Duke Update for February 2, 2025

Duke Update February 2, 2025
This month GHS is recognizing Black History Month! Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. This week is National School Counseling week and we would like to recognize all of our counselors and the important role they play in our students' success! Thank you for all that you do here at GHS!

Congrats to the following students made All-District Band:
● Natalie Johnson, Flute 6th Chair Concert Band
● Samantha Ramaglino, Clarinet 5th Chair Symphonic Band with an All-VA Audition
● Haley Thomas, Clarinet 10th Chair Symphonic Band
● Alexis Chattin, Clarinet 8th Chair Concert Band
● Ashlee VanVranken, Trumpet 8th Chair Concert
● Zachary Conklin, French Horn 6th Chair Concert Band
● Marcos Rosario, Trombone 5th Chair Symphonic Band
● Emma Layton, Tuba 1st Chair Concert Band
● Catherine King, Percussion 7th Chair Concert Band
● Emma Smith, Oboe 1st Alternate

Our 2nd All Pro Dad Breakfast of the 24-25 school year will take place on Wednesday, February 5th in the GHS cafeteria. The deadline to turn in registration forms to the Main Office has been extended until 3:00PM tomorrow, Monday, February 3rd.

Parents and Guardians: In compliance with Virginia State Code, all 10th Grade students will be receiving a hearing and vision screen. Screenings will be conducted during school hours by the Registered Nurses in the Clinic. If your student is identified as having a vision or hearing deficit, you will be notified in writing.

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.

Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out. There are less than 100 yearbooks available for pre-order.

Gloucester High School is accepting students for Behind The Wheel. The cost of the lessons are $89.00. Contact Coach Hooker for more details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Security Screening: This is a reminder that all students must pass through the security scanners in the morning. Students with first block classes in the portables or old C-Hall who get dropped off in the parent loop must go through the Main Entrance and exit the building through the doors by the School Counseling Office. All visitors must come through the Main Entrance and check in at the Main Office.

Counseling
SENIORS who need mid-year transcripts sent to colleges MUST request them through their Naviance account.

Attention Juniors and Seniors: An admissions representative from Virginia State University will be conducting an information session here at the high school for interested Juniors and Seniors on Friday, February 14th. 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.

Dual Enrollment Fees: Students taking a dual enrollment class second semester MUST pay for the class no later than February 10th. Fees and payment are now open on School Cash Online on the GHS website. Fees not paid by February 10th will result in removal from the class.

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
There will be a Tennis interest meeting in the gym afterschool on Tuesday, February 4th from 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.