Weekly Newsletter

Monday, October 6 - Day 2

National Coaches' Day

Tuesday, October 7 - Day 1

Wednesday, October 8 - Day 2

National Stop Bullying Day

Thursday, October 9 - Day 1

Secondary Complex Earthquake Drill

Friday, October 10 - Day 2

PTSA Party Like a Champion School Social, 3:35-6:00 *information below

Monday, October 13 - Day 1

Tuesday, October 14 - Day 2

End of MP1

Wednesday, October 15

Parent-Teacher Conferences, 11 am - 6 pm *information below

Thursday, October 16

Student-Teacher Holiday

Friday, October 17

Student-Teacher Holiday

🎃 October

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15)

October 10: Party like a Champion - After School Social hosted by PTSA

*See flyer and permission slip below

October 14: End of Marking Period 1

October 15: Student Holiday & Parent/Teacher Conference *information below

October 16: No School - Student/Teacher Holiday

October 17: No School - Student/Teacher Holiday

October 21: Picture Day 📷 *more info below

October 22: Picture Day 📷 *more info below

October 22: Unity Day 🧡 - wear orange

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

📝 Parent Teacher Conference Information

Please go to https://ptcfast.com/schools/GMS_Conferences to book times with your student's teachers!

Use this document for more in-depth instructions on how to book!

Please keep in mind, all teachers will be having lunch from 1-2 pm, so no conferences will be available during that time.

7th Grade Families: Signs of Suicide Program

During the week of October 27th, school counselors will visit Health and PE 7 classes to teach 7th grade students about mental health and how to seek assistance if they are worried about themselves or a friend. GCPS uses a program called “SOS: Signs of Suicide.” This program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help if ever needed.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.

Please see the attached letter for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact Principal, Patrick Gordon at pgordon@glnd.k12.va.us or school counselors, Caroline Powell (cpowell@glnd.k12.va.us) and Ashton Blackley (ablackley@glnd.k12.va.us).

NJHS Food Drive

NJHS is hosting a food drive competition for all grade levels from September 29th to October 14th.

We are asking for canned fish, canned meat, and soups that will go to support Goochland Cares.

6th grade will deliver their donations to Mrs. Voss in room M121

7th grade will deliver their donations to Mrs. Waldron in room Q204

8th grade will deliver their donations to Mr. Rorrer in room R219

The grade with the most donations gets to choose between eating outside for a lunch period or having a whole grade recess outside during Eagle Block!

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.

Gifted Referral Window Open

Gifted Referral Window Open - The Fall gifted referral window is open! Teachers, students, parents, and community members may complete a referral for gifted evaluation throughout October (referrals from sources other than parents can be found here). As a reminder, Goochland identifies students as gifted in the following areas:

English / Language Arts / Math / General Intellectual Aptitude / Fine Arts (including vocal music, instrumental music, dance, acting, technical theatre, and studio arts) / and Career and Technical Aptitude

To return your referral or to discuss the gifted evaluation process, please contact Matt Rorrer (jrorrer@glnd.k12.va.us) before Friday, October 31st.

Coming Soon: Picture Day! 📸

Picture day is October 21st and 22nd here at GMS! Please plan accordingly.

Most importantly, don't wear green! The backgrounds will be green screens and you don't want your green clothes to disappear into the background.

Please see the attached flyer for how to order photos.

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

Good evening Eagles Families!

The PTSA is excited to invite your middle schooler(s) to PARTY LIKE A CHAMPION! This Friday, October 10th, all middle school students are invited to stay after school and enjoy an evening of FUN! We will have a DJ & "Victory Dance" Floor, Yard Games like Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Giant Connect 4, Board Games, Playing Cards, UNO, a "Winner's Circle" Photo Booth, as well as a chill area with crafts and coloring. There will also be 50-inch TVs and projector screens with Xbox, Switch, and PS5 hooked up for some video game fun! Concessions like popcorn, sno cones, sodas, and snacks will be available for purchase.

Any student who wishes to attend must bring a signed permission form and $5 for admission by Friday. A paper copy will be sent home on Monday, 10/6 in 4th block classes. The event ends at 6pm and students must be picked up from school at that time. If you need help getting your student home after the party, please email us: GMSEaglesPTSA@gmail.com and we will do our best to help find a ride.

We still need a few things to make the party a SLAM DUNK: Volunteers | Concessions Donations & Lending Games | Monetary Donations

Finally, this fun event would not be possible without the GENEROSITY of our SPONSORS: NuTech ADAS, Gordon Brother's Construction, and Mr. Randy Reynolds

GAME ON EAGLES!

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

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