Duke Update September 29, 2024
This week we are recognizing our Maintenance and Custodial Staff! Thank you for keeping our school clean and running smoothly.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and National Physical Therapy Month.
Congratulations to Jacob Garret on being named the Jostens Renaissance National Student of the Month! Jacob was selected for his commitment to improving the school climate and culture at GHS. Read more at https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/jacob-garrett/
School Culture Survey: During second block on Wednesday, October 2, all GHS students and staff will be invited to participate in the Jostens Renaissance School Culture Survey. The results of the survey will help to guide school culture initiatives intended to increase staff and student morale, promote academic achievement, and make GHS an even better place for everyone in our school community. The survey is anonymous and is optional for everyone. The link to the survey will be posted in Canvas, so anyone who does not have a chance to take it during second block on Wednesday can take it anytime before October 9. For more information on the Jostens Renaissance program, please visit https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/
Security Screening: We want to thank our students for their continued cooperation with the security screenings that we have implemented. Here are some updates and reminders on the process:
- This week, we will begin screening all visitors to GHS throughout the day. Visitors must come through the Main Entrance.
- All students who are getting dropped off in the parent loop must come in through the Main Entrance first before going to classes in C-Hall or the portables.
- In the morning, students going to first block classes in C-Hall or the portables should exit the main building through the doors near the School Counseling Office across from the cafeteria, and not through the Main Entrance. This change will help with traffic flow in the morning.
- Our students are doing a great job of being prepared and getting through the scanners quickly, and we are able to get students through the scanners before first block begins. With this in mind, we remind student drivers to enter the building promptly upon arriving at school so they can be in class on time. Failure to do so will result in being marked tardy.
- As a reminder, students should be prepared to take their Chromebooks, binders, and other large metal objects out of their backpacks before going through the scanners. Cell phones, keys, and other small metal items do not need to be removed from backpacks.
Lockdown Drill: GHS will be conducting a lockdown drill this week. Teachers will review the lockdown procedures with students before the drill.
The GHS College & Career Fair sponsored by the Gloucester NAACP is going to be on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Students from Gloucester and surrounding localities are invited to meet representatives from approximately 40 colleges, trade schools, military recruiters, and employers. Hope to see you there!
Congratulations to both Overwatch ESports teams for winning their first game of the fall season.
Yearbook: Any student who would like a name that is different from what appears in Powerschool in the Yearbook, please pick up a form in room P115. Forms must be returned no later than October 4th.
Parking Passes are SOLD OUT for the 24-25 school year. However, the GHS administration is working to create more student parking spaces. We will make an announcement when spots are available.
Gloucester High School is accepting students for Behind The Wheel. Openings begin the first week of October. The cost of the lessons is $89.00. Contact Coach Morgan or Coach Hooker for more details.
The Care Closet is not accepting any more clothes donations unless the clothes are new with tags. We are not able to do laundry. We are still accepting food donations in the Main Office. If you need a list of food items please call or email.
Parent drop-off and pick-up will remain the same as the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Please use our main entrance loop to drop off and pick up before and after school. Please pay attention to our staff as they direct you around the loop.
Student Parking Lot: Only GHS students who have a valid parking pass should enter and park in the student parking lot. Teacher and Construction areas are marked and should not be used by students or visitors. Students entering the building from the parking lot/bus loop side should enter through the doors by the Theater room (formerly Chorus). Student driver late arrivals should also enter through the doors by the Theater room and check in with the Attendance Office before going to class.
Early Dismissal/Late Arrivals: To ensure a smooth and organized process, all Early Dismissals must be picked up before 2:20 pm. Early Dismissals occurring between 2:20 pm and 2:40 pm will be released during regular dismissal at 2:40 pm. Please take note and plan accordingly for the prompt pickup of your student. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and we thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient dismissal process. Students getting dropped off late should enter through the Main Entrance and sign in at the Attendance window.
Bus loop: No students, parents, or visitors should enter the bus loop from 7:00AM-8:00AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM for any reason.
Food Delivery: Please remember that students may not receive food orders from DoorDash or other delivery services before, during, or after school. Thank you for your cooperation.
Visitors must park in a visitor spot in our main entrance lot. Visitors must utilize the main entrance and show valid identification to enter the building. Please do not park in the main loop for any reason.
Cell Phone Policy: Gloucester County Public Schools has adopted “cell phone-free education.” Effective Monday, August 26, 2024, the use of cell phones, electronic communication devices, headphones, earbuds, smart watches, and or any other Bluetooth enabling device will be strictly prohibited. The Executive Order applies to students while in the school building during instructional times and at all times while on the school bus.
Dress Code: Parents and guardians, we appreciate your support in following the GCPS dress code, which is found on page 6 of the Code of Conduct . Please note that hats and hoods should not be worn indoors, and tops must cover the midriff and navel.
Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out.
Demographics Form: All returning GCPS students received an email from PowerSchool with a link to update demographic and emergency contact information. Please be sure to log in and verify that all information is correct, and make any changes that are necessary. If you need any help with PowerSchool, or have any other questions, please call the GHS Main Office at (804)-693-2526.
Counseling
Attention Juniors and Seniors: Admissions representatives from several colleges and universities will be conducting information sessions here at the high school for interested GHS Juniors and Seniors this fall. Longwood University will be here this week on Thursday, September 26th. To participate, please sign up through your Naviance account. E-hall passes will be sent to those who have signed up. Please see the Counseling Office if you have any questions.
Attention Senior Parents and Guardians: School Counselors will start meeting with seniors next week and continue through September to go over graduation requirements and post-secondary plans. If you would like to be part of that meeting, email your child’s school counselor and set up a time.
Athletics
The GHS Athletics schedule can be found on the school website:https://ghs.gc.k12.va.us/o/ghs/page/athletics
Parents and Fans attending athletic events - Sportsmanship is always a top priority. Please show support and respect for the fans, opposing teams and game officials at all times while attending home or away events. This includes never engaging negatively with fans or players from the opposite team. Any misconduct can lead to dismissal from the game, and from attending future games.
GHS home varsity football game rescheduled: The Dukes will play Warwick on Monday, September 30 at 6:30PM at Dukes Stadium. The JV football game will be played on Tuesday, October 1 at 4:30PM at Warwick.