Hello GHS Dukes!
This week, we’re recognizing National Bus Safety Week, a time to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety and to remind everyone to practice safe driving around our buses.
On Wednesday, October 22nd, we’ll also celebrate Virginia School Bus Driver Recognition Day to thank our incredible bus drivers for the important work they do each day to keep our students safe.
In addition, Wednesday is Unity Day — a day to stand together against bullying and show kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Let’s wear orange to show our support and commitment to creating a safe and respectful school community.
GHS community, parents, and alumni: GHS is officially celebrating its Grand Reopening! If you didn't come during Open House, you still have an opportunity to visit GHS, see the remodeled building, and take a guided or self-guided tour. Please visit GHS on this Thursday October 23rd at 6pm beginning in the auditorium.
Congratulations to Emma Layton and Joshua Littlefield for being selected to the 2025 VMEA Senior Honor Choir. They will represent Gloucester High School at the annual Music Educators' State Conference.
Congratulations to both ESports Smash Bros. teams for their 3-0 victories on Wednesday. The entire varsity team 3 stocked their opponents. MVP was Paul Trotman for 100% win rate with DeDeDe.
Students IDs are ready for pick up in room 234 with Ms. Schoenthal. Students may stop by at their earliest convenience.
Picture retakes/make-ups will take place on Thursday, November 13th for grades 9-11.
📋 Federal Survey Cards were distributed to all students during 2nd block classes on Tuesday, October 15th.
All students must return their cards completed and signed by a parent or guardian by Wednesday, October 22nd.
Extra copies will be available in the GHS Main Office if needed.
All items on the Care Closet food list are still needed for weekly food bags. The items can be found on the GHS website under the "Find It Fast" page. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.
HOSA is selling breast cancer awareness bracelets for $5 see a HOSA member or Mrs. Nester in room 236 if you would like one.
The next meeting of the W.E.B. Dubois Honor Society will be on Monday, October 20th at 3:00 pm in Mrs. Carter's room 134. You can hear from Candidates for Club Offices, plan fun fall activities, and meet cool people.
Renaissance Leadership will be holding our first ever Monster Dash 3k/1k at the GHS Stadium on October 25 at 9am! This is a race in costume event. If you would like to register to race, see a Leadership student or Mrs. Coleman in 136. The cost is $10. Costumes must be family-friendly, safe for running, and no full face coverings.
Greetings World Language Students past, present and future!
There is a yearlong study abroad scholarship available and most of you are probably eligible! The best part, other than the incredible opportunity to spend 10 months abroad in Germany, it's completely FREE of charge. If you're interested in learning more, and would like to apply, please check out this link: https://usagermanyscholarship.org/apply/?state=Virginia
Or contact Mrs. Ballew in room 141 or at christina.ballew@gc.k12.va.us
The application deadline is November 3, so act fast!
To be considered for the 2026-27 CBYX scholarship for high school, you must be:
-A U.S. citizen
-Aged 15 to 18 ½ on August 1 of the program departure year
-A current high school student at the time of application, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
-Interest in learning the German language (no German language study/knowledge is required to apply)
-Comply with U.S. Department of State eligibility policy for American Outbound Youth Programs (more info on that at the link above)
**Not eligible for the high school scholarship? Please consider the post-secondary programs - more info on that here: https://usagermanyscholarship.org/cbyx-programs/#post-secondary?state=Virginia
Costa Rica Trip Summer 2026- Future travelers, now is the time to sign up and go to Costa Rica/Panama with us in summer 2026. It is not too late if you are still interested. Make it your fun summer trip with friends and join the Explorers club to fundraise money to possibly go! See Ms. Falkenberg for more details or email her at: hilary.falkenberg@gc.k12.va.us
Click below to enroll:
https://www.eftours.com/2814681HK
Explorers Club – Explorers, if you missed our Oct. meeting last week or couldn’t make it – we have started our 1st official fundraiser. Come by Ms. Falkenberg’s room in room 139 to pick up your chocolate & snacking order form to start fundraising – our next meeting will not be until November
Safety: 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!
Yearbooks are now available for pre-order on yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758.
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: Parents and students, please check and verify contact information for you and your emergency contacts in PowerSchool. 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
There will be a substance use and prevention group that will be starting in November on Wednesdays. If you are interested in participating, please sign up in the counseling office, on Canvas or email Mrs. Peters with your student I.D. # and choice of 2nd or 4th block. The deadline to sign up is October 31 so please don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Admissions representatives from several colleges and universities will be conducting information sessions here at the high school for interested GHS Juniors and Seniors. This week, Longwood University will be visiting. To participate, please sign up through your Naviance account. E-hall passes will be sent to those that have signed up. Please see the Counseling Office if you have any questions.
Parent/Guardians of Seniors, the school counseling department has begun scheduling and 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
The GHS Athletic trainer, Dr. Croft is looking for two to three athletic training student aides for the upcoming winter 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 this week October 24th.
Students attending GHS home Varsity football games are strongly encouraged to sit in the stands unless going to the restroom or concession stand. Standing along the fence line or walking around the stadium edges is also discouraged. Announcements will be made and Security, SROs, and administrators will be reinforcing this message.
That concludes our Duke Update. Let’s Go Dukes!!