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Bulldog Bulletin: May 12-16

Goochland High School

May 13, 2025

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!

💥💥Bulldog Recognitions💥💥

Busch Gardens Field Trip Results - Congratulations to the Goochland High School Chorus and Band students for their outstanding performances at the Music Showcase Festivals Competition held at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on Saturday, May 3rd! The GHS Band earned First Place with a Superior Rating and received special recognition for Outstanding French Horn Section and Outstanding Tuba Section. Individual honors went to Elena Dewey (12th grade) for Outstanding French Horn Solo and Ashley McDermott (12th grade) for Outstanding Clarinet Solo. The GHS Chorus also brought home First Place with a Superior Rating and was named Grand Champions of the entire Choral Division. We are so proud of these talented students for representing Goochland with excellence!

Class of 2025 College Acceptances - Attention seniors! We would love to acknowledge your college acceptances as you have gotten in. Please fill out this form. You must be logged in to your GLND email to access to submit. Please let us know so we can recognize YOU for your accomplishments! Be sure to contact your counselor with any questions. HERE is a map of where our seniors have been accepted so far.

Fishing Club Update - At the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster High School Series event held at Buggs Island (Kerr Lake), the duo of Isaac Kowalski and Miller Nixon from the Goochland County Bass Team delivered a commendable performance. They brought in a total catch weighing 11 pounds and 3 ounces, placing them 26/132 boats on the High School side. Bassmaster+1Bassmaster+1 While this weight didn't place them among the top finishers, their efforts showcased their dedication and skill in a competitive field. Buggs Island, known for its challenging fishing conditions and diverse fish population, tested the mettle of all participants. The tournament provided a platform for young anglers like Isaac and Miller to gain valuable experience and demonstrate their passion for the sport. Photogallery

GCPS Celebration of Excellence - At the annual GCPS Celebration of Excellence on Thursday night, our Bulldog Family recognized the following staff members: 

Goochland MCJROTC Wins Region 8 Raider Championship! - Great news! Our Goochland MCJROTC Raider team, led by Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Pillion, emerged victorious as the Region 8 Raider Champion at the competition on Saturday, May 3rd. This impressive win concludes an undefeated season for the team! Adding to the accolades, Cadet Captain Sam Farkas placed third in the individual Ultimate Raider competition. Congratulations to all our cadets on their hard work and success!

Junior Marshals- Congratulations to our Junior Marshals, who have earned the highest academic distinction for our junior class. These ten students were recognized for their academic achievement and will assist with our graduation activities this year.  Congratulations to McKena Allen, Lindsey Burnet, Avelynn Buss, Meredith Eastwood, Jed Fowler, Josh Gaskill, Jackson Leonard, Hailee Lopez, Jacqueline Mead, and Anne Richmond Nuckols.  

Prom King and Queen - Congratulations to the following students who were named our GHS Prom 2025 King and Queen:

  • Jackson Beam (King)

  • Arabia Aaron (Queen)

Also, a huge shoutout to Ms. Boehm (mboehm@glnd.k12.va.us) for an amazing job organizing our prom this year at Adams International School. Her leadership is greatly appreciated!

THIS WEEK at GHS

Spring Testing Calendar - Please refer to the GHS Spring 2025 Testing Calendar for end-of-the-year testing information and upcoming events. This year, we plan to hold two asynchronous days (May 12th and 19th) to accommodate our staffing needs during SOL testing. Only students who must take an SOL will report on those dates. All other students will work on previously assigned work from home. No one will be required to log into a virtual class on those days. Additionally, all students must take their final exams during the specified testing window. Anyone unable to attend school during the exam window must have a parent contact their administrator.  Please contact me (bhahn@glnd.k12.va.us) or Dr. Stacey Rainbolt (srainbolt@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions.

  • Highlights for THIS week:

    • Monday = Asynchronous School Day

      • Only Reading 11 and Science SOL testers attend

      • AP Testing (Calculus AB and BC)

      • GHS/GMS Chorus Concert at 7:00 pm

    • Tuesday = AP Testing (French and Environmental Science)

      • ACA Graduation at VCU at 2:00 pm

      • Theatre Arts Showcase at 6:30 pm

    • Wednesday = AP Testing (English Language)

      • GHS Dance Spring Recital at 6:30 pm

    • Thursday = AP Testing (Spanish Language/Culture & Computer Science Principles)

      • Senior Exams - Day 2/Block 1 & Day 2/Block 3 classes

    • Friday = AP Testing (Physics 1)

      • Senior Exams - Day 1/Block 1 & Day 1/Block 3 classes

Asynchronous School Days - GHS will have an asynchronous learning day on Monday, May 12th. Only students taking a Reading 11 SOL or a Science SOL are required to come to school on this day. All other students will remain home and work on existing assignments for their Day 1 classes. If you would like your student to leave GHS after their SOL, please email our front office staff (bulldogs@glnd.k12.va.us).

SOL Testing Reminder - Students: If you are taking any of the SOL tests on Monday, May 12th, or a retake throughout the week, please make sure that you bring both a fully charged laptop and your computer charger to school. The Learning Commons does not have enough loaner laptops or chargers to meet everyone's needs, so please don't forget to grab both before leaving the house. Good luck!

SCA and Class Applications - Students, are you interested in being a leader next year and representing your class and school? If so, please consider applying for Student Council Advisory. Positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer for each grade and the entire student body (rising 11th & 12th graders). Responsibilities include attending monthly meetings and helping plan fun events for the student body, such as Homecoming and Spirit Weeks. Students who have submitted their application will be notified of their eligibility and can campaign from May 12th - 16th. All students will vote during Bulldog Block on Tuesday, May 20th.  The winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 21st, and will meet with Mrs. Tate on Tuesday, May 27. Please contact Mrs. Tate (rtate@glnd.k12.va.us) or stop by room E163 with any questions.

Attention Class of 2026 Parents - All Rising Senior parents are encouraged to follow the GCPS Class of 2026 Facebook page for announcements regarding ANG (All Night Graduation) and other Senior-related activities. The first meeting to elect officers and gain valuable information will be led by Michelle Brooks, current ANG President, on Wednesday, May 14th at 5:00 pm in the GHS Cafeteria. If you are unable to make the meeting but would like to be included, you can contact Stephanie Braxton at 804-496-8861 for more information.

GHS Spring Dance Recital - The GHS Dance Department will be hosting the Spring Dance Recital and Senior Solos on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm in the High School Auditorium. This is FREE to attend. Come out and support the GHS Dancers and enjoy a nice of various styles of dance including tap, modern, jazz, musical theater, and hip hop.

GCPS Wellness Night - GCPS is hosting the Stronger Together Fun Run for our Goochland Community on Wednesday, May 14th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm (Gates open at 5:00 PM, Fun Run begins at 5:30 PM) at the GHS stadium. The purpose of the event is to promote health and wellness among students, families, and staff.  We'll have food trucks, games, bouncy houses, and door prizes. We'll also have various community organizations there to help connect families with resources. Participants will also be able to participate in a "fun run" with colored chalk.  Come out and join the GCPS mental health team, participate in games, and enjoy a free night of family fun! This event will be fun for all ages. Please contact Ashley Lawson (alawson@glnd.k12.va.us) or Melissa Mariner (mmariner@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.

Senior Send-Off Week - Please join the Bulldog Family with our Prom Spirit Week dress-up days during the week of May 15th - 16th and May 20th - 22nd:

  • This is for all students to show their school spirit and support our seniors for their last week(s) of fun at GHS!

  • Thursday, May 15th - Life Stages - Seniors dress as senior citizens, juniors dress as adults, sophomores dress as elementary schoolers, and freshmen dress as toddlers!

  • Friday, May 16th - College Day - Show off your favorite college swag!

  • Tuesday, May 20th - Job Day - Show off your future plans by dressing as your future career

  • Wednesday, May 21st - Black v. Colorful - Seniors wear black and underclassmen dress colorfully! Our seniors are mourning the end of their high school era!

  • Thursday, May 22nd - Anything but a Backpack - Must be school-appropriate and not be gasoline-powered or noisy! *No pets or younger siblings!

Miss Goochland Pageant 2025 - The annual Miss Goochland Pageant will be held on Friday, May 16th at 6:00 pm in the GHS Auditorium. Anyone interested in participating in the pageant should fill out the registration form found HERE. Registration and entry fees are due by Thursday, May 15th, at rehearsal. Fees can be paid by cash or checks made out to Goochland High School.

Goochland Day (Class of ‘25) - The annual “Senior Walk” in the Goochland Day Parade will be on Saturday, May 17th. It is a nice tradition where the seniors walk in the parade for that proud moment of graduating. All participating seniors will meet at the front GHS parking lot by 8:00 am for the shuttles. ANG parents will have breakfast for the Seniors on the courthouse green. The lineup for the parade is at 9:30 am. If it does not rain the day of the parade, please where your cap and gown. Regular clothes underneath.  If it does rain, do not wear your cap and gown, but something that represents your school colors. We will have a banner for Seniors to hold, and the parade starts at 10:00 am. Once the parade is complete, Seniors may enjoy the festivities or head out. Seniors will also earn tickets to the Senior Sunset event.

Baccalaureate (Class of ‘25) - The Class of ‘25 Baccalaureate will be held on Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 pm in the GHS auditorium. Seniors are encouraged to attend an inspirational afternoon with music, speakers, and light refreshments afterward. Please wear what you will wear to graduation under the gowns, and don’t forget your caps.  Seniors can earn tickets for attending, which can go towards Senior Sunset raffle prizes.

Update from the Learning Commons - All textbooks, library books, calculators, loaner laptops, and loaner chargers are due on Thursday, May 22nd. While we do not add fines based on the amount of time an item is overdue, you may be charged the value of the lost item. If you aren’t sure whether you owe the library an item, please stop by! We are happy to check your account. Thank you for supporting your school by returning borrowed materials on time! Please email Mrs. Boehm (mboehm@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions!

End-of-Year Reminders from Nurse Griffith - As the end of the school year approaches, I wanted to send out a few reminders:

  • GCPS does not allow students to carry medication on school buses; therefore, if you supply the school clinic with medication or medical supplies for your student, a parent/guardian must pick it up. You may pick up your student’s medications anytime during school hours (8:15 am - 3:35 pm) until Friday, May 30th, at 1:35 pm. After that time, any remaining medications will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

  • If your student has a chronic health condition (i.e., Diabetes, Seizures, Asthma, Severe allergies), they will need an updated medical management plan completed by their physician for the next school year (2025 - 2026). Also, if your student will be taking medications for any reason during the next school year, they will need a new Medication Administration Form completed.

  • Are you the parent of a current 11th grader? If so, your student is required to have at least one dose of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) after the age of 16 or a religious exemption form by the first day of school. These immunizations are provided through your healthcare provider and the Goochland Health Department. Various pharmacies and care centers like Patient First may also provide this vaccine. Students will not be allowed to attend school until documentation is received. 

If you have any questions, please contact me, Nurse Griffith at 556-5322 x4875 or by email at lgriffith@glnd.k12.va.us.

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

Anticipated Yearbook Distribution—The 24-25 GHS Yearbook has arrived! We plan to distribute during the week of May 19th. If you are currently on the waitlist, you will receive an email from Mrs. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) to the email you provided once we know how many extras we have to sell. Please look out for updates and additional distribution details on Canvas coming soon!

2025-26 Sports Physicals - The athletics department will have four Tuckahoe Orthopedic doctors perform VHSL physicals on Wednesday, May 21st at 3:45 pm. This will cover liability for athletes, including band members, from May 2024 - July 2026. VHSL physicals will need to be completed and turned in to Coach Fowler before participating in summer and out-of-season workouts. The cost is $20. Students must have a signed Tuckahoe Orthopedic Acknowledgement Liability of Relationship form by a parent to be seen by a Tuckahoe Orthopedic doctor, along with the family history. Please contact Coach Fowler (jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us), Coach Gordon (prgordon@glnd.k12.va.us), Coach Krupp (kkrupp@glnd.k12.va.us), or Mr. Gittelman (jgittelman@glnd.k12.va.us) for more information.

MCJROTC Awards Ceremony - The annual MCJROTC Awards Ceremony is on Thursday, May 22nd at 5:00 pm in the GHS gym. Cadets should report at 4:30 pm in uniform. Second-year Cadets and up should wear the Service Uniform. First-year Cadets should wear Cammies/polos. Parents are encouraged to attend and celebrate the Cadets' hard work this year.

GCPS Closed - As a reminder, all Goochland County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 26th, for the Memorial Day holiday. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and remembers those in our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving this great country. 

GHS Cheerleading Fall 2025 Sideline Tryouts - Cheerleading tryouts for the fall sideline season will be Tuesday, May 27th - Thursday, May 29th. Rising 8th - 12th graders are eligible to try out. We will meet in the GHS Cafeteria each day when the bell rings, and you should be dressed and ready by 3:50 pm to start. Please visit HERE for tryout information and forms/applications that will need to be completed before tryouts. Please message Coach Madison Jackson through Canvas or email mjackson@glnd.k12.va.us with any questions!

Volleyball Beginners Camp - GHS is excited to host our annual Beginners Volleyball Camp! This camp is geared towards players who are new to the sport. It will be held from June 16th - 18th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm each day in the GHS Gym. This camp is open for all rising 4th - 9th-grade students. The cost is $75 and can be paid online via OSP. Please reach out to Coach Jacobsen (rjacobsen@glnd.k12.va.us) or Coach Ferguson (epferguson@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions!

REMINDERS   

ATTENTION RISING 12TH GRADERS & PARENTS! - The State of Virginia requires all students going into the 12th grade to receive the Meningococcal vaccine. Please make sure to submit proof of vaccination to me before the start of the 25-26 school year. I’ve attached this link with additional information from the Department of Health. Please let me know if you have any questions (lgriffith@glnd.k12.va.us).

Dual Enrollment Fees - Dual enrollment course fees have been assigned as an obligation in OSP for any student who has requested a Reynolds Community College class in their 2025-26 schedule. This includes all ACA students. Summer dual enrollment course fees are due in May, but the fees for the 2025-26 school year are not due until Friday, August 1st. Families who are interested in spreading their payments out can begin to do so now by making partial payments. As a reminder, the fees can be tricky to find! You will locate them by clicking on "Pay Obligation" in the blue bar at the top of the OSP screen ("Pay Obligation" is found in the menu when accessing OSP on your phone). Please reach out to Dr. Fowler (bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions regarding payment or to request an application for financial assistance.

Electronic Distribution of Flyers - Throughout the 24.25 school year, please visit this website for upcoming events or activities throughout the Goochland community.

PTSA Board Members Needed - The PTSA is seeking the support of parents who want to join the PTSA Board for the 2025-2026 school year. It’s a great way to help support our students, staff, and community by providing an exceptional experience here at Goochland High School. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, please contact the GHS PTSA (goochlandhsptsa@gmail.com).

Summer School - Another section of Health and PE 10 has been added and has spots available.  For more detailed information about summer school options, please go to the Summer Programming Website. 

Senior Class of 2025

All-Night Graduation - The tradition of our “Senior Walks” through our elementary schools will be on Friday, May 23rd. The school and time are as follows: RES at 9:00 am, GES at 10:00 am, and BES at 11:00 am. Those who attend will earn tickets for the Senior Sunset event. 

  • All seniors - please fill out the form HERE! The deadline to complete this form is Friday, May 23rd.

  • Be sure to mark your calendars now for the “Senior Sunset” on Friday, May 30th, from 6:00 - 10:00 pm in the GHS softball field. We will do different activities, games, food, pictures, and raffle prizes! Please make plans to attend! All seniors must be present at 6:30 pm to be eligible for the prizes.

  • 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. 

Scholarships - A lot of new scholarships have been added to the GHS Class of 2025 Scholarships sheet. Please contact Ms. McMullin (mmcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions!

Reynold's Graduation Ceremony (including ACA students) - The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 2:00 pm at the Stuart C. Siegel Center (1200 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23284). Be sure to mark your calendars now and tell all your friends and family! Seating will not be limited for this event, so there is room for them all!

Senior Materials Collection - Seniors will have an opportunity to turn in their GCPS-issued items (laptop, chargers, uniforms, textbooks, library books, etc.) following their senior walk on Thursday, May 22nd at 9:30 AM. The final opportunity to return items is before graduation practice on Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 AM. All items must be returned before receiving tickets for graduation.

Senior Scholarship Breakfast- This year, we will be holding a senior scholarship breakfast to present seniors with scholarships on Wednesday, May 21st. Students and parents will be invited to this program via email and will be asked to RSVP.  The time of the event will also be included in the email. 

Senior Awards Night and Decision Night Reception- Our senior awards night will be on Tuesday, May 27th, at 6:00 PM. We encourage ALL seniors to attend this event as we will be celebrating all students with a slideshow presentation and reception to celebrate seniors' post-secondary plans for college, trade school, military, apprenticeships, or the workforce.  Parents of seniors earning an award will be notified by email.  We also ask seniors or their parents to submit a picture of their senior with their plans to this document or email Ms. McMullin at mmcmulln@glnd.k12.va.us.  If a picture is not submitted, senior portraits will be used.  If you don’t want your child to appear in the slideshow, please email Ms. McMullin.

Graduation - We are excited to announce that we will hold our Class of 2025 graduation services on Saturday, May 31st, at Goochland High School at 7:30 pm (rain date: Sunday, June 1st, at 7:30 pm). HERE is the message shared with senior families a few weeks ago. Feel free to contact Ms. Reahard (treahard@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.