Cardinal Connections

It has been a fantastic first week back from break, and we are off to a strong start to the fourth quarter. Classrooms are filled with energy and focus as students begin this important final phase of the year. With SOLs and AP exams quickly approaching, now is a great time for students to stay on top of assignments and be present and on time to school each and every day. We appreciate your continued support in helping our students finish the year successfully.

Congratulations Mrs. Burns! Supreme Court Summer Institute Selection

We are proud to congratulate Mrs. Burns, our Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair, on her selection to participate in the prestigious Supreme Court Summer Institute this summer. This highly competitive, nationally recognized program brings together a select group of educators from across the country for an intensive, week-long professional learning experience focused on deepening understanding of the Supreme Court and its role in American democracy. Participants engage with leading experts, explore landmark and current cases, and gain innovative strategies to enhance classroom instruction. We are excited for Mrs. Burns to bring this valuable knowledge and experience back to our school community.

Junior SAT School Day – April 15

We are quickly approaching April 15 – Junior SAT School Day. On that day all Juniors will take the SAT for free during the school day. Students are automatically registered and there is no cost to families. Senior students will work asynchronously, and those in grades 9 and 10 will participate in their classes as usual.

Families can help support a successful day by ensuring their students show up on time, have prepared with Khan Academy, and bring their fully charged PWCS iPad. Students will not be released early during the SAT as this will cause testing irregularities. Families should plan accordingly.

Spring SOL Schedule and Information

The spring SOL testing window is approaching. Please review the schedule below for testing dates and important details.

If you have questions about whether your student will be taking an SOL test, please contact the classroom teacher or your student’s school counselor.

Additionally, please remember that all smart phones, smart watches, AI-enabled glasses, and any other unapproved electronic devices must remain turned off and stored in student backpacks each day. This is especially important during the testing window to ensure a secure and distraction-free environment for all students.

Thank you for your support in helping our students have a successful testing experience.

Thursday, April 30 (RED Day)

• 5th Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 1st Block: 10:36–12:36
• 3rd Block: 12:42–2:10

Friday, May 1 (GREY Day)

• 6th Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 4th Block: 10:36–12:36
• 2nd Block: 12:42–2:10

Monday, May 4 (RED Day)

• 3rd Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 1st Block: 10:36–12:36
• 7th Block: 12:42–2:10

Tuesday, May 5 (GREY Day)

• 4th Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 2nd Block: 10:36–12:36
• 6th Block: 12:42–2:10

Wednesday, May 6 (RED Day)

• 1st Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 5th Block: 10:36–12:36
• 7th Block: 12:42–2:10

Thursday, May 7 (GREY Day)

• 2nd Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 4th Block: 10:36–12:36
• 6th Block: 12:42–2:10

Friday, May 8 (RED Day)

• 7th Block SOL: 7:30–10:30
• 3rd Block: 10:36–12:36
• 5th Block: 12:42–2:10

Gainesville High School PTSO

Have you been looking for a way to get involved at Gainesville High School? Consider getting involved with our PTSO! The PTSO at GHS plans and funds many of the activities that make Gainesville great, including the After Grad party, senior graduation and athletic signs, the Cardinal 5K, Cardinal Call Out, and school staff appreciation weeks. You can join our PTSO by using this registration link or get more information by emailing gainesvillehighptso@gmail.com.

Cardinal Athletic Booster Club

The Cardinal Activity Booster Club (CABC) has a few open board positions for next school year. Open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Spirit Wear Chair, and Sponsorship Chair

We are looking for parents of GHS students to take on these roles that directly impact student athletics teams, activities and clubs. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the CABC is essential in bridging the gap between school budgets and the needs of our student-athletes and extracurricular clubs. Board members oversee operations including fundraising drives, corporate sponsorships, and managing home game concessions. These efforts directly fund new equipment, team travel, team requests, and senior banners.

If you are looking for a practical way to support the high-quality experience of Gainesville student-athletes, we invite you to join the board and help lead these initiatives. Please email communications@gainesvillecabc.com for more information.

New Student Open House April 23

Gainesville High School is hosting a new student open house on Thursday, April 23, 6:00-8:00 pm. New students and their families will have the opportunity to explore our academic and activity fair in the gym, tour the building, and attend informative breakout sessions. GHS Cardinal spirit wear will be available to purchase. Parents/guardians should attend with their student. If you know of any incoming Cardinal families, please share this news!

Decision Day: Request from Junior Class Parents and Families

Our annual Decision Day is right around the corner, set for May 1st. You might be wondering, what exactly is Decision Day? It's a special occasion where we honor our seniors as they embark on their next adventures, whether that involves college, employment opportunities, military service, or an apprenticeship. The counseling department hosts a lively celebration in the Red Commons Courtyard, featuring music, delicious heavy refreshments, raffles, giveaways, games, photos, and plenty of fun!

This year, we’re reaching out to the parents of our current junior class for donations to support our seniors' Decision Day. Our goal is to create a chance for the upcoming class to give back. Next year, we will invite the parents of the Class of 2028 to contribute for your students' Decision Day. If you're interested in helping out, please sign up for a donation. Donation items can be dropped off at the Career Center starting April 28th. Decision Day 2026 Sign-Up

Family Engagement Series

Students in grade 12 and families reviewing financial aid award letter are invited to attend a webinar on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for an easy-to-understand webinar that will walk families through the important parts of a financial aid award letter. They will highlight what to look for, especially the net price and the total cost of attendance, so students and families can better understand what college may really cost. All requests for language accommodations are due by April 12, 2026. Registration for the webinar is required.

Seniors: Report Your Financial Aid Awards & Scholarships

Have you been awarded scholarships or grants from the colleges you applied to? Have you obtained a military academy assignment? Have you been awarded a scholarship from your job, church, club, association, community, or a non-profit? Seniors are asked to report all scholarship and grant offers regardless of acceptance. Complete the scholarship survey as many times as necessary for each scholarship awarded by clicking here. When completing the survey, be prepared with screenshots or evidence of the award that you were offered. If you want to be recognized for the awards that you are accepting at the Senior Scholarship Ceremony in May, you must complete the scholarship survey by April 30th.

2026-2027 Course Requests

All parents should check their student’s course requests for 2026-2027 in Parent VUE under Course Requests. Not all students have been met with, but counseling plans to have them all done by March 27. The final day for course request changes is May 8. Students can make changes via the course request change form in the Academic Advising module on the Counseling Canvas page.

Radiance Awards

GVHS will be honoring our standout students at our 2026 Radiance Awards on April 28. The Radiance Awards recognizes our students that represent our values of Lead, Learn, Care, and Create from each department with a special award for an outstanding senior. Invites will be sent to students and families in mid-April. We are excited to honor our students!

Senior Class Graduation Practice

Seniors, graduation is quickly approaching. Please make sure that you are working diligently in your classes to ensure you remain on track with all graduation requirements. Additionally, there are two mandatory graduation practices. You must attend both practices on time in order to walk with your peers on graduation day. The practices are Tuesday, 05/26 and Thursday, 05/28 at 8 AM.

Cap and Gown Orders

Order your Cap and Gown Today! Students will be required to purchase a cap, gown, and tassel unit. Everything can be ordered online. Scroll all the way down the webpage to find the Individual Cap and Gown units. A cap and gown unit includes Cap, Gown, Stole, and Tassel for $57.50. Jostens Information for Cap and Gown ordering Link to order: Jostens.com

If you have any questions, please contact GVHS Jostens Representative, Dan Pasquarelli dan.pasquarelli@jostens.com or you may call 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367) Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm.

Important Dates:

· Wednesday, April 15- Junior SAT Day- Senior students will work asynchronously

· Saturday, April 25- Prom

· Tuesday, April 28- Radiance Awards

· Thursday, April 30-May 1st- SOL Testing Week 1

· Friday, May 1- Decision Day

· Monday, May 4-Friday, May 8- SOL Testing Week 2

· Monday, May 4-Friday, May 8- AP Testing Week 1

· Monday, May 11-Friday, May 15- AP Testing Week 2

· Tuesday, May 26- Graduation Practice

· Thursday, May 27- Graduation Practice

Monday, April 13 – Boys Varsity Tennis vs Battlefield at GHS at 4:30pm, Girls Varsity Tennis vs Battlefield at Battlefield at 4:30pm, Boys JV Lacrosse vs Stafford at GHS at 5:30pm, Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs Osbourn at GHS at 7pm, Varsity Softball vs Brentsville at GHS at 6pm, Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Osbourn at Osbourn at 6pm, JV Baseball vs John Champe at John Champe at 6:30pm

Tuesday, April 14 – Girls JV Lacrosse vs Hylton at GHS at 5:30pm, Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Hylton at GHS at 7pm, JV Softball vs Loudon County at GHS at 6pm, Varsity Softball vs Loudon County at Loudon County at 6:30pm

Wednesday, April 15 – Girls and Boys Varsity Outdoor Track Meet vs Multiple Schools at Osbourn at 2pm, Girls Varsity Tennis vs Colgan at GHS at 4pm, Boys Varsity Tennis vs Colgan at Colgan at 4pm

Thursday, April 16 – Boys Varsity Tennis vs Osbourn at Osbourn at 4:30pm, Girls Varsity Tennis vs Osbourn at GHS at 4:30pm, Boys JV Lacrosse vs Independence at Independence at 5:30pm, Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs Independence at Independence at 7pm, Girls JV Lacrosse vs Independence at GHS at 5:30pm, Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Independence at GHS at 7pm, JV Softball vs Hayfield at Hayfield at 6pm

Friday, April 17 – Boys JV Soccer vs Patriot at Patriot at 5:30pm, Boys Varsity Soccer vs Patriot at Patriot at 7pm, Girls JV Soccer vs Patriot at GHS at 5:30pm, Girls Varsity Soccer vs Patriot, at GHS at 7pm, JV Baseball vs Patriot at GHS at 6pm, Varsity Baseball vs Patriot at Patriot at 6pm, Varsity Softball vs Patriot at Patriot at 6pm

Saturday, April 18 – Boys and Girls Varsity Outdoor Track Cardinal Classic at GHS at 9am, All-County Western Schools Arts Festival at the Kelly Leadership Center from 10am to 4pm

Address: 13150 University Boulevard, Gainesville VA 20155
Phone: (571) 248-3200

Website: https://gainesvillehs.pwcs.edu/index
Facebook: facebook.com/GainesvilleHS
Follow us on X: @GainesvilleHS

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