Duke Update September 1, 2024
We will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Students and staff will return on Tuesday, September 3rd and it will be an A day.
Grade level meetings will take place this week on Wednesday and Thursday. We will remind students of our school-wide expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, and Engaged.
Per the GCPS Transportation Department, we will not be accepting bus notes from students for the first 3 weeks of school due to ensuring that all students have been routed on a bus.
Fentanyl Awareness: Please click here for information on fentanyl provided by the Virginia Department of Health: Fentanyl Awareness for Families
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-7:45AM and 2:15 PM-3:00 PM for any reason.
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.
Free breakfast and lunch is available for all GHS students this school year. Parents do not need to turn in any paperwork.
From the GHS Cafeteria: Our cafeteria will have limited items available for breakfast and lunch for the first week of school. This is subject to change as work progresses. We will not have subs, salads, or baked goods. Available entrees: burgers/veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, pb&j uncrustables. Served with assorted fruit, vegetables and milk.
Attendance: For those students with a late-in, Governor's school, and New Horizons please stop by the Attendance Office daily from 8/26 until 9/10 to sign-in everyday before heading to class. 1
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.
Parking Passes are SOLD OUT for the 24-25 school year.
Picture Day for students in grades 9 through 11 will take place on Monday, September 16th and Tuesday, September 17th. Please see the GHS website for the QR code to prepay for pictures online.
There will be an interest meeting after school in room P115 on September 4 th for any student interested in playing for the ESports team in the fall.
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.
Activity Bus: Starting on September 9th, the evening Activity Bus Run will be departing at 6:00 pm for the Fall & Winter season. Schedules can be found on the GHS website and in the main office.
Counseling
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.