โ๏ธ School's OUT for the summer! โ๏ธ
We couldnโt let the 2025-2026 school year end without a massive THANK YOU to our entire GCPS community!
โค๏ธ To our wonderful parents and guardians: Your partnership, trust, and daily involvement make everything we do possible. You are our truest partners in education.
๐ To our incredible staff and educators: Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and for pouring your hearts into our students every single day. You make Goochland shine!
๐ค To the Goochland community: Your continued support and resources ensure our schools remain vibrant, safe places for our kids to learn and grow.
This year was a true success because of YOU! We hope you have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing summer. You've earned it!
We couldnโt let the 2025-2026 school year end without a massive THANK YOU to our entire GCPS community!
โค๏ธ To our wonderful parents and guardians: Your partnership, trust, and daily involvement make everything we do possible. You are our truest partners in education.
๐ To our incredible staff and educators: Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and for pouring your hearts into our students every single day. You make Goochland shine!
๐ค To the Goochland community: Your continued support and resources ensure our schools remain vibrant, safe places for our kids to learn and grow.
This year was a true success because of YOU! We hope you have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing summer. You've earned it!

๐ญ๐ Who's got talent? GES River Otters do! ๐๐ญ
Join us as our amazing students take the stage to showcase their talents, creativity, and hard work. We can't wait to celebrate their performances with our school community!
๐บ Tune in to our livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5bZWatMnJXw
Go River Otters! ๐ฆฆ๐
Join us as our amazing students take the stage to showcase their talents, creativity, and hard work. We can't wait to celebrate their performances with our school community!
๐บ Tune in to our livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5bZWatMnJXw
Go River Otters! ๐ฆฆ๐

๐ฃ Reminder: Tomorrow is an Early Release Day and the last day of school!
All buses will pull out at 12:30 p.m. Please make sure to arrive at your childโs bus stop a few minutes early. We also encourage families to reach out to their childcare provider to confirm plans for student pickup and care tomorrow afternoon.
We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and relaxing summer! โ๏ธ
๐โจ Next stop: Middle School! โจ๐
Yesterday, our Randolph Elementary School Roadrunners marked an incredible milestone at their 5th Grade Moving-On Ceremony! ๐ Before the big event, the entire school lined the hallways to cheer, high-five, and congratulate our oldest students in a deeply moving send-off. From their first days of elementary school to becoming leaders on campus, we are so incredibly proud of the hard work and kindness these students have shown.
A huge thank you to our amazing Randolph teachers, staff, and families who have supported and guided these scholars every step of the way. It truly takes a village, and our Goochland community is second to none! ๐๐
Yesterday, our Randolph Elementary School Roadrunners marked an incredible milestone at their 5th Grade Moving-On Ceremony! ๐ Before the big event, the entire school lined the hallways to cheer, high-five, and congratulate our oldest students in a deeply moving send-off. From their first days of elementary school to becoming leaders on campus, we are so incredibly proud of the hard work and kindness these students have shown.
A huge thank you to our amazing Randolph teachers, staff, and families who have supported and guided these scholars every step of the way. It truly takes a village, and our Goochland community is second to none! ๐๐








Moving on and moving up! ๐๐ฆฆ We kicked off our fifth grade ceremonies with Goochland Elementary!
This amazing group of students actually started their journey as GES Lions before transitioning into Otters when the new school opened. Talk about a historic journey! No matter the mascot, their dedication to excellence and community has stayed exactly the same. We couldnโt be prouder of these future middle schoolers! ๐
This amazing group of students actually started their journey as GES Lions before transitioning into Otters when the new school opened. Talk about a historic journey! No matter the mascot, their dedication to excellence and community has stayed exactly the same. We couldnโt be prouder of these future middle schoolers! ๐









๐งฅ๐ Lost & Found Reminder! ๐๐งข
Our Lost & Found is overflowing with jackets, hoodies, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more! Please encourage your child to check for any missing items before Friday.
๐๏ธ All unclaimed items will be donated Friday afternoon.
Thank you for helping us reunite these items with their owners before they find a new home! ๐ฆฆ๐



๐ Today is our 5th Grade Graduation! ๐
Join us as we celebrate our amazing students beginning at 8:30 AM!
Tune in to the livestream here:
https://youtube.com/live/VZiu-atRpFY?feature=share
Join us as we celebrate our amazing students beginning at 8:30 AM!
Tune in to the livestream here:
https://youtube.com/live/VZiu-atRpFY?feature=share
๐๐พ The road to graduation leads right back to where it all began! Next stop on our Senior Walk spotlight: Goochland Elementary School! ๐โจ
It was an extra special full-circle moment for the Class of 2026 this week. While these seniors started their educational journeys years ago, they got to experience the Senior Walk inside the beautiful new Goochland Elementary building!
Walking through these bright new hallways in their caps and gowns, our graduates connected with the next generation of learners, trading high-fives and big smiles with students who are walking the same path they did. Itโs a wonderful reminder that while our buildings may grow and modernize, the tight-knit spirit of our Goochland community remains exactly the same. ๐ซโค๏ธ
It was an extra special full-circle moment for the Class of 2026 this week. While these seniors started their educational journeys years ago, they got to experience the Senior Walk inside the beautiful new Goochland Elementary building!
Walking through these bright new hallways in their caps and gowns, our graduates connected with the next generation of learners, trading high-fives and big smiles with students who are walking the same path they did. Itโs a wonderful reminder that while our buildings may grow and modernize, the tight-knit spirit of our Goochland community remains exactly the same. ๐ซโค๏ธ






Excellence. Courage. Creativity. Honor. Optimism. ๐
Congratulations to our latest ECCHO award recipients! Earlier this week, we celebrated these amazing students, staff, and community members at the School Board meeting for truly embodying our core values.
With over 50 nominations this period, itโs clear that the heart of Goochland is stronger than ever. Swipe to see some of the faces that make GCPS such a special place to learn and grow! ๐ธโจ
Congratulations to our latest ECCHO award recipients! Earlier this week, we celebrated these amazing students, staff, and community members at the School Board meeting for truly embodying our core values.
With over 50 nominations this period, itโs clear that the heart of Goochland is stronger than ever. Swipe to see some of the faces that make GCPS such a special place to learn and grow! ๐ธโจ






Ready to build the future? ๐๏ธ
Registration is officially open for the 2026 GCPS STEM Camp! We are bringing our communityโs young innovators together for a week of discovery at the Goochland Middle/High School Complex. This year, weโre featuring two incredible programs:
Young Engineers Construction Camp (Current Grades PreK-8): Campers will explore building and design, get an up-close look at real construction vehicles, and even take guided tours of active construction sites! ๐๐๏ธ
FTC Robotics (Current Grades 5-7): A high-energy experience where students design, build, and program custom robots for a fun team competition. Note: Capped at 15 students! ๐ค๐ป
๐๏ธ When: Tuesday, June 2 โ Friday, June 5, 2026
๐ Time: 8:45 AM โ 11:45 AM
๐ Where: Goochland Middle/High School Complex
๐ง Contact: Mr. Bruce Watson (bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us) Spots are first-come, first-served, so secure yours today and keep our students connected to learning all summer!
Link to Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSkoUP3agoFIchcsTBA94Qd_vERLuLQzpVcnmUYo_YUrHdgg/viewform
Registration is officially open for the 2026 GCPS STEM Camp! We are bringing our communityโs young innovators together for a week of discovery at the Goochland Middle/High School Complex. This year, weโre featuring two incredible programs:
Young Engineers Construction Camp (Current Grades PreK-8): Campers will explore building and design, get an up-close look at real construction vehicles, and even take guided tours of active construction sites! ๐๐๏ธ
FTC Robotics (Current Grades 5-7): A high-energy experience where students design, build, and program custom robots for a fun team competition. Note: Capped at 15 students! ๐ค๐ป
๐๏ธ When: Tuesday, June 2 โ Friday, June 5, 2026
๐ Time: 8:45 AM โ 11:45 AM
๐ Where: Goochland Middle/High School Complex
๐ง Contact: Mr. Bruce Watson (bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us) Spots are first-come, first-served, so secure yours today and keep our students connected to learning all summer!
Link to Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSkoUP3agoFIchcsTBA94Qd_vERLuLQzpVcnmUYo_YUrHdgg/viewform

๐โ๏ธ FREE SUMMER MEALS ARE BACK! โ๏ธ๐School may be out, but the Sunshine Food Bus is hitting the road to keep our community fueled! Goochland County Public Schools is providing FREE meal kits to all children ages 18 and under. No registration is requiredโjust stop by and see us!
๐ Where: Leakes Mill Park (3951 River Road West).
๐๏ธ When: Every Wednesday, June 17 โ July 15.
โฐ Time: 12:00 PM โ 2:00 PM.
Good to know: Parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children. Meals are first-come, first-served. Discounted meals are available for adults, too!
โ 7 full days of breakfasts and lunches per child.
โ Free fresh produce from Lulu's Local Food.
โ Free books and fun activities for the kids.
Good to know:
Parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children. Meals are first-come, first-served. Discounted meals are available for adults, too!
๐ Where: Leakes Mill Park (3951 River Road West).
๐๏ธ When: Every Wednesday, June 17 โ July 15.
โฐ Time: 12:00 PM โ 2:00 PM.
Good to know: Parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children. Meals are first-come, first-served. Discounted meals are available for adults, too!
โ 7 full days of breakfasts and lunches per child.
โ Free fresh produce from Lulu's Local Food.
โ Free books and fun activities for the kids.
Good to know:
Parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children. Meals are first-come, first-served. Discounted meals are available for adults, too!

๐ Library Book Reminder ๐
Attention GES families! Itโs time to do a thorough searchโhigh and lowโfor any library books that may be hiding at home. ๐ก๐
All GES library books are due back to Mrs. Smith in the Library by next Friday, May 15.
Please check backpacks, bedrooms, cars, and anywhere books might have wandered. Returning books on time helps keep our library running smoothly for all students.
Thank you for your help and support! ๐
Attention GES families! Itโs time to do a thorough searchโhigh and lowโfor any library books that may be hiding at home. ๐ก๐
All GES library books are due back to Mrs. Smith in the Library by next Friday, May 15.
Please check backpacks, bedrooms, cars, and anywhere books might have wandered. Returning books on time helps keep our library running smoothly for all students.
Thank you for your help and support! ๐

Lights, camera, action! ๐ฌโจ Over the past year, our GHS TV/Media program has been rebuilding from the ground up, and our students have truly risen to the challenge. What started as a fresh restart has grown into a thriving hub of creativity and dedication.
We invite the entire Goochland community to join us for our first-ever GHS TV/Media Film Festival! ๐ฟ๐ฅ
When: Friday, May 15th at 6:00 PM
Where: Goochland High School
The evening will feature student speakers, awards, and exclusive previews of two documentaries that students have spent the last six months planning, filming, and editing. These young filmmakers have put in incredible workโletโs fill the seats and show them our Bulldog pride! ๐พโค๏ธ
We invite the entire Goochland community to join us for our first-ever GHS TV/Media Film Festival! ๐ฟ๐ฅ
When: Friday, May 15th at 6:00 PM
Where: Goochland High School
The evening will feature student speakers, awards, and exclusive previews of two documentaries that students have spent the last six months planning, filming, and editing. These young filmmakers have put in incredible workโletโs fill the seats and show them our Bulldog pride! ๐พโค๏ธ

Bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce! ๐คโจ
We had an incredible morning at our bi-annual Business and Education Roundtable, hosted by our friends at Luck Stone. This event, led by our Director of Career and Technical Education, Bruce Watson, is all about fostering connectedness between our schools and the local industry leaders who help our students thrive.
With 30 local businesses and organizations represented, the room was buzzing with ideas! Our partners got an inside look at:
๐ Our top-notch MJROTC program.
๐ผ Expanding Work-Based Learning opportunities for our students.
๐๏ธ Exciting updates from the Luck Stone team.
Building these relationships ensures our students are ready for the world after graduation. We are so grateful for a community that invests in our scholars!
We had an incredible morning at our bi-annual Business and Education Roundtable, hosted by our friends at Luck Stone. This event, led by our Director of Career and Technical Education, Bruce Watson, is all about fostering connectedness between our schools and the local industry leaders who help our students thrive.
With 30 local businesses and organizations represented, the room was buzzing with ideas! Our partners got an inside look at:
๐ Our top-notch MJROTC program.
๐ผ Expanding Work-Based Learning opportunities for our students.
๐๏ธ Exciting updates from the Luck Stone team.
Building these relationships ensures our students are ready for the world after graduation. We are so grateful for a community that invests in our scholars!







The heartbeat of Goochland County Public Schools is our people! โค๏ธ Last week, we gathered for our Celebration of Excellence, an evening dedicated to the incredible educators and staff who pour their hearts into our schools every day.
It was a night full of pride as we recognized our Teachers of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Team of the Year, and Employee of the Year. We also shared a special "thank you" with our retirees, celebrating the lasting legacy they leave behind in our halls. ๐โจ
The evening was made even more special by our students! ๐ถ Students from Mr. Gittelman's GHS band provided a fantastic soundtrack for the night, and Chef Erlenbachโs talented students prepared and served a delicious meal for our guests. ๐งโ๐ณ๐ฅ Seeing our students use their skills to honor the staff who have guided them throughout the years made the celebration truly full-circle.
Join us in the comments! Help us congratulate our honorees and retirees, and give a shout-out to our amazing GHS musicians and chefs! ๐
It was a night full of pride as we recognized our Teachers of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Team of the Year, and Employee of the Year. We also shared a special "thank you" with our retirees, celebrating the lasting legacy they leave behind in our halls. ๐โจ
The evening was made even more special by our students! ๐ถ Students from Mr. Gittelman's GHS band provided a fantastic soundtrack for the night, and Chef Erlenbachโs talented students prepared and served a delicious meal for our guests. ๐งโ๐ณ๐ฅ Seeing our students use their skills to honor the staff who have guided them throughout the years made the celebration truly full-circle.
Join us in the comments! Help us congratulate our honorees and retirees, and give a shout-out to our amazing GHS musicians and chefs! ๐










Not all heroes wear capesโsome wear aprons and a smile! ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ๐
From navigating allergies and strict nutrition standards to preparing meals that our students love, these heroes have a lot on their plates! These dedicated staff members balance so many roles to ensure our students have the fuel they need for success.
Join us in thanking the team that makes our cafeterias a place of kindness and community!
From navigating allergies and strict nutrition standards to preparing meals that our students love, these heroes have a lot on their plates! These dedicated staff members balance so many roles to ensure our students have the fuel they need for success.
Join us in thanking the team that makes our cafeterias a place of kindness and community!

There is nothing quite like the joy of a Little Feet Meet! ๐โโ๏ธโจ
Last Friday, the Goochland High School stadium was filled with cheers, high-fives, and incredible displays of determination as we hosted students from both Goochland and Powhatan Schools for this year's Little Feet Meet.
From mastering the "weight" lifting station to navigating the foldable tunnels and balancing on the tightrope, our young athletes showed us exactly what it means to be a champion. ๐ It wasnโt just about the activitiesโit was about the community coming together to celebrate every single studentโs success.
A huge thank you to our neighbors from Powhatan for joining us and making this day so special! โค๏ธโ๐ฅ
Last Friday, the Goochland High School stadium was filled with cheers, high-fives, and incredible displays of determination as we hosted students from both Goochland and Powhatan Schools for this year's Little Feet Meet.
From mastering the "weight" lifting station to navigating the foldable tunnels and balancing on the tightrope, our young athletes showed us exactly what it means to be a champion. ๐ It wasnโt just about the activitiesโit was about the community coming together to celebrate every single studentโs success.
A huge thank you to our neighbors from Powhatan for joining us and making this day so special! โค๏ธโ๐ฅ









Our Let Me Run team crushed their 5K yesterday! ๐โโ๏ธ
So proud of these 14 boys for their hard work, determination, and team spiritโit truly showed every step of the way.
A huge thank you to our incredible coachesโCoach Baker, Coach Brown, and Coach Brownsonโfor your guidance, encouragement, and dedication. This wouldnโt have been possible without you!

"It takes a village" isn't just a saying at GCPSโitโs how we grow! ๐ฑโจ
Last week, we gathered for our New Teacher Awards Reception and Mentor Social. At GCPS, we believe that when our teachers are supported, our students thrive. Through our mentorship program, we pair our newest educators with experienced mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and a friendly face in the hallway.
We are so proud to honor the incredible impact these new teachers are already making in our classrooms and our community. Congratulations to our award winners, and a huge thank you to the mentors who help make GCPS feel like home! ๐โค๏ธ
Last week, we gathered for our New Teacher Awards Reception and Mentor Social. At GCPS, we believe that when our teachers are supported, our students thrive. Through our mentorship program, we pair our newest educators with experienced mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and a friendly face in the hallway.
We are so proud to honor the incredible impact these new teachers are already making in our classrooms and our community. Congratulations to our award winners, and a huge thank you to the mentors who help make GCPS feel like home! ๐โค๏ธ



๐ Reminder ๐
Tomorrow is a student holiday and a staff professional learning day. We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Wednesday!
Tomorrow is a student holiday and a staff professional learning day. We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Wednesday!

