🍬🔬 Science is sweet at Byrd Elementary!

Our 5th grade scientists recently wrapped up a two-day lab using Gummy Bears and a variety of solutions to put their knowledge of the Scientific Method into action. Along the way, they practiced using metric measurement tools and sharpened their observation skills.

Hands-on learning = big discoveries (and maybe a few sticky fingers 😉)!
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Science experiment
Science experiment
Science experiment
Science experiment
Science experiment

🇺🇸👏 At our September School Board meeting, we proudly recognized two outstanding students for their achievements in the Americanism Essay Contest through the Goochland American Legion.

Both students received honors at the state level in Virginia and were also recognized nationally for their powerful essays. 🏅✍️

We are so proud of their hard work, talent, and representation of GCPS on both the state and national stage! 🌟

5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
American Legion
📚✨ Excitement in the Randolph front office!

Students who went above and beyond earned special tokens and got to visit our book vending machine. Each token is a ticket to choose a brand-new book to take home and enjoy! 🎉

We love celebrating our Roadrunners for making great choices and encouraging a love of reading along the way. ❤️
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
RES
RES
RES
📣 Join the Superintendent’s Listening Tour!
As part of his entry plan, Dr. Armstrong is hosting 5 listening sessions across Goochland County. These one-hour conversations are an opportunity for families and community members to share honest, constructive feedback about their experiences with GCPS.

Your input will help guide Dr. Armstrong’s work in his first year and shape the future of our division’s Strategic Plan.

🕕 All sessions will be held from 6:00–7:00 p.m.

📍 Dates & Locations:
Mon, Sept 15 – Byrd Elementary School Library
Tue, Sept 30 – Goochland Recreation Association
Wed, Oct 8 – Goochland High School Library
Mon, Oct 20 – Randolph Elementary School Library
Tue, Oct 28 – Jerusalem Baptist Church

We hope you’ll make plans to attend and share your voice!
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Armstrong Listening Sessions
💰📊 Sound financial management is a priority at GCPS!

We’re proud to share that recent audits of school activity funds at all three elementary schools showed no deficiencies. In addition, GCPS has once again earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.

👏 A huge shout-out to our dedicated school bookkeepers and to the outstanding leadership of our Finance Director, Stephanie Wyche, for ensuring excellence in financial stewardship across the division.
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
finance
finance
🇺🇸 Today, many of our students and staff took part in Patriot Day activities, reflecting on the events of September 11 and honoring the heroes we will never forget. ❤️🤍💙

Earlier this morning, district leaders and school board members also participated in the 9/11 Ceremony hosted by Goochland County Fire-Rescue at Fire Station 5 to honor the lives lost and the courage of first responders.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
9/11
9/11
9/11
9/11
9/11
9/11
9/11
🚀 Mr. Lemarr’s class at Goochland Middle School took learning to new heights with a paper rocket launch! The activity was all about building resilience and managing frustration when things don’t go as planned. Even when rockets fizzled or launchers failed, students stayed positive and encouraged one another. The big highlight — one rocket soared an incredible 132 feet! 🌟
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
GMS
GMS
GMS
GMS
🚓🚒 Tonight, we had the privilege of recognizing two of our strongest partners—the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office and Goochland County Fire-Rescue.

Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our schools help ensure that every student learns in a safe and secure environment. From being a visible presence in our buildings, to responding in moments of need, to collaborating with us on proactive safety initiatives—these teams go above and beyond for our community.

We are truly grateful for their service, leadership, and partnership. ❤️
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Community partners
Community partners
Community partners
📊 Math in action at Byrd Elementary! Last week, Ms. Lull's class spent the morning exploring data sets- practicing mean, median, and mode through hands-on math stations. Students rotated between activities, working together to sharpen their skills while making learning fun and engaging. Way to go, Eagles!
5 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
lull
lull
lull
lull
lull
lull
Our BES, GES, and RES LEGO Robotics teams had an incredible field trip to Monticello as part of this year’s FIRST LEGO League Unearthed theme! Students explored archaeology in action, learning how experts uncover hidden treasures, mysterious artifacts, and forgotten stories that inspire new ideas for the future.

A HUGE thank you to the Monticello archaeology staff and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation for giving our students a hands-on, unforgettable experience that connected perfectly with this year’s challenge. We are also grateful to our dedicated coaches for supporting and guiding our students on this exciting journey!
5 months ago, Matt Caratachea
Students working with archeologists
Students listening to an  adult speak
Students listening to an adult speak
Students looking through artifacts
Students looking for artifacts
Students listening to an adult speak
Students posing for a picture at an active archeological dig site
Students using shovels to dig at an archeological dig site
Student listening to an archeologist
Student looking for artifacts
The Goochland County School Board will hold its next regular meeting on September 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Goochland County Administration Building (1800 Sandy Hook Road, Room 250). View the full agenda here: https://glnd.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=351
All are welcome to attend.
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
School Board Meeting Reminder
🎥📰 Goochland Elementary’s Kid News team is keeping their school community informed and inspired every day with their student-led morning news show! This week, they welcomed a very special guest — our superintendent, Dr. Armstrong — who joined the broadcast to talk with students and share in the fun. We’re so proud of these young broadcasters for their creativity, confidence, and leadership on screen. Way to go, Otters! 🐾✨
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
kid news
kid news
kid news

📅 Calendar Reminder 📅
Both Friday, August 29th and Monday, September 1st are student holidays. Schools will be closed on Friday, and our schools and offices will be closed on Monday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend—we’ll see students back on Tuesday, September 2nd!

6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Calendar Reminder
✨Our littlest Eagles are busy learning through play in Mrs. Gordon’s preschool class at Byrd Elementary! From cooking up fun in the kitchen center, to exploring textures at the sensory table, creating at the art easel, and dancing with scarves to music, these preschoolers are learning, growing, and soaring together. 💙🦅🤍
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Gordon
Gordon
Gordon
Gordon
Gordon
Gordon
🎉✨ New Year, New Beginnings! ✨🎉

Last week, Mrs. Pond and Mr. LeMarr rang in the new school year with a “Happy New Year” party in their class! 🥳 Students celebrated fresh starts, new opportunities, and the excitement of what’s ahead in 2025. 🍎📚

Here’s to making this year the best one yet! 💡🙌
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
LeMarr/Pond
LeMarr/Pond
LeMarr/Pond
LeMarr/Pond
LeMarr/Pond
LeMarr/Pond
🌻 Strength, sunshine, and snapshots! 🌻

Ms. Rodriguez’s women’s fitness class took their workout outdoors with a visit to a beautiful sunflower patch 🌞💪. They were joined by Ms. Day, who not only captured some incredible photos but also gave students a quick lesson in photography along the way. A perfect mix of movement, creativity, and collaboration! 📸✨
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
sunflower field trip
sunflower field trip
sunflower field trip
🚌Looking for a meaningful job close to home? 🚌

GCPS is hiring bus drivers and a transportation routing specialist.
Be part of a team that makes a difference for kids every single day.
Start your journey here: https://www.applitrack.com/glnd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
transportation post

📖✨ Finding our “One Word”! ✨📖

Randolph 4th graders welcomed a very special guest, District Chief Lisa Brown, Goochland County Fire-Rescue’s Recruitment & Retention Coordinator and former educator. Chief Brown read One Word For Kids and inspired students to brainstorm the word that will guide them through the school year. 🌟

We’re so grateful for our community partners who share their time and wisdom with our students! ❤️

6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Lisa Brown Reading
Lisa Brown Reading
📸 Five schools. One incredible team!

After a fantastic first week, our staff are energized and ready to welcome students back on Monday. Here’s a look at the amazing teams from each of our five schools—thank you for all you do to make GCPS a place where students thrive! ❤️💛
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
GES staff photo
BES staff photo
GHS staff photo
GMS staff photo
RES staff photo
Kicking off the school year with science sparks! 🔬✨ Mr. Baird’s students at GMS jumped right into discovery on day one—observing, sharing, and collaborating on their mini whiteboards. Here’s to a year full of curiosity! 🧪
6 months ago, Jennifer Waggener
Baird's Class
Baird's Class
Baird's Class
Baird's Class