News

The Goochland County School Board approved new leadership and committee representatives for the 2018 calendar year at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.  

Mr. John Lumpkins, Jr., District 3, will succeed Mrs. Beth Hardy as Chair of the Goochland County School Board.  He began his official duties as chair during the January 9 meeting.  This is Mr. Lumpkins’ second term as chair, having previously served in this role in 2015.

Mr. John Wright, District 5, served as the Board’s Vice Chair last year and will continue to serve as the vice chair for the 2018 calendar year.  Mrs. Diane Bennett was appointed Clerk of the Board.

Several committee appointments were also named, including:

• Mr. John Wright, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Representative
• Mr. John Lumpkins,  Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Alternate
• Mr. Kevin Hazzard, Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School Representative
• Mr. Michael Payne and Mr. John Wright, GCPS Facilities Committee

The Goochland County School Board will meet again on Tuesday, January 16, for a budget work session.  The public is invited to attend.

Our 6th annual Conundrum Day featuring an exciting children’s engineering challenge will take place on January 20, 2018 at GMS. This free event begins at 8:45 with check-in and ends at 11:30 AM. Students in grades K-8 can participate.

Students must pre-register. Forms are available at the schools and also here online in PDF.

Goochland County Public School Division was recognized as a silver certified “Green School Division” at last month’s Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) conference in Williamsburg, Virginia.  In cooperation with Virginia Municipal League’s GoGreenVA initiative, the VSBA Green Schools Challenge recognizes school divisions that implement specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce the carbon emissions generated by both the local school division and the broader community.

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley was presented with a certificate from the Virginia School Board Association.  It recognized the accomplishment of Goochland County earning 130 Green Points in the VSBA Green Schools competition.   “We are excited to be recognized for our efforts to conserve energy and enhance efficiencies in our facilities in Goochland County Public Schools.  Our teachers, students, and staff have been strong advocates for responsible energy use at all of our schools”.

The division has created outdoor learning spaces used for environmental education at all three elementary schools, as well as a greenhouse at Goochland High School.   A solar flower installed at Goochland High Schools supplements energy conservation, and student-led environmental awareness organizations are forming at both the middle and high school.

Winter is on the way!  Please visit our updated page with information about the school closing procedure, alternate bus routes, and see our student-produced video about our closing procedures.  Enjoy the cold weather and stay safe!

Goochland County Public Schools is pleased ​to announce that four of its five schools have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools for 2017–2019 for focus on deeper learning with the 1:1 computing program using iPad. This year, the division expanded its program to K-2 classrooms in elementary schools, and students at Goochland High School now use MacBook Air. Students use these devices to help develop world ready skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. The division also uses innovative software to help achieve its mission of maximizing each student’s potential through software that can individualize a student’s specific needs in areas such as mathematics.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, ​collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment, and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

This year, Byrd Elementary School, Goochland Elementary School, and Randolph Elementary School were awarded this designation, alongside Goochland Middle School. Goochland High School was not eligible to apply for this recognition because of the developing stage of its program.

“This recognition highlights the strong support of our technology department, the commitment of our teachers toward deeper learning, and the support of our school board to incentivize instructional innovation,” remarked John Hendron, Ed.D., Director of Innovation and Strategy for the division. “We’re proud to bring cutting-edge, engaging experiences to students,” said Goochland County Public Schools superintendent, Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. “Using these devices, we’re preparing students for an uncertain future, but one we know will require technology savvy and critical thinking.”

Examples of student engagement using iPads can be found chronicled in a series of books that were produced by the principals and staff of each school, which was submitted for consideration for the title of Apple Distinguished School. Each school’s book is available on their school website. Teachers are using Apple Classroom to manage devices and Schoology is used by students and teachers to manage digital materials, to check for understanding, and engage in virtual discussions. Parents can use the Schoology system to monitor student progress in grades 3-12.

Goochland County Public Schools provides an innovative learning environment for over 2500 students in central Virginia across five schools. Every one of Goochland’s schools is fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. The division’s vision is inspiring and preparing the next generation to make a positive impact. Learn more at goochlandschools.org.

Contact Dr. John G. Hendron at 804-556-5623 or jhendron@glnd.k12.va.us for more information.

NBC12 Reporter Sarah Bloom, accompanied by representatives from sponsor organization Henrico Federal Credit Union, came to Goochland High School last week to surprise Mrs. Melissa Black, GHS athletic trainer and dance instructor, as the winner of the NBC12 Excellence in Education Award for November.  Mrs. Black was nominated by a member of the Goochland community and selected by the Excellence in Education selection group from NBC12 and HFCU.  

Mrs. Black was surprised and overwhelmed to be recognized.  Mr. Christopher Collier, Goochland High principal, arranged for the surprise with a meeting scheduled under false pretenses.  “Mrs. Black is one of our most positive, dedicated, and versatile staff members.  She is recognized in every area of our program-athletics, arts, and the classroom.  I am not surprised at all that she is being recognized”.

The nomination received by NBC12 described Mrs. Black as inspirational:  “she has inspired many to continue their education in dance, sports medicine, athletic training, and even other medical fields by always being there for her students”.  

The NBC12 segment is scheduled to air tomorrow, Tuesday November 7, at 4:00 p.m.

The Business and Education Roundtable is an event organized by the Goochland County Public Schools in cooperation with Goochland County’s Office of Economic Development and the Goochland Chamber of Commerce to provide dialog and information exchange between stakeholders here in Goochland County.

In the spring of 2017, we convened to discuss workplace readiness and what was important in terms of skills Goochland graduates would need when they leave high school.

On Wednesday, November 8, 2017 again at the Virginia Farm Bureau Headquarters in West Creek, we plan to host another event to continue the dialog between members of our education team and community business leaders. Included in this agenda will be an update on the school’s progress for its instructional initiatives, preparation for Career and Technical Education Academies with an update on our apprenticeship program, and a dialog about what the schools can do in terms of culture and routines that will help prepare students for the culture and routines found in the workplace.

To reserve a spot at this fall’s roundtable, please RSVP below.

November 8, 2017
8:00AM – 9:30 AM
Virginia Farm Bureau
12580 West Creek Parkway
Richmond, VA 23238

If you have a last minute reservation or cancellation, please contact Ms. Diane Bennett at (804) 556-5601.