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!
THIS WEEK at GHS
Hispanic Heritage Month - Hispanic Heritage Month begins TODAY - Tuesday, October 15th. To celebrate, students in the Goochland High School ESL class and Spanish IV Honors class have put together daily trivia questions for our morning announcements. Students will have the opportunity to win prizes for participating and answering correctly. We will start and end our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with two school-wide Kahoots held during Bulldog Block. This will take place on Monday, September 16th and Monday, October 14th. This celebration will be an opportunity to highlight the contributions, influence, and achievements of Hispanic people in our world today. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. David (mdavid@glnd.k12.va.us) or Ms. Exum (oexum@glnd.k12.va.us).
Competitive Cheer Team - The Competition Cheerleading Team will have a preview of their routine on Tuesday, September 17th at 5:30 pm in the GHS Gym! GHS Students and Staff are welcome and encouraged to come to cheer our girls on before heading to their first competition at Cosby High School the following Saturday! We appreciate your support!
Marking Period 1 Interim Grades - Please be mindful that the interim for Marking Period 1 is Wednesday, September 18th. Please take a moment to view your child’s assignments and grades in PowerSchool, and contact their teachers if you have any questions or concerns. They are here to help!
SAT Practice Test- The Goochland Education Foundation and Huntington Learning Center are partnering to offer SAT Practice Test Prep for Goochland High School students. Practice tests are located at Goochland County Central High Cultural and Educational Complex on Dogtown Road. The feedback sessions are held at Goochland High School. Please go to the GEF Website for more information including other practice test dates and registration links. The Goochland Education Foundation will support any student who cannot pay the $25 registration. The next Practice Test is on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 with a feedback session on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. The registration deadline is 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 19th, 2024.
Update from the School Nurse - Please take a moment to review the notes HERE from Nurse Griffith. If you have any questions, please contact her (lgriffith@glnd.k12.va.us). Thank you!
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. Fowler (jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions or need more information.
THIS MONTH at GHS
Attendance Awareness Month - September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we encourage students and families to stress the importance of attending school. Be on the lookout for a detailed Thrillshare message about our attendance, tardy, and early dismissal process at GHS. We will also be highlighting facts about the importance of school attendance on our morning announcements in the building. Students who have perfect attendance for the month of September will receive a special treat from GHS administration. More details to come via Canvas messages throughout September!
PTSA - All parents, guardians, and students are invited to the next GHS PTSA meeting at 4:15 pm on Tuesday, September 23rd in the main office conference room. Also please join the PTSA on our website or by cash or check at the front office. Visit this page! Thank you for all of your support!
Academic Awards Night - Our Academic Awards Night will be held on Monday, September 23rd at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. If your child is being recognized at the event, you will have received an email from Ms. Ferrell this past Wednesday. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ferrell (rferrell@glnd.k12.va.us).
Homecoming Details - Spirit Week Days:
Monday, September 30th - 'Merica Monday (Patriotic gear)
Tuesday, October 1st - Tropical Tuesday (Beach/ tourist wear)
Wednesday, October 2nd - Humpday Slumpday (PJ Day)
Thursday, October 3rd - Athlete v. Mathlete (Get your jock or nerd on)
Friday, October 4th - Bold Red & Gold
Dance Guest Forms: Guest forms are available starting Monday, September 23rd in the office and Mrs. Tate’s room on the history hallway, E163. All guest forms are due on Wednesday, October 2nd.
Powder Puff Football Game: Attention 11th and 12th-grade females: Sign up for the annual Powder Puff football game beginning on Monday, September 23rd at 8:45 am in the main office. Spots are limited to 24 players per grade level and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Anyone interested in playing will also need to attend a meeting during Bulldog Block on Friday, September 27th in the gym. The game will occur on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:00 pm at the stadium. If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Funkhouser (jfunkhouser@glnd.k12.va.us).
Pep Rally: The pep rally will take place on Friday, October 4th. If your student would prefer to not attend, please fill out this quick form for Ms. Hudak. Thank you!
Floats: Does your club or sports team want to create a float for our Homecoming Parade before the Homecoming Game on Friday, October 4th? Reach out to Mrs. Tate (rtate@glnd.k12.va.us) for more information. We can't wait to see your Bulldog pride on Friday, October 4th!
Hallway Decorating: Students may decorate grade-level hallways from 3:40 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 3rd. No decorations can be on floors or hung more than 2 feet from the ceiling. Clean-up will begin at 7:30 pm and no new decorations may go up on the walls after 7:45 pm. Hallways must be clear of students and supplies at 8:00 pm.
Dance Ticket Sales: Tickets for the Homecoming Dance will be available for purchase starting Friday, Sept. 30th - Thursday, Oct. 3rd during lunches. Tickets are $10 each and can only be purchased by cash or check. Non-GHS guests must have a dance guest form submitted before having a ticket purchased for them. Tickets will not be sold at the door!
Dance: The Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 7:00 - 10:00 pm in the GHS gym. Please be aware that bags and water bottles will be checked in by GHS staff at the entrance. Students will not be permitted to go out to their cars and return to the dance. We appreciate your cooperation as we prioritize the well-being of our students! Water and light refreshments will be provided and Kona Ice will be available for purchase, beginning at 8:00 pm.
Advance College Academy (ACA) Applications - Advance College Academy (ACA) is a dual enrollment program between Goochland High School and Reynolds Community College that allows students to earn a transferable associate's degree in social science while in high school. This degree is designed to fulfill many general education requirements at four-year colleges, and the classes are taught on the campus of Goochland High School. ACA applications are open for current 9th and 10th-grade students until Monday, September 30, 2024. Previously admitted students need not reapply. To be eligible for ACA admission, a student must:
complete Algebra II no later than 10th grade with a final grade of C or higher,
complete a third year of language by the end of junior year, and
be capable of maintaining a 3.0 high school GPA.
Applications are available online HERE! If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor or Dr. Beth Fowler (bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us), GCPS Coordinator of Student Advancement.
Fire Rescue Show - The Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services is hosting a Fire-Rescue Show at Goochland High School on Saturday, October 12th, at 5:00 pm. They are planning an evening of fire and EMS demonstrations for Goochland County citizens and their children. It’s also a kick-off to Fire Prevention Week. To top it all off, a small fireworks show is planned to end the evening. This is a great opportunity to promote community risk reduction while showcasing the department. Please consider coming out and spending an evening with your local Firefighters and EMS providers.
Virginia Space Grant Consortium Opportunities- The Virginia Space Grant Consortium provides FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The programs have an interactive online STEM learning experience and are highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA.
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) for 10th-grade students focuses on the current missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Applications are open until October 24th.
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) for 11th and 12th-grade students focuses on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and onto Mars. Students learn from NASA experts on how to design space missions! Applications are open until October 24th.
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) for 11th and 12th-grade students focuses on the challenges of the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to the societal issues faced by the impacts of climate change. Engaging students in real-world investigations of the Earth and its systems using the latest research and data from NASA. Applications are open until October 24th.
Sense of Belonging Survey - Linked here, please find a preview copy of the student GCPS Sense of Belonging and Inclusion Survey that will be administered to students during their English class on Thursday, October 24th, or Friday, October 25th. The purpose of the survey is to collect student input on how our school is doing in creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for all students and to solicit input on how we can improve. Any parent wishing to opt their child out of taking this survey may do so by contacting our survey coordinator, Catherine Richards, at crichards@glnd.k12.va.us or (804) 556-5322.
Underclassmen Pictures - Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors - get ready for picture day on Thursday, October 24th, and Friday, October 25th! You will attend picture day with your English class. Be on the lookout for picture day packets coming home at the beginning of October.
Goochland Drama Presents: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe - This adaptation of C.S. Lewis' timeless classic brings to life the enchantment and intrigue of Aslan, the mighty lion, his battle with the White Witch, and the journey of four children who unknowingly step through an old wardrobe into the unforgettable world of Narnia. This show features a cast and crew of both GHS and GMS students and is perfect for family members of all ages!
SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Friday, October 25th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 26th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 27th at 2:00 PM
TICKETS:
Students and Senior Citizens (60 and Up): $10
Adults: $15
Click Here to purchase tickets and more information concerning the show!
REMINDERS
Absence/Tardy Procedures - Attendance in school significantly impacts a student’s academic success, and families play a crucial role in making sure students make it to school on time each day. The Virginia Department of Education asks schools to report chronic absenteeism each year, which is included in their School Quality Profile. As in previous years, we ask that parents call the school before 10:00 am to report their child’s absence. Students who are absent must also bring a note on the first day they return to school stating the reason(s) for their absence(s). Notes are held as legal records of student absences. Please assist us by following these policies throughout the school year so that we can continue to provide our students with a safe learning environment and ensure they receive the exceptional instruction our teachers provide. This school year, students who arrive after the tardy bell at 9:06 am must enter through the front doors at GHS and report to the tardy table for a pass to class. Please take a moment to view this letter regarding the impacts of compulsory attendance.
Backpacks for Love - Backpacks of Love, Inc. is a local charity that was formed to provide food for school children over the weekend. Children who are in need of such food will receive a small bag of food and snacks on the last day of the school week. The food exchange will be handled in a discreet manner where the student will pick up a bag of food from the front office on their way home. If you would like your child(ren) to participate in this program, please contact Kim Ford (kford@glnd.k12.va.us) or your child’s school counselor for a permission slip.
Early Dismissal Procedures - Students wishing to leave school early without their parents present must bring a WRITTEN excuse signed by their parents by 10:00 am the day of the early dismissal to the main office. This written excusal note can also be in the form of an email (coming from the parent’s email account) sent to bulldogs@glnd.k12.va.us. In the case of an emergency, parents may call in and ask for administrative approval for an early dismissal over the phone. Please assist us by following these policies throughout the school year so that we can continue to provide our students with a safe learning environment and ensure they receive the exceptional instruction our teachers provide.
Electronic Distribution of Flyers - Throughout the 24.25 school year, please visit this website for upcoming events or activities throughout the Goochland community.
MacBook Air Insurance Payments - All students and parents should sign the AUP form on PowerSchool and can pay the $30 Macbook Air insurance fee using the Online School Payment System. This fee covers most laptop repairs and a one-time replacement of lost or damaged GCPS-issued technology. Without insurance coverage, all repairs and replacement costs are the responsibility of the student/parent.
Yearbooks - Yearbooks are for sale! And due to last year’s shipping issues, Balfour has given us a one-year discount on yearbook prices! Please consider purchasing your 2024-2025 yearbook now. Yearbooks will be $55 through the end of the year and $65 after January 1, 2025. Make sure to order your yearbook through the Balfour website. Please contact Mrs. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions. We will have a spring release this year, so yearbooks will be in your hands before we leave for the summer!
Senior Class of 2025
All Night Graduation - Please take a moment to sign up HERE for the Fall concessions! Thank you!
Poinsettia/Cactus sale is coming soon! Please be on the lookout for the flyers and links soon.
ANG BINGO is coming in November! Be on the lookout for more details in the coming weeks.
Are you interested in purchasing a “Bulldog Discount Card?” If so, email the ANG team (email above) or visit Goochland Pharmacy, Goochland Cares, Virginia Archery, and River Road Cottage along with parents and at football games.
Please follow ANG on Facebook, “Goochland All Night Graduation 2025.” If you have any questions or want to join ANG, please email them at GoochlandANG@gmail.com.
College Application and Resume Writing Workshops- The School Counselors will be holding college application and resume writing workshops on Monday, October 14th, and Tuesday, October 15th during your child’s senior English class. Students will have the opportunity to work on college applications, scholarship applications, or update their resumes in the Learning Commons. Ms. Bradley, our GRASP Advisor, will also be there to meet with students who have questions about scholarships and financial aid.
Senior Information from School Counseling - School Counselors are currently meeting with seniors for one-on-one meetings to discuss their post-secondary plans. If you missed Senior Parent Night, please view the VIDEO. You can also view the slides and get the links HERE. If you would like to attend your child’s senior meeting, please schedule an appointment with their school counselor using the links.
Ms. McMullin (A-G) https://calendly.com/mmcmullin/senior-meeting?month=2024-09
Ms. Salazar (H-Ph) https://calendly.com/salazar24/senior-meeting
Ms. Ferrell (Pi-Z) https://calendly.com/mrsferrell/senior-meeting
Senior Pictures (Make-ups) - Seniors, if you missed the senior photo session over the summer, or need to retake your formal drape/tux photo, senior photo make-ups will be held at GHS on Friday, November 1st. Students who have not yet taken senior portraits will automatically be scheduled. If you took portraits in August, but wish to retake your formal drape/tux, please email Mrs. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) by Tuesday, October 1. Students will receive SmartPasses for their portrait times in mid-October. Feel free to email Mrs. Mistler with any questions!
Senior Projects - This year, students will complete a total of 20 service hours, 10 hours due in December and 10 hours due in April. Students will not be permitted to walk at the GHS graduation ceremony if they do not complete their senior project. Lastly, Education for Employment and Blue Ridge Virginia Governor's School students complete a separate senior project through those experiences. Please contact Mallory McMullin at (mmcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Class of ‘24 Graduation Details - Please mark your calendars for our GHS class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 31st at 7:30 pm at the GHS Stadium. The rain date will be Sunday, June 1st at 7:30 pm. We will have follow-up details in the coming months regarding the senior students' last day of school, senior exam week, etc.