Goochland County Public Schools will remain CLOSED through Friday, January 30.
The weather conditions that we have faced in public school divisions across central Virginia this week have been extraordinary. Continued frigid temperatures have prevented sufficient clearing of secondary roads to make operations of our schools safe and practical. Our team has been on site at our school locations working to clear sidewalks and lots, but those efforts are complicated by inconsistent road conditions across the region.
After reviewing detailed weather information and consulting with our partners in VDOT, Goochland Sheriff’s Office, and Fire-Rescue, we have made the decision to keep our schools closed through this Friday. In the meantime we will continue to make as much progress as we can at our school locations toward a Monday opening; however, we are monitoring yet another chance of winter weather this weekend. Any final decision for operations on Monday will be communicated to families no later than Sunday afternoon.
We ask that our students continue to engage in learning at home with resources provided last week. Our teachers will communicate directly with students and families with additional information as practical using their normal communication platforms. If you have any questions or do not receive information, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.
Many of you are probably wondering about other designated student holidays and how we may shift those days to regular instructional days. We will review our instructional hours and days and provide notice of any changes to the calendar by close of business this Monday.
This disruption to teaching and learning is a challenge for our entire community, but rest assured we will work diligently and thoughtfully to get back on track. Let’s hope that mother nature cooperates in the weeks ahead.
Thank you all for your support and understanding, and please reach out with any questions.
Andy Armstrong, Superintendent
The weather conditions that we have faced in public school divisions across central Virginia this week have been extraordinary. Continued frigid temperatures have prevented sufficient clearing of secondary roads to make operations of our schools safe and practical. Our team has been on site at our school locations working to clear sidewalks and lots, but those efforts are complicated by inconsistent road conditions across the region.
After reviewing detailed weather information and consulting with our partners in VDOT, Goochland Sheriff’s Office, and Fire-Rescue, we have made the decision to keep our schools closed through this Friday. In the meantime we will continue to make as much progress as we can at our school locations toward a Monday opening; however, we are monitoring yet another chance of winter weather this weekend. Any final decision for operations on Monday will be communicated to families no later than Sunday afternoon.
We ask that our students continue to engage in learning at home with resources provided last week. Our teachers will communicate directly with students and families with additional information as practical using their normal communication platforms. If you have any questions or do not receive information, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.
Many of you are probably wondering about other designated student holidays and how we may shift those days to regular instructional days. We will review our instructional hours and days and provide notice of any changes to the calendar by close of business this Monday.
This disruption to teaching and learning is a challenge for our entire community, but rest assured we will work diligently and thoughtfully to get back on track. Let’s hope that mother nature cooperates in the weeks ahead.
Thank you all for your support and understanding, and please reach out with any questions.
Andy Armstrong, Superintendent
GCPS Update: Schools will remain closed tomorrow, 1/28. Please check your email for more information.
The school board budget workshop, originally scheduled for tonight, has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. This budget workshop will now be held on February 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building (2938 River Rd W, Building I). The agenda for the meeting can be found here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/
🎉 Congratulations to Goochland High School! 🎉
At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, Goochland High School was once again recognized as a W!se Blue Star School—an honor awarded to schools where a significant number of students demonstrate proficiency in personal finance by earning high passing rates on the W!se Certification Test. 💰📘
This achievement reflects the hard work of our students and the outstanding instruction in our Economics and Personal Finance classes. A special thank you and congratulations to Mr. Hover and Mrs. Yearout-Patton for their dedication to preparing students with essential real-world financial skills. We are proud to see GHS continue to shine! 🌟
At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, Goochland High School was once again recognized as a W!se Blue Star School—an honor awarded to schools where a significant number of students demonstrate proficiency in personal finance by earning high passing rates on the W!se Certification Test. 💰📘
This achievement reflects the hard work of our students and the outstanding instruction in our Economics and Personal Finance classes. A special thank you and congratulations to Mr. Hover and Mrs. Yearout-Patton for their dedication to preparing students with essential real-world financial skills. We are proud to see GHS continue to shine! 🌟
The Goochland County School Board will hold a budget workshop on January 27, 2026 at the County Administration Building (1800 Sandy Hook Road, Room 250). GCPS School Board agendas can be found here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/
All are welcome to attend.
All are welcome to attend.
Any families who anticipate needing any services or support in the event of remote learning days next week due to inclement weather should contact their child's principal as soon as possible, but no later than 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23.
🌟 A night of celebration at last Tuesday's School Board meeting! We proudly recognized our Teachers of the Year from each school and announced our District Teacher of the Year.
👏 Congratulations to:
• Michelle Clark – RES
• Kelly Edwards – GES
• Holly Swift – BES
• Molly Voss – GMS
• Ryan Maloney – GHS
🏆 And a special congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Edwards (GES), our District Teacher of the Year!
We are so grateful for the incredible educators who make a difference every day. 🍎✨
👏 Congratulations to:
• Michelle Clark – RES
• Kelly Edwards – GES
• Holly Swift – BES
• Molly Voss – GMS
• Ryan Maloney – GHS
🏆 And a special congratulations to Mrs. Kelly Edwards (GES), our District Teacher of the Year!
We are so grateful for the incredible educators who make a difference every day. 🍎✨
🎵 Music makes everything better!
Last Tuesday, Mrs. Erinne Smitherman and the GHS Choir treated our School Board to an amazing performance. We loved seeing our students shine and share their talents—what a wonderful way to start the meeting! ✨🎶
Last Tuesday, Mrs. Erinne Smitherman and the GHS Choir treated our School Board to an amazing performance. We loved seeing our students shine and share their talents—what a wonderful way to start the meeting! ✨🎶
🎭✨ Student Spotlight: Congratulations, Melanie! ✨🎭
At last Tuesday’s School Board meeting, we proudly recognized Melanie, a junior at Goochland High School, for her outstanding artistic achievement. Her playbill cover design for GHS’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is featured on Playbill’s website—the very company that creates programs for Broadway productions. 🌟
This is an amazing accomplishment and a wonderful example of student creativity shining on a national stage. Bravo, Melanie—we are so proud of you! 👏🎨
At last Tuesday’s School Board meeting, we proudly recognized Melanie, a junior at Goochland High School, for her outstanding artistic achievement. Her playbill cover design for GHS’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is featured on Playbill’s website—the very company that creates programs for Broadway productions. 🌟
This is an amazing accomplishment and a wonderful example of student creativity shining on a national stage. Bravo, Melanie—we are so proud of you! 👏🎨
🎓👏 Thank You, Student Representatives!
We are grateful for Emmerson and Samuel, our School Board student representatives for the 2025 calendar year. Thank you for sharing your voices, insights, and perspectives to help inform important conversations and decisions. Your input truly matters, and we appreciate your leadership and commitment to our schools!
We are grateful for Emmerson and Samuel, our School Board student representatives for the 2025 calendar year. Thank you for sharing your voices, insights, and perspectives to help inform important conversations and decisions. Your input truly matters, and we appreciate your leadership and commitment to our schools!
👑 Principal Hahn
We are wrapping up our Principal Appreciation Week series by highlighting our GHS principal, Mr. Brian Hahn. Principal Hahn’s leadership reflects strong school spirit, student pride, and a shared commitment to excellence. This year’s student engagement speaks volumes about the culture he helps foster.
Thank you for leading with passion and heart. 🌟
We are wrapping up our Principal Appreciation Week series by highlighting our GHS principal, Mr. Brian Hahn. Principal Hahn’s leadership reflects strong school spirit, student pride, and a shared commitment to excellence. This year’s student engagement speaks volumes about the culture he helps foster.
Thank you for leading with passion and heart. 🌟
👑 Principal Gordon
Today, we are highlighting Mr. Patrick Gordon, principal of Goochland Middle School. Grounded in relationships and a deep sense of gratitude, Principal Gordon leads with purpose and pride in the school and community that shaped him.
Thank you for giving back and inspiring success every day. 🦅💙
Today, we are highlighting Mr. Patrick Gordon, principal of Goochland Middle School. Grounded in relationships and a deep sense of gratitude, Principal Gordon leads with purpose and pride in the school and community that shaped him.
Thank you for giving back and inspiring success every day. 🦅💙
The Goochland County School Board will hold a budget workshop on January 20, 2026 beginning at 5:30 at the School Administration Building (2938 River Road W, Building I). GCPS School Board agendas can be found here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/
All are welcome to attend.
🏆🎉 National Recognition for Goochland Elementary School 🎉🏆
At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, we proudly recognized the team behind the new Goochland Elementary School, which was named the 2025 CMAA National Project of the Year—the highest honor awarded by the Construction Management Association of America.
This national award reflects the power of collaboration among our school division, county leadership, project partners, and staff, all working together to create an exceptional learning environment for students. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped make this award-winning project possible! 👏🏫✨
At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, we proudly recognized the team behind the new Goochland Elementary School, which was named the 2025 CMAA National Project of the Year—the highest honor awarded by the Construction Management Association of America.
This national award reflects the power of collaboration among our school division, county leadership, project partners, and staff, all working together to create an exceptional learning environment for students. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped make this award-winning project possible! 👏🏫✨
👑 Principal Burnham
Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Sarah Burnham with our "Meet the Heart of our Schools" series in honor of Principal Appreciation Week. Principal Burnham leads Randolph Elementary with a deep commitment to relationships, collaboration, and community. Her focus on connection among staff, students, and families helps create a school environment where everyone feels supported. Thank you for the care, leadership, and heart you bring to your school every day. 💛💚
Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Sarah Burnham with our "Meet the Heart of our Schools" series in honor of Principal Appreciation Week. Principal Burnham leads Randolph Elementary with a deep commitment to relationships, collaboration, and community. Her focus on connection among staff, students, and families helps create a school environment where everyone feels supported. Thank you for the care, leadership, and heart you bring to your school every day. 💛💚
👑 Principal McCay
In honor of Principal Appreciation Week, we're highlighting one of our amazing principals each day. Today, we are highlighting Mrs. Tina McCay, principal of Goochland Elementary School. With decades of experience and a genuine love for both students and staff, Principal McCay fosters a culture rooted in trust, teamwork, and shared responsibility. Thank you for modeling collaboration and putting students first in everything you do. 🌟
In honor of Principal Appreciation Week, we're highlighting one of our amazing principals each day. Today, we are highlighting Mrs. Tina McCay, principal of Goochland Elementary School. With decades of experience and a genuine love for both students and staff, Principal McCay fosters a culture rooted in trust, teamwork, and shared responsibility. Thank you for modeling collaboration and putting students first in everything you do. 🌟
👑 Meet the Heart of Our Schools 👑
This week, we’re celebrating Virginia Principal Appreciation Week by spotlighting the incredible leaders who serve our students, staff, and families every day. From building relationships to leading with heart, we’ll feature one principal each day — sharing what they love most about their school, what they’re proud of, and a fun fact or two along the way.
Today, we are spotlighting Mr. Andrew Meiller, principal at Byrd Elementary School. Principal Meiller is known for building strong connections and encouraging others to step up and support one another — both inside and outside the school day. Thank you for leading with authenticity and care for your school community.
Stay tuned as we celebrate the heart behind our schools. 🏫 💗
🏗️✨ Be the Builder at RES! ✨🏗️
Inspired by City of Ember, RES 5th graders designed future cities to help mankind survive after a disaster—blending science, writing, communication, and STEM into one powerful project.
Cities in the clouds, underwater, in treetops, and beyond showcased incredible creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Way to build big ideas, Roadrunners! 👏
Inspired by City of Ember, RES 5th graders designed future cities to help mankind survive after a disaster—blending science, writing, communication, and STEM into one powerful project.
Cities in the clouds, underwater, in treetops, and beyond showcased incredible creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Way to build big ideas, Roadrunners! 👏
📅 Draft Instructional Calendars Available – We Want Your Feedback!
GCPS has released draft instructional calendars for the 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29 school years and invites families and community members to share feedback.
📣 Please review the draft calendars and submit feedback by Friday, January 30.
Links to the calendars and feedback form are available on the GCPS Calendars webpage.
Community feedback will help inform a February 2026 School Board consideration for approval. Thank you for partnering with GCPS in this important planning work!
GCPS has released draft instructional calendars for the 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29 school years and invites families and community members to share feedback.
📣 Please review the draft calendars and submit feedback by Friday, January 30.
Links to the calendars and feedback form are available on the GCPS Calendars webpage.
Community feedback will help inform a February 2026 School Board consideration for approval. Thank you for partnering with GCPS in this important planning work!
🐾📚 Watch D.O.G.S. in Action! 📚🐾
Our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program is making a positive impact in our schools! This nationally recognized program invites fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures to volunteer in our schools, providing positive male role models and an extra layer of support for students and staff throughout the school day.
From greeting students and helping in classrooms to supporting recess and lunch, our Watch D.O.G.S. help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. We’re proud to offer this program at Randolph and Goochland Elementary, and we’re grateful for the time and commitment of our Watch D.O.G.S. who show up for our students each day. 💙
Our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program is making a positive impact in our schools! This nationally recognized program invites fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures to volunteer in our schools, providing positive male role models and an extra layer of support for students and staff throughout the school day.
From greeting students and helping in classrooms to supporting recess and lunch, our Watch D.O.G.S. help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. We’re proud to offer this program at Randolph and Goochland Elementary, and we’re grateful for the time and commitment of our Watch D.O.G.S. who show up for our students each day. 💙
