The GHS Weekly — Family Edition

Week of October 4, 2026 • Principal: Brian Jandreau

This Week at GHS: October 4 - 10, 2026

Reminder: Lunch Passes 

Several students each lunch period request to eat lunch in a teacher's room instead of the cafeteria. This is fine, but it is really important that students have passes to eat lunch in spaces other than the cafeteria. 

Advisory: Week of October 4, 2026 

Monday, October 5th – Please use this time to check in with students about their grades. There is also a quick “Flag Survey” for students to complete if they were born somewhere other than the United States; the purpose of this survey is to make sure that all countries where our students are from are represented in the main lobby. 

Thursday, October 8th – There is a lot happening during this extended advisory (EA). 

1. The Guidance Department has put together a Counseling Services Needs Assessment as well as some information regarding standardized testing. Please stay tuned for instructions from the Guidance Department. 

2. Aspire Gorham is hosting an author talk for some students. Please stay tuned for information from Ms. Deveaux. 

3. Seniors will meet in the MPAC with me and Mike Hefty from Jostens to order caps and gowns. 

Partnering for Success: What to Do When Learning Gets Tough

By the 6th week of the school year, academic expectations are in full swing, and it is completely normal for students to hit a few bumps in the road. Whether it is managing a heavier workload, mastering a challenging concept, or navigating social-emotional stress, no student has to figure it out alone.

Here is how students and families can work together with our school team when challenges arise:

For Students: Steps to Take When You Feel Stuck

• Talk to your teachers early: Don't wait until a test or assignment is due. Reach out during class, advisory, or after school to ask questions or request extra help.

• Utilize support spaces: Take advantage of academic support opportunities, such as our RAM Lab,, to work on study strategies, executive functioning, or coursework in a low-stress environment.

• Connect with support staff: If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unmotivated, drop in to see your school counselor or social worker. They are here to help you build coping strategies and navigate stress.

For Parents & Guardians: How to Support at Home

• Maintain open communication at home: Ask your student about their workload, assignment completion, and how they are feeling about their classes. Help them review their planner, organize materials, or establish a quiet home study routine.

• Reach out directly to classroom teachers: If you notice your student struggling with homework or expressing frustration, contact their teacher via email. Early communication helps us adjust classroom strategies quickly.

• Reach out to your student's school counselor: If classroom accommodations and initial strategies aren't enough, your student's school counselor is your best point of contact to assist you in navigating the next steps. 

If you need to reach out, here is a quick reminder of who your student's counselor is and how to contact them:

GHS Counselor Caseloads 

• Betsy Anastasoff (betsy.anastasoff@gorhamschools.org)

  • All Classes (2027–2030): Last Names A–D

• Samantha Teixeira (samantha.teixeira@gorhamschools.org)

  • Classes of 2027 & 2030 (Grades 9 & 12): Last Names E–L

  • Classes of 2028 & 2029 (Grades 10 & 11): Last Names E–K

• Trisha Cherry (trisha.cherry@gorhamschools.org)

  • Classes of 2027 & 2030 (Grades 9 & 12): Last Names M–R

  • Classes of 2028 & 2029 (Grades 10 & 11): Last Names L–P

• Kate Stevens (kate.stevens@gorhamschools.org)

  • Classes of 2027 & 2030 (Grades 9 & 12): Last Names S–Z

  • Classes of 2028 & 2029 (Grades 10 & 11): Last Names Q–Z

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences

A perfect opportunity to discuss your student's progress, celebrate their successes, and collaborate on any necessary supports is at our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences! Please keep an eye on your inbox as we will be sending out the conference sign-up links in one week.

We are committed to making sure every student gets the support, tools, and encouragement they need to thrive. Never hesitate to reach out. We are in this together!

Looking Ahead