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💥
Civics Teacher of the Year - Hats off to Ms. Rachel Morrison (rmorrison@glnd.k12.va.us) for being named the 2026 National Civics Teacher of the Year by the Bill of Rights Institute. Check out this link to read her write-up from the Bill of Rights Institute. Thank you, Ms. Morrison, for your dedication to our GHS students!!
Homecoming Court - Congratulations to the following students who were voted to represent their grade level for Homecoming Week last week:
9th Grade - Audrey Alford & Thomas Gessatti
10th Grade - Molly Paschall & Miles Smith
11th Grade - Ashley Toro & Michael Johnson
12th Grade Court - Queen = Morgan Hope, Ellie Johnson & Virginia Waldrop
- King =
Peter Anderson, Danny Heyworth & Ryan Johnson
Congratulations to our queen, Virginia Waldrop, and our king, Ryan Johnson.
MCJROTC Raiders Competition Team - A huge congratulations goes out to our Goochland MCJROTC Raider Teams for an incredible showing at the MCJROTC State Championship last weekend! Our Mixed Team took 1st Place OVERALL as State Champions, while our Male Team secured 2nd Place OVERALL as State Runners-Up! With these huge victories, BOTH teams have officially qualified to compete at MCJROTC Nationals this coming April! In the Individual Ultimate Raider Competition, Ryan Pillon took 1st Place to bring home the Gold Medal, and Nathan Strong earned 2nd Place for the Silver Medal! Way to dominate at States and represent Goochland with pride and grit—congratulations and good luck at Nationals!
Senior Choir Honors - The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Senior Honor Choir is a highly selective statewide ensemble for high school seniors, with students auditioning in prepared repertoire and sight-reading. We are thrilled to announce that Will Hyer, a GHS senior, has been selected for the 2026 VMEA Senior Honor Choir from a pool of 519 auditioning students across Virginia! This marks the first time a Goochland High School student has ever been selected for this prestigious honor. From November 19–21, 2026, Will will rehearse and perform in Richmond alongside outstanding senior vocalists from across the Commonwealth under the direction of Dr. Deanna Joseph of Georgia State University. Following last year’s first All-Virginia Chorus Delegate, this achievement represents another exciting milestone for Will, the GHS Choral Department, and the continued growth of musical excellence at Goochland High School! Way to go, Will!
Staff BARKS Awards - Congratulations to Mrs. Misty Stuck (Finance Secretary) - mstuck@glnd.k12.va.us and Mr. Tracy Hamner (English Department) thamner@glnd.k12.va.us for being awarded our October Faculty Bulldog BARKS award. We received over 40 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
Girls Basketball Interest Meeting - There will be an interest meeting for any girls interested in playing basketball this year during Bulldog Block on Tuesday, October 27th in room E160. Please sign up on Flex. Please contact Coach Kempf (wkempf@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Monthly Athletic Boosters Meeting - The October Athletic Boosters will meet on Tuesday, October 27th in the cafeteria at 6:00. If you would like to be more involved, please contact Mr. Fowler (jfowler@glnd.k12.va.us). A virtual link can be found here. We would love for you to join us!
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) - The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) brings parents and educators together to partner on improving special education programs and support services across our schools. Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, October 27th at 5:30 pm.
Report Card Distribution - Students will receive Marking Period 1 report cards from their teachers during Block 1 on Wednesday, October 28th. Please reach out to your student’s teachers should you have specific questions.
Swim Team Interest Meeting - There will be an interest meeting for any students interested in swimming this winter during Bulldog Block on Thursday, October 29th in the cafeteria. Please contact Coach Brown (abrown@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Summer Residential Governor's School Applications - Applications for the 2027 Summer Residential Governor's School programs are available on the VDOE website for current high school sophomores and juniors. Video profiles showcasing each program are also accessible on the site. Interested students should complete the SRGS interest form no later than Friday, October 30th. Please contact Kecia Howell (KHowell@glnd.k12.va.us) with questions.
Gifted Referral Window Open - The Fall gifted referral window is open! Teachers, students, parents, and community members may complete a referral for gifted evaluation throughout October (referrals from sources other than parents can be found here). 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
To return your referral or to discuss the gifted evaluation process, please contact Kecia Howell (khowell@glnd.k12.va.us) before Friday, October 30th.
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
GCPS Student Experience Survey - The GCPS Student Experience Survey will be administered to students during their block 2 class on Monday, November 2nd. If you prefer your child not to participate, please print, complete, and return the physical GCPS Opt-Out Form to your school’s main office. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hahn (bhahn@glnd.k12.va.us).
GCPS Closed - All GCPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 3rd for Election Day. Our Bulldog staff will be participating in virtual professional development.
Goochland Christmas Mother Food Drive - Goochland Christmas Mother Food Drive - It is time once again for us to help our community in need through the Goochland Christmas Mother Food Drive. GHS will be collecting canned food from Monday, November 2nd - Thursday, November 19th. The food will be picked up on Friday morning, November 20th. Please bring in canned meats, peanut butter, pork and beans, or dried beans for the Christmas Mother. No glass containers, please. Get ready for a friendly competition - the 1st Block class that brings in the most cans will win a yummy prize. If you have any specific questions, please contact Ms. Salazar (ssalazar@glnd.k12.va.us).
ASVAB Testing - Students in English 11 will participate in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Career Exploration Test (ASVAB CEP) on November 4th and 5th. The students will take the iCAT version of the ASVAB, which means it cannot be used for military entrance. Instead, it serves students, families, and school counselors by providing valuable information about a student’s current aptitude and post-secondary interests. Students who have VA/US History on Day 1’s will test on Wednesday, November 4th during Blocks 1 - 2. Students who have VA/US History on Day 2’s will test on Thursday, November 5th during Blocks 1-2. Please be on the lookout for an email from Dr. Rainbolt (srainbolt@glnd.k12.va.us) outlining specific details.
ACA Orientation - Class of 2030 ACA students and newly admitted Class of 2029 ACA students are cordially invited, along with their parents, to attend ACA Orientation on Wednesday, November 4th, at 6:30 pm. This virtual event will feature an overview of the program that will help families plan over the next four years (including summers). We look forward to seeing you online at this Google Meet. Can't log in with video? Please dial: (US) +1 231-844-9650 PIN: 662131905#. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hudak (amhudak@glnd.k12.va.us).
AP Exam Registration - Students in Advanced Placement Courses have the option to take the AP exam associated with that course. Higher scores on the exam can result in possible college credit depending on the college/university. More information and test registration can be found HERE. Registration is due by Friday, November 6th! If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Rainbolt (srainbolt@glnd.k12.va.us).
Winter Sports - Winter sports start at Goochland High School in a few weeks. All participants must have a physical on file dated within the past fourteen months to participate in tryouts per VHSL requirements. We look forward to seeing our athletes in action this winter! Here is information for various sports:
Boys Basketball: Monday, November 9th -
Contact Coach Gordon at
for more information.
Girls Basketball: Monday, November 9th -
Contact Coach Kempf at
for more information.
Wrestling:
Monday, November 9th, at 4:00 pm
at the old GES facility. Contact Coach Ross Harris at
for more information.
Swim: Tuesday, November 17th
at the Goochland YMCA. Contact Coach Brown at
for more information.
Winter Cheer:
Cheerleading tryouts for the winter sideline season will be held on
November 16th, 17th, and 18th
. We will meet in the GHS cafeteria at 3:35 pm each day. Contact Coach Stuck at
for more information.
Indoor Track: Monday, November 30th at 3:45 pm
at the GHS Stadium/Track. Contact Coach Fowler at
for more information.
Veterans’ Day Ceremony - On Wednesday, November 11th, GHS will hold our annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony at 9:30 am in the school auditorium. Please wish our MCJROTC Cadets and Band members luck as we celebrate America and those brave few who answered her clarion call to serve in her defense.
Underclassmen Pictures Retakes - Underclassmen's make-up picture day will be Thursday, November 12th. Students who missed the original picture day or wish to retake their pictures can do so on this day. Please contact Ms. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Prom Planning Committee - Attention Juniors and Seniors! Want to help plan prom? If you want your input heard for the event, please join the Prom Planning Committee. We will meet once a month until prom time to discuss possible themes, fundraising, and what YOU want to see and hear at prom. Our first meeting will be on Monday, November 16th, during Bulldog Block in the Learning Commons. Contact Mrs. Proffitt (mproffitt@glnd.k12.va.us) to be added to the Pass group, or sign up yourself to attend. See you there!
Flight Night at GMS - Goochland Middle School Athletics invites all students, families, alumni, and community members to Flight Night on Friday, November 20th, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the GMS Gymnasium. Admission is FREE — voluntary donations benefit our players' uniforms, tournaments, and equipment. Join us in supporting our student-athletes as they soar into an exciting new season!
Mock Interviews - GHS will host our 9th annual Mock Interviews Event on Wednesday, December 9th. Business leaders from around the Richmond-Metro area have volunteered to spend their morning with us to interview our students and provide them with feedback. Our seniors and junior CTE completers will be participating in this event. Students should dress in business casual attire for their interview and have their résumé with them, either in a digital format or printed. We look forward to offering this fantastic opportunity for our students to prepare them to be career-ready!
Reminders
Child Check - Do you have questions about your young child's development? Goochland County Public Schools offers free screenings for children ages 2 to 5 (not yet in kindergarten) residing in Goochland County. Please check out the flyer HERE.
Electronic Distribution of Flyers - Throughout the 26.27 school year, please visit this website for upcoming events or activities throughout the Goochland community.
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 (ANG) - The next ANG meeting is Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm. Families, seniors, teachers, staff, and community supporters - all are welcome!
The 13th Annual Noel November Holiday Bazaar
- Are you a local business owner looking for a great way to boost holiday business AND give back to your community? This year’s bazaar will be held on
Saturday, November 7th
,
from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
at Goochland High School. Vendors needed! Please email
.
Come learn the ins and outs of bow making with local expert Annette Jones of Six Pence Wreaths & More during Noel November! Choose a class time and
: Morning: 10:00 - 11:30 am OR Afternoon: 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The $25 fee includes all materials and instruction. The workshop will be held in the GHS Gym, and each class has 10 spots. Your support benefits the Goochland ANG Class of 2027. We hope you can join us!
Chilly nights call for Brunswick stew made by Beaverdam Grill!
and pick up at Noel November on
Saturday, November 7th
for $12/quart
Volunteers needed for the indoor concessions fundraiser -
Volleyball season is almost over and we’re moving right into basketball and wrestling! Come have some fun in the concessions kitchen for a great cause!
First-timer? Don’t worry! You’ll be paired with experienced volunteers to help show you the ropes.
Bulldog Cards
- Support the senior class and enjoy various discounts and perks at local businesses! Cards are $10 each and will be available for purchase at home sporting events. If you are unable to attend and would like to purchase a card, please email
.
Stay informed
Facebook:
Instagram: @ghs_ang27
Email: For questions or to be added to the ANG email list, please contact us at
We look forward to working together to celebrate our seniors, and we thank you for your support!
Financial Aid Support - Our GRASP Advisor this year is Mrs. Lissa Gupton. Ms. Gupton will be at Goochland High School on Wednesdays to help students and families with how to pay for post-secondary education. You can schedule an appointment with Mrs. Gupton today or email her at goochland@grasp4va.org. The FAFSA is open now!
Senior Portraits - If you plan on taking your portraits with an outside photographer, please plan to have a digital file sent to Mrs. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) by Tuesday, December 1. The requirements for senior portraits taken with other photographers are: blue background; vertical, formal poses; 300 dpi; wallet-size crop.
Senior Projects - 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. Please contact Mallory McMullin (mmcmullin@glnd.k12.va.us) with any questions.
Senior Advertisements - Those families wishing to buy an ad in the yearbook for their senior can do so HERE. Once you select and pay for your desired ad size, you can create and design the ad in Josten’s online program. Ad purchases are due by Monday, February 1st! If you have any questions or would like help designing an ad, please contact Mrs. Mistler (kmistler@glnd.k12.va.us) before that date!
Class of ‘27 Graduation Details - Please mark your calendars for our GHS class of 2027 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 22nd at 7:30 pm at the GHS Stadium. The rain date will be Sunday, May 23rd 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.