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💥💥
Senior Sunrise - Thank you to our “All Night Graduation” parents for an amazing Senior Sunrise event for the Class of ‘27 on Tuesday morning! It was great to see all of our seniors up early and celebrating the start of a great year with their classmates! Parents, thank you for a great morning!
Staff Coffee Celebration - Many thanks to 11th-grade Bulldog Sophie Dewey, Brayden Funkhouser, Nathaniel Harris, Adele Kemp, Cameron Slemp, and Mrs. Howell (khowell@glnd.k12.va.us) for coordinating with Victory Christian Church and serving our entire staff with coffee on Friday morning! Our Bulldog Family is beyond thankful for a great start to our Friday morning!
THIS WEEK at GHS
Class Meetings - This week, administrators will host class meetings during Bulldog Block (seniors during block 2). During these meetings, students will hear updates on disciplinary procedures, learn about some of our safety protocols, and hear more about the fantastic student services we provide at GHS. They will also have an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered directly by school administrators. We believe in transparency with disciplinary and safety procedures and look forward to another successful year inside and out of the classroom!
MAPs Testing - Measures of Academic Performance (MAPs) testing will begin the second week of school in your student’s Math and English classes. Math MAPs will be given on Tuesday, August 25th, and Wednesday, August 26th, depending on which day your student has Math class. English MAPs will be given in English classes on Thursday, August 27th, and Friday, August 28th. This is a computer-adaptive test, which means the next question changes based on whether the student answered the previous question correctly or not. While this test is not graded, teachers will use this data to help guide their students’ instruction throughout the year. Please help us reinforce the importance of giving their best effort on this assessment.
Student Schedules - Schedules are available on PowerSchool. For students who would like to make a change, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. School counselors will focus on scheduling errors as their priority before the start of the school year. They will also take requests for schedule changes until Friday, August 28th, 2026. Please keep in mind that schedule change requests are not guaranteed and may require many changes in a student’s schedule to make it happen.
A-Gi: Ms. McMullin at mcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us
Gl-Ph: Ms. Salazar at ssalazar@glnd.k12.va.us
Pi-Z: Ms. Ferrell at rferrell@glnd.k12.va.us
MacBook Air Deployment and Insurance Payments - All students and parents should sign the AUP form on PowerSchool. They can pay the $30 MacBook Air insurance fee using the Online Givebacks 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. Students of all grade levels are required to pay the insurance fee.
Athletics and Activities - Please visit www.GoochlandBulldogs.com for up-to-date schedule information. You can also follow us on Instagram @GoochlandSports. You can also watch many of these events live-streamed 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
Senior Projects - In English 12 classes during the week of August 30th, our seniors will learn more details about their senior project requirements. This website can provide details on requirements, deadlines, and more! This year, students will complete a total of 20 service hours, 10 hours due in January and 10 hours due in April. Students will not be permitted to walk at the GHS graduation ceremony unless they complete their senior project. Lastly, Blue Ridge Virginia Governor's School students complete a separate senior project. Parents, the first step in this process is yours! Please fill out this Parent Acknowledgement Form by Friday, September 18. Please contact Mallory McMullin (mmcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Boys Basketball Interest Meeting - There will be a boys basketball interest meeting Monday, August 31st during Bulldog Block in C-143. Please see Coach Gordon (prgordon@glnd.k12.va.us) in room I-202, if you have questions.
Parking Passes - All eligible students may purchase a parking pass. These passes can be purchased on the GHS Givebacks website, and the cost is $75.00. Once the purchase is complete, students must complete this application. Applications must be printed and submitted in person. Parking pass monitoring and associated consequences will begin on Monday, August 31st. Students should only park in their assigned spot. Please email Mr. King (cking@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
College Colors Day - Thursday, September 3rd, is College Colors Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite college gear that day.
GCPS Closed: Labor Day - As a reminder, Goochland County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, September 4th, and Monday, September 7th, for the Labor Day Holiday. We hope you enjoy your four-day weekend.
Staff Recognitions - Please take a moment to nominate one of our GHS staff members for a September BARKS award. All nominated teachers will be notified of their nominations. Two specific staff members will be selected and celebrated at our faculty meeting on Wednesday, September 16th. This was very special for our teachers' last school year! We look forward to reviewing the responses! Please make your submissions by Tuesday, September 8th.
Junkyard Dogs Robotics Team is Looking for New Members - The Goochland Junkyard Dogs Robotics team is looking for new members and will be collecting applications (linked HERE) through Friday, September 11th. Interviews will follow on Friday, September 18th. As part of FIRST Robotics, the Junkyard Dogs practice and implement skills that translate to almost ANY employment environment. These skills include planning, budgeting, time management, observing deadlines, leadership, communication, design, outreach, fundraising, building, using tools, machining, web design, programming... the list is extensive. Their six-week season starts in January, and competitions follow. During the season, the team designs, builds, programs, and tests (and iterates) a robot from scratch to compete with other robots in our district. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Maloney (rmaloney@glnd.k12.va.us).
Academic Awards Night - Our Academic Awards Night will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:00 pm in the auditorium. If your student is receiving an award for honor roll from the end of last year, has earned a CollegeBoard recognition, is being recognized for an honor society, is receiving a book award, or is receiving another award, you will be contacted via email by Friday, September 17th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ferrell (rferrell@glnd.k12.va.us).
SAT and PSAT Registration - Goochland High School is pleased to offer students opportunities to take the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT during October 2026. Please review the information linked here, as the registration process is different for each testing opportunity. Within this message, there are September and October deadlines.
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. Students who arrive after the tardy bell at 9:00 am must enter through the front doors at GHS and report to the tardy table for a pass to class.
Attention 11th & 12th Grade Families - If you are interested in completing “Behind the Wheel” through GHS this fall, there are limited openings remaining. If you have questions or are interested in getting on the schedule, please contact Mr. Farkas (wfarkas@glnd.k12.va.us) or Mr. Gibbs (lgibbs@glnd.k12.va.us).
Bulldog Gear - Check out our online school store. We have hundreds of products that can be customized to show your GHS spirit! Purchases are shipped directly to your home. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Fowler (jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us).
Calling All Local Veterans - Ms. Morrison, one of our U.S. History teachers, is looking for veterans for the 2026-27 school year to be "adopted" by her ACA 11th-grade students. Local veterans willing to volunteer to be interviewed by 11th graders (and have an awesome time with our students all year!) are encouraged to join. Veterans can join via the Google Form on the GHS Veterans Project website or by emailing Ms. Morrison (rmorrison@glnd.k12.va.us).
Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy - The Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy is back for the coming school year. This is a service-learning group that works in partnership with Chick-fil-A to make a positive impact on the Goochland Community. Activities include reading to elementary students, volunteering at the Veterans Hospital, and working with Goochland Cares. Any interested students, please see Coach Kempf (wkempf@glnd.k12.va.us) or in room E160 to join.
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 26.27 school year, please visit this website for upcoming events or activities throughout the Goochland community.
Fentanyl Awareness - Per the Virginia Department of Education, school divisions are required to share a “Fentanyl Awareness” document with parents. Please take some time to view it HERE.
GHS Cross Country Team - The GHS Cross Country team is still accepting new runners to join the team for the Fall season. Cross country is great for anyone looking to get in shape for a winter sport or just looking to stay active during the fall. There is no prior running experience necessary - just the willingness to try your best. All practices will be after school from 3:45 - 5:15 pm at the GHS Stadium. Please contact Coach Funkhouser (jfunkhouser@glnd.k12.va.us) for more information.
G-Tech Classes - Students who attend classes in the GTech building will need to meet in the front bus loop once the bell rings for the block. We have a shuttle bus that will pick up and drop off students throughout the day. Students are not allowed to drive to GTech.
Library Purchase Process & Notifications - You can find the GCPS library book purchasing process and instructions for receiving checkout notifications for your student here. For questions, please contact Mrs. Dewey, GHS Library Media Specialist (ldewey@glnd.k12.va.us) or Elizabeth Kingdom, Coordinator of Early Literacy and Gifted Education (ekingdom@glnd.k12.va.us).
MacBook Insurance Fees - As part of our 1:1 program, Goochland County Public Schools offers this program through payment of a student fee. It is a voluntary repair protection program against accidents for electronic devices loaned to students as part of our 1:1 Deeper Learning Initiative. Instead of contracting out for a third-party insurance service, Goochland pools the collection of device fee money at your child’s school to help offset the cost of repairs throughout the school year. We have found, in comparison with third-party insurance services, that our program is more cost-effective for families. Families who do not participate in the program are responsible for all repair/replacement costs of the loaned equipment. What is covered:
The devices currently covered are MacBook Air laptops. These devices are leased. The current value of these devices is $649. The replacement cost for the MacBook charger is $30. By paying the student fee and participating in this program, you benefit in that accidental incidents are covered for the MacBook and charger up to the replacement cost. If devices have to be replaced, another fee will be collected to continue participation in the program.
Second and subsequent accidental damage requiring repair will be covered up to $100. A meeting with the school administration is required to get a replacement device. Another fee can be collected to continue participation in the program. Students and/or their parents need to report repair needs immediately to school officials.
Please take a moment to pay your $30 fee on Givebacks, our new online payment platform, before the start of the school year. This year, there is also an option to purchase a charger for $20. If you have any specific questions, please contact the HelpDesk team (techhelp@glnd.k12.va.us).
Outside Food Items - Federal regulations prohibit outside food vendors from selling or distributing food during school hours. Our food services staff has worked extremely hard to provide our students with different menu options. Please consult their daily menu HERE.
Student Drivers - All student drivers should have a GHS parking pass. Within the first two weeks of school, Mr. King will distribute parking passes to those who have completed the registration form and paid the parking fee in Givebacks but did not pick up their pass on Back-to-School night. Beginning on Monday, August 31st, any student who drives to school without a pass will receive a ticket. Additionally, student drivers are not permitted to return to their cars during the school day without administrative approval. Please reach out to Mr. King (cking@glnd.k12.va.us) if you have any questions.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up - The high school student drop-off and pick-up area is located in the back stadium parking lot. Take advantage of the short line in the back instead of joining the middle school drop-off line in the front parking lot.
Supervision After School - Students are asked to leave campus before evening activities because we cannot provide supervision after school. Any student who wants to stay after school must be accompanied by an adult. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
Visitors - Visitors are required to enter the building through the main entrance and, upon arrival, scan a valid government-issued photo ID at the Visitor Aware kiosk to sign in. VA Mobile ID and photos of the ID will not be accepted. The kiosk will print a visitor badge that should be worn for the duration of the visit to GHS. Visitors should state the purpose of their visit to Ms. Brown or another GHS staff member at the front desk.
The following are some key reminders for visitors:
Main entrance only: Visitors must enter and exit through the main entrance (Door 1) at the front of the building.
ID check: Visitors must present a valid ID for scanning at the Visitor Aware kiosk.
Appointments required: Meetings and classroom visits must be scheduled in advance. We are happy to assist you in scheduling visits to ensure your time at GHS is productive.
Restricted access: Visitors are only allowed in areas related to the purpose of their visit and must be escorted to and from those areas by GHS staff.
Unauthorized guests: Students’ friends, former students, or unapproved minor relatives are not permitted to visit during school hours.
Sign out: Visitors must sign out in the main office and exit through the main entrance (Door 1).
Yearbooks - Yearbooks are for sale! Please consider purchasing your 2026-2027 yearbook now. Yearbooks will be $60 through the end of the year and $70 starting January 1, 2027. Make sure to order your yearbook through the Jostens 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 2027
All Night Graduation - The next ANG meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00 pm in the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center Conference Room at 2748 Dogtown Rd. Families, seniors, teachers, staff, and community supporters - all are welcome! If you’re unable to join in person, please join us virtually on Google Meet (or copy and paste into your browser: https://meet.google.com/qmx-gjee-bhh?authuser=3&hs=122)
Bulldog Cards - Support the senior class and enjoy various discounts and perks at local businesses! Cards are $10 each and valid through October 2027. Please contact us with any questions!
Stay informed:
Facebook: GCPS Class of 2027
Instagram: @ghs_ang27
Email: For questions or to be added to the ANG email list, please contact us at goochlandang@gmail.com
We look forward to working together to celebrate our seniors, and we thank you for your support! We would especially like to thank the families, staff, and seniors who made this year’s Senior Sunrise one for the record books! What a great way to kick off the year!
Senior Parent Night- The School Counseling Department will be hosting a Virtual Senior Night for parents of seniors who would like to know more about post-secondary options on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:00 PM. You can join using this link meet.google.com/twe-auie-bmx or join by phone at (US)+1 407-986-1027 PIN: 389 481 528#
Senior Portraits - Strawbridge Portrait Studios will hold make-up portraits on Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th. More information about make-up portraits will be available closer to the dates. These will be the only senior portrait sessions offered at GHS this year. If you plan to take a portrait for the yearbook with a private photographer, please plan to have a digital copy sent to Kristen Mistler by Tuesday, December 1. Our submission criteria are: blue background; vertical, formal poses; 300 dpi; wallet-size crop. Questions about yearbook photos or senior portraits should be directed to Kristen Mistler, yearbook advisor (kmistler@glnd.k.12.va.us).
Quick Reference to School Contacts:
Activities| Athletics | Events: Mr. Fowler at jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us
Attendance: Front Office Staff at bulldogs@glnd.k12.va.us
Assistant Principals:
A-L: Mr. King at cking@glnd.k12.va.us
M-Z: Ms. Coiner at ecoiner@glnd.k12.va.us
Canvas/Instructional Technology: Ms. Richards at crichards@glnd.k12.va.us
Medications | Clinic: Nurse Duffey at kduffey@glnd.k12.va.us
PowerSchool: Ms. Foster at rfoster@glnd.k12.va.us
Principal: Mr. Hahn at bhahn@glnd.k12.va.us
School Counselors:
A-Gi: Ms. McMullin at mmcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us
Gl-Ph: Ms. Salazar at ssalazar@glnd.k12.va.us
Pi-Z: Ms. Ferrell at rferrell@glnd.k12.va.us