Duke Update September 28, 2025
Student Drivers Tardy after 7:45am: Starting tomorrow, Monday, September 29th, any student drivers arriving after 7:45 a.m. must enter through the new main entrance doors. Please note, the old main entrance doors will now close at 7:45 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m.
This week on Wednesday, October 1 - GHS recognizes several important national observances:
National Bullying Prevention Month – A reminder of our responsibility to raise awareness and take action against bullying in all forms.
National Hispanic Heritage Month – Celebrating the rich history, culture, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
National Physical Therapy Month – Honoring the essential role physical therapists play in improving health and quality of life through movement and exercise.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Highlighting the value and contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and promoting equal access to employment opportunities.
On Thursday, October 2 - We recognize Maintenance and Custodian Appreciation Day, honoring the dedication and hard work of our maintenance and custodial teams. Their daily efforts ensure our facilities operate smoothly, remain clean, and provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our school community.
Early Release: Thursday, October 2nd is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. The Early Release Bell Schedule is available on the GHS website under the Menu tab by selecting Calendars & Schedules.
Congratulations to the Gloucester Marching Dukes this weekend at the Princess Anne Marching Competition. The Marching Dukes received numerous awards including 1st place in class 5 A.
Interested in traveling? Join the Explorer’s club. Local trips, out of town adventures and international trips are things we will focus on and of course look forward to. Come to our next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1st after school in room 139. We will also discuss fundraising and service opportunities in Gloucester. Looking forward to seeing you!!
College and Career Fair: The Gloucester Chapter of the NAACP will host a College and Career Fair on Thursday, October 9th from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm in the gym. Representatives from over forty universities, colleges, and professional training schools will be on hand to discuss career options with students and their families. All GHS juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend.
🎉 Homecoming Spirit Week & Pep Rally 🎉
Spirit Week is this week! Make sure you show your spirit and help your class win the spirit stick by participating each day! Here are the daily themes:
Monday, Sept. 29 – ’Merica Monday: Dress in red, white, and blue.
Tuesday, Sept. 30 – Twin Tuesday: Match outfits with your friends.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Country vs. Country Club: Dress country or classy.
Thursday, Oct. 2 – Tacky Tourist Day: Show off your best vacation look.
Friday, Oct. 3 – Class Colors:
Freshmen: Black
Sophomores: Yellow
Juniors: Red
Seniors: Tie-Dye
Let’s show our school spirit all week long! 💛❤️For more information about Homecoming Week, please visit the GHS website.
The Pep Rally will take place on Friday, October 3rd. Parents/Guardians, if you need to pick up your student, please plan to do so before the Pep Rally begins, as it is difficult to dismiss students once the event is in progress. The Pep Rally schedule can be found on the GHS website.
Homecoming Tickets are still on sale but not for long! Only GHS students may attend. The cost is $20 and is paid via School Cash Online. All sales are final. Ticket sales end Wednesday, October 1st.
Want to see your class win the float competition and spirit stick? Then come help build your class float for the Homecoming parade. Each class meets after school from 2:50pm to 8pm through Wednesday, October 1st. Come for the whole time or just for an hour! Snacks and dinner are provided. You must have a signed permission slip to attend. Parents, we would love your help as well! Check your grade level canvas page for more information.
The agriculture classes are taking orders for corsages and boutonnieres for the Homecoming dance. Please see Canvas for the order form and details. If you have questions contact Ms. Hypes in 226.
Save the Date: GHS Conference Night! ✨📅Mark your calendars! Conference Night will be held on Tuesday, October 15th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Parents and guardians are encouraged to schedule a conference time directly with teachers via phone or email. Walk-ins are also welcome as teacher schedules allow.
GHS families: GHS strives to keep all students and staff safe in accordance with division guidelines. All GCPS students go through security and weapons detectors each morning. Please continue to encourage students to be careful not to bring prohibited items to school such as vapes and lighters. Thanks for your support!
Have you ever heard of Oktoberfest? It's only the largest festival in the world! In need of service hours? Love German Food? Enjoy working with children and being outdoors? Check out this Volunteer Opportunity hosted by your very own local Gloucester community on Saturday October 4 at Sanders Retirement Center located on Heron Cove in the Courthouse. 2-hour shifts are available for sign up on the Canvas Dashboard, or stop by room 141 to sign up directly with Ms. Ballew. Free food tickets will be provided for anyone that donates at least 2 hours of their time!
Open enrollment for our trip to Japan and South Korea is still open if you are still thinking about your next World Wide Trip. Remember this trip is open to families, friends, students, and community members. Spots are filling up and we are getting limited on space. Look on the GHS announcement page for the link to sign up and email your EF Group Leader Ms. Falkenberg – hilary.falkenberg@gc.k12.va.us if you have any questions or concerns. This will be a trip of a lifetime! Don’t miss out!-
https://www.eftours.com/2937646BX
A big thank you to everyone who attended our meeting about the upcoming trip to Germany, Italy & Switzerland in Spring 2027! Enrollment is now open! There are only 20 spots available, and you can lock in your spot TODAY with only $95. Plus, enroll by September 26 and you’ll receive a $200 discount. As a reminder, EF also offers risk-free enrollment, which gives you the flexibility to cancel within 7 days for a full refund, just in case your plans change. Enroll now and check out the trip details here: www.eftours.com/2924406EN Reach out to christina.ballew@gc.k12.va.us with any questions!
Yearbooks are now available for pre-order on yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758.
Parking passes: Additional parking passes are on sale via School Cash Online for Juniors and Seniors. Passes will be on a first come first served basis. If you have already purchased a pass but have not yet selected your spot, please bring your completed parking pass application along with a screenshot or printed copy of your receipt to the Main Office.
Free/Reduced Meal applications are available online and paper applications are available in the GHS Main Office.
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
Parents and guardians of current seniors. The school counseling department has begun scheduling for your student. We would love for you to participate alongside your student. Please check out the GHS School Counseling Hub in Canvas for a sign up genius link for your student’s school counselor. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to your child’s counselor as well to set up a time that works best for you.
Athletics
Gloucester High School pre-season baseball practice will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on Tuesday, September 30th at the GHS baseball field. Please see the Duke update email for details. Players need to have an up to date VHSL physical on file to participate and need to bring footwear and clothing to be inside or out. Please contact Coach Kibler, Coach Hooker, or Coach Morande if you have any questions.
Please be advised, for safety reasons, students attending GHS home Varsity football games must sit in the stands unless going to the restroom or concession stand. There is no standing along the fence line or walking around the stadium edges.
That concludes our Duke Update. Let’s Go Dukes!!