Duke Update January 14, 2024
This week is VA School Principals Week. We would like to thank all of the Principals here at GHS for their hard work and dedication to the students and staff.
Upcoming Calendar:
● Monday, Jan. 15: GHS will be closed for students and staff in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
● Friday, Jan. 19 is an early release day for all GCPS and the last day of the 2nd quarter/1st
Semester. GHS will dismiss students at 12:30 pm.
● Monday, Jan. 22 and Tuesday, Jan. 23 are staff workdays, and there is no school for students.
● Wednesday, Jan. 24 is the first day of the 3rd Quarter/2nd Semester.
Congratulations to the following students for earning their spot in the All-District Band:
Julie Trist 3rd Chair French Horn Symphonic Band
Charlie Somervell 2nd Chair Trombone Symphonic Band
Ramal Mitchell 2nd Chair Euphonium Symphonic Band
Jack Gibson 9th Chair Percussion Symphonic Band
Alexis Chattin 12th Chair Clarinet Concert Band.
Benjamin Goetz 6th Chair Percussion Concert Band
Catherine King 8th Chair Percussion Concert Band
Gloucester High School is pleased to announce students can take the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles learner’s permit test online at the school on the following dates: January 25, February 7, February 28, and March 20 at the Gloucester High School Media Center. Students 15 years and 6 months or older are eligible to test. Please see Canvas, Mr. Morgan or Ms. Hypes for more details.
SOL Testing make-ups/retakes continue this week. The schedule is as follows:
● Tuesday, January 16th- Reading and Algebra 1 Make-up/Expedited Retake testing, including
Reading WorkKeys
● Wednesday, January 17th- Geometry/Algebra 2/Biology/Chemistry/History Make up/Expedited Retake testing
Semester 1 Attendance Recovery. The signup form for attendance recovery is located on the school website and is on a first come first serve basis. The form will go live on Monday, January 15th to sign up for the January 16th session only. Also, Attendance Waiver forms can be located on the GHS website, your Canvas page, or can be picked up from the Attendance Window near the Main Office.
The All Pro Dad Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, February 7th in the GHS Duke Rock cafe. Forms will be handed out to students on Monday, January 8th. Forms are due back to the GHS Main Office by 3:00 pm on Friday, February 2nd. Extra forms can be picked up in the GHS Main Office.
There will be a brief interest meeting directly after school for any student interested in playing ESports for the spring season in room C149 with Coach Leszczynski.
There will be a Super Smash Bros. Tournament directly after school on 1/17 in room C149. $10 entry fee for players and $5 entry fee for spectators. Price includes pizza and drinks. Sign up in room C149 with Coach Leszczynski to participate.
The next meeting of the W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society will be 3:00 pm on Monday, January 8th, in Mrs. Carter's new room, 134. All members must attend. See Mrs. Carter with questions.
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.
Parking: Parents, please do not park in the DSS parking lot across from GHS when you come to pick up your children from school.
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!
The evening activity bus will now be departing GHS at 5:30pm – students riding the bus should wait in classroom C157.
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!
Counseling:
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.
Intervention and Treatment Specialist: We are very excited to announce that we are offering a new service to students at GHS! In partnership with the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck CSB, a Substance Abuse Intervention and Prevention Specialist will be on-site at GHS. The goal of the position is to offer substance use intervention/prevention and counseling services to lower the rate of substance use and abuse in Gloucester County Schools by offering intervention and prevention services to students.
Athletics:
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.
Ticket Prices: Peninsula District athletic event ticket prices have increased 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.