Goochland’s young readers have a new mystery to solve! 🕵️♂️📖
A huge thank you to the Goochland Rotary for their annual book donation to every fourth-grade student in Goochland County Public Schools.
This year’s selection—Escape from Monticello by local author Steven K. Smith—was chosen in collaboration between Goochland Rotary, Goochland Historical Society’s 250 American Revolution Commission, and GCPS school librarians. The story follows three kids solving a mystery while learning about Thomas Jefferson, a Goochland native and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
It’s a wonderful way to celebrate local history while sparking a love of reading.
We love seeing our community partners invest in our students’ curiosity. It’s partnerships like these that make GCPS such a special place to learn and grow! ❤️🏫
Next stop: Middle School! 🚌✨
Our fifth graders from Randolph, Byrd, and Goochland Elementary recently took a giant leap toward their next adventure with a visit to Goochland Middle School! 🏫
From touring the hallways to enjoying a private, high-energy performance by the GMS Band, our students got a true taste of the middle school experience. One of the highlights? A special Q&A session with 8th graders. There is nothing like hearing from those who have walked the path before you to turn nerves into excitement! 🤝❤️
We are so proud of our elementary scholars and can’t wait to see them thrive at GMS.
Our fifth graders from Randolph, Byrd, and Goochland Elementary recently took a giant leap toward their next adventure with a visit to Goochland Middle School! 🏫
From touring the hallways to enjoying a private, high-energy performance by the GMS Band, our students got a true taste of the middle school experience. One of the highlights? A special Q&A session with 8th graders. There is nothing like hearing from those who have walked the path before you to turn nerves into excitement! 🤝❤️
We are so proud of our elementary scholars and can’t wait to see them thrive at GMS.
Our 5th grade River Otters had an exciting visit to GMS today! 🦦🎉 Students got a glimpse of what’s ahead and are feeling excited and ready for their next chapter.
We are so proud of how they’re growing and preparing for middle school! 💙
Don’t forget to come out and support our 5th grade graduation at Spirit Night at Bella Sicilia’s on 4/23 from 4–9 PM—we hope to see you there!
What a spectacular night for our GCPS family! ❤️ Last Friday, the GHS Auditorium and Gym came alive for our Fine Arts Festival.
From the wonderful choral performances by Randolph, Goochland, and Byrd Elementary Schools to the incredible talents of our GMS and GHS bands and drama, it was a beautiful celebration of student creativity! 🎶✨
Beyond the stage, guests explored a stunning gallery featuring artwork from every school in the division and enjoyed hands-on activities in the cafeteria. A huge thank you to everyone who supported our GHS ceramic students by purchasing a handmade soup bowl!
It’s nights like these that show just how much talent and heart we have in our Goochland community. 🎨🥣
From the wonderful choral performances by Randolph, Goochland, and Byrd Elementary Schools to the incredible talents of our GMS and GHS bands and drama, it was a beautiful celebration of student creativity! 🎶✨
Beyond the stage, guests explored a stunning gallery featuring artwork from every school in the division and enjoyed hands-on activities in the cafeteria. A huge thank you to everyone who supported our GHS ceramic students by purchasing a handmade soup bowl!
It’s nights like these that show just how much talent and heart we have in our Goochland community. 🎨🥣
The heart of Goochland beats through the arts! 🎨🎭🎶
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!
📚🎉 The Book Fair is HERE! 🎉📚
Mrs. Smith is so excited for all our River Otters to shop during their library Encore time this week! 🦦💙
🛍️ After-school shopping is available Monday–Thursday until 3:30 PM—families are welcome to join!
💳 Don’t forget to set up your student’s eWallet for an easy, cash-free shopping experience.
We can’t wait to see what great books everyone discovers! 📖
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
📅 Mark Your Calendars!
Join us for our 5th Grade Graduation Spirit Night at Bella Sicilia on April 23rd from 4–9 PM! 🎓🎉
Wellness in full color! 🏃♂️💨🎨✨
Last night’s 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. 🤝💛
Shoutout to our Sunshine Food Bus for feeding bodies and minds with those free books! 📖🚌 There’s 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 night’s 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. 🤝💛
Shoutout to our Sunshine Food Bus for feeding bodies and minds with those free books! 📖🚌 There’s 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! 🦦🥞💙
Mrs. McCay knows the GES staff is the flippin’ best—and we’re so grateful for everything they do to support and inspire our students every day.
Just a little something to say we appreciate you otterly!
🌿📚 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 School—and 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 9–12 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Come out, support our students, and discover the rich history right here in our community! ❤️
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 School—and 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 9–12 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Come out, support our students, and discover the rich history right here in our community! ❤️
🏆 A Championship for the Books! 📚✨
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! 🥇 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! 🥇 A special shoutout to their coach, Mrs. Katelin Nolan, for leading them to victory.
📣 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! 🦦🌊📚
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. 🏛️✨
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. 🏛️✨
✨ We Can’t Wait to Meet Our Future Kindergarteners! ✨
Kindergarten registration opens TODAY - Monday, April 6, with screenings coming up soon.
🏫 In-Person Screening: April 9
👧🧒 Students must be 5 years old on or before September 30.
🔗 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.
🏫 In-Person Screening: April 9
👧🧒 Students must be 5 years old on or before September 30.
🔗 Get started: https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/registration
Know someone who should register? Please share!
🥤 Help Us Stock the Teachers’ Lounges! ☕🍫
Let’s show our appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff! 💙
📦 Donation Collection: April 20th–24th
🎉 Lounges will be stocked and ready by April 27th!
🛒 Send goodies directly from our Amazon Wishlist:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1K167P6SJ1PUY?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
🍎 Want to help even more?
Volunteer your time on Friday, May 1st to give teachers an extended lunch break!
👉 Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BA4AA2DA1F94-62987934-gesteacher#/
Every donation and volunteer makes a big impact—thank you for supporting our teachers! 🙌📚
Let’s show our appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff! 💙
📦 Donation Collection: April 20th–24th
🎉 Lounges will be stocked and ready by April 27th!
🛒 Send goodies directly from our Amazon Wishlist:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1K167P6SJ1PUY?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
🍎 Want to help even more?
Volunteer your time on Friday, May 1st to give teachers an extended lunch break!
👉 Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BA4AA2DA1F94-62987934-gesteacher#/
Every donation and volunteer makes a big impact—thank you for supporting our teachers! 🙌📚
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 devices—including smart watches—is not permitted during the school day. Repeated violations will result in device confiscation and parent contact.
It’s Almost Here! 💙🏃♀️
Join us this Wednesday, April 8th for GCPS Wellness Night – Stronger Together Fun Run/Walk!
📍 Goochland High School Football Stadium
⏰ 5:00–7:00 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 you’re running, walking, or just coming to enjoy the fun, we’d love to see you there.
Let’s come together as one GCPS community — stronger together! 💙
Join us this Wednesday, April 8th for GCPS Wellness Night – Stronger Together Fun Run/Walk!
📍 Goochland High School Football Stadium
⏰ 5:00–7:00 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 you’re running, walking, or just coming to enjoy the fun, we’d love to see you there.
Let’s come together as one GCPS community — stronger together! 💙
Congratulations to our 2026 Employee of the Year: Mrs. Rosie Holman, Director of Transportation! 🚌✨
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!
We’re wrapping up our Rookie of the Year week at Goochland High School! 🐾❤️
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! 🎥💻
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! 🎥💻
Thank you to all five of our Rookies for choosing Goochland. We are a stronger community because you're here!
