Duke Update February 16, 2025
Monday, February 17th is an early release day for students. Students will be released at 12:15 pm.
Congratulations to the Teachers of the Month: Captain Merkle, Mr. Bouis, and Ms. Pennington
Congratulations to the Staff Member of the Month: Mr. Roane
Congratulations to the Students of the Month:
9th Grade: Alexia Hefner & Isabella Brodsky
10th Grade: Addison Keister & Cyler Brooks
11th Grade: Brooke Miner & Saylor Helms
12th Grade: Trevor Burke & Madilyn Kadel
GHS is excited to celebrate National FFA week this week. FFA members are conducting a food drive to benefit the Guest shelter. Please bring in donations of canned food, paper products, bottled water, and non-perishable breakfast items. Boxes will be located by school entrances, the Commons and Courtyard.
Friday February 21st is national Wear Blue day. Wear blue to show your support for FFA.
For Wednesday's Academic Rally, we encourage students to dress up in the following colors! Freshmen - White
Sophomores - Purple
Juniors - Pink
Seniors - Red
Doors on bus loop side of the building: Beginning Friday, February 21, the exterior doors near the Theater classroom will be closed while construction takes place in the hallway near the door. In the mornings and at dismissal, the doors between the Library and the Auditorium will be open for students. The Atrium doors will still be open as well. The Care Closet has formal dresses and some suits for students in need for the upcoming dances. Teachers, please email Ms. Hartley and/or Ms. Guy to ensure that one of us is in the classroom.
Congratulations to the GHS Teachers of the Year, Ms. Coleman and Ms. Sharp! We are grateful for all you do for your students!
Yearbooks can be ordered online at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758 until sold out. There are less than 100 yearbooks available for pre-order. The deadline to purchase a senior ad for the yearbook is 3/9.
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.
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 Masn 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
Baseball players..Tryouts will begin Feb 24th.. You must have a VHSL physical to participate and must meet eligibility requirements. Any questions see Coach Morande , Coach Kibler or Coach Hooker.
Spring Sports Tryouts start Monday 2/24 for Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis and Boys Tennis. Track & Field will start 3/10. All times, dates and locations are posted on the GHS website. Athletes must meet all academic requirements and must have a valid sports physical dated after 5/1/2024 to be eligible to tryout. A list of coaches' emails is listed on the GHS website under athletics.
Boys tennis will begin on Monday, February 24th.
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.