Duke Update January 12, 2025
This week is VA Principals Week and we would like to recognize and thank Dr. Mygas for all of his hard work and dedication to Gloucester High School!
Make-up day: This is a reminder that Friday, January 17th is a full day for students.
We are expecting more chilly temperatures this week. Students should wear a warm outer layer of clothing to school, especially if they have to go outside during class changes.
Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out. There are less than 100 yearbooks available for pre-order.
Due to the weekend winter weather advisory, Friday auditions for the Spring Musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" have been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 14. Please attend the same time slot as your original sign-up. If you are unsure of your time, please refer back to the confirmation email you received. You are also encouraged to reach out directly to Ms. Toepel if you have a conflict with the rescheduled time/date.
Attendance Recovery will take place January 13th, 14th, and 15th. Attendance Waiver forms and Sign-ups have been posted on the GHS websites and Canvas. Attendance waiver forms can be picked up from the GHS Main Office. The cutoff to sign up for the January 14th Attendance Recovery session is 3:00 pm, Monday, January 13th and the cutoff to sign up for January 15th Attendance Recovery session is 3:00 pm, Tuesday, January 14th. There will be no exceptions. Link: https://ghs.gc.k12.va.us/o/ghs/article/1936103
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.
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.
Gloucester High School is accepting students for Behind The Wheel. The cost of the lessons are $89.00. Contact 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 2
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.
Counseling
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
To all interested ladies there will be a softball meeting, Tuesday, January, 14th in room 301 at 3:00 pm until 3:30 pm.
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.