No Excuses. Never Quit.

At GHS this year we have begun using the tagline, “No excuses.  Never quit.”  We want to encourage all of our students to develop this mindset – to be persistent, to keep working hard, to persevere, and to challenge themselves to find a way to improve a little bit, each day.

In her book  Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck asserts that “no matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.”  We want all of our students to believe this is true – effort and determination are incredibly important characteristics, in school and in life.

Hall of fame basketball coach John Wooden, a legendary teacher noted that, “success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” We want all of our students to have the courage to keep trying every day, whether they are experiencing success or struggle. We also want students to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their education at GHS – with no excuses.

I’m sure we are all familiar with the saying that I first heard as a very young child, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.”  Better advice, I can’t imagine.

No excuses.  Never quit.  It’s the GHS Way.

GHS Weekly Update 6.12.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of June 12th, 2017 – the final week of the school year!

First this week, please remember that Monday and Tuesday are Final Exam days at GHS, with early dismissal at 12:45 each day.  The full exam schedule is on the GHS Website.  If your student has earned exam exemptions, they should have already had their exemption form signed and turned in to the attendance office.  Please ensure that your student has done so.

There will be two exams each day.  If your student has an exam that starts at 7:55 and they are EXEMPT from the second exam, they can leave at 9:55 when the exam block is over.  The second exam begins at 10:05 and those students can be picked up at 12:15, when that exam releases.  We are NOT able to release students during testing time.  If you are picking your students up, have them meet you outside at either 9:55 or 12:15.  They will NOT need a note and do NOT need to sign out in Attendance.  Students arriving for the second exam only do not need to sign in.  The early dismissal will be at 12:45 and regular buses will be running at that time.  Lunch will be available to students at 12:15.

For students who are planning to play football next year, there will be a parent meeting Monday, June 12th at 6pm in the GHS Main Gym, please make plans to attend.  If students have any questions, they can see Coach Scalf in D 9.

There will be a cheerleading interest meeting for all students who wish to try out for jv or varsity cheerleading on Monday June 12th at 1:30pm in the Duke Rock Cafeteria at GHS.  Conditioning, expectations and tryout dates will be discussed.

For students taking AP US History next year, summer assignments can be found on Mr. Keeley’s website.  It is due the first day of class.  If you have any questions, see Mr. Keeley in D8.

Any student that has signed up for AP Chemistry next year, please make sure that you have been added to the Google Classroom page so that you can access summer review materials.  If you have questions about Google Classroom or still need to be added you can contact Ms. Smoker in D5.

Students taking AP English 11 next year should see Ms. Sharp in D12 to pick up the summer assignment.  It will also be posted on the GHS website.

Please also note that information regarding AP and Dual Enrollment class summer assignments for next year is also posted on the GHS website.

Parents and guardians, please remind your students to turn in their textbooks or other school materials to their teachers this week.

And, finally, please note that final report cards for the current school year will be mailed home on June 26th.

Those are all your updates for this final week of the school year.  We hope all our students are successful on their final exams this week, and we hope you all have a wonderful summer.  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 6.5.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of June 5th, 2017.

First, for our GHS Seniors – This week is Senior Week! Please remember that there are number of important events for you this week, as we prepare for graduation next Saturday, June 10th.

Don’t forget that Senior grades will be finalized on Tuesday, June 6th.  Tomorrow, Monday, June 5th, is generally your final opportunity to complete any required work for your classes – be sure everything is taken care of!

On Wednesday, June 7th at 8:30 am we will have a Yearbook Signing Breakfast in the Duke Rock Cafe.  Come enjoy breakfast and enjoy some time with your fellow seniors.  On Thursday, June 8th, The Senior Awards Ceremony will begin at 8:30 am in the auditorium.  Seniors should arrive between 8:00 and 8:15 and  please remember to wear your cap and gown.  Family members are welcome to attend!  The Cap & Gown Senior picture will be taken in the gym immediately following the ceremony.  On Friday, Graduation Rehearsal will begin at 9:00 am in the auditorium.   Please be on time and please remember that participation in graduation rehearsal is required in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Also, remember that graduation tickets will be given out at rehearsal on Friday.  Following the rehearsal is your Senior Picnic at Dukes Stadium!  Look for more information and reminders later this week about Graduation next Saturday!

Next for all students and families, we have had an outstanding last week of SOL testing, and our scores have been very strong!  Thanks to our students and staff for their hard work and respectfulness during testing.  We have some additional testing occurring this week, also, so please continue to respect your classmates as they give their best on these important tests.

Sophomore & Juniors – Planning on buying a parking pass next year?  Pick up a Paint Your Space form from Mrs. Whitt or the main office until the last day of school. Forms will also be available to download from the GHS website.  When paying for your parking pass in August, you will be able submit your painting contract for approval and your $25 fee.  The big painting weekend will be in August.

Summer School 2017:  Summer school will begin June 26th and end July 27th, 2017.  If your student has failed an English class it is recommended that they take the failed English class during summer school.  Economics/Personal Finance classes are available for all Junior and Seniors.  Information & Registration forms for all summer school courses are located in the either the Counseling Office or the Main Office.  The Summer School registration deadline is June 22, 2017 at 3 p.m.

Finally, Spring Sports Awards Night is Tuesday, June 6th at 7:00 pm in the GHS Auditorium.  Please bring a baked good to share.

Those are all your updates for this week.  Thanks, as always, for your support!  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 5.22.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of May 22nd, 2017.

Attendance Waivers are available for second semester and yearlong classes.  If your student has more than 10 absences in a class, they need to fill out a waiver.  Waivers for Seniors are due back to the Attendance Office by May 24th.  Waivers for all other grades are due back June 9th.  Waiver forms may be picked up in the Main Office.

Exam Exemption forms are also available in the Main Office.  The criteria students must meet to be exempt from Final Exams are listed on the form.  Exam Exemption forms must be returned to the Main Office completed no later than May 31st for Seniors and June 9th for grades 9-11.  If you have questions, please contact your student’s teachers.

SOL Testing begins this week on Thursday, May 25th.  You can find the SOL Exam schedules posted on the GHS website.  Please help your student be as well prepared as possible for these important end-of-year assessments so that they can be as successful as possible!  Also, we would like to remind all students to be respectful of their classmates who will be testing the next two weeks.  Please help us maintain a quiet and orderly testing environment throughout GHS.  Thanks!

Gloucester High Summer School registration is open.  You may pick-up a registration form either in the Gloucester High Main Office or the School Counseling Office.  Summer School lasts from Monday, June 26th through Thursday, July 27th.  The cost is $50 for Economics and Personal Finance and $100 dollars for all other courses offered.

Those are all your updates for this week.  As always, thanks for your support of GHS.  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 5.15.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of May 15th, 2017.

This is Spring Spirit Week at GHS, May 15th -19th.
Monday will be Military Appreciation Day – wear something in support of your favorite branch of the military;
Tuesday is College/Team Day – represent your favorite college or team;
Wednesday is Hat Day – Donate $1 to Police Unity Tour the to wear your hat all day long!
Thursday is Rapper, Rocker, Country Day – Dress for your favorite Music genre, and
Friday is GHS Spirit Day, wear your red and gold!

SENIORS – Monday, May 15th, is the last day for seniors to order caps and gowns for them to be here in time for graduation.  If you have not ordered your cap and gown you must do so right away!  They will not be available after Monday.

Seniors – A reminder that Jostens will be here on Tuesday, May 16 to distribute Cap & Gown Orders.  They will be in front of the auditorium during all lunches.

Attention all Juniors:
Do you want to increase your chances of getting into the four-year college or university of your choice?
Do you want to learn some secrets about writing the college admissions essay?
Do you want to get a head start on your college admissions essay?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should plan on attending the College Admission Workshop on Thursday, May 18th .  The first session will be held at 11:03 in the GHS library, OR you may attend the second session after school from 3-4PM in D15 (Mr. Cox’s Room).  You may sign up in the school counseling department. See Ms. Durr in the school counseling department for more info.

Math Remediation for upcoming SOL’s begins this week.  Please have your student check with their Math teacher for their remediation schedule.

The GHS Senior Class is hosting a Bowling Fundraiser.  Teams can be comprised of up to 6 players; admission cost per team is $90.  Teams may be made up of adults, students, and children and is open to the whole Gloucester County community. Deadline to register your team is Friday, May 19th.  The Bowling Event will be held at Village Lanes on Sunday, May 21th, from 3-6 pm. For information, contact Jon West or Senior Class Co-Sponsor Mr. Carlos Morales.  Only 30 lanes available!  Don’t miss out!

And, finally this week, the National Foreign Language Honor Societies Induction Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 18th at 6:30pm in the GHS Auditorium.  All current members & new inductees need to be in the Chorus Hall at 6:00pm.

Those are all your updates for this week.  As always, thanks for your support of GHS.  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 5.8.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of May 8th, 2017.

The Middle Peninsula Career Fair and Expo is scheduled to take place at Gloucester High School on Saturday, May 20th.  Hosted by the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Worklink, VA Employment Commission and Gloucester County Public Schools, this event will provide an opportunity for employers from the Middle Peninsula, Peninsula and Northern Neck to offer information and conduct on site interviews. If you are in interested, you can contact the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce for more information (693-2425).
Here is the link in case you want more information: http://www.dailypress.com/news/gloucester-county/dp-nws-mid-career-fair-expo-20170427-story.html

Students who still need to turn in a Dual Enrollment form for their classes for next year must do so no later than Tuesday, May 9th, by 3 pm.  If you have not submitted your Dual Enrollment form by this deadline, unfortunately, you will be dropped from your dual enrollment courses for next year.  Please see your Counselor if you have any questions.

Seniors—SIRS final deadlines start this week (beginning Tuesday, May 9th) for 2nd semester seniors. Presentations will begin May 18th in English 12 classes. Please be sure your senior is working on finishing their project or paper! This is an exciting time when all their hard work comes together, and we are looking forward to presentations! Please contact your student’s English teacher if you have questions or concerns about SIRS or use the handbook (available on the GHS website or in your senior’s binder).

Jostens will be back at GHS to distribute Senior Cap and Gown orders on Tuesday, May 16. Seniors, if you have not yet ordered your cap & gown, please make sure you do so ASAP.  The link to Jostens can be found on the GHS website.

The Beta Club at GHS is now accepting applications for members. Beta Club is a national, prestigious service organization that accepts high-achieving students with a 3.25 GPA or higher and who are willing to lead by serving others. If your student meets these criteria and wants to get involved at GHS, send them to see Ms. Fin in room A130 to get an application. Applications are due by May 11th.

Please join us on Thursday, May 11th, at 7 pm in the GHS Auditorium for the GHS Spring Band Concert. 

Sign-ups for the summer session of Behind the Wheel Instruction will be on May 17th at 7:20 am in the Bookkeepers Office.  Space will be limited. Please have all necessary paperwork at the time of sign-ups.

Those are all your updates for this week.  As always, thanks for your support of GHS, have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 5.1.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of May 1st, 2017.

Sports physicals for the 2017-2018 sports seasons will be offered at Gloucester High School after school on Wednesday, May 3rd and again on June 1st.  Students must be pre-screened by the school nurses to register for their physical.  Students may be pre-screened before school or during lunch, not during class time.  Sports physicals cost $20.  Students need a physical to condition or tryout for any sport here at GHS.  Physical forms are available in the Main Office or on the GHS website and must be filled out by a parent or guardian in order for a student to be pre-screened.

Everyone is invited to attend the GHS Artists’ Reception on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4 to 7 pm at the Gloucester Public Library on Main Street for the 13th Annual GHS Student Art Show.  The Art Show, itself, will run from May 3 – May 26 at the Gloucester Public Library on Main Street.  Come out and see the work of our talented GHS art students!

The Gloucester High School Agriculture Department is proud to present its Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 5th from 3-6 PM and Saturday, May 6th starting at 9 AM.  Vegetables include heirloom tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs and cucumbers.  Annuals include geraniums, begonias, zinnias, salvia, marigolds, globe amaranth, coleus and succulents.  Hanging baskets of Boston fern, wandering jew, and petunias will also be on sale.  Please come around back to the green house (by the tennis courts) and enjoy the plant sale!

The GHS Talent Show is at 7:00 pm in the GHS Auditorium on Friday, May 5th and features students of all grade levels and a variety of talents.  Cost of admission is $3.00, and proceeds will benefit the GHS chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Seniors interested in attending RCC next fall.  There is a tour of the RCC Glenns Campus scheduled for Tuesday, May 2.  If interested please pick up a field trip form from the Counseling Office tomorrow!

Seniors – Prom tickets go on sale this week during all lunches in the Duke Rock at Early Bird prices.  Please see the Senior Corner on GHS website for ticket prices.  Bring your after-prom permission slips & non-GHS guest permission slips filled out and signed when you buy your tickets.

Also, adults who have volunteered to chaperone the after-prom party at Great Wolf Lodge, there will be an information meeting at Great Wolf Lodge this Saturday at 2:00pm.  Please let Mrs. Whitt know, via her school email, whether or not you are able to attend.

Finally this week, also for our seniors and families, please look for a letter and information in your mail regarding graduation and senior week activities soon.

Those are all your updates for this week.  As always, thanks for your support of GHS!  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School

GHS Weekly Update 4.24.17

Good evening Gloucester High School families and staff,

This is Nate Collins, principal of GHS, and this is your Weekly Update for the week of April 24th, 2017.

Report Cards for the third quarter were distributed to students this past Wednesday.  Included with the report card was a copy of your student’s course selections for next year. Please review these requests with your student and make any course change requests in writing on this form, which is to be signed by a parent/guardian. Please return all course change requests to the School Counseling Office no later than FRIDAY, APRIL 28th, 2017 AT 3:30PM. Schedule requests will be considered final after April 28th. Thank you for your prompt attention to this.

Seniors – If you are bringing a non-GHS guest to prom, please pick up a permission slip from the Main Office or from Mrs. Whitt’s room, A140.  This slip must be filled out and signed in order to purchase a ticket for your date.  If you are planning on attending the after-prom at Great Wolf Lodge, pick up the permission slip from the Main Office or Mrs. Whitt’s room.  This slip must be filled out and signed in order to purchase an after-prom ticket.  Early bird prom tickets will be sold May 1st – May 5th, and  regular-priced prom tickets will be sold May 8th – May 12th.  See the GHS website “Senior Corner” for prices.

Parents of Seniors – We need 20 chaperones to help with the after-prom!  If you are willing and able, please contact Mrs. Whitt via e-mail.  Great Wolf Lodge has scheduled a chaperone meeting on Wednesday, April 26th, at 5:00 pm.  We will meet in the main lobby at Great Wolf Lodge.

The GHS Sophomore Class is having a Chick-fil-a night on Tuesday, April 25th from 5-8 pm; Please come out to join us and be sure to mention the GHS Sophomore Class when you place your order!  The Sophomore Class is also having a Bake Sale on April 27th from 3-6 pm during the GHS Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball games!  Please join us as we cheer on our Gloucester Dukes and support the Sophomore Class Bake Sale!

The Gloucester High School Theater Department is proud to present the spring musical comedy, The Addams Family, April 26th – 29th at 7 pm in the GHS Auditorium.  Student tickets are $5 each and Adult tickets are $8.  Tickets will be sold during all lunches or tickets can be purchased at the door.  Contact Mr. Clint Alexander at GHS if you have any questions.

Sports physicals for the 2017-2018 sports seasons will be offered at  Gloucester High School after school on Wednesday, May 3rd and again on June 1st.  Students must be pre-screened by the school nurses to register for their physical.  Students may be pre-screened before school or during lunch, not during class time.  Sports physicals cost $20.  Students need a physical to condition or tryout for any sport here at GHS.  Physical forms are available in the Main Office or on the GHS website and must be filled out by a parent or guardian in order for a student to be pre-screened.

Those are all your updates for this week.  As always, thanks for your support of GHS.  Have a great evening!

Nate Collins
Principal
Gloucester High School