Duke Update February 9, 2025
This week is VDOE Kindness Week and GHS recognizes the importance of kindness in schools and in our community. Saturday, February 15th is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and we would like to thank our GHS SROs for keeping our school safe and building relationships between law enforcement and students.
In honor of Kindness Week from Feb. 10 – 14, Renaissance is sponsoring a drive to benefit our GHS Care Closet. Students and staff are encouraged to donate from 2/10 – 2/14. We are looking for new or gently used sweatpants and sweatshirts. We are also accepting non-perishable food items. The first 75 individuals who donate can exchange 1 clothing item or 2 food items for a ticket to receive a free snack or a free stress ball kit!! Bring your donations to the table in front of the auditorium before 1st block any day next week.
Congratulations to the GHS Teachers of the Year, Ms. Coleman and Ms. Sharp! We are grateful for all you do for your students!
Congratulations to the GHS Wrestling team for winning the Regional Championship this weekend! The following wrestlers placed in the regional and qualified for the state tournament: 1st Place: Jackzel Quinones, David Lewis, Aiden Sheesley, Micah Bodiford, Corey Skay, Karl Dean, Kenneth Hamilton, JR Jones
2nd place: Chase Adams, Christian Hartz
3rd place: Rylan Altrath
4th place: Brandon McDonald, Nelson Spikes
And Congratulations to Charlotte Kirby for finishing 3rd in the Girls Regional Tournament and advancing to the All Girls state tournament.
Silent No More Presentation: On Tuesday, February 11, all GHS 11th and 12th graders will attend a presentation called Silent No More. This presentation was created by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and it is about preventing substance abuse, addiction, and overdoses. 12th graders will attend the presentation during second block, and 11th graders will attend during fourth block. Information about the presentation can be found here: Silent No More Brochure Additionally, there will be an online parent presentation at 6:00PM on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The link for the meeting is here: Meeting Link for Parent Presentation Parents or guardians, if you have any questions or concerns about your child viewing this presentation, please contact Mr. Lord, Director of School Counseling, at MLord@gc.k12.va.us or (804)-693-7688.
Ms. Croft is looking for two athletic training student aides for the upcoming spring sports season. This is a great opportunity for students interested in sports medicine or athletic training. Interested students should fill out the Google Form application on Canvas. The application closes February 10th.
The W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society will meet Tuesday, February 11th, after school in Mrs. Carter's Room 134. All members are expected to attend.
The GHS-NAACP will meet on Thursday, February 13th, after school in Mrs. Carter's Room 134. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The deadline to purchase a senior ad for the yearbook is 3/9. Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out. There are less than 100 yearbooks available for pre-order.
Senior Class is selling “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” Hershey Kiss Roses $2 for one rose or $10 for a bouquet of 4, for delivery on February 14th. Order forms are available on the Senior Canvas Course Page and money will be collected by Senior SCA officers during lunches.
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: Hats and hoods may not be worn indoors; tops must cover the chest, cleavage, midriff, navel, and waistline; and bottoms must cover hips, midriff, buttocks, lower back, upper thigh, and navel.
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.
This month GHS is recognizing Black History Month! Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
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.
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.
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 begin scheduling for current sophomores in the next week. 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 brief sign-up meeting immediately after school on the courts on Tuesday, February 11th for anyone interested in Girls Varsity Tennis.
The GHS Athletics schedule can be found on the school website’s Athletics page.
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.