Weekly Newsletter

Happening This Week

Monday, September 22 - Day 1

Tuesday, September 23 - Day 2

Bus Evacuation Drill
Volleyball AWAY @ William monroe
Boys Soccer HOME (Leakes Mill) @ 4:30

Wednesday, September 24 - Day 1

Cross Country @ Fluvanna

Thursday, September 25 - Day 2

Volleyball HOME @ 4:30

Friday, September 26

Student Holiday-Teacher Work Day
GHS Dance Program Fundraiser, 9 am - 2 pm, GMS Gym *flyer below

Looking Ahead

Monday, September 29 - Day 1

MP1 Writing Project in English classes this week
Boys Soccer HOME (Leakes Mill) @ 4:30
Volleyball HOME @ 4:30

Tuesday, September 30 - Day 2

iPad Insurance due date/deadline
Cross Country AWAY @ William Monroe
Volleyball HOME @ 4:30
Advanced Programs Information Night @ 6 PM

Wednesday, October 1 - Day 1

Thursday, October 2 - Day 2

Custodial Worker Recognition Day
Volleyball HOME @ 4:30

Friday, October 3 - Day 1

- - - - - - - - - - -

Throughout the 25.26 school year, please visit this website for upcoming events or activities throughout the Goochland community.

iPad Insurance Payments - All students and parents must sign the AUP form on PowerSchool and pay the $20 iPad insurance fee using the Online School Payment System. This year, we ask that all fees be paid by September 30th. Families seeking to waive the fee must qualify for free and reduced lunch and should contact our Instructional Technology Coach, Jade Miller (jmiller@glnd.k12.va.us).
The insurance fee covers most iPad repairs and a one-time replacement of lost or damaged GCPS-issued technology.
Without insurance coverage, all repairs and replacement costs are the responsibility of the student/parent.
8th Grade parents - keyboard case replacements are $89 and are not covered by insurance.

September is Attendance Awareness Month. ✅

It is essential for students to attend school on a regular basis. Not only is attendance required by law, it has a huge impact on a student’s academic success beginning in preschool and/or kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role ensuring that children not only attend school but understand the importance of attendance as it relates to their success in school and life.

GAME ON! 🏆 #BeHere Attendance Challenge!

This week we kicked off our #BeHere Attendance Challenge to encourage all Eagles to show up, level up and stay in the game every day! Each grade level will compete to earn the best “record” by keeping their attendance strong. The grade with the highest attendance percentage will win weekly. At the end of the challenge one grade level will be crowned Attendance Champions!

Every day counts, and every student plays a key role on their team. Let’s work together to build great habits, celebrate success and help our Eagles win big this school year!

Tardy Sweeps - We will once again implement random tardy clean sweeps to ensure that our students report to class on time and maximize our instructional time.

Tardy clean sweeps may be implemented at any time during the school day, including the morning tardy bell at 9:00 am. Tardy sweeps will not penalize students arriving on a late bus. Should your child have an excused tardy due to an appointment, etc., please send your child into the building with a note to turn in to the main office. Parents, please discuss the importance of arriving at school and class on time with your child. We look forward to continued partnerships with our students, parents, and community members to uphold the standards of excellence at Goochland Middle School.

GMS Tardy Sweep Process:

After the tardy bell rings, we will announce that we will begin a tardy clean sweep over the PA.
All teachers will close and lock their doors once they hear the announcement.
Teachers will not allow students to enter the classroom and direct them to the cafeteria.
Teachers will not allow students to exit their classrooms during the clean sweep to enable our administrators to process the students caught in the clean sweep.
Once administrators have swept through the hallways and bathrooms, they will assign lunch detention to any students caught in the clean sweep without a valid SmartPass.
After administrators complete the disciplinary process, students caught in the sweep will return to their classrooms with a pass from the administration.
Once students have a tardy clean sweep pass, teachers will allow them into their classrooms.
Once the tardy clean sweep is over, administrators will make another announcement to inform everyone that the sweep has concluded.

GCPS Strategic Planning Survey

Dear Families,

As part of Goochland County Public Schools’ strategic planning process, we will be distributing four unique surveys in late September in order to gather broad stakeholder input:

to students in grades 6-12
to parents of GCPS students in all grades PK-12
to GCPS staff
to the greater Goochland community

Specifically, the student survey is designed to gain insight into each student’s individual school experience. All responses will be anonymous and reviewed only by our third-party survey partner Plan Forward, not by school or district staff. In turn, survey results will be shared with GCPS in summary form only to help guide planning and decision-making. No individual responses will be tracked or shared. We value every student’s voice and are committed to using this feedback to strengthen our schools and support all learners.

Please find a complete copy of the student survey here. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about the importance of using a third-party resource for the collection of stakeholder feedback, please see Plan Forward’s resource here. If you would like to opt out your child from participating in this survey, please fill out this Google form.

As always, thank you for your support of your child, their school experience, and GCPS.

Sense of Belonging Survey - Linked here, please find a preview copy of the student GCPS Sense of Belonging and Inclusion Survey that will be administered during history classes starting on October 13, 2025. The purpose of the survey is to collect student input on how our school is doing in creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for all students and to solicit input on how we can improve.

Any parent wishing to opt their child out of taking this survey may do so by completing this Google Form.

If you have any questions, please contact our survey coordinator, Ms. Jade Miller.

Information Night at Goochland Middle School - September 30 at 6:00 PM

It's never too early to start planning for success! Please join us on September 30 at 6:00 PM for GCPS Advanced Programs Information Night at Goochland Middle School. This event is a wonderful opportunity for both parents and students in grades 4-8 to learn about the various academic offerings that await in high school. Program directors from the Advance College Academy, Blue Ridge Virtual Governor's School, and Maggie L. Walker Governor's School will present, along with students from each program. After a brief introduction in the auditorium, the night will feature small group break-out sessions to learn about each program in detail. This format offers a comfortable place for informal conversation and questions. Families are free to attend all three break-out sessions or selected ones of their choosing. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tyde Talks

Once a month during GMS lunches, Mrs. Lawson and therapy dog Tyde will be hosting "Tyde Talks." Whether students need a listening ear, a moment of calm, or just a furry friend to brighten their day, Tyde will be there for it! Each month, they will be sharing information related to mental health. Students will have the opportunity to participate in games, win prizes, or explore new skills through fun and interactive play and conversations. Tyde Talks are optional for students during lunch.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to Mrs. Lawson at alawson@glnd.k12.va.us.

GMS students, have you ever wanted to be part of a production?

GMS students, have you ever wanted to be part of a production? We are looking for cast and crew members for this years’ GMS musical, Bye Bye Birdie. GHS students will be in the cafeteria during lunches on October 7th and 8th to answer questions and sign you up to learn more at our interest meeting.

Team PTSA

You can still support the success of every Eagle by joining the GMS PTSA. When you join, you are supporting the PTSA financially and will receive emails with opportunities to help throughout the year. You will also receive an email at the end of every marking period recapping what the PTSA has been doing for students, faculty, staff, and the school, plus upcoming events and parent/guardian opportunities. Questions? Check out our Membership FAQs or Email us GMSEaglesPTSA@gmail.com

Current Volunteer Needs

Do you like throwing a fun themed party? The Student Social Team needs volunteers to pull off an awesome afterschool event for the students on October 10th. The Social (similar to a school dance) is a time for students to hang out with their friends, listen to music, play games, make crafts, and be silly together! Email GMSEaglesPTSA@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the Student Social Team.

Connect with Us

Website: gmseagles.givebacks.com

Email: GMSEaglesPTSA@gmail.com

Instagram: @goochlandeaglesptsa

Facebook: GMS Eagles PTS

VHSL Sports Physical REQUIRED in order for any student to participate in tryouts

Without a completed and up-to-date Sports Physical students will not be eligible to participate in GMS Athletics Program.

Forms maybe submitted to Mrs. Tracy Davis by email or students can drop them off in the office.

VHSL SPORTS PHYSICAL FORM

*For more information see the GMS Athletics Webpage

🥎 GHS Softball invitation to 8th grade GMS girls

8th grade girls are invited to attend GHS softball workouts at 3:55 every Wednesday in September.

All students must have a valid physical to participate.

Bring your softball gear and please wear softball attire.

Price deduction!! 💃 Now $40 for Dance Camp (ages 7-12)

The GHS Dance Company class is hosting a Dance Camp on September 26th, a teacher workday. The camp will be held in the Middle School Gym from 9am-2pm.

Backpacks of Love, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that has been providing weekend food bags to school children who may not have enough to eat at home since 2011. These food bags are distributed discreetly by school staff on the last school day of each week.

Goochland Middle School