The school year is well underway, and our students are already hard at work in their classes. We were happy to welcome so many parents to Back-to-School Night on Wednesday; thank you to everyone who was able to attend and make it a successful event. To help us continue to improve our service, please complete this short survey about Back to School Night by Friday September 6. Your feedback is much appreciated.
This week we began our tardy sweeps each period, in an effort to improve students on time attendance to class. Subsequently, we have seen a noticeable shift in students’ urgency to get to class promptly. Thank you for your support in ensuring students maximize instructional time.
Attendance Procedures
ParentVUE is used to excuse all day absences on the day of or in advance of planned absence. ParentVUE can also be used to monitor student's attendance.
To arrange for an early dismissal, the parent/guardian can email [email protected] at least an hour in advance of the requested time of the student departure. In the email, include your student’s name, reason for early dismissal, the requested time of the early dismissal and if your student is a driver. Please reference the phrase EARLY DISMISSAL in the subject line of your email.
The attendance administrative assistants will verify the request, reply to your email and include your students’ school email indicating they are allowed to leave school on the requested date and time. This email will be your student’s early dismissal pass. Students need to show the email to their teacher and report to the main office for their early dismissal. Parent/guardian will need to have a photo ID when coming into the building to pick up your student.
To excuse past absences, parent/guardian can email [email protected]. Include your student’s name, reason for absence and dates, as well as a contact phone number. Please reference the word ABSENCE in the subject line of your email.
If a student arrives to school after 7:30 a.m. they are considered tardy to school. To excuse a tardy, your student will need to bring in a dated, signed note from their parent/guardian with a valid excuse or the parent/guardian can email [email protected]. Please reference the word TARDY in the subject line of your email message. Be sure to include the full name of your student, reason for tardy and dates, as well as the contact telephone numbers.
Senior Information Night
Gainesville High School will be hosting a Senior Information Night on Thursday, September 19th , 6:00-7:30 pm. Families will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions that will help seniors explore their post-secondary options. Representatives from the Princeton Review, Laurel Ridge Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, US Military, and the Technology Industry will be presenting. We hope to see you there!
College Visits
Did you know that multiple top colleges are scheduled to come to Gainesville High School? These colleges and universities come to share information about their admissions process, athletic programs, cost, student life activities, campus highlights, and more! Students can register to attend these information sessions for the college of their interest by going to Naviance under 'College Visits.' Current scheduled schools include American University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Christopher Newport, University of Alabama, and Vanderbilt to name a few. We hope to see you there! See Mrs. Harris if you need any help signing up.
PWCS Student Needs Assessment
Over the summer PWCS sent out communication regarding the 2024 student needs assessment. This needs assessment will be conducted during advisory on September 4 for grades 9th, 10th, and 11th. 12th graders will complete theirs in their English 12 class September 4 and 5. Information on the needs assessment can be found on the PWCS Needs Assessment page.
Upcoming Events
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.
8/30 – 9/2 – No School Labor Day Holiday
9/3/24 - 9th/JV Football vs. Gar-Field 5:30, 7:00 p.m.
9/4/24 - Cross Country @ Patriot 5:30 p.m.
9/4/24 - Golf @ Colonial Forge (Augustine GC) 3:00 p.m.
9/10/24 - Volleyball vs. Mountain View 5:45, 5:45, 7:00 p.m.
9/10/24 - Field Hockey vs. Mountain View 5:30, 7:00 p.m.
9/13/24 - Varsity Football vs. Woodbridge 7:00 p.m. (Student tailgate before game)
9/16/24- Principal’s Advisory Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m. (Enter through Door #3)
9/26/24- PTSO Meeting in the Library at 6:30 p.m.