Duke Update September 15, 2024
This week we recognize our GCPS Coordinators and IT Professionals. Thank you for all that you do for GHS and GCPS.
Weapons Scanners: GHS will begin implementing weapons screening this week. Please refer to the email which was sent on Tuesday, September 10 for more information: Weapons Detection Letter
Parent-Teacher Conference Night is Tuesday, September 24 from 4:00PM-6:00PM. Use this link to sign up for a conference: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
Parking Passes are SOLD OUT for the 24-25 school year. However, GHS administration is working to create more student parking spaces. We will make an announcement when spots are available.
Picture Day for students in grades 9 thru 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. The last chance for Senior Portraits is Monday, September 16. Please use this link to make an appointment.
Lunches: Beginning Tuesday, September 17, all students will report to their third block class before going to lunch. Additionally, some classes will have lunch at a different time. These changes are being made to balance out the number of students in lunch at one time. Thank you for your cooperation.
Jostens will be at GHS on Thursday, September 19th meeting with the Junior class at 8:00 a.m. in the Auditorium to discuss class ring options, upcoming Junior class items and the ring dance. They will also be meeting with the Senior class at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium to discuss graduation and upcoming Senior class items. Also, Jostens will be returning on Tuesday, September 24ᵗʰ during all lunches in front of the Auditorium to take Senior graduation orders and Junior orders.
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 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.
Forensics/Speech will have an interest and information meeting in Room 330 on Tuesday September 17ᵗʰ after school until 3:30 PM. Forensics is a competitive VHSL speaking activity with 10 categories from which students may choose. Students will need to arrange transportation home after the meeting.
The Spanish Club will be meeting for the 1ˢᵗ time on Wednesday, September 18ᵗʰ at 3:00 pm in room 139 (Ms. Falkenberg’s room). If you have signed up on the student Club interest list, we know you're coming or just stop by if you’re curious! Everyone is welcome!
Interested in World travel? Interested in traveling to Europe? Come to the interest meeting next Wednesday, September 18ᵗʰ in room 139 to discuss the France & Spain trip next summer of 2025. If you have already signed up, you do not have to come to this meeting; you will get an email/announcement about our 1ˢᵗ official meeting moving forward. Hope to see you there! See Ms. Falkenberg in room 139 for more information or details!
The GHS German Club will have its 1ˢᵗ meeting on Tuesday, September 17 in Room 141, the first classroom on the language hall with Frau Ballew! We’ll be making friendship bracelets with German words for motivational Monday, deciding on officer positions, and planning activities for the semester. Hope to see you there!
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 2:25 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.
Free breakfast and lunch is available for all GHS students this school year. Parents do not need to turn in any paperwork.
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 Junior 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. These visits are beginning this week with Mary Baldwin University on September 17ᵗʰ. 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
Baseball Players: Baseball conditioning will start on Sept 19ᵗʰ after school at the baseball field from 3-4:30. You must have a VHSL physical to participate. Please turn in your physicals to Coach Morande in room 328.
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.
Duke Update 15 Sep 2024 (Spanish).pdf
Duke Update 15 Sep 2024 (Italian).pdf
Duke Update 15 Sep 2024 (Russian).pdf
Duke Update 15 Sep 2024 (Simplified Chinese).pdf