Gardner High School (8-12)

Hello Gardner High School Families! 

I am very excited to get started with the 2025-2026 school year. This will be my sixth year here at GHS, first as Principal, and I can say that each new year brings a fresh level of excitement as we continue to build upon all the great academic, vocational, and extra-curricular programs that we offer at GHS. We are very proud of the work being done by our faculty, staff, and administration to provide an equitable and well-rounded education for all our students in preparation for college and careers.

I would like to welcome our two new assistant principals, Ms. Paine and Mr. Nevers, who will be joining me, Ms. Davis, Mr. Tenney, and Mr. Forte to round out our administrative team. We are pleased to have them on board in this capacity, as they will bring their experience and strong relationships with staff and students into these important positions. As an admin team, you should expect us to be visible, communicate, and model our school-wide CARE expectations. 

During the summer, more renovations happened at the high school as we continue to invest in our infrastructure. New projectors have been installed in one-third of our classrooms, some of which include highly innovative smartboards. There have been continuous upgrades to our electrical systems throughout the building. We continued our work in our auditorium, which included upgrades to the lighting and sound systems. We have made further improvements to our new intercom system, which will enable better communication between all rooms, which is also an important safety improvement. Several classrooms have been painted, and we are in the very early stages of renovating our locker rooms and weight room area.    

We are also pleased to say that we have approximately 100 juniors and seniors enrolled in our Early College Academy this year at Mount Wachusett Community College. That's 100 students who will be receiving free college classes while they continue as Wildcats with full access to all GHS has to offer. In addition, we have dozens of students who will be taking college classes in English and Business right here at the high school during the traditional school day. We also continue to schedule classes for our Auto Technology and CNA Programs, which run in conjunction with MWCC. Our Manufacturing Program at GHS continues to grow in numbers as well. We are also excited to continue our partnership in the Monty Tech MVP Program, which has enabled 20 juniors and seniors to enroll in electrical and carpentry programs through Monty Tech, while still attending their academic classes with us. Much like our Early College Program, students in the MVP Program remain Gardner High School students. The academic classes and vocational programs we are offering keep growing and growing, and give all our students the chance to pursue opportunities in their areas of interest. As always, reach out if you would like more information.

Remember, the first day of school for all students in grades 8 through 12 will be on Tuesday, September 2. As usual, school buses will be letting students off in front of the building. Parent drop-off and pick-up will be behind the building. For the most up-to-date bus schedules, please look on the district website at www.gardnerk12.org under the transportation tab, where you will soon find updated 2025-2026 bus routes. You should check the routes right up to school starting as there could be some minor changes.

As we did last year, we will be asking parents and guardians to complete all back-to-school forms online. You will be receiving an email with instructions on how to access those forms through PowerSchool, as well as a separate email with instructions on how to access PowerSchool if you have forgotten how to do so or if you need to change your password. Please take the time to review this information thoroughly, as it is very important that we have accurate contacts, phone numbers, email addresses, medical information, etc.  

Enjoy the last few days of your summer and be prepared to have another great year at Gardner High School!

Sincerely,

Michael Bartkus, GHS Principal

Mission

Gardner High School provides an enriched academic environment fostered through relevance, rigor and relationships and ensures that each student learns at a high level.  

• In the classroom, we challenge all students in a supportive, positive environment that promotes scholarship and helps students develop the skills and characteristics to make them successful for their future.

• On the field, stage, or court, we create fun, engaging opportunities for students to excel in athletics, the arts, and co-curricular groups.

• We promote personal development and a sense of service to your community.

Vision

We will be the premier school of choice for our students and their families.