We are looking forward to welcoming over 2600 students to Gainesville High School next week. As we prepare to welcome students back, we’ve included some important information below.
New Student Orientation
All new students to Gainesville are invited to the New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 15th from 7:45 – 11:30 am. This event will give new students a chance to walk their schedule and meet their teachers, meet their counselors and administrators, as well as explore activities and sports offered at Gainesville High School. They will also receive a goody bag of Gainesville gear to welcome them into our community. If you have a new student to Gainesville, please plan to attend this event and RSVP at this link: New Student Orientation RSVP. Express bus routes to and from this event are now available on the GHS website here: New Student Orientation Information.
Back to School packet
The Back-to-School packet is live in ParentVUE! Parents/guardians should complete this packet ASAP to ensure that GHS has the most up to date information for your student. Parents of seniors – important permissions that will allow your student to request transcripts in September is included in this packet. Parents who complete the Back-to-School packet will be able to view their student’s schedule in ParentVUE starting on August 14th. Don’t wait – get it done today!
Student Schedules
Student schedules will be released in StudentVUE and ParentVUE on August 14. We encourage students to reach out to their school counselor if they notice an error. An error is having two of the same classes in their schedule or being enrolled in a class they already passed.
We are excited for students to be challenged in their coursework and to try new things. That can sometimes lead to discomfort at the start of the school year as students learn new routines and work with new teachers. It is important to note that schedule changes due to course and teacher preference are not honored. Our schedule is tightly built, and course changes beyond errors are not possible. We will work with students to ensure they receive the support they need from all staff to have a school year full of learning, challenge, and growth.
On the first day of school, students will report to their advisory class (listed as 8th block in schedule), and they will log in to StudentVUE on their PWCS devices to confirm their schedules. Advisory assignments will be posted around the school and staff will be in the halls with advisory assignments to assist uncertain students.
StudentVUE
All students should access their StudentVUE accounts prior to the first day of school. If necessary, they can reset their passwords via the PWCS Password Self Service page.
Parking Permits
For students who drive, please plan to purchase a valid 2024 – 2025 parking pass from Mr. Wall or our security staff. For more information on student parking and expectations, please visit the GHS web page or reach out to Mr. Wall when you return to campus. He will host purchasing times during certain lunch shifts in August and September.
Bus Routes
Bus schedules will be available in ParentVUE or StudentVUE after August 12. We encourage you to download the Here Comes The Bus mobile app that allows you to track your student’s bus in real-time. If you have any questions about your child's transportation you may submit a request directly on our Transportation website: Submit a request – PWCS Transportation or by contacting the Transportation office at 571-402-3940.
As routes are still changing due to new student information received, please check your bus schedule again just prior to the start of school.
NEST/Advisory periods
Similar to last year, we will again have a NEST block included in our even-day bell schedule. NEST occurs between second and fourth blocks and is intended for remediation, relearning, and extension activities. Schoolwide initiatives, lessons, and administrative or clerical tasks are also completed during NEST so as not to disrupt regular class time. NEST progresses on a rotation through all seven blocks including an “eighth period” Advisory after each rotation. Staff will coach new or unfamiliar students through this schedule, and we’ll publish NEST rotations in an online calendar (by grading period) at the start of the year. Students uncertain which NEST period is scheduled for any given day can also check the monitors in either Red or Grey Commons prior to school.
Cell phone use
Aligning with anticipated changes in VA Commonwealth statutes, the Prince William County Schools Division will no longer allow cell phones to be used during instructional time. Cell phones should be silenced and stored out of the way for the duration of each class period. Students who fail to adhere to this expectation will turn in their cell phone until the end of the school day, or until a parent can pick up the phone from the office.
As we start the school year, students will be permitted to access their phones in hallways between classes, before and after school, or during lunch. The staff and I will share additional details regarding cell phone use when we meet for New Student Orientation and Back to School Night. However, for now, I ask that you talk with your student about these expectations and plan accordingly for this important shift in county regulations.
Tardies
In addition to maintaining good attendance, students should commit to arriving in class on time, so that quality instruction can occur for the duration of the block. In a change from previous years, I’ve asked teachers to close their doors at the start of each class. Tardy students will report to an administrative office to receive a tardy pass to class. I’ve asked teachers to document tardies and contact families when students are late three or more times in a quarter. Alpha administrators will assign detentions for those tardy on four or more occasions
Attendance
Decades of research show that good attendance is essential for academic success. Last spring, GHS wrapped up the year with a chronic absentee rate of 15%, meaning approximately 380 students missed 10% of the school year, or nearly 110 hours of class time. Improved attendance will remain an ongoing area of focus for 2024 – 25, and families can expect to receive written notice should their child be at risk of becoming chronically absent.
As we prepare for opening day, I’m asking all students and parents to commit to maintaining good attendance. In the event that your child needs to miss school due to illness or a routine appointment, please communicate with us, so we can maintain timely, accurate records while ensuring that teachers update assignments and assessments in Canvas. If students need to be away from the building, I ask that families use ParentVUE to report all day absences or this link from the GHS web site to arrange for an early dismissal.
Meals
As you get ready for the first day of school, families who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunches should apply on the PWCS Nutrition page. Similar to previous years, your My School Bucks account can be activated and updated for ease of purchasing lunch.
Medication drop off and clinic information
GHS Clinic staff will accept medication drop off starting Tuesday, August 13 (update from last Cardinal Connection). If your child requires medication during the school day, please complete the required authorization for medication administration form. Full information on student health services can be found on the PWCS Student Health and Wellness page. Ms. Smith, GHS school nurse, is available for questions at [email protected] or 571-248-3200.
Counseling Updates
The GHS Counseling staff is growing by 1 new school counselor this year. This staffing growth is aligned with our growth in student population. We are happy to welcome Ms. Caitlin Gordon to GHS for the 2024-2025 school year. To accommodate student growth, counseling caseloads are shifting. Counselor caseloads for 2024-2025 are as follows:
Last names A-Bi: Mr. Baxter
Last names Bj-Daq: Ms. Sigmon
Last names Dar-Gil: Ms. Aizaz
Last names Gim-Joi: Ms. Salvo
Last names Joj-Mari: Ms. Green
Last names Marj-Ol: Ms. Myers
Last names Om-Rud: Ms. Gordon
Last names Rue-Tea: Mr. Baird
Last names Teb-Z: Ms. Epps
College and Career Counselor: Ms. Harris
Activities Updates
Gainesville HS Theatre: We are excited for our mainstage season, featuring Radium Girls by DW Gregory in the fall and The Wizard of OZ (RSC Version) in the spring. An information session and audition workshop will be held on Wednesday August 21 from 2:20 to 3:30 pm in the auditorium for students interested in auditioning for either production or finding out more about Gainesville High School Theatre! Auditions for Radium Girls will be held on Monday August 26 (Callbacks Tuesday August 27) in the auditorium. Materials, rehearsal info, and form to sign up are linked here RADIUM GIRLS AUDITION FORM. Break a Leg!
Sports Updates
As you plan for the next month, here are a few important dates/times. I hope to see you out supporting our student athletes this season.
9/3/24 - 9th/JV Football vs. Gar-Field 5:30, 7:00 pm
9/4/24 - Cross Country @ Patriot 5:30 pm
9/4/24 - Golf @ Colonial Forge (Augustine GC) 3:00 pm
9/10/24 - Volleyball vs. Mountain View 5:45, 5:45, 7:00 pm
9/10/24 - Field Hockey vs. Mountain View 5:30, 7:00 pm
9/13/24 - Varsity Football vs. Woodbridge 7:00 pm (Student tailgate before game)
9/21/24 - Competition Cheer @ Lewis TBA