Duke Update December 17, 2023

Congratulations to the following Students of the Month :

9th grade: Amere Freeman & Catherine King
10th grade: Mylah Santiago & Ellaey Miller
11th grade: Keymani Wilson & Reese Miller
12th grade: Kamryn McDonough & Samantha Wooldridge

Winter Break begins Wednesday, December 20th thru January 1st. January 2nd is now an Asynchronous day for students. We hope that all students, faculty, and staff have an enjoyable and restful holiday break!

Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions: An important email was sent on Dec. 15 about the upcoming survey of students and staff which will be administered in February 2024. The letter is also available on the school website.

Special Events: GHS has two special events planned for the last two days of school before Winter Break. On Monday, December 18, all students will attend a special Holiday Celebration Show by GHS Band, Chorus, and Theater students. On Tuesday, December 19, we will have a Winter Pep Rally. The schedule will be adjusted on these days to accommodate the special events.

Important Changes Beginning Jan. 3, 2024: Please click these links for information about upcoming changes to the Main Office and Attendance Office and the Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up Loop.

Make-up pictures for grades 9 through 11 will be on Thursday, January 4th in the Auxiliary gym.

Tutoring: The Key Club is excited to announce the launch of our tutoring services designed to provide support and assistance to fellow students in their academic journey. Whether you’re tackling a challenging subject or just seeking extra guidance, our dedicated members are here to help. We cover a wide range of subjects and are committed to creating a supportive learning environment for everyone. To sign up for tutoring, please use this link and someone will reach out soon. Thank you for being part of this learning initiative!

Students, this is a reminder to turn in your Impact Aid survey forms (Formerly Federal card) to the GHS Main Office. Especially those students with active duty military families. All students must turn this form in. Extra forms can be picked up in the GHS Main Office. The forms are due to the Main Office on Tuesday, December 12th.

The evening activity bus will now be departing GHS at 5:30 pm – students riding the bus should wait in classroom C157.

Lost and Found: students this is a reminder to check daily for any lost items. Please see the Main Office for the location.

Parents/Guardians this is a reminder that GHS is not an open campus. Students are not permitted to leave campus to get lunch. If students are caught leaving campus without permission disciplinary action will occur.

Food Delivery Services: DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and any other food delivery services are not permitted on campus during or after school.

Parents/Guardians this is a reminder to set up a School Cash Online account for your student(s). School Cash Online is the payment site to purchase any and all of your students fees, field trips, activities, and more. Please set up an account for your student today! A link can be found on the GHS website as well as the GCPS website.

Student illness: Please see this note from our school nurses about policies and procedures for when students are sick.

Yearbooks are now for sale online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758. The book sold out the past 2 years so order before it’s too late!

Bus Notes: Bus notes should be turned in to the Main Office at the beginning of the school day.
My School Bucks: Parents/Guardians if you would like to add money to your student's lunch account, you can find the link for My School Bucks on the GCPS website under Food Services.

Counseling:
A message from Mrs. Lally for students with last names Sn-Z:
I hope this finds you all well. I just wanted to take a quick moment to share with you all that while it has been an absolute pleasure serving as your school counselor, I have accepted a counseling position at another school and my last official day at GHS will be Tuesday, December 19. Many of you have already met your new counselor, our school counseling intern, Ms. Watkins, which will make for a very smooth transition.

I wish you all a lovely winter break and happy new year and am SO confident that each and every one of you has everything you need within you to dream big, work hard, and go far.
Wishing you all the best ❤
Warmly,
Mrs. Lally

Seniors : Now is the time to apply for scholarships. The GHS Scholarship Application has been emailed to your school based email 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 this 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 13th will approach quickly. No late applications will be accepted. Please contact the Counseling Office if you have any questions.

In December and January, school counselors will meet individually with juniors and do course requests for next year. Counselors will also go over what juniors need to do to start planning for after high school. If you want to be part of that meeting please email your child’s school counselor and arrange an appointment for December or January. School counselor's emails are on the GHS website and in student Canvas accounts.

Athletics:
Congratulations to the following players for being selected to the Boys Volleyball All State teams
1 st Team – Gavin Pham
2 nd Team – Dylan Deyoung, Kohlby Wilson, & Carl Matteson

As we start winter sports please remember that sportsmanship is a top priority of the Virginia High School League and GHS. Please show support and respect for the fans, opposing teams, and game officials at all times while attending home or away events. Any misconduct can lead to dismissal from the game, and from attending future games. Please help us enjoy another successful athletic season by showing extraordinary sportsmanship at all times.

Winter sports seasons have begun. A full list of dates, times, and locations is located on the GHS website. Coaches' emails are also listed on the GHS Website under athletics.

Ticket Prices: Peninsula District athletic event ticket prices are increasing this year for the sporting events that charge. Students and Adults are $7 each, children 6-12, and senior citizens are $5 each. This is for all home and away events. The athletic department will have season passes available for each season at a discounted rate.