9/22: Picture Re-Takes, Walk-A-Thon 2025, Spanish Cultural Exchange
Updated 9/29/2025
Cardinals,
As we continue through the school year with various spirit week activities, athletic events, homecoming, and other gatherings, I wanted to send out a brief reminder about our standing policies regarding substance use.
Healthy, legal, and safe decisions are expected of all Cardinals at all times, including around the use of alcohol and other substances to include nicotine. At enrollment, all students and their parents agreed to the "Substance Free Pledge," which includes a commitment not to engage in substance use (i.e. alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine [including vapes and Zyns]) at any time. The pledge includes an acknowledgement of the significant school consequences of substance use, including suspension from school and a mandatory 10 weeks of extracurricular ineligibility on the first offense. Our policy applies on- and off-campus, 24/7/365. While temptations do arise in high school, we expect that Bishop Guertin students will make appropriate decisions.
During school hours and at all events sponsored by the school, Bishop Guertin reserves the right to administer a breathalyzer test either at random or based upon observations or reports made by teachers, administrators, peers, or families.
Parents have also agreed to support this expectation. As a school, Bishop Guertin fully supports the "party host" laws in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and will make a report to law enforcement regarding any adult who facilitates underage drinking. We expect that the adults in our students' lives will act as good mentors and role models in support and partnership with the school's expectations.
We urge any student or parent who has concerns about behavior at school or at school events to report these concerns to an administrator or faculty member at any time.
As a school, we are committed to the healthy whole-person formation of our students. It is important for all members of our community to understand that our policies and expectations surrounding substance use are by no means arbitrary. In our region, we have experienced the tragic long-term effects of substance abuse. The adolescent brain is vulnerable to forming dependencies. Many addictions start with bad decisions in high school involving alcohol or other substances. We do not want any current Cardinal to confront these life-altering challenges, and so this boundary is critical.
If a student is experiencing an issue with drug or alcohol addiction, we urge the student (or concerned peers) to speak with a school counselor, teacher, coach, or other individual. We will help you to get in contact with resources who can assist. Reports made by an individual in need prior to an incident occurring will generally not be treated as disciplinary incidents nor become part of the student's records. It is important that we encourage our whole community to support and assist any individual experiencing challenges. By taking this step of coming forward, you may save a life.
Thank you for your attention to these important community expectations and for supporting a safe, healthy environment for all Cardinals.
Mr. Robert Forrester
Dean of Student Formation
9.29-10.3 | Spirit Week
Monday
Twin Day
Tuesday
Sunday Best (Foundation Day Mass)
Wednesday
Walk-A-Thon — Green and Yellow
Thursday
Camouflage
Friday
Class Colors
9.31 | Foundation Day
Spirit Week will take a brief pause on Tuesday as we gather to celebrate Foundation Day with a community-wide mass. Foundation Day marks the 1821 establishment of the religious congregation in Lyon, France, by Father André Coindre and is meant to celebrate his founding of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. The day honors Coindre's mission to provide moral, intellectual, and religious education to underprivileged youth, a goal that continues to this day.
10.1 | Walk-A-Thon
BG will head to Mine Falls in Nashua for the 33rd annual Walk-A-Thon. Students should show their school spirit and dress in their favorite green and gold! As a reminder, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Sneakers are highly recommended. Flip flops, sandals, slippers, clogs, crocs, and high-heeled or open-toed shoes are NOT permitted.
Students will begin with an assembly in the gym. Immediately following, students will be dismissed and bussed over to Mine Falls by class year. This is considered a regular school day and attendance will be taken. All athletes must be in school and walk to participate in after-school activities. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Truck will be at BG following the walk. Ice cream will be $4
Money raised for the Walk-A-Thon continues to go directly back into the school and its students. In the past, we used funds to add air conditioning for classrooms and common spaces, signage throughout the school, technology upgrades, classroom renovations, and so much more!
10.4 | Homecoming Dance
We will be hosting our annual Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Oct. 4 in the BG Courtyard (barring rain). Please see the information below regarding the expectations for students that night:
1. Check-in begins at 7:30 p.m., and you must arrive no later than 8 p.m. in order to be admitted to the dance.
2. Please avoid bringing large bags/backpacks with you to the dance, as storage space will be limited. As an additional reminder, all bags are subject to searches by any chaperone.
3. Please, no outside food or drinks. We will have snacks and beverages for you in the cafeteria.
4. Students attending the dance must stay until 9:30 p.m. No student will be permitted to leave before that time.
5. Given the amount of students attending , students will not be permitted to go to their cars once they have entered the dance. Once you check in, you are there until at least 9:30 p.m.
6. All students are expected to make safe decisions in accordance with our Student Handbook and Code of Honorable Conduct.
7. Have fun!
Tickets can be purchased in your MyBG account.
10.7 | School Picture Re-Takes
Students or parents looking for their students to re-take their 2025-26 school photo will be able to do so on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Please reach out to Mrs. Caito for more information.
10.10 | Mass — Celebration of Carlos Acutis
Students are expected to be in Oxfords for a mass during the day's opening period.
10.13 | Columbus Day — No Classes
Enjoy a three-day weekend with no classes on Monday, Oct. 13.
10.22 | Meet the College Reps
Meet the College Reps Night in the KLC at 6:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the Counseling Department.
11.13 | Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in the Roedel Field House on Thursday, November 13. There will be two sessions available to parents:
3-5 PM and 6-7:30 PM
School will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. that day. All parents are invited to attend either session, depending on convenience. It is important to note that the first session will end promptly at 5 p.m. Parents who anticipate arriving closer to the end of the first session should be aware that they will have to wait until 6 p.m. to resume any conferences they did not finish in the first session. The hour-long break is to allow our faculty time for dinner.
For convenience, parents will receive a copy of their child's schedule as they enter. As in the past, Parent-Teacher Conferences are arena style where parents simply wait in line to speak to each teacher. Generally, teachers will be seated in alphabetical order around the Field House. Since we expect a large parent turnout, please try to limit conversations to 3-4 minutes. If there is a need to continue with a longer discussion, parents can make an appointment with the teacher for a later date.
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—or possibly funding an activity bus! In addition, $10,000 will support the Student Enrichment Fund for clubs and student activities.
Mailers distributed: Tuesday, September 23, after our Walk-A-Thon launch assembly.
After the assembly, students will go to advisories to start filling them out—come prepared with addresses!
Who to send to: Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, coaches, teachers, doctors, dentists, hairdressers, etc. (No classmates, and only 2 per household.)
Students may fill one out to themselves, but only if they include a donation.
Mailers are collected on designated days (posted in advisory).
Requirements & Incentives:
Each student must turn in at least 5 mailers to participate in the Walk-A-Thon.
Fewer than 5 mailers? You’ll remain at BG (in dress code) for an alternate service project instead of joining the walk.
Extra mailers = chances at prizes + advisory competitions!
Be sure mailers are filled out correctly with your name, Student ID, and Advisory Room—otherwise they will not count.
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Location: Mine Falls Park, Nashua
Students will gather in advisories before being released by class.
Transportation will be provided by bus.
The day will be full of fun, community, and school spirit!
Dress Code: Show your BG pride: wear Green & Gold spirit wear! Be creative!
Freshmen and new students: Keep an eye on your email for more details.
Bonus: It’s an early-release day!
Junior Class Rings - Class of 2027
DEADLINE has now been moved to Sept. 26.
To learn more about how to order your ring, please see: https://jostens.co/bgringhowto27
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.