💛 School Counselor Appreciation Week 💛
This week, we celebrate the dedication, care, and impact of our incredible school counselors. Every day, they support students’ academic success, help them navigate challenges, and guide them as they plan for the future—often in ways that go unseen but are deeply felt.
Please join us in thanking the outstanding counselors who serve our schools and community so well:
✨ Randolph Elementary – Ms. Erin Shively
✨ Goochland Elementary – Ms. Carmen Bland & Ms. Elizabeth Graham
✨ Byrd Elementary – Ms. Madison Jackson
✨ Goochland Middle – Ms. Caroline Powell & Ms. Ashton Blackley
✨ Goochland High – Ms. Renee Ferrell, Ms. Mallory McMullin, & Ms. Suly Salazar
Thank you for being trusted listeners, steady guides, and strong advocates for our students—today and every day!
This week, we celebrate the dedication, care, and impact of our incredible school counselors. Every day, they support students’ academic success, help them navigate challenges, and guide them as they plan for the future—often in ways that go unseen but are deeply felt.
Please join us in thanking the outstanding counselors who serve our schools and community so well:
✨ Randolph Elementary – Ms. Erin Shively
✨ Goochland Elementary – Ms. Carmen Bland & Ms. Elizabeth Graham
✨ Byrd Elementary – Ms. Madison Jackson
✨ Goochland Middle – Ms. Caroline Powell & Ms. Ashton Blackley
✨ Goochland High – Ms. Renee Ferrell, Ms. Mallory McMullin, & Ms. Suly Salazar
Thank you for being trusted listeners, steady guides, and strong advocates for our students—today and every day!
❄️ GCPS will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow ❄️
This delay will allow for improved visibility and time to address any potential overnight wintry weather.
Our Transportation Department has surveyed all bus routes and is identifying alternate stops as needed. Please refer to this document to determine if your child's bus route has been impacted
Absences will be excused for families who choose to keep their children home due to weather conditions.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to keep everyone safe.
🚀 Mark Your Calendars! 🚀
✨ Future Forward Fest ✨
📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 GCPS Secondary Complex
Join us for a division-wide celebration of innovation and learning! Families are invited to explore incredible student work from across GCPS and see how we’re preparing learners for a bright, future-ready world. 🌟
Come curious. Leave inspired. The future is forward—and it’s happening at GCPS!
✨ Future Forward Fest ✨
📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 GCPS Secondary Complex
Join us for a division-wide celebration of innovation and learning! Families are invited to explore incredible student work from across GCPS and see how we’re preparing learners for a bright, future-ready world. 🌟
Come curious. Leave inspired. The future is forward—and it’s happening at GCPS!
Today we’re sending a HUGE thank you to Ms. Bland, Ms. Graham, and Ms. Mariner for all they do for our River Otters each and every day! 💙
Your care, guidance, and dedication make a difference in the lives of our students, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our school community. 🦦✨
Your care, guidance, and dedication make a difference in the lives of our students, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our school community. 🦦✨
❄ GCPS Update ❄
Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow.
Our Transportation Department has surveyed all bus routes and is identifying alternate stops as needed. Please refer to this document to determine if your child's bus route has been impacted.
Thank you for your patience and partnership in keeping our students safe.
💫 Help Us Celebrate Our GCPS All Stars! 💫
February 16-20 is All Star Week, and we want to spotlight the incredible GCPS staff who go above and beyond every day! 🎉
Do you know a teacher, bus driver, school nurse, administrator, or staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life? Now’s your chance to say thank you! 💙
✨ Share your story of appreciation by submitting a note of gratitude or an anecdote about a GCPS staff member who has made a lasting impact.
📢 Submit your story here: https://forms.gle/KWiBPDGfD2XpXtDt6
Your submission may be featured during All Star Week as we celebrate the incredible people who make GCPS such a great place to learn and grow! 🌟
February 16-20 is All Star Week, and we want to spotlight the incredible GCPS staff who go above and beyond every day! 🎉
Do you know a teacher, bus driver, school nurse, administrator, or staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life? Now’s your chance to say thank you! 💙
✨ Share your story of appreciation by submitting a note of gratitude or an anecdote about a GCPS staff member who has made a lasting impact.
📢 Submit your story here: https://forms.gle/KWiBPDGfD2XpXtDt6
Your submission may be featured during All Star Week as we celebrate the incredible people who make GCPS such a great place to learn and grow! 🌟
GCPS Update:
Schools will remain closed tomorrow, February 3, 2026. Tuesday is a remote learning day for students. Pending School Board approval, February 16th and March 20th will be makeup days for students.
Schools will remain closed tomorrow, February 3, 2026. Tuesday is a remote learning day for students. Pending School Board approval, February 16th and March 20th will be makeup days for students.
🧩 Conundrum Day is Coming! 🧠🔬
Families are invited to our county-wide Conundrum Day, a fun, STEM-focused event for students in grades K–8!
📅 Saturday, February 28
📍 County-wide event
✨ Students will take part in hands-on problem-solving challenges designed to spark creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
⚠️ Important: Families must register their child in advance in order to attend. Space is limited! bit.ly/3ZbUoXq
📄 Check out the Conundrum Day Flyer for full details and registration information.
We can’t wait to see your young problem-solvers in action! 🚀
Families are invited to our county-wide Conundrum Day, a fun, STEM-focused event for students in grades K–8!
📅 Saturday, February 28
📍 County-wide event
✨ Students will take part in hands-on problem-solving challenges designed to spark creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
⚠️ Important: Families must register their child in advance in order to attend. Space is limited! bit.ly/3ZbUoXq
📄 Check out the Conundrum Day Flyer for full details and registration information.
We can’t wait to see your young problem-solvers in action! 🚀
❄️ GCPS Update ❄️
Goochland County Public Schools will remain closed on Monday, February 2, 2026, due to continued below-freezing temperatures and packed snow and ice on some secondary roads. Monday will be a remote learning day for students. Please check your email for more information.
We miss our students and are optimistic that warmer temperatures this week will allow us to safely return to school soon ❤
🦦 This Friday is going to be OTTER-LY awesome! 🎬🍿
PTA Meeting & Family Movie Night
Join the PTA for a quick update on this year’s activities, then settle in for a Family Movie Night featuring the Pixar film Elio!
👨👩👧👦 Please note: this is not a drop-off event—the whole family is invited to enjoy the fun together.
📅 THIS FRIDAY, February 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 GES
🎟️ FREE event!
Don’t miss out—bring your family and get ready for an otter-rific night! 🦦✨
PTA Meeting & Family Movie Night
Join the PTA for a quick update on this year’s activities, then settle in for a Family Movie Night featuring the Pixar film Elio!
👨👩👧👦 Please note: this is not a drop-off event—the whole family is invited to enjoy the fun together.
📅 THIS FRIDAY, February 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 GES
🎟️ FREE event!
Don’t miss out—bring your family and get ready for an otter-rific night! 🦦✨
📢 Kindergarten Registration Reminder!
Online registration opens Monday, April 6, and we’re excited to welcome our newest learners!
🏫 In-Person Screening: Thursday, April 9
✔️ Children must be 5 years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming school year.
🔗 Register here: https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/registration
Please help spread the word! 💙
Online registration opens Monday, April 6, and we’re excited to welcome our newest learners!
🏫 In-Person Screening: Thursday, April 9
✔️ Children must be 5 years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming school year.
🔗 Register here: https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/registration
Please help spread the word! 💙
🎉 Ready to gear up and save? 🎉
Show your Goochland Elementary pride in style! 💙🐾
🛍️ Take 15% off 2 items, 20% off 3 items, or score a huge 25% off 4 items with code SPIRIT766 at checkout.
👕 Shop tees, hoodies, hats, bags, and more!
🚚 FREE shipping on orders of $85+
https://tinyurl.com/GESSpiritSale
Now’s the perfect time to stock up and rep Goochland Elementary everywhere you go! 🙌✨
Show your Goochland Elementary pride in style! 💙🐾
🛍️ Take 15% off 2 items, 20% off 3 items, or score a huge 25% off 4 items with code SPIRIT766 at checkout.
👕 Shop tees, hoodies, hats, bags, and more!
🚚 FREE shipping on orders of $85+
https://tinyurl.com/GESSpiritSale
Now’s the perfect time to stock up and rep Goochland Elementary everywhere you go! 🙌✨
❄️ Weather Update – Goochland Reads ❄️
Unfortunately, due to winter weather, our culminating Goochland Reads event, St. Slumber Party, scheduled for Thursday, January 29, has been cancelled.
Even though we can’t celebrate together in person, we still want to see our GES students reading The Greatest Gift in their pajamas! 📚🛌
Please share your photos by posting them here or emailing Mrs. Smith at sjsmith@glnd.k12.va.us
Thank you for your flexibility, and keep cozy and reading, GES families! 💙📖
Unfortunately, due to winter weather, our culminating Goochland Reads event, St. Slumber Party, scheduled for Thursday, January 29, has been cancelled.
Even though we can’t celebrate together in person, we still want to see our GES students reading The Greatest Gift in their pajamas! 📚🛌
Please share your photos by posting them here or emailing Mrs. Smith at sjsmith@glnd.k12.va.us
Thank you for your flexibility, and keep cozy and reading, GES families! 💙📖
❄ GCPS Update ❄
Due to continued inclement weather conditions, Goochland County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30.
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize safety. We are hopeful to see our students and staff back next week! ❤
Due to continued inclement weather conditions, Goochland County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30.
Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize safety. We are hopeful to see our students and staff back next week! ❤
GCPS Update: Schools will remain closed tomorrow, 1/28. Please check your email for more information.
The school board budget workshop, originally scheduled for tonight, has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. This budget workshop will now be held on February 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building (2938 River Rd W, Building I). The agenda for the meeting can be found here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/
🦦 It’s going to be OTTER-LY amazing! 🎬🍿
PTA Meeting & Family Movie Night
Please join the PTA for a quick splash of updates on this year’s activities, then stay afloat for a Family Movie Night featuring the Pixar film Elio!
⭐ Important: This is not a drop-off event—the whole family is invited to paddle on over together.
📅 February 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 GES
🎟️ FREE event!
Bring your family, grab some popcorn, and let’s have an otter-ly unforgettable night! 💙🦦
PTA Meeting & Family Movie Night
Please join the PTA for a quick splash of updates on this year’s activities, then stay afloat for a Family Movie Night featuring the Pixar film Elio!
⭐ Important: This is not a drop-off event—the whole family is invited to paddle on over together.
📅 February 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 GES
🎟️ FREE event!
Bring your family, grab some popcorn, and let’s have an otter-ly unforgettable night! 💙🦦
The Goochland County School Board will hold a budget workshop on January 27, 2026 at the County Administration Building (1800 Sandy Hook Road, Room 250). GCPS School Board agendas can be found here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/
All are welcome to attend.
All are welcome to attend.
Don’t miss out! Order your GES Yearbook today and capture all the memories from this year.
👉 https://tinyurl.com/GESPTAYearbook
👉 https://tinyurl.com/GESPTAYearbook
🌟 A night of celebration at last Tuesday's School Board meeting! We proudly recognized our Teachers of the Year from each school and announced our District Teacher of the Year.
👏 Congratulations to:
• Michelle Clark – RES
• Kelly Edwards – GES
• Holly Swift – BES
• Molly Voss – GMS
• Ryan Maloney – GHS
🏆 And a special congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Edwards (GES), our District Teacher of the Year!
We are so grateful for the incredible educators who make a difference every day. 🍎✨
👏 Congratulations to:
• Michelle Clark – RES
• Kelly Edwards – GES
• Holly Swift – BES
• Molly Voss – GMS
• Ryan Maloney – GHS
🏆 And a special congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Edwards (GES), our District Teacher of the Year!
We are so grateful for the incredible educators who make a difference every day. 🍎✨
