Each November, school divisions throughout the United States take time to celebrate public education during American Education Week. This year, as we look toward the future of Goochland County Public Schools, I want to assure you that our school community’s excellent work and unwavering dedication to our students is noticed and greatly appreciated!
It may be cliché, but our future is SO bright! We once again were named the Best in the Richmond-Metro Area by Niche. Our teachers were also recognized as the Best by Niche – but we’ve known that for years! Over 97 percent of our seniors graduated in 2021, and our academic and extra-curricular programs continue to be recognized for their excellence. We have so much to be proud of in GCPS, and it is all because of you!
Yes, we have challenges, but I continue to be amazed with what you, our outstanding GCPS employees and families, do to address and overcome any roadblock that gets in the way of maximizing the potential of every student. You continue to answer the bell and rise to the occasion to serve and support our students!
Team Goochland does this every day by making sure students arrive at school safely. Our team does this by providing healthy and tasty breakfasts and lunches – even in a time of food shortages – because you know hungry children cannot learn to their potential. We do this by making sure our buildings are safe and comfortable and meet vitally important cleanliness standards. Team GCPS does this by hiring the best employees, supporting student health, developing and managing programs, and providing support to our building-based staff. Our team does this by volunteering in classrooms, at division events, serving on parent advisory groups, and supporting our students at home. In the classroom, our instructional team does this every day by adapting and refining lessons to keep students engaged, enhance their experiences, and build upon the skills they will need to be successful and contributing members of society.
A lot of attention is being placed on school divisions, sometimes for things that are beyond our control, but our school community remains steadfast in our attention to what matters – our students! Tuning out the noise and dedicating ourselves to providing learning environments that are nurturing and supportive makes a measurable and meaningful impact on our students.
As we celebrate public education during American Education Week, let me tell you once again how thankful I am to have the honor of serving with you to maximize the potential of all of our division’s learners. I have the great pleasure of working with the finest educators and the most supportive community in Virginia! Thank you for your investment of time, labor, and resources in our future, our students! I have no doubt GCPS will continue to shine as we all continue to work together in the best interest of public education in Goochland!
Jeremy Raley, Superintendent