Check out this week's updates, information, and upcoming events at Goochland High School. The Bulldog Bulletin is your weekly look into the great things happening at GHS. Go Bulldogs!
💥💥Student Recognitions💥💥
Congratulations to the following students who received a GCPS ECCHO award on Tuesday night at the monthly school board meeting. Both of these Bulldogs exemplify what it means to be a student in our school division:
Hannah Jones (12th Grade)
Hakeem Braggs (12th Grade)
We are so proud of you both. Thank you for embodying what it means to be a Goochland Bulldog. Congrats to you and your family!
💥💥💥Staff Celebrations💥💥💥
Congratulations to the following GHS Bulldog staff members for being honored with a GCPS ECCHO award on Tuesday night at our monthly school board meeting: Ms. Kathy Jenkins (kjenkins@glnd.k12.va.us), Ms. Bridget Parker (bparker@glnd.k12.va.us), Mr. Josh Rooke (jrooke@glnd.k12.va.us), Ms. Lynne Siewers (lsiewers@glnd.k12.va.us), Mr. Jay Sykes (jsykes@glnd.k12.va.us), Ms. DiNecia Timberlake (dtimberlake@glnd.k12.va.us), and Mr. Earl Turner (eturner@glnd.k12.va.us). We are so excited to honor these staff members for their daily dedication to our Bulldog Family! I have listed their email addresses for you to congratulate them!
Congratulations to Ms. Mary Paige David (ESL) mdavid@glnd.k12.va.us, Ms. Megan DeRose (History Department) mderose@glnd.k12.va.us, and Ms. Emily Holloway-Costa (English Department) ehollowaycosta@glnd.k12.va.us for being awarded our February Faculty Bulldog BARKS award. We received over 25 staff member nominations from our faculty, students, and parents. Thank you to all who nominated one of our staff members. All nominations will be shared with those individual staff members!
THIS WEEK at GHS
GCPS Closed - GCPS will be closed on Monday, February 19th (President’s Day). Enjoy your extended weekend!
National FFA Week - Please join the Goochland High School FFA Chapter and all the FFA Chapters across the nation to celebrate National FFA Week from February 19th - February 23rd. Here are the themes for the week:
Monday: No School
Tuesday: Camo Day
Wednesday: Western Wednesday
Thursday: Blue and Gold Day (The official National FFA colors)
Friday: Favorite Truck Friday (Red if you like Chevy and blue if you like Ford)
Spring Sports - Spring sports are just around the corner. Tryouts will start on Tuesday, February 20th. Please reach out to the coaches for more details. You must have a physical on file dated after May 1st, 2023 to participate.
Baseball - Wes Farkas - wfarkas@glnd.k12.va.us
Boys Lacrosse - Matt Leynes - mleynes@glnd.k12.va.us
Girls Lacrosse - Stephanie Hixon - shixon@glnd.k12.va.us
Boys Soccer - Leon Williams - lwilliams@glnd.k12.va.us
Girls Soccer - Jason Funkhouser - jfunkhouser@glnd.k12.va.us
Softball - Dan Allen - dallen1@glnd.k12.va.us
Boys Tennis - Tommy Webb - twebb@glnd.k12.va.us
Girls Tennis - Brett Alvis - ebalvis@glnd.k12.va.us
Track - Stephen Ferguson - sferguson@glnd.k12.va.us
Black History Month Events - In addition to the instructional activities taking place in students’ academic classes, the faculty has planned a week full of African American History to celebrate Black History Month.
On Wednesday, February 21st, GHS will host an HBCU and Black Owned Business fair to provide connections and opportunities for our community and GHS students. The students in our African American History class have created trivia questions for a school-wide trivia game on Thursday, February 22nd during Bulldog block. The trivia will highlight contributors to African American history and American history that stems from both African American and Afro-Latin heritage. We will cap off the week with a Black History Month pep rally on Friday, February 23rd with step team performances, games, a DJ, and a guest speaker. We are extremely excited to celebrate Black History Month at GHS! Hats off to Ms. Amanda Tolson (atolson@glnd.k12.va.us) and Mr. Bryant Winbush (bwinbush@glnd.k12.va.us) for their hard work organizing these events!
Athletics and Activities - Please visit www.GoochlandBulldogs.com for up-to-date schedule information. Many of these events can be streamed live at www.NFHSNetwork.com. Feel free to contact Mr. Joe Fowler (jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions or need more information.
THIS MONTH at GHS
Spring Gifted Window Now Open! - The spring gifted referral window is open! Teachers, students, parents, and community members can now complete a referral for gifted evaluation until Thursday, February 29th. As a reminder, Goochland identifies students as gifted in the following areas: English/Language Arts, Math, General Intellectual Aptitude, Fine Arts (including vocal music, instrumental music, dance, acting, technical theatre, and studio arts), and Career and Technical Aptitude. If there is a student you'd like to refer for evaluation, please contact Kecia Howell (khowell@glnd.k12.va.us).
School Board Appreciation Month - This month we celebrate our School Board members during National School Board Appreciation Month! We are extremely fortunate to have an amazing group of school board members who do everything they can to support our students, staff, and community. This month, we want to thank Ms. Allen, Ms. Maxwell, Ms. Moses, Ms. Robinson, and Ms. Wirsing, for their hard work and dedication to our school community. Please join me by taking a moment to let them know how much you appreciate them!
Asynchronous Day - Tuesday, March 5th will now be an ASYNCH day for students and staff. This day will be used day as a catch-up school day with no introductions of any new material. Teachers, counselors, and administrators will be available virtually for any remediation or meetings that are needed.
Youth Art Month - GHS is celebrating Youth Art Month this March. The first week will be a Fine Arts spirit week with daily themes:
Monday, March 4th is Monochromatic Day: Pick your favorite color and wear it head to toe.
Tuesday, March 5th is an Asynchronous Day
Wednesday, March 6th: Dress as your favorite music artist or wear your favorite band T-shirt.
Thursday, March 7th: Come dressed as your favorite actor, movie, or theater character.
Friday, March 8th: Wear the rainbow!
Our spirit week will lead up to our county-wide Fine Arts Festival at GHS on Friday, March 8th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Come see performances and art on display from every school, k-12. Our National Art Honor Society students have planned weekly art activities every Wednesday during lunch so be on the lookout for their activity table in the cafeteria and come make some art!
SATs at GHS - GHS will be a host site for the new digital SAT test on Saturday, March 9th. Register online at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org by Friday, February 23rd!
Transition Extravaganza at Powhatan High School - Our friends over in Powhatan are hosting this amazing event! Please see the attached flyer for registration information. PCPS Transition Coordinator and SEAC are hosting the 2023-2024 Transition Extravaganza in the Powhatan High School auditorium on Monday, March 11th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The event will provide students with disabilities and their families the opportunity to learn more about various agencies and resources that can assist with a smooth transition to life after high school. Participants will enjoy listening to 10-15 minute presentations from the various agencies about how they can support the transition planning process. Some of the topics addressed will include requesting accommodations at the college level, guardianship, applying for social security benefits, the application waiver process, apprenticeships, resources for independent living, varying supports for competitive employment, college for students with significant disabilities, resources for students with autism, and many more! There will also be raffles throughout the event, so be sure to attend the extravaganza for a chance to win! If you have any questions, please reach out to our GHS Transition Coordinator, Ms. Sherrah Knight (sknight@glnd.k12.va.us.)
Sophomore ACA Kick-Off - Sophomore ACA students and parents, please mark your calendars now for Wednesday, March 20th at 6:00 PM! You are cordially invited to join the Reynolds Career Coach, the ACA Site Director, current professors, and students that evening for our virtual ACA Summer Preparation Kick-off (Google Meet HERE). We'll cover topics such as the required summer course outline, payment timelines, communication channels, access to resources, and strategies for planning, surviving, and thriving beyond the summer. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Beth Fowler (bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us). We can't wait to see you all there!
Reminders
Hanover Regional Governor’s School for Career and Technical Advancement - The Hanover Regional Governor’s School for Career and Technical Advancement (HRGS-CTA) is a regional, ten-day summer residential program designed for gifted CTE students in our region who have demonstrated accomplishment, aptitude, and interest in CTE curricula and careers. These applicants must be rising juniors who expect to continue to the CTE program during their final two years of high school; or rising seniors who have completed at least one credit in a CTE course and/or are currently enrolled in a CTE course with a grade of “B” or better and who expect to continue in the CTE program during their final year of high school. This year’s program is planned to be held July 11 – July 20, 2024, on the campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. Please view the promotional flyer for more information. The due date for the HRGS-CTA applications is to be returned to the School Counseling office or your CTE teacher by March 1, 2024.
My Princess Project- Prom Boutique Event Self Nomination 2024 - Do you need a prom dress? My Princess Project is here to help! We are holding our second Boutique Event from March 12th through March 16th, where we allow our participants to come and shop for a free prom dress and accessories. We hope that every student has a chance to attend Prom 2024 regardless of financial circumstances! If you are interested in our program, please visit our website HERE and click to get a dress to see if you might qualify for our program. The links to the three forms are attached at the bottom of the website and need to be submitted by Friday, March 1st to be considered. If you aren't sure and have questions, you can text/call Mary Thumma at (757)472-2193. This program is on a first-come/first-serve basis with limited spaces. Let’s make Prom 2024 the one to remember and celebrate this milestone moment in style!
Preparing for Prom 2024 - Did you know that every year, prom is completely funded by ticket sales and donations? With the rising costs of venue rentals and other related expenses, the funds do not go as far as they used to! We strive to make tickets to prom affordable for all of our students while still providing them with a memorable and special evening at prom. This year, students have made it their goal to make prom extra special by having a live band. Unfortunately, this cost exceeds what is in the budget for music and entertainment for the night. If you or a business you know is looking to help make Prom 2024 an extra-magical experience, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our prom fund. Donations can be made by cash or check (made out to Goochland High School, memo: prom) anytime between now and Monday, April 1st. For more details or information, please reach out to Lauren Lorello (Junior Class Sponsor) at LLorello@glnd.k12.va.us.
University of Richmond Brain Bee: March 24th - The University of Richmond Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition open to any high school student in grades 9 - 12 interested in learning more about the brain and brain-related careers. No prior knowledge is necessary to participate. For more information, please read the attached letter HERE.
Lost Library Books and Technology - Please check around the house for any library books, textbooks, or loaner GCPS technology. We have more than 170 students that have overdue items. All items can be returned to the Learning Commons. We do not assess fines, but we do charge for lost books and laptop chargers. Please email Ms. Palmer (apalmer@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions.
Scheduling 2023-24 School Year - School Counselors are meeting with students for their one-on-one Academic and Career Planning meeting. Parents are welcome to attend ACP meetings virtually or in person with their child. Here are the links to schedule ACP meetings with School Counselors:
Schedule with Ms. McMullin A-G Schedule with Mrs. Fisher H-Ph Schedule with Mrs. Ferrell Pi-Z
Other Important Links:
Course Registration Presentation 24-25 / Program of Studies 24-25 / Course Options 10th-11th (with videos for electives) / Parent Override / Senior Early Release Form
Summer Opportunity - Pathways to Science, a free summer residential experience for high school Latinas in Central Virginia. The purpose of the program is to engage Latinas who are interested in STEM early in their high school career with the goal of encouraging them to pursue a college education and career in STEM. Ideally, the students who are applying are current 9th graders and once they are accepted into the program they will be invited to return every summer until they graduate, accumulating more experiences each year. The 2024 camp is scheduled for July 7th – July 10th. Students can apply online at this link. You can find more information on our website: www.pathwaystoscienceva.com. The application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2024.
Senior Class of 2024
All Night Graduation - Mark your calendars:
Casino Night will be at Bandits Ridge on Friday, March 15th from 6:30 - 10:00 pm. Casino Night will be featuring our Local band - GONE COUNTRY! Doors will open at 6:00 pm. Casino games will take place from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Come out for a night of fun! Tickets are on sale now and prices will go up on Friday, March 1st. Goochland ANG Casino Night Tickets (google.com) Do you know someone who has a business or would like to sponsor a table? If so, we have different levels of sponsorships. Feel free to reach out to ANG and let them know you would like to know more.
Have you purchased a Class of ‘24 T-shirt or Hoodie? If you ordered an item, they are available for pick up. Everyone has been contacted by email to arrange a pickup spot. If you would like to purchase a “Class of ‘24 T-shirt or hoodie,” or a Senior Mom or Dad shirt, please look HERE!
Baccalaureate Service - This year's celebration will take place on Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 pm at Ragland Memorial Baptist Church.
Seniors- Be sure to mark your calendar for Friday, June 7th for Senior Sunset! More details to come…
Please follow ANG on Facebook HERE! If you have any questions or would like to join ANG, please email them at GoochlandANG@gmail.com.
ACA Graduation Date - The date has been set for the Reynolds Community College graduation ceremony! ACA students and families, please mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 14th at 2:00 pm. The location for graduation will be the VCU Siegel Center, and ACA graduates will be excused from school for the day. Please pay careful attention to future Canvas announcements for updates on ordering graduation regalia this spring. You can also find specific information related to the Reynolds graduation ceremony as it becomes available on the dedicated graduation site. Feel free to also reach out to Dr. Beth Fowler (bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Graduation - We are excited to announce that we will hold our Class of 2024 graduation services on Saturday, June 8th, at Goochland High School at 7:30 pm (rain date: Sunday, June 9th, at 7:30 pm). Additional details will be forthcoming, but rest assured, our graduation committee will work extremely hard to make this another very special graduation service, one deserving of an exceptional class. Feel free to contact Ms. Reahard (treahard@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.