Science is a team sport at Goochland Middle School! 🧪💪
Before heading off for spring break, Mr. Govan Baird’s science students took their learning outside for a high-energy lesson on force and distance. The challenge? Testing their strength by pulling a truck! 🚛💨
It wasn't just about the physics; it was about working together to see how much force it really takes to move a massive object. Even Mrs. Borgie couldn't resist joining in on the fun! We love seeing our educators and students connect through hands-on learning that brings the textbook to life.
Check out these future engineers and physicists in action!
Before heading off for spring break, Mr. Govan Baird’s science students took their learning outside for a high-energy lesson on force and distance. The challenge? Testing their strength by pulling a truck! 🚛💨
It wasn't just about the physics; it was about working together to see how much force it really takes to move a massive object. Even Mrs. Borgie couldn't resist joining in on the fun! We love seeing our educators and students connect through hands-on learning that brings the textbook to life.
Check out these future engineers and physicists in action!
🏆 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.
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. 🏛️✨
Big cheers for our GHS Unified Kickball team! 🦵⚽️✨
The season is officially underway after an incredible home opener against Western Albemarle. There’s nothing better than seeing our students come together, cheer each other on, and demonstrate what true sportsmanship looks like.
Unified sports remind us that we are at our best when everyone has a place on the team. We are so proud of these athletes for their hard work, their hustle, and the way they represent the Goochland community!
The season is officially underway after an incredible home opener against Western Albemarle. There’s nothing better than seeing our students come together, cheer each other on, and demonstrate what true sportsmanship looks like.
Unified sports remind us that we are at our best when everyone has a place on the team. We are so proud of these athletes for their hard work, their hustle, and the way they represent the Goochland community!
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!
🚀 Our middle schoolers are taking flight! Last week, students in Mr. Beasley’s Technology Foundations class stepped into the world of aeronautics by coding and flying their own drones. This wasn’t just about pushing buttons—our scholars had to master the "why" behind the "how," calculating flight paths while accounting for physics, air resistance, and precise navigation.
It is incredible to see our students collaborating to solve complex problems and cheering each other on as their code came to life! We are so proud of the innovation happening right here in our Goochland community.
It is incredible to see our students collaborating to solve complex problems and cheering each other on as their code came to life! We are so proud of the innovation happening right here in our Goochland community.
Setting the standard for excellence! 🎼✨
Big news from the stage: The Goochland Middle School and Goochland High School Bands have officially earned Superior ratings at assessment! This achievement cements a historic "first" for GCPS, as both GMS and GHS have now reached VMEA Blue Ribbon status in the same year.
This level of success doesn't happen by accident. It’s the result of tireless work from our student musicians and the incredible mentorship of our directors. We want to give a special shout-out to Mr. Jay Sykes (GMS) and Mr. Jacob Gittleman (GHS) for their commitment to our students and for fostering a love of music that unites our schools.
The "Blue Ribbon" distinction requires excellence across the board, and we are so proud of the collaboration between our band and choral departments. It is the combined dedication of Mr. Sykes, Mr. Gittleman, and Ms. Erinne Smitherman that has led us to this prestigious milestone! Goochland is officially a "Blue Ribbon" community! Please join us in celebrating our directors and our dedicated musicians for this historic achievement! 🎷🎤🏆
Big news from the stage: The Goochland Middle School and Goochland High School Bands have officially earned Superior ratings at assessment! This achievement cements a historic "first" for GCPS, as both GMS and GHS have now reached VMEA Blue Ribbon status in the same year.
This level of success doesn't happen by accident. It’s the result of tireless work from our student musicians and the incredible mentorship of our directors. We want to give a special shout-out to Mr. Jay Sykes (GMS) and Mr. Jacob Gittleman (GHS) for their commitment to our students and for fostering a love of music that unites our schools.
The "Blue Ribbon" distinction requires excellence across the board, and we are so proud of the collaboration between our band and choral departments. It is the combined dedication of Mr. Sykes, Mr. Gittleman, and Ms. Erinne Smitherman that has led us to this prestigious milestone! Goochland is officially a "Blue Ribbon" community! Please join us in celebrating our directors and our dedicated musicians for this historic achievement! 🎷🎤🏆
🌟A "Superior" performance for a historic milestone!🌟
Congratulations to the GMS and GHS Chorus for earning Superior ratings at assessment! Under the expert leadership of choral director Mrs. Erinne Smitherman, our students have reached new heights. For the first time ever, both Goochland Middle and Goochland High School are now Blue Ribbon Awarded Schools—the top honor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our students’ voices are stronger together, proving that excellence is a community effort. Please join us in thanking Ms. Smitherman for her dedication and congratulating our talented vocalists! 🎶✨
Congratulations to the GMS and GHS Chorus for earning Superior ratings at assessment! Under the expert leadership of choral director Mrs. Erinne Smitherman, our students have reached new heights. For the first time ever, both Goochland Middle and Goochland High School are now Blue Ribbon Awarded Schools—the top honor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our students’ voices are stronger together, proving that excellence is a community effort. Please join us in thanking Ms. Smitherman for her dedication and congratulating our talented vocalists! 🎶✨
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!
Moving on to Goochland Middle School for Day 4 of our Rookie of the Year Series! 🌟
We are proud to announce Mr. Gene LeMarr as the GMS Rookie of the Year! Mr. LeMarr's work in the special education department has been instrumental in supporting our middle schoolers as they navigate these important years. Thank you, Mr. LeMarr, for your commitment to every student's journey! ✨
Only one school left... stay tuned for our final reveal tomorrow!
We are proud to announce Mr. Gene LeMarr as the GMS Rookie of the Year! Mr. LeMarr's work in the special education department has been instrumental in supporting our middle schoolers as they navigate these important years. Thank you, Mr. LeMarr, for your commitment to every student's journey! ✨
Only one school left... stay tuned for our final reveal tomorrow!
It’s Day 3 of our Rookie of the Year series! 🌟 Today, we’re at Randolph Elementary to honor Ms. Taylor Flagg.
Ms. Flagg may be a veteran in the classroom, but this is her first year with the Roadrunner family! In just a few short months, her dedication to her students and RES has made a lasting impression on our community. 💚💛
Ms. Flagg may be a veteran in the classroom, but this is her first year with the Roadrunner family! In just a few short months, her dedication to her students and RES has made a lasting impression on our community. 💚💛
🌟The celebration continues! 🌟Day 2 of our Rookie of the Year countdown takes us to Goochland Elementary School to celebrate Ruth Patterson!
As a fourth grade teacher, Ms. Patterson has shown a deep commitment to her students and a wonderful ability to connect with the GES family. We are so lucky to have her energy and dedication in our halls—she is already a vital part of the Otter pond! 🦦✨
Who will be next? Check back tomorrow to find out!
As a fourth grade teacher, Ms. Patterson has shown a deep commitment to her students and a wonderful ability to connect with the GES family. We are so lucky to have her energy and dedication in our halls—she is already a vital part of the Otter pond! 🦦✨
Who will be next? Check back tomorrow to find out!
Who says math review can’t be a slam dunk? 🏀🔢✨
Ms. Carr’s third graders brought the heat last week for March Mathness! Students teamed up for a high-energy competition to show off everything they’ve learned so far this year.
The play-by-play was simple:
1️⃣ Work together to solve a challenge.
2️⃣ Get it right? Take a shot at the basket! 🏀
3️⃣ Celebrate every win as a team. 🤝
We love seeing our students stay connected through healthy competition and teamwork. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, the focus was on supporting one another—and every single MVP walked away with a medal for their hustle! 🥇
Ms. Carr’s third graders brought the heat last week for March Mathness! Students teamed up for a high-energy competition to show off everything they’ve learned so far this year.
The play-by-play was simple:
1️⃣ Work together to solve a challenge.
2️⃣ Get it right? Take a shot at the basket! 🏀
3️⃣ Celebrate every win as a team. 🤝
We love seeing our students stay connected through healthy competition and teamwork. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, the focus was on supporting one another—and every single MVP walked away with a medal for their hustle! 🥇
🌟 It’s time to celebrate our rising stars! 🌟
This week, we are thrilled to kick off our Rookie of the Year series! Each day, we’ll be unveiling one outstanding employee from our schools who is making a huge impact in their first year with us.
First up, let’s hear it for Ms. Michelle Schiebel, a 4th grade teacher at Byrd Elementary School! 🦅 Ms. Schiebel has jumped right into the Byrd community with passion and heart, proving that it’s never too early to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
This week, we are thrilled to kick off our Rookie of the Year series! Each day, we’ll be unveiling one outstanding employee from our schools who is making a huge impact in their first year with us.
First up, let’s hear it for Ms. Michelle Schiebel, a 4th grade teacher at Byrd Elementary School! 🦅 Ms. Schiebel has jumped right into the Byrd community with passion and heart, proving that it’s never too early to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
🏆 Our GCPS family just got a little more "award-winning!" 🏆
Huge congrats to Mrs. Amanda Steeley on receiving the VAPSBAN Practitioner Award! This recognizes her incredible work with behavior analysis right here at GCPS.
It’s experts like Mrs. Steeley who make GCPS such a supportive place for every student to grow. We’re so proud to have you on the team, Mrs. Steeley! ✨
Huge congrats to Mrs. Amanda Steeley on receiving the VAPSBAN Practitioner Award! This recognizes her incredible work with behavior analysis right here at GCPS.
It’s experts like Mrs. Steeley who make GCPS such a supportive place for every student to grow. We’re so proud to have you on the team, Mrs. Steeley! ✨
🎨✨ When history and art collide, magic happens!
We are so proud of the incredible collaboration between Mr. Lawson’s African American History class and Ms. Tolson’s Art II students. To honor Black History Month, these talented scholars teamed up to research influential figures like Kehinde Wiley, Alma Thomas, and Elizabeth Catlett, then translated that history into stunning original artwork. Swipe to see the process and the breathtaking finished products! 🖼️🙌
We are so proud of the incredible collaboration between Mr. Lawson’s African American History class and Ms. Tolson’s Art II students. To honor Black History Month, these talented scholars teamed up to research influential figures like Kehinde Wiley, Alma Thomas, and Elizabeth Catlett, then translated that history into stunning original artwork. Swipe to see the process and the breathtaking finished products! 🖼️🙌
📣 Calling all District 5 residents! 📣
Please join your District 5 Board of Supervisor and School Board Member for a joint Town Hall meeting!
🗓️ When: Wednesday, March 25 @ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Benedictine College Preparatory, 12829 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238
Please join your District 5 Board of Supervisor and School Board Member for a joint Town Hall meeting!
🗓️ When: Wednesday, March 25 @ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Benedictine College Preparatory, 12829 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23238
This Friday, March 20, we’re inviting all students, staff, and families to "Rock Your Socks" in honor of World Down Syndrome Day! Wearing your most fun, brightest, or mismatched socks is a simple way to show our connectedness and our commitment to making sure every learner feels they belong. 🧦💙💛
Your voice matters in Goochland! 🗣️✨
We invite our community to join the Goochland County Board of Supervisors and School Board for a joint Town Hall meeting.
🗓️ When: Tuesday, March 24 @ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: County Administration Building, Meeting Room 250 (1800 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland)
We hope to see you there!
We invite our community to join the Goochland County Board of Supervisors and School Board for a joint Town Hall meeting.
🗓️ When: Tuesday, March 24 @ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: County Administration Building, Meeting Room 250 (1800 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland)
We hope to see you there!
From the classrooms of Byrd Elementary to the halls of Congress! 🦅✨
We are incredibly proud to share that our very own preschool teacher, Bethany Gordon, was invited to participate in a virtual Congressional briefing. She shared her expertise on the "Teaching Mathematics to Young Children" toolkit, representing the high standard of early childhood education we strive for here in Goochland.
When our teachers lead on a national stage, our entire community shines. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Gordon on this prestigious honor and for her commitment to our youngest scholars! 👏❤️
We are incredibly proud to share that our very own preschool teacher, Bethany Gordon, was invited to participate in a virtual Congressional briefing. She shared her expertise on the "Teaching Mathematics to Young Children" toolkit, representing the high standard of early childhood education we strive for here in Goochland.
When our teachers lead on a national stage, our entire community shines. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Gordon on this prestigious honor and for her commitment to our youngest scholars! 👏❤️