We’re excited to launch Goochland Reads 2026, our division-wide reading experience that brings our entire elementary community together through the power of a shared story.
This year’s book is The Greatest Gift, the second book in the Heartwood Hotel series. Throughout the month of January, every elementary student, teacher, and staff member across Goochland County Public Schools will be reading the same book together. Each night, students and families will read a chapter in the book to discuss in school the next day. This is a fantastic way to spark conversations, build connections, and celebrate the joy of reading.
Goochland Reads is more than just a book, it’s a shared experience that strengthens literacy, community, and a love of learning. We can’t wait to see the discussions, activities, and magical moments that unfold in our schools this month!
This year’s book is The Greatest Gift, the second book in the Heartwood Hotel series. Throughout the month of January, every elementary student, teacher, and staff member across Goochland County Public Schools will be reading the same book together. Each night, students and families will read a chapter in the book to discuss in school the next day. This is a fantastic way to spark conversations, build connections, and celebrate the joy of reading.
Goochland Reads is more than just a book, it’s a shared experience that strengthens literacy, community, and a love of learning. We can’t wait to see the discussions, activities, and magical moments that unfold in our schools this month!
5th grade students in Mrs. Cosby’s class at BES had an electrifying learning experience as they blended hands-on exploration with digital creativity during a lesson led by Mr. Mock, Instructional Technology Coach!
Using Makey Makeys and their iPads, students tested everyday objects to discover which materials act as conductors and which are insulators. Students then turned their findings into music by using the conductors to play interactive pianos on their iPads! ⚡️🎵
This engaging lesson brought science concepts to life while showing students how analog and digital tools can work together to spark curiosity, creativity, and deeper learning.
👏 Shoutout to Mrs. Cosby and Mr. Mock for creating such an innovative and memorable learning experience for our BES students!
Using Makey Makeys and their iPads, students tested everyday objects to discover which materials act as conductors and which are insulators. Students then turned their findings into music by using the conductors to play interactive pianos on their iPads! ⚡️🎵
This engaging lesson brought science concepts to life while showing students how analog and digital tools can work together to spark curiosity, creativity, and deeper learning.
👏 Shoutout to Mrs. Cosby and Mr. Mock for creating such an innovative and memorable learning experience for our BES students!
🎉✨ Happy New Year from Goochland County Public Schools ✨🎉
As we welcome the new year, we wish our students, families, and staff happiness, good health, and continued success. May the year ahead be filled with new opportunities, growth, and moments to celebrate together.
Happy New Year from all of us at Goochland County Public Schools! ❤️
As we welcome the new year, we wish our students, families, and staff happiness, good health, and continued success. May the year ahead be filled with new opportunities, growth, and moments to celebrate together.
Happy New Year from all of us at Goochland County Public Schools! ❤️
🎄✨ The GES Tacky Light Tour was a bright success!
Students designed and built their own neighborhood of houses, complete with festive decorations, then used Hummingbird robotics kits and coding to bring their creations to life with lights and movement. What a fun, hands-on way to explore computer science while celebrating the season!
We love seeing creativity, collaboration, and coding come together in such a joyful way! 💡🤖
Students designed and built their own neighborhood of houses, complete with festive decorations, then used Hummingbird robotics kits and coding to bring their creations to life with lights and movement. What a fun, hands-on way to explore computer science while celebrating the season!
We love seeing creativity, collaboration, and coding come together in such a joyful way! 💡🤖
☕📚 Starbooks Café at Randolph Elementary 📚☕
Before break, Randolph Elementary students enjoyed a special visit to Starbooks Café! Mrs. Sue Vaughan, our school librarian at RES, transformed the library into a cozy coffee shop where students could “sample” books to discover new stories and spark their interest in reading. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, and even a cup of hot chocolate ☕️, students explored a variety of books and found new favorites. What a fun and creative way to build a love of reading!
Before break, Randolph Elementary students enjoyed a special visit to Starbooks Café! Mrs. Sue Vaughan, our school librarian at RES, transformed the library into a cozy coffee shop where students could “sample” books to discover new stories and spark their interest in reading. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, and even a cup of hot chocolate ☕️, students explored a variety of books and found new favorites. What a fun and creative way to build a love of reading!
📚✨ English 7 Honors Creativity on Display!
Students in Ms. Talley’s English 7 Honors took on a unique challenge by creating original poems using lines from ten different poems by ten different poets, all connected by a central theme and enriched with poetic devices. They then reflected on their work in writing, memorized their poems, and presented them alongside creative 3-D models.
📸 These photos capture the projects that brought poetry to life!
Innovation with purpose! 💡🖨️
Students in Mr. Bryan Tate’s class put their 3-D printing skills to work designing adaptive technology to support individuals with disabilities. Working in teams, students created devices focused on accessibility and problem-solving, then presented their designs to members of our Central Office team.
Every project showcased creativity and thoughtful design, but a few stood out:
🥇 First place: Adaptive scissors
🥈 Second place: Seat belt grip
🥉 Third place: Cup-holding grip
We’re proud of our students for using technology to make a meaningful difference for others!
Students in Mr. Bryan Tate’s class put their 3-D printing skills to work designing adaptive technology to support individuals with disabilities. Working in teams, students created devices focused on accessibility and problem-solving, then presented their designs to members of our Central Office team.
Every project showcased creativity and thoughtful design, but a few stood out:
🥇 First place: Adaptive scissors
🥈 Second place: Seat belt grip
🥉 Third place: Cup-holding grip
We’re proud of our students for using technology to make a meaningful difference for others!
✨🎁 Happy Holidays from Goochland County Public Schools 🎁✨
We wish our students, families, and staff a joyful and restful holiday filled with love, warmth, and cheer. May this season bring moments of connection, reflection, and happiness as we look ahead to the new year.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Goochland County Public Schools! ❤️
We wish our students, families, and staff a joyful and restful holiday filled with love, warmth, and cheer. May this season bring moments of connection, reflection, and happiness as we look ahead to the new year.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Goochland County Public Schools! ❤️
🎶 What a wonderful night of music! Last week, Goochland Middle School and Goochland High School students filled the stage with beautiful voices and incredible talent at their choral concert. We are so proud of our singers and grateful to our choral director, Mrs. Erinne Smitherman, for creating such a meaningful experience for our students. Bravo to everyone involved! 👏
🧬 Hands-On Science at Goochland High School! 🧬
Students in Ms. Kristen Borsari's Bio II Genetics class dove into their midterm lab by designing and conducting their own DNA extraction experiments. From selecting food samples to determining materials, procedures, and variables, students took full ownership of the scientific process. This exciting lab brought real-world science into the classroom and gave students a chance to explore genetics in a meaningful, hands-on way. 🔬📚✨
Students in Ms. Kristen Borsari's Bio II Genetics class dove into their midterm lab by designing and conducting their own DNA extraction experiments. From selecting food samples to determining materials, procedures, and variables, students took full ownership of the scientific process. This exciting lab brought real-world science into the classroom and gave students a chance to explore genetics in a meaningful, hands-on way. 🔬📚✨
We are so proud of the Randolph Elementary Robotics Team, The Chickologists! 🐣🤖
At the Charlottesville Regional Qualifying Tournament, these students showcased impressive skills and determination—earning first place in Robot Performance and first place in the Innovation Project in their division. What an incredible accomplishment and learning experience!
At the Charlottesville Regional Qualifying Tournament, these students showcased impressive skills and determination—earning first place in Robot Performance and first place in the Innovation Project in their division. What an incredible accomplishment and learning experience!
❄️ Winter Break Reminder for Families ❄️
Winter break is December 22 – January 2, and students will not be in school during this time.
We wish all of our families a restful and enjoyable break filled with time to relax and recharge. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year!
Winter break is December 22 – January 2, and students will not be in school during this time.
We wish all of our families a restful and enjoyable break filled with time to relax and recharge. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year!
🎉 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🎉
Today we’re excited to celebrate Goochland High School’s Teacher of the Year, Mr. Ryan Maloney!
Mr. Maloney brings physics to life by turning complex concepts into meaningful, real-world learning experiences. From hands-on labs and learning beyond the classroom to Astronomy Club star-viewing nights, he inspires curiosity, wonder, and a love of discovery in his students.
He sets high expectations while meeting students where they are, building strong relationships through authenticity and genuine care. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Maloney dedicates countless hours to students through Robotics, helping lead the team all the way to the world championship.
A collaborative leader and trusted educator, Mr. Maloney truly represents the best of GHS. Congratulations! 🌟🔭📚
Today we’re excited to celebrate Goochland High School’s Teacher of the Year, Mr. Ryan Maloney!
Mr. Maloney brings physics to life by turning complex concepts into meaningful, real-world learning experiences. From hands-on labs and learning beyond the classroom to Astronomy Club star-viewing nights, he inspires curiosity, wonder, and a love of discovery in his students.
He sets high expectations while meeting students where they are, building strong relationships through authenticity and genuine care. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Maloney dedicates countless hours to students through Robotics, helping lead the team all the way to the world championship.
A collaborative leader and trusted educator, Mr. Maloney truly represents the best of GHS. Congratulations! 🌟🔭📚
🎉 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🎉
Today we’re proud to recognize Goochland Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Molly Voss!
Mrs. Voss brings energy, creativity, and heart to her classroom each day, making history engaging and meaningful for her students. She understands the middle school experience and creates a welcoming environment where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn—all with a smile that never fades.
Her willingness to try new approaches, her strong school spirit, and her commitment to uplifting others make her an inspiration to both students and colleagues. From innovative ideas to moments that bring the GMS community together, Mrs. Voss truly embodies what it means to be a team player.
On par with GMS' “Game On” theme, she’s definitely someone you want on your team! 🏆📚✨
Today we’re proud to recognize Goochland Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Molly Voss!
Mrs. Voss brings energy, creativity, and heart to her classroom each day, making history engaging and meaningful for her students. She understands the middle school experience and creates a welcoming environment where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn—all with a smile that never fades.
Her willingness to try new approaches, her strong school spirit, and her commitment to uplifting others make her an inspiration to both students and colleagues. From innovative ideas to moments that bring the GMS community together, Mrs. Voss truly embodies what it means to be a team player.
On par with GMS' “Game On” theme, she’s definitely someone you want on your team! 🏆📚✨
🎉 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🎉
Today we’re excited to recognize Byrd Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Holly Swift!
Mrs. Swift is the kind of teacher every school hopes to have—kind, positive, and deeply committed to helping students work hard and reach their best. She blends time-tested teaching practices with current strategies to keep students engaged and excited about learning, especially reading and writing.
Her classroom is a place students love to be, and even former students make a point to come back and visit. With the enthusiasm of a first-year teacher and the wisdom of a veteran, Mrs. Swift is a trusted colleague and an incredible educator.
Congratulations, Mrs. Swift! 💛📚✨
Today we’re excited to recognize Byrd Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Holly Swift!
Mrs. Swift is the kind of teacher every school hopes to have—kind, positive, and deeply committed to helping students work hard and reach their best. She blends time-tested teaching practices with current strategies to keep students engaged and excited about learning, especially reading and writing.
Her classroom is a place students love to be, and even former students make a point to come back and visit. With the enthusiasm of a first-year teacher and the wisdom of a veteran, Mrs. Swift is a trusted colleague and an incredible educator.
Congratulations, Mrs. Swift! 💛📚✨
🎉 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🎉
Today we’re proud to celebrate Goochland Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Kelly Edwards!
Mrs. Edwards’ classroom is a place of joy, calm, and purpose. She knows her students as individuals and creates a nurturing environment where every learner is supported and challenged to grow academically, socially, and personally. Her flexibility, optimism, and commitment to meeting the needs of all students shine through in her daily work with students and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Edwards is a trusted leader and generous teammate—co-founding the GES Kids News Program and leading the Goochland New Teacher Mentorship Program to support students and educators across the division.
Congratulations, Mrs. Edwards! 💙📚✨
Today we’re proud to celebrate Goochland Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Kelly Edwards!
Mrs. Edwards’ classroom is a place of joy, calm, and purpose. She knows her students as individuals and creates a nurturing environment where every learner is supported and challenged to grow academically, socially, and personally. Her flexibility, optimism, and commitment to meeting the needs of all students shine through in her daily work with students and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Edwards is a trusted leader and generous teammate—co-founding the GES Kids News Program and leading the Goochland New Teacher Mentorship Program to support students and educators across the division.
Congratulations, Mrs. Edwards! 💙📚✨
🎉 Meet Our 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year!
Each day this week, we’ll be spotlighting one of our incredible educators who go above and beyond for GCPS students.
Today, we’re proud to celebrate Randolph Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Michelle Clark!
Whether she’s supporting students in her own room or lending her expertise in classrooms across the building, Mrs. Clark is always fully engaged—building strong relationships, setting high expectations, and offering guidance to colleagues who rely on her special education expertise. Her dedication to the entire RES community shines through in everything she does.
Each day this week, we’ll be spotlighting one of our incredible educators who go above and beyond for GCPS students.
Today, we’re proud to celebrate Randolph Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Michelle Clark!
Whether she’s supporting students in her own room or lending her expertise in classrooms across the building, Mrs. Clark is always fully engaged—building strong relationships, setting high expectations, and offering guidance to colleagues who rely on her special education expertise. Her dedication to the entire RES community shines through in everything she does.
🎉 Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year! 🎉
We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding educators who inspire, challenge, and support our students every single day. Their dedication to teaching and learning strengthens our schools and our entire GCPS community.
🌟 Randolph Elementary – Mrs. Michelle Clark
🌟 Goochland Elementary – Mrs. Kelly Edwards
🌟 Byrd Elementary – Mrs. Holly Swift
🌟 Goochland Middle – Mrs. Molly Voss
🌟 Goochland High – Mr. Ryan Maloney
Please join us in celebrating these amazing teachers and the impact they make on the lives of our students! 🍎✨
We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding educators who inspire, challenge, and support our students every single day. Their dedication to teaching and learning strengthens our schools and our entire GCPS community.
🌟 Randolph Elementary – Mrs. Michelle Clark
🌟 Goochland Elementary – Mrs. Kelly Edwards
🌟 Byrd Elementary – Mrs. Holly Swift
🌟 Goochland Middle – Mrs. Molly Voss
🌟 Goochland High – Mr. Ryan Maloney
Please join us in celebrating these amazing teachers and the impact they make on the lives of our students! 🍎✨
The best kind of holiday magic is the kind shared with others 💫
Thank you to Ms. Carmen Bates and Ms. Amy Rorrer for sprinkling joy all over Goochland Middle School as our beloved Elves on the Shelves! Whether perched somewhere unexpected or greeting students with holiday cheer, they’ve filled the building with laughter, spirit, and so much heart. 🎄❤️
We appreciate you both for making GMS feel merry and bright!
Thank you to Ms. Carmen Bates and Ms. Amy Rorrer for sprinkling joy all over Goochland Middle School as our beloved Elves on the Shelves! Whether perched somewhere unexpected or greeting students with holiday cheer, they’ve filled the building with laughter, spirit, and so much heart. 🎄❤️
We appreciate you both for making GMS feel merry and bright!
📅 School Board Meeting Rescheduled 📅
The School Board meeting originally scheduled for this week has been moved to Tuesday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. We are starting earlier than usual to allow staff and families time to attend the Goochland High School Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. the same evening. We appreciate your flexibility and hope many of you will be able to join us for both the meeting and the performance. 🎶
The School Board meeting originally scheduled for this week has been moved to Tuesday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. We are starting earlier than usual to allow staff and families time to attend the Goochland High School Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. the same evening. We appreciate your flexibility and hope many of you will be able to join us for both the meeting and the performance. 🎶
