Updated 11.24.25
11.24.25
Dear Parent,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we reflect on all that we are grateful for. In recent years, psychological research has shown that gratitude is correlated with well-being, happiness, and low anxiety. The Thanksgiving season is a time to develop this habit in ourselves and our students.
We have much to be grateful for here at Bishop Guertin. We have dedicated teachers and staff members who are committed to a 200-year mission of forming our students into well-prepared, moral, compassionate, and faithful people. We have the support and inspiration of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, calling us to continue in the spirit and tradition of their founder, Fr. Coindre. Education is a partnership, and we are fortunate to partner with committed and engaged parents and families, who support our students in meeting the challenges in front of them. And finally, most importantly, we are thankful for our students, whose talents, compassion, engagement, and hard work create a strong community and provide all of us with hope for the future, all in accordance with our theme this year: Build Sanctuary, Create Hope.
The end of the first semester and midterm exams will occur before Christmas Break. Please avoid travel or appointments during exam week, including Friday, December 19, which serves as our make-up day. Further details are posted below, and will be emphasized after Thanksgiving Break. The end of the semester will arrive quickly. Now is a good time for students to begin organizing themselves for the final push.
On a serious note, there have been recent news stories about the resolution of cases involving alleged abuse at Bishop Guertin High School during the 1980’s and 1990’s. While we cannot discuss the cases and their resolution, our present-day commitment is to a safe environment for all current students. Every teacher and staff member undergoes a comprehensive background check prior to hiring. All faculty and staff members complete annual training on student safety, abuse prevention, and mandatory reporting requirements. Any reports of situations that may place students at risk are investigated and, when warranted, reported to the appropriate authorities. There is a process to review our response to any allegation. This is a broad overview; do not hesitate to reach out at any time if you have any questions about our policies and procedures today. We rely on the instincts and the observations of every parent, student, and staff member as we strive to ensure a safe environment for our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership in the formation of your sons and daughters. We are honored and thankful for the trust you place in us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jason Strniste
Principal
11.25 | Junior Class Dinner Cruise
The junior class will enjoy this annual tradition of a dinner cruise on Boston Harbor.
11.26-28 | Thanksgiving Recess
No classes. Enjoy time with family and friends!
11.24-12.11 | Christmas Toy Drive
During the Thanksgiving Prayer Service, advisories select one local child each to sponsor for Christmas gifts — children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. This tradition continues to bring out tremendous compassion, maturity, and enthusiasm from our students as they work together to support families and neighbors in our community.
12.6 | Holly Day Fair
Please join us for the 51st Annual Holly Day Fair on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair takes place at Bishop Guertin High School in the Roedel Fieldhouse. This is one event you won’t want to miss!
At the fair enjoy the following:
To read more, please visit this webpage.
12.6 | Gingerbread House Competition
This annual tradition brings together up to 50 teams in a friendly competition to see who can create the most impressive and original gingerbread houses. The event will take place in the cafeteria from 7-9 p.m. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Millett or Ms. Bettencourt.
12.8 | Immaculate Conception Mass
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12.10 | Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert: Join us in the Gym at 6:30 p.m. for a festive evening featuring performances by our musical groups and choruses.
12.11 | Door Decorating Contest
Advisories will spend the morning wrapping gifts for local children as part of our toy drive. Students will also decorate their homeroom doors in a friendly school-wide competition.
12.15-18 | Exams
Dear Parents and Students,
As we approach Midterm Exams, I would like to share some important information and resources to help everyone prepare for this significant academic period.
In order to help students prepare for exams, The BG Counseling Department has created a helpful video with tips and strategies for managing the upcoming weeks. This resource covers various aspects including maintaining health and efficiency during exam preparation, effective study techniques, and understanding the importance of midterms and their impact on transcripts. That video will be posted here when it is published.
Please follow this link to the Midterm Information page for detailed scheduling. Note that Friday, December 19 will be a required testing day in case of snow cancellations during the week. Families should not make plans to be away from school before that date.
While the schedule differs from our regular routine, this is not a relaxed vacation period. Students should make thoughtful choices in managing their time and exam preparation. The exam review process is designed to help students reinforce concepts learned throughout the year.
Exam grades will not be available during Christmas Break, as we want our faculty to enjoy time with their families. Exam results will be made available after classes resume in January. Semester grades are the first 'official' grades of the year and will be used for GPA calculations, honor roll, and eligibility determinations.
Thank you for your attention to these details, and we wish you both a successful midterm period and a wonderful start to your Christmas and holiday season!
Sincerely,
Mr. Gurall
Largest service-oriented, student-based fundraiser!
Began in 1992
The Walk-A-Thon has grown from raising $25,102 in 1992 to just over $123,001 in 2024
Funds from past Walk-A-Thons have been used to improve many areas of our school, including:
Beautifying campus spaces
Locker room upgrades
A/C installation in classrooms
New signage
Technology charging stations
New seating in the KLC room and courtyard (plus the tent)
Renovations to the Beaumont Center
Bathroom updates
This year’s fundraising will go toward updating common student areas such as locker rooms and the café! In addition, $10,000 will support the Student Enrichment Fund for clubs and student activities.
Explore the St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program (ASP)
The St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program (ASP) is a renowned five-week summer experience that has transformed the lives of New Hampshire students for decades. Designed to challenge and inspire, ASP offers a true college-level academic environment complemented by a dynamic writing program that helps students craft their college application essays.
Beyond the classroom, ASP features a wide range of activities and athletics that foster exploration, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Colleges and universities recognize ASP as one of the premier summer programs available to high school students.
Information sessions will be held in the coming weeks and spots limited, so be sure to sign up early!
ASP is open to all current sophomore and junior students, and financial aid is available.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity!
To learn about the program, please visit their website:
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.
Upcoming volunteer opportunities:
51st Annual Holly Day Fair December 6
Donate Pre-made Baskets for our Raffle
Donate Gift Cards
Work at the Fair
7 – 11 AM or 11 AM – 2:30 PM
Help with Clean-Up
28th Annual Legacy Dinner and Auction April 11
Assist with administrative tasks for various offices
Help our FIRST Robotics Team 811 at practices and events
Graduation festivities
For more information, please visit: https://forms.gle/weT1ekwtdQMtRsZK6
Spanish Cultural Exchange | 2026
The deadline to apply and submit the first deposit is October 10, 2025.
Priority will be given to students who both host and plan to travel. Applications are available from any Spanish teacher or through this Google Drive. For questions, please contact lacknerl@bghs.org.
French Cultural Exchange | 2026
The deadline to apply and submit the first deposit is October 10, 2025.
Priority will be given to students who both host and plan to travel. Applications are available from Madame Conrad. For questions, please contact conrade@bghs.org.
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.
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
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.
Updated Dress Code Information for 2025-26 School Year
The following was sent as an email to all parents and students on June 10:
We’re writing to inform you of important updates to the Bishop Guertin dress code for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. After careful consideration, we are implementing several changes to ensure our dress code standards are clear, consistent, and aligned with our educational mission.
While final versions of next year’s dress code will be available by the end of the month, outlined below are new additions/adaptations as well as some points of emphasis for next year:
New Additions/Adaptations for the 2025-26 school year:
Skirts must now be worn with black, opaque tights/nylons (no exceptions)
The crewneck sweatshirt will begin to be phased out for incoming freshmen, and a new pullover ¼ zip is available through BSN (link forthcoming)
Points of Emphasis for the 2025-26 school year:
Hair length for young men should remain off the collar and not cover the face or eyes
Proper dress shoes must be worn by all students
A comprehensive list of approved and unapproved footwear will be provided soon
Piercings will be limited to traditional earlobe piercings and for female students only
We recognize that the enforcement of our skirt length policy has presented ongoing challenges. The current requirement for skirts to rest “no higher than a student ID card above the knee” has been difficult to maintain consistently. The new requirement for black, opaque tights provides a solution that maintains professionalism which is the school’s expectation.
Likewise, our standards for male students emphasize neatness and professionalism — including particular emphasis on requirements for clean-cut hair that does not extend beyond the top of the shirt collar or over the face, tucked-in shirts, and properly fitting attire (to include things like trouser length).
At Bishop Guertin High School, our dress code policy is thoughtfully designed to support our mission of educating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. We believe that our expectations for personal appearance prepare our students for lives of purpose and leadership while honoring their inherent dignity.
In preparing our students for future success, we recognize that professional settings maintain standards of appearance. Our dress code introduces students to these expectations in a supportive environment.
These standards reflect the realities students will encounter in many careers and formal settings, providing valuable experience in adapting to professional environments. Learning to navigate these expectations now builds confidence and competence for the future. Following our dress code helps students develop self-discipline and understand that different environments call for different forms of self-expression. This preparation serves students well beyond their time at Bishop Guertin, instilling habits of mindfulness and intentionality.
We are grateful for your partnership in upholding these standards as we work together to form young people of faith, intellect, and character who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.
Respectfully,
Robert Forrester
Dean of Student Formation
Information for Ordering School Pictures
Parents,
In addition to our French and Spanish exchange programs, Bishop Guertin proudly welcomes international students into our school community for the full academic year. As we prepare students for college life, we embrace opportunities to create a culturally rich environment that mirrors what they will experience on campuses across the country.
BG partners with the international program provider StudySix, and we are currently seeking host families for the 25/26 school year. Host families play a vital role in providing a safe and supportive home, meals, internet access, a study area, extracurricular opportunities, and a welcoming environment—treating students as part of the family. As a thank-you for your generosity, StudySix offers a $1,200 monthly stipend for hosting a student.
Additionally, as a special April incentive, we are offering a $100 Visa gift card to anyone who completes Steps 1-3 of the host application process this month. You can begin by visiting www.studysix.com/host.
New for this year, we are launching an International Student Portal, where registered hosts will be able to view student profiles for the upcoming academic year, ensuring the best possible match between students and families.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Casey Henry at henryc@bghs.org or (603) 966-4351.
We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to our community and hope you’ll consider opening your home to an international student.
Thank you for your support!
Casey Henry
International Student Services
Bishop Guertin is pleased to announce and offer transportation to students/families outside the Greater Nashua area for the 2025-26 academic year.
Interest in bus service has been quite high in recent years and we will run THREE separate morning buses. If you are interested in securing a spot, please take the following steps:
Click on the link to pay for the service ($900, non-refundable for the entire school year)
Please click on the "STUDENT TRANSPORTATION BUS ROUTES" drop-down menu to complete the form registration and payment.
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.
Select from the following three routes which stop is convenient for you (Please note these stops are tentative at this point and pick up times may be slightly adjusted).
The following bus routes will be available this year:
East Route
Bowlero Lowell, Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA | 6 AM
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Bridge Street, Dracut, MA | 6:15 AM
Hannaford, Bridge Street, Pelham, NH | 6:25 AM
Icenter Salem, Lowell Road, Salem, NH | 6:35 AM
Shaw’s, Indian Rock Road, Windham, NH | 6:45 AM
The White Birch Catering & Banquet Hall, Central Street, Hudson, NH | 7 AM
Bishop Guertin High School | 7: 20 AM
North Route
Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH | 6:40 AM
LaBelle Winery, 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
Market Basket, Jones Road, Milford, NH | 6 AM
NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, Route 13, Brookline, NH | 6:15 AM
Hannaford's, Main Street, Townsend, MA | 6:25 AM
Pepperell Community Center | 6:40 AM
Dunstable Free Public Library, Main Street, Dunstable, MA | 6:55 AM
Bishop Guertin High School | 7:20 AM
The Nashua School District will continue to provide bus transportation for Bishop Guertin students residing in Nashua in 2025-26.
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.
For questions or additional information about bus or shuttle transportation, please contact Mrs. Amy Caito in the front office.
UPDATE (8/15/25):
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.
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
2025-26 Schedule
Sept. 10 - Oct. 29
Nov. 5 - Jan. 23 (1 snow day)
Jan. 30 - April 10 (2 snow days)
April 15 - June 10
All classes are on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3-5 p.m.
To see all of their policies and information, or to enroll, please visit the Pedal Pushers website.
Textbook information is available at the bookstore page. This page also includes information about summer reading. Students should be sure to order all textbooks in advance and be attentive to their summer reading. They will be assessed and graded at the start of school.
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.
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
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.