GCS newsletter covers safety steps, playground cleanup, home tour

Groton Community School, part of Groton Public Schools, released its October newsletter on Oct. 30 with updates for families on safety procedures, recent volunteer projects and upcoming events.

Director Linda Kosinski wrote that the school has established emergency shelter-in-place and evacuation plans that staff review and practice regularly, including in developmentally appropriate ways with children. During a Curriculum Day earlier this month, staff took part in a professional development session with Black Ops Tactical Consulting focused on preparedness and situational awareness. The school also recently hosted a visit from School Resource Officer Rob Wayne and Officer Peter, who toured the building, greeted children and reviewed safety procedures with staff.

The newsletter reminded families that the school's front door remains locked throughout the day. Anyone entering the building must use an authorized access code or be buzzed in by a staff member who verifies the visitor in person or through the camera system.

Families and volunteers recently spent a Saturday working on the school playground, including hauling mulch, staining benches, gardening and repairing climbing equipment. The newsletter also noted a monthly "Storytime with Inga," led by former GCS teacher Inga Nuccio, which this month focused on weather through hands-on activities.

The Groton Community Home Tour is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, sponsor and vendor information are available on the school's website, and organizers said volunteers are still needed and can view the tour with a half-day ticket.

The school is also collecting donations for a Halloween Breakfast Drive benefiting Loaves & Fishes, with collections continuing through the beginning of next week.

Other upcoming dates include a GCS board meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m., no school for Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and no school for Thanksgiving recess from Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Friday, Nov. 27.

Source: Groton Community School announcement, October 30, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.