Duke Update January 26, 2025
Congratulations to the following students for passing both the written and skills Nursing State Board exams. They are now officially CNA's (Certified Nursing Assistants)!
Adison Belor
Olivia Busi
Alexandria Feliciano
Lauren Garnett
Jermara Green
Kaylee Hall
Abigail Junker
Lauren Landry
Courtney McGee
Leila Nester
Camren Perkins
Hannah Ridings
Andrew Spaulding
Emma Specht
Keira Tidwell
Mackenzie Varhola
Addyson Zabicki
And from Mathews High School: Jacklynn Ottarson
Byrd Leadership Award: Congratulations to Paige Willis for winning the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award! This prestigious award recognizes one high school senior from each congressional district in Virginia who demonstrates academic accomplishment and who also embodies excellence of character, leadership, and good citizenship. Each award winner receives $25,000. Paige is the first GHS student to ever win the Byrd Leadership Award since its inception over thirty years ago.
SOL Make-ups/Retakes - Due to the recent inclement weather, History SOL testing will take place on Monday, January 27th at 8:00 am. All final make-ups, expedited retakes, and WRS testing will take place on Wednesday, January 29th at 8:00 am.
Our 2nd All Pro Dad Breakfast of the 24-25 school year will take place on Wednesday, February 5th in the GHS cafeteria. Forms were handed out to students on Friday and are available on the GHS website and Canvas. Extra forms can be picked up from the Main Office. Forms are due back to the Main Office by 3:00 pm, Friday, January 31st.
Dual Enrollment Fees: Students taking a dual enrollment class second semester MUST pay for the class no later than February 10th. Fees and payment are now open on School Cash Online on the GHS website. Fees not paid by February 10th will result in removal from the class.
The ESports team will be having try-outs Wednesday, January 29th immediately after school in room P115 until 4:00 in room P115 followed by a scrimmage until 5:30 for any student who is interested in playing Overwatch or Smash Bros. for the spring season. Please see Ms. Schoenthal with any questions.
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.
Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out. There are less than 100 yearbooks available for pre-order.
This month is School Board Recognition Month, thank you to all of our amazing School Board Members! We appreciate all of your work and commitment to improve Gloucester County Public Schools.
Gloucester High School is accepting students for Behind The Wheel. The cost of the lessons are $89.00. Contact Coach Hooker for more details.
Medication Policy Reminder: This is a reminder that GCPS policy does not allow students to carry prescription or over-the-counter medications at school unless a student has an Asthma Action Plan, Diabetes Management Plan, or Emergency Action Plan on file with the clinic. All other medications must be kept in the clinic and require a completed Medication Consent Form. Students who bring medications to school are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and subject to disciplinary action. Please visit the GCPS School Safety and Health Services webpage or contact the GHS clinic with any questions.
The Care Closet is not accepting anymore 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.
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.
Parking Passes: Any student who does not have a parking pass but wants one should go to the Main Office to be put on a waiting list. We will be opening some spots up as soon as they are painted in the lot.
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.
Parent drop-off and pick-up: 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.
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.
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:
- All visitors to GHS go through the screening. 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.
Counseling
Students taking a dual enrollment class second semester MUST pay for the class no later than February 10th. Fees and payment are now open on School Cash Online on the GHS website. Fees not paid by February 10th will result in removal from the class.
Seniors: Now is the time to apply for scholarships. The GHS Scholarship Application has been emailed to your school based e-mail and it can also be accessed from your Naviance account. Paper copies are available in the Counseling Office. This application enables you to apply for multiple local scholarships with just the one application. If you are thinking of attending any trade school or a 4-year or 2-year college, you should apply for local scholarships using this application. The deadline of March 12th will approach quickly. No late applications will be accepted. Please contact the Counseling Office if you have any questions.
ATTENTION parents and guardians: The school counseling department will be finished scheduling for current juniors before winter break, and will begin scheduling for current sophomores in January. If you want to participate in the scheduling meeting for your student, please email your child’s school counselor and set up an appointment.
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.