🎉 September is Attendance Awareness Month and our students are showing their school spirit while focusing on the importance of being at school every day!
✅ At all three elementary schools, students are participating in Attendance Matters Spirit Week—today was “Head for Success” day, and hats of all kinds were on display. 👒🧢🎩
✅ At Goochland Middle School, grade levels are facing off in an attendance challenge. The winning grade earns a special surprise (and of course, major bragging rights!).
We’re proud of our students for celebrating the power of showing up—because every day counts!
✅ At all three elementary schools, students are participating in Attendance Matters Spirit Week—today was “Head for Success” day, and hats of all kinds were on display. 👒🧢🎩
✅ At Goochland Middle School, grade levels are facing off in an attendance challenge. The winning grade earns a special surprise (and of course, major bragging rights!).
We’re proud of our students for celebrating the power of showing up—because every day counts!
🖍️🎉 Happy Dot Day, Otters! 🎉🖍️
Today we’re celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration—and otter-ly amazing things happen when we make our mark! 🦦✨
Just like millions of kids around the world, our Otters are using their imaginations to create, connect, and inspire—one colorful dot at a time. 🎨💡🌍
Let’s be brave, be creative, and show that even the tiniest mark can make a BIG difference! 💫
Today we’re celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration—and otter-ly amazing things happen when we make our mark! 🦦✨
Just like millions of kids around the world, our Otters are using their imaginations to create, connect, and inspire—one colorful dot at a time. 🎨💡🌍
Let’s be brave, be creative, and show that even the tiniest mark can make a BIG difference! 💫
Tuesday – Team Day
💙 We otters stick together! Wear your favorite jersey or GES shirt today. 🏈⚽️
#OttersShowUp #TeamDay
💙 We otters stick together! Wear your favorite jersey or GES shirt today. 🏈⚽️
#OttersShowUp #TeamDay
🇺🇸👏 At our September School Board meeting, we proudly recognized two outstanding students for their achievements in the Americanism Essay Contest through the Goochland American Legion.
Both students received honors at the state level in Virginia and were also recognized nationally for their powerful essays. 🏅✍️
We are so proud of their hard work, talent, and representation of GCPS on both the state and national stage! 🌟
Monday – Head for Success
🦦 Otters start the week strong! Arrive on time and wear a hat or crazy hairstyle today! 🎩✨
#OttersShowUp #AttendanceMatters
🦦 Otters start the week strong! Arrive on time and wear a hat or crazy hairstyle today! 🎩✨
#OttersShowUp #AttendanceMatters
📣 Join the Superintendent’s Listening Tour!
As part of his entry plan, Dr. Armstrong is hosting 5 listening sessions across Goochland County. These one-hour conversations are an opportunity for families and community members to share honest, constructive feedback about their experiences with GCPS.
Your input will help guide Dr. Armstrong’s work in his first year and shape the future of our division’s Strategic Plan.
🕕 All sessions will be held from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Dates & Locations:
Mon, Sept 15 – Byrd Elementary School Library
Tue, Sept 30 – Goochland Recreation Association
Wed, Oct 8 – Goochland High School Library
Mon, Oct 20 – Randolph Elementary School Library
Tue, Oct 28 – Jerusalem Baptist Church
We hope you’ll make plans to attend and share your voice!
As part of his entry plan, Dr. Armstrong is hosting 5 listening sessions across Goochland County. These one-hour conversations are an opportunity for families and community members to share honest, constructive feedback about their experiences with GCPS.
Your input will help guide Dr. Armstrong’s work in his first year and shape the future of our division’s Strategic Plan.
🕕 All sessions will be held from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Dates & Locations:
Mon, Sept 15 – Byrd Elementary School Library
Tue, Sept 30 – Goochland Recreation Association
Wed, Oct 8 – Goochland High School Library
Mon, Oct 20 – Randolph Elementary School Library
Tue, Oct 28 – Jerusalem Baptist Church
We hope you’ll make plans to attend and share your voice!
👕 If your child needs a new Lodge shirt, you can easily order one through the GES PTA by September 21, 2025! Order here: https://tinyurl.com/GESLodgePTA
💡 Reminder: Students are always welcome to wear their Lodge color on Lodge Days. No need to purchase a specific shirt if it creates a hardship—we’re all about school spirit without the stress!
💡 Reminder: Students are always welcome to wear their Lodge color on Lodge Days. No need to purchase a specific shirt if it creates a hardship—we’re all about school spirit without the stress!
💰📊 Sound financial management is a priority at GCPS!
We’re proud to share that recent audits of school activity funds at all three elementary schools showed no deficiencies. In addition, GCPS has once again earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
👏 A huge shout-out to our dedicated school bookkeepers and to the outstanding leadership of our Finance Director, Stephanie Wyche, for ensuring excellence in financial stewardship across the division.
We’re proud to share that recent audits of school activity funds at all three elementary schools showed no deficiencies. In addition, GCPS has once again earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
👏 A huge shout-out to our dedicated school bookkeepers and to the outstanding leadership of our Finance Director, Stephanie Wyche, for ensuring excellence in financial stewardship across the division.
📸✨ Say cheese, Otters! ✨📸
Fall Picture Day is Monday, September 29!
✅ All students will take individual pictures for the yearbook on this day.
To purchase pictures, visit 👉 strawbridge.net
and enter code FM490201.
We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces! 💙🐾
Fall Picture Day is Monday, September 29!
✅ All students will take individual pictures for the yearbook on this day.
To purchase pictures, visit 👉 strawbridge.net
and enter code FM490201.
We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces! 💙🐾
🇺🇸 Today, many of our students and staff took part in Patriot Day activities, reflecting on the events of September 11 and honoring the heroes we will never forget. ❤️🤍💙
Earlier this morning, district leaders and school board members also participated in the 9/11 Ceremony hosted by Goochland County Fire-Rescue at Fire Station 5 to honor the lives lost and the courage of first responders.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
Earlier this morning, district leaders and school board members also participated in the 9/11 Ceremony hosted by Goochland County Fire-Rescue at Fire Station 5 to honor the lives lost and the courage of first responders.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
📚👮♂️ A special treat for our Kindergarteners today!
Officer Trey Carter, our amazing SRO, took time to share a story with our youngest learners. 💙
Building trust, kindness, and a love for reading — one page at a time! 🌟
#OtterPride #WeLoveReading #CommunityStrong
Officer Trey Carter, our amazing SRO, took time to share a story with our youngest learners. 💙
Building trust, kindness, and a love for reading — one page at a time! 🌟
#OtterPride #WeLoveReading #CommunityStrong
🚓🚒 Tonight, we had the privilege of recognizing two of our strongest partners—the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office and Goochland County Fire-Rescue.
Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our schools help ensure that every student learns in a safe and secure environment. From being a visible presence in our buildings, to responding in moments of need, to collaborating with us on proactive safety initiatives—these teams go above and beyond for our community.
We are truly grateful for their service, leadership, and partnership. ❤️
Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our schools help ensure that every student learns in a safe and secure environment. From being a visible presence in our buildings, to responding in moments of need, to collaborating with us on proactive safety initiatives—these teams go above and beyond for our community.
We are truly grateful for their service, leadership, and partnership. ❤️
🎉 Lodge Placements went home this week! If you’re unsure of your student's lodge, check with their teacher.
👕 PTA Lodge Shirts are on sale now: https://tinyurl.com/GESLodgePTA
📅 Orders due September 21, 2025!
👕 PTA Lodge Shirts are on sale now: https://tinyurl.com/GESLodgePTA
📅 Orders due September 21, 2025!
The Goochland County School Board will hold its next regular meeting on September 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Goochland County Administration Building (1800 Sandy Hook Road, Room 250). View the full agenda here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=351
All are welcome to attend.
All are welcome to attend.
🤖🏺 The GES Robotics Team kicked off the FLL Unearthed season with an archaeological dig at Monticello! What an awesome way to start the year! 🔍⚙️ #GESRobotics #FLLUnearthed
🎥📰 Goochland Elementary’s Kid News team is keeping their school community informed and inspired every day with their student-led morning news show!
This week, they welcomed a very special guest — our superintendent, Dr. Armstrong — who joined the broadcast to talk with students and share in the fun.
We’re so proud of these young broadcasters for their creativity, confidence, and leadership on screen. Way to go, Otters! 🐾✨
Join Us for the 1st PTA Meeting of the Year! 🎉
📅 Tuesday, September 9
🕕 6:00 PM
Our PTA will host 3 Open General Meetings this year to share updates on events, volunteering, and budget. At this first meeting, we’ll:
✨ Welcome everyone back
✨ Review our brand-new Room Parent Program
✨ Share volunteer opportunities for our Halloween Family Event (Oct. 28)
💡 You do not have to be a PTA member to attend — we’d love to see everyone there!
#OtterNation #GoochlandElementary #PTAMeeting #GetInvolved
📅 Tuesday, September 9
🕕 6:00 PM
Our PTA will host 3 Open General Meetings this year to share updates on events, volunteering, and budget. At this first meeting, we’ll:
✨ Welcome everyone back
✨ Review our brand-new Room Parent Program
✨ Share volunteer opportunities for our Halloween Family Event (Oct. 28)
💡 You do not have to be a PTA member to attend — we’d love to see everyone there!
#OtterNation #GoochlandElementary #PTAMeeting #GetInvolved
🌟 You are invited to join the GES PTA! 🌟
Click here to join today ➡️ https://goochlandelementarypta.givebacks.com/shop
Your membership helps put money right back into our school 💛—with no obligation for extra volunteering or financial contributions. Every membership makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support! 🙌
Thank you for helping us make GES the best it can be! 💙
Click here to join today ➡️ https://goochlandelementarypta.givebacks.com/shop
Your membership helps put money right back into our school 💛—with no obligation for extra volunteering or financial contributions. Every membership makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support! 🙌
Thank you for helping us make GES the best it can be! 💙
🎉 Birthday Reminder 🎉
At GES, we celebrate in safe and fun ways! Please remember—birthday treats should be non-food items only (think: fun pencils ✏️, stickers ⭐, erasers 🐾, small trinkets 🎁, or even a favorite book 📚 for the teacher to read aloud to the class). Sending nothing is okay too—your child will still be celebrated! 🦦💙
At GES, we celebrate in safe and fun ways! Please remember—birthday treats should be non-food items only (think: fun pencils ✏️, stickers ⭐, erasers 🐾, small trinkets 🎁, or even a favorite book 📚 for the teacher to read aloud to the class). Sending nothing is okay too—your child will still be celebrated! 🦦💙
💧 Don’t forget your water bottle, Otters! Please send your student with a labeled water bottle each day. We have bottle refill stations throughout the building to keep everyone hydrated and ready to learn! 🦦✨
