies and information, or to enroll, please visit the Pedal Pushers website.

Cardinal Steps for Success

Throughout the school year, Bishop Guertin will send an email to parents and members of the Class of 2029 as part of the Cardinal Steps for Success program. This endeavor is aimed at helping first-year Cardinals better acclimate themselves to BG and the high school curriculum. Although there is a regular email with this information, you can also check THIS SITE to stay up-to-date on all Cardinal Steps for Success correspondences.

Expansion of School Vouchers in New Hampshire - June 2025

With the signing of New Hampshire’s new universal school choice bill, all New Hampshire families are eligible for the state’s voucher program. Through the state's Educational Freedom Account (EFA) program, families may receive funding that equates to the state's "adequate education" rate, approximately $4,200 per student, with some students eligible for more based on individual circumstances. These funds may be applied to tuition at a private school such as Bishop Guertin, as well as textbooks, online instructional materials, computer hardware, summer programs, AP exams, and other educational costs.

The program is administered through the Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF), and interested families should visit the CSF website for details. While the website has not been updated to reflect the removal of income limits, CSF messaging indicates that all New Hampshire families may now apply regardless of income, there is a cap on the number of grants awarded, and families need verification by mid-July for full 2025-26 funding. Bishop Guertin families residing in New Hampshire received information about this opportunity via email on 6/11.

Families residing outside of New Hampshire should note that this program does not extend to non-residents.

The school maintains its commitment to affordability as an institutional responsibility independent of this program. We are committed to keeping tuition increases to a minimum while offering an excellent and cost-effective program at less than the statewide cost-per-student. Our need-based financial assistance and scholarship programs will continue. The Bishop Guertin High School will maintain all of its strategic commitments to efficiency, affordability, and independence.

Around BG

Daily Morning Mass

Daily mass will resume it's usual 7 a.m. start time in the BG Chapel again. Students, faculy, staff and parents are all invited to attend this service befor the start of the school day.

Brother Roger

The Redbird Report - Student Podcast

Returning for the 2025-26 school year is our student-run podcast. Re-branded as "The Redbird Report," this weekly podcast offers listeners information on all the happenings around Bishop Guertin, including upcoming athletics events as well as a look at the academic calendar for the week ahead.

You can find "The Redbird Report" on both Apple and Spotify.

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