The heart of Goochland beats through the arts! ๐จ๐ญ๐ถ
We are so proud to celebrate our Fine and Performing Arts Team as our Team of the Year! This incredible group of educators represents talent from across all five of our schools, working together to inspire creativity and confidence in every student.
From the first notes in elementary music to the standing ovations at the high school, these teachers create a sense of belonging and "connectedness" that makes GCPS so special. Our community is brighter because of your dedication!
We are so proud to celebrate our Fine and Performing Arts Team as our Team of the Year! This incredible group of educators represents talent from across all five of our schools, working together to inspire creativity and confidence in every student.
From the first notes in elementary music to the standing ovations at the high school, these teachers create a sense of belonging and "connectedness" that makes GCPS so special. Our community is brighter because of your dedication!

๐๐ The Book Fair is HERE! ๐๐
Mrs. Smith is so excited for all our River Otters to shop during their library Encore time this week! ๐ฆฆ๐
๐๏ธ After-school shopping is available MondayโThursday until 3:30 PMโfamilies are welcome to join!
๐ณ Donโt forget to set up your studentโs eWallet for an easy, cash-free shopping experience.
We canโt wait to see what great books everyone discovers! ๐

The School Board will hold a work session at 3:00 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The work session and meeting will be held at the Goochland Annex Building (2938 River Road W, Building I). Agendas for the meeting are located here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=365

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Mark Your Calendars!
Join us for our 5th Grade Graduation Spirit Night at Bella Sicilia on April 23rd from 4โ9 PM! ๐๐

Wellness in full color! ๐โโ๏ธ๐จ๐จโจ
Last nightโs Wellness Night was a blast! Our Goochland families hit the track for the color fun run, tackled the bouncy slide, and enjoyed some delicious eats from the local food trucks.
It was a wonderful evening for our families to connect with incredible community resources and learn more about the support networks available right here in Goochland. ๐ค๐
Shoutout to our Sunshine Food Bus for feeding bodies and minds with those free books! ๐๐ Thereโs nothing better than seeing our students leave with a smile and a new story to read. It was a beautiful night of movement, connection, and Goochland pride.
Last nightโs Wellness Night was a blast! Our Goochland families hit the track for the color fun run, tackled the bouncy slide, and enjoyed some delicious eats from the local food trucks.
It was a wonderful evening for our families to connect with incredible community resources and learn more about the support networks available right here in Goochland. ๐ค๐
Shoutout to our Sunshine Food Bus for feeding bodies and minds with those free books! ๐๐ Thereโs nothing better than seeing our students leave with a smile and a new story to read. It was a beautiful night of movement, connection, and Goochland pride.









We had an otterly amazing time showering our GES teachers with a pancake breakfast! ๐ฆฆ๐ฅ๐
Mrs. McCay knows the GES staff is the flippinโ bestโand weโre so grateful for everything they do to support and inspire our students every day.
Just a little something to say we appreciate you otterly!

๐ฟ๐ Take a walk, learn something new, and celebrate our students!
Stop by our StoryWalk to explore the incredible work of our GES 4th graders. Students visited and researched local landmarks including Tuckahoe Plantation, Fire Station 1, Rassawek, and Second Union Schoolโand now their learning is on display for the whole community to enjoy!
Make it a family outing this weekend by pairing your visit with the Mobile Museum at Goochland High School (back parking lot), happening April 9โ12 from 9:00 AMโ5:00 PM.
Come out, support our students, and discover the rich history right here in our community! โค๏ธ
Stop by our StoryWalk to explore the incredible work of our GES 4th graders. Students visited and researched local landmarks including Tuckahoe Plantation, Fire Station 1, Rassawek, and Second Union Schoolโand now their learning is on display for the whole community to enjoy!
Make it a family outing this weekend by pairing your visit with the Mobile Museum at Goochland High School (back parking lot), happening April 9โ12 from 9:00 AMโ5:00 PM.
Come out, support our students, and discover the rich history right here in our community! โค๏ธ



๐ A Championship for the Books! ๐โจ
On March 26th, our elementary students proved that reading is the ultimate team sport! We were so proud to host the Reading Olympics, bringing together 160 students from all three of our elementary schools.
These dedicated young readers tackled a list of 31 books, supported by 19 incredible coaches who helped them every step of the way. It was a day filled with connectedness, school/team spirit, and a shared passion for reading.
Huge congratulations to our overall winners: "I Survived The Great Bear Attack" from Randolph Elementary School! ๐ฅ A special shoutout to their coach, Mrs. Katelin Nolan, for leading them to victory.
On March 26th, our elementary students proved that reading is the ultimate team sport! We were so proud to host the Reading Olympics, bringing together 160 students from all three of our elementary schools.
These dedicated young readers tackled a list of 31 books, supported by 19 incredible coaches who helped them every step of the way. It was a day filled with connectedness, school/team spirit, and a shared passion for reading.
Huge congratulations to our overall winners: "I Survived The Great Bear Attack" from Randolph Elementary School! ๐ฅ A special shoutout to their coach, Mrs. Katelin Nolan, for leading them to victory.








๐ฃ Lost & Found Reminder! Families, please take a moment to check the Lost & Found video.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VE-xMHR59bHcSSGw0UcdOWiWSZQNxR0A/view?usp=sharing
All remaining items will be donated at the end of today. If you spot something that belongs to your student, please email riverotters@glnd.k12.va.us so we can make sure it gets returned.
Thank you!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VE-xMHR59bHcSSGw0UcdOWiWSZQNxR0A/view?usp=sharing
All remaining items will be donated at the end of today. If you spot something that belongs to your student, please email riverotters@glnd.k12.va.us so we can make sure it gets returned.
Thank you!

Our Goochland Elementary Otters are making a splash at the library! ๐ฆฆ๐๐
Our Kindergarteners recently wrapped up four incredible trips to the Goochland Branch Library, made possible by a generous grant from the Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) and the Friends of the Goochland Library.
From diving into STEM challenges and creative stations to enjoying cozy read-alouds, our kindergarteners loved learning alongside our wonderful community librarians. These trips are such a vital part of building "connectedness" between our classrooms and the community from the very start!
A huge thank you to our partners for investing in our Otters and helping them discover the magic of our local library. ๐๏ธโจ
Our Kindergarteners recently wrapped up four incredible trips to the Goochland Branch Library, made possible by a generous grant from the Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) and the Friends of the Goochland Library.
From diving into STEM challenges and creative stations to enjoying cozy read-alouds, our kindergarteners loved learning alongside our wonderful community librarians. These trips are such a vital part of building "connectedness" between our classrooms and the community from the very start!
A huge thank you to our partners for investing in our Otters and helping them discover the magic of our local library. ๐๏ธโจ

โจ We Canโt Wait to Meet Our Future Kindergarteners! โจ
Kindergarten registration opens TODAY - Monday, April 6, with screenings coming up soon.
๐ซ In-Person Screening: April 9
๐ง๐ง Students must be 5 years old on or before September 30.
๐ Get started: https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/registration
Know someone who should register? Please share!
Kindergarten registration opens TODAY - Monday, April 6, with screenings coming up soon.
๐ซ In-Person Screening: April 9
๐ง๐ง Students must be 5 years old on or before September 30.
๐ Get started: https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/registration
Know someone who should register? Please share!

๐ฅค Help Us Stock the Teachersโ Lounges! โ๐ซ
Letโs show our appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff! ๐
๐ฆ Donation Collection: April 20thโ24th
๐ Lounges will be stocked and ready by April 27th!
๐ Send goodies directly from our Amazon Wishlist:
๐ https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1K167P6SJ1PUY?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
๐ Want to help even more?
Volunteer your time on Friday, May 1st to give teachers an extended lunch break!
๐ Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BA4AA2DA1F94-62987934-gesteacher#/
Every donation and volunteer makes a big impactโthank you for supporting our teachers! ๐๐
Letโs show our appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff! ๐
๐ฆ Donation Collection: April 20thโ24th
๐ Lounges will be stocked and ready by April 27th!
๐ Send goodies directly from our Amazon Wishlist:
๐ https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1K167P6SJ1PUY?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
๐ Want to help even more?
Volunteer your time on Friday, May 1st to give teachers an extended lunch break!
๐ Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BA4AA2DA1F94-62987934-gesteacher#/
Every donation and volunteer makes a big impactโthank you for supporting our teachers! ๐๐

Remember: Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be turned off and kept in backpacks during the school day. In accordance with School Board policy (JFC-R), the use of these devicesโincluding smart watchesโis not permitted during the school day. Repeated violations will result in device confiscation and parent contact.

Itโs Almost Here! ๐๐โโ๏ธ
Join us this Wednesday, April 8th for GCPS Wellness Night โ Stronger Together Fun Run/Walk!
๐ Goochland High School Football Stadium
โฐ 5:00โ7:00 PM (Run/Walk begins at 5:30 PM)
Bring the whole family for food trucks, games, bouncy houses, door prizes, and a colorful fun run/walk around the track! Whether youโre running, walking, or just coming to enjoy the fun, weโd love to see you there.
Letโs come together as one GCPS community โ stronger together! ๐
Join us this Wednesday, April 8th for GCPS Wellness Night โ Stronger Together Fun Run/Walk!
๐ Goochland High School Football Stadium
โฐ 5:00โ7:00 PM (Run/Walk begins at 5:30 PM)
Bring the whole family for food trucks, games, bouncy houses, door prizes, and a colorful fun run/walk around the track! Whether youโre running, walking, or just coming to enjoy the fun, weโd love to see you there.
Letโs come together as one GCPS community โ stronger together! ๐

Congratulations to our 2026 Employee of the Year: Mrs. Rosie Holman, Director of Transportation! ๐โจ
From our dedicated bus and car drivers to our expert mechanics and routing specialists, Rosie leads the team that ensures our students start and end their days safely. She was nominated by her GCPS colleagues for her unwavering commitment to our kids and her "above and beyond" heart for service.
We are so lucky to have her leading the way (literally!) in Goochland. Congratulations, Mrs. Holman!
From our dedicated bus and car drivers to our expert mechanics and routing specialists, Rosie leads the team that ensures our students start and end their days safely. She was nominated by her GCPS colleagues for her unwavering commitment to our kids and her "above and beyond" heart for service.
We are so lucky to have her leading the way (literally!) in Goochland. Congratulations, Mrs. Holman!

Weโre wrapping up our Rookie of the Year week at Goochland High School! ๐พโค๏ธ
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Crystal Neilson-Hall, our GHS Rookie of the Year! As a CTE teacher, Crystal is helping our students build the real-world skills they need for the future. Her expertise and enthusiasm for the subjects she teaches are a huge win for our Bulldogs! ๐ฅ๐ป
Thank you to all five of our Rookies for choosing Goochland. We are a stronger community because you're here!
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Crystal Neilson-Hall, our GHS Rookie of the Year! As a CTE teacher, Crystal is helping our students build the real-world skills they need for the future. Her expertise and enthusiasm for the subjects she teaches are a huge win for our Bulldogs! ๐ฅ๐ป
Thank you to all five of our Rookies for choosing Goochland. We are a stronger community because you're here!


Moving on to Goochland Middle School for Day 4 of our Rookie of the Year Series! ๐
We are proud to announce Mr. Gene LeMarr as the GMS Rookie of the Year! Mr. LeMarr's work in the special education department has been instrumental in supporting our middle schoolers as they navigate these important years. Thank you, Mr. LeMarr, for your commitment to every student's journey! โจ
Only one school left... stay tuned for our final reveal tomorrow!
We are proud to announce Mr. Gene LeMarr as the GMS Rookie of the Year! Mr. LeMarr's work in the special education department has been instrumental in supporting our middle schoolers as they navigate these important years. Thank you, Mr. LeMarr, for your commitment to every student's journey! โจ
Only one school left... stay tuned for our final reveal tomorrow!


Itโs Day 3 of our Rookie of the Year series! ๐ Today, weโre at Randolph Elementary to honor Ms. Taylor Flagg.
Ms. Flagg may be a veteran in the classroom, but this is her first year with the Roadrunner family! In just a few short months, her dedication to her students and RES has made a lasting impression on our community. ๐๐
Ms. Flagg may be a veteran in the classroom, but this is her first year with the Roadrunner family! In just a few short months, her dedication to her students and RES has made a lasting impression on our community. ๐๐

๐The celebration continues! ๐Day 2 of our Rookie of the Year countdown takes us to Goochland Elementary School to celebrate Ruth Patterson!
As a fourth grade teacher, Ms. Patterson has shown a deep commitment to her students and a wonderful ability to connect with the GES family. We are so lucky to have her energy and dedication in our hallsโshe is already a vital part of the Otter pond! ๐ฆฆโจ
Who will be next? Check back tomorrow to find out!
As a fourth grade teacher, Ms. Patterson has shown a deep commitment to her students and a wonderful ability to connect with the GES family. We are so lucky to have her energy and dedication in our hallsโshe is already a vital part of the Otter pond! ๐ฆฆโจ
Who will be next? Check back tomorrow to find out!


Who says math review canโt be a slam dunk? ๐๐ขโจ
Ms. Carrโs third graders brought the heat last week for March Mathness! Students teamed up for a high-energy competition to show off everything theyโve learned so far this year.
The play-by-play was simple:
1๏ธโฃ Work together to solve a challenge.
2๏ธโฃ Get it right? Take a shot at the basket! ๐
3๏ธโฃ Celebrate every win as a team. ๐ค
We love seeing our students stay connected through healthy competition and teamwork. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, the focus was on supporting one anotherโand every single MVP walked away with a medal for their hustle! ๐ฅ
Ms. Carrโs third graders brought the heat last week for March Mathness! Students teamed up for a high-energy competition to show off everything theyโve learned so far this year.
The play-by-play was simple:
1๏ธโฃ Work together to solve a challenge.
2๏ธโฃ Get it right? Take a shot at the basket! ๐
3๏ธโฃ Celebrate every win as a team. ๐ค
We love seeing our students stay connected through healthy competition and teamwork. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, the focus was on supporting one anotherโand every single MVP walked away with a medal for their hustle! ๐ฅ







