Hello GHS Dukes,
On Monday, October 5th, GHS recognizes Virginia School Security Officer Day — a day to thank our School Security Officers (SSOs) for protecting students, faculty, and staff, while also serving as mentors and positive role models.
We also recognize World Teachers’ Day — a day to honor educators and recognize the important role they play in shaping the future, while highlighting the state of the teaching profession worldwide.
On Tuesday, October 6th, GHS recognizes Instructional Coach Appreciation Day — a day to honor the hard work, guidance, and behind-the-scenes support that instructional coaches provide to teachers and students.
On Monday, October 5th Congressman Rob Wittman will be visiting GHS's CTE programs.
Congratulations to the Marching Dukes for placing 2nd at the Southeastern Music Games Saturday 9/26!
Congratulations, Catherine King! Gloucester High School is proud to congratulate senior Catherine King, a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program! Commended Students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated through their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. Catherine is among approximately 34,000 high-performing students nationwide who are being recognized as Commended Students based on a national Selection Index score of 208. Catherine was presented with her Letter of Commendation on Wednesday, September 30th. While Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships awarded next spring, this recognition is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects Catherine’s academic dedication and achievement. Congratulations, Catherine! We are proud of you, and you truly exemplify the Duke Way! 🎓❤️💛
Congratulations to the Super Smash Bros ESport team for winning three matches on Wednesday. Varsity team players Paul Trotman, Phoenix Grubb, and Marcos Puente Rosario all 3 stocked their opponents. Paul also continues his 4 year streak of 100% win rate on Banjo.
Y Street interest meeting, Thursday, October 8th! Are you interested in helping to create a healthier community? Do you like doing fun activities with other kids? Then come to an interest meeting about Y-Street, Virginia's largest student-run health organization. It will be Thursday, October 8th in Mrs. Carter's Room 134. Current and prospective members are invited!
Please join us here at GHS on October 28th from 5pm-7pm for the College, Career and Resource Fair sponsored by the NAACP Gloucester Branch, the W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society and GHS. Over 40 colleges, technical schools, military and more will be in attendance. Hope to see you there!
Mu Alpha Theta has hid fall leaves around the building. Are you up to the challenge? Find a leaf or two, solve the problem, and return to room 128 with an answer for a treat. Only two leaves per student please to leave the fun for others.
Enrollment is NOW open for the Summer 2028 trip to Greece & Italy! A $95 deposit is all it takes to secure your spot, plus you'll receive the $200 early enrollment discount when you enroll, but only for a limited time! The early enrollment window closes on 9/25. Any students interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity should check with Ms. Ballew in room 141, or you can click here to learn more - https://www.eftours.com/3084695KS
Athletics
It is that time of year again to get rolling for the upcoming 2026–2027 Winter Track & Field season! Pre-season conditioning officially kicks off next week. Here are all the details you need to know:
Schedule & Location
Start Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays (running until tryouts begin on Monday, November 9th)
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: GHS Weight Room
Who Can Attend: Open to all 8th through 12th graders who are not currently participating in an active fall sport.
Mandatory Requirements Before Attending
To be eligible to participate, every student-athlete must meet the following:
1. An active, fully completed Arbiter Athlete account.
2. A valid, up-to-date VHSL physical form completed and on file in Arbiter.
3. Must meet the VHSL 2.0 GPA requirement to be academically eligible for the season.
Athletes will not be permitted to work out without clearance on file.
What to Bring: Athletic workout clothes and proper running/training shoes, Water bottle, A positive attitude, ready to put in the work! We look forward to seeing everyone out there as we lay the groundwork for another strong season. Let’s get to work!
Counseling
Attention Juniors and Seniors: Admissions representatives from several colleges and universities are conducting information sessions here at the high school for interested GHS Juniors and Seniors. This week, George Mason University and Christopher Newport University will be here. To participate, please sign up through your SchoolLinks account or stop in the Counseling Office. E-hall passes will be sent to those who have signed up. Please see the Counseling Office if you have any questions.
There will be a 3 substance use and prevention groups meeting in Rm 133 that will be starting in November on Wednesdays the 4th, 11th & 18th. If you would like to participate, please sign up in the counseling office, on Canvas or email Mrs. Peters directly with your student I.D. # and choice of 2nd or 4th block. The deadline to sign up is Friday, October 30th so please don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Seniors
🎓 SAVE THE DATE! 🎓
The 2027 Gloucester High School Commencement Ceremony will take place on:
📅 Sunday, June 6, 2027
⏰ 1:30 PM
📍 William & Mary Kaplan Arena
We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2027 and their incredible accomplishments!
More information will be shared as we get closer to the big day. 🎓❤️💛🖤
Are you ready for a day full of big thrills and lasting memories? If you answered yes, please join your class on the Senior 2027 Senior Trip to Kings Dominion on June 3, 2027. Please check your canvas page for information. Tickets for the trip will be on sale via my school cash online October 5, 2026 through January 9, 2027.
Daily Reminders:
🏆 GHS Athletics Registration Reminder: All students planning to play a sport at Gloucester High School for the 2026–2027 school year must complete the Arbiter registration to be eligible to participate in conditioning, tryouts, practice, or competition. Important: All student physicals must be uploaded online through the Arbiter App. We are not accepting physical copies of student physicals. The Arbiter registration link, tutorial, and information sheet can be found on the GHS Athletics website. If you have any questions, please contact the GHS Athletics Department.
This is a reminder to all families that have not completed the Returning Student Annual Update. Parents/Guardians can complete required forms through the PowerSchool Parent Portal or via the Snapcode link sent by email. Please contact the Main Office or Counseling Office with any questions.
New Parent Drop/Off and Pick up Route: Parents/Guardians, in effort to alleviate back up on Short Lane; the pickup/drop off route this year will be routed through the lot on the right (Driver’s ed range). Please see our social media for more details and even a video! Staff will be on hand to direct you.
Parking passes are now available for eligible Juniors and Seniors - See the Facebook Announcement or GHS website for more information
Student Parking. There has been a delay in getting the numbers painted in the newly paved student lot. Student parking is on a first-come, first-served basis until the spots are numbered. We hope to get the spot numbers painted within the next couple of weeks.
Dress Code: This is a reminder that students must be covered from shoulders to mid-thigh. Shorts/skirts above mid-thigh, exposed mid-driffs, and exposed shoulders are not allowed. Please see page 10 of the GCPS student code of conduct for details.
The activity bus will begin on Monday, August 31st and depart GHS at 6:00 pm. Please see the routes: https://aptg.co/ZNdhNY
The 2026-2027 Yearbook is available for pre-order at yearbookordercenter.com using code 4758. Senior Ads can also be purchased at this time.
Let's go Dukes!