Cardinal Connections

As we wrap up the first semester and transition into the second half of the school year, we want to emphasize the importance of maintaining good attendance. Your support is crucial as we strive to minimize absences and tardiness, ensuring a strong beginning to the new semester.

In the spring, Gainesville will offer the SAT to all Juniors. Students can significantly increase their scores by utilizing the Khan Academy review sessions. Khan can also be utilized for extra help on concepts taught during the school day.

National School Counseling Week (Feb. 2–6) is a time to recognize the vital role GVHS school counselors play in supporting students’ academic growth, emotional well‑being, and future planning. This week, we celebrate the many ways counselors help students succeed and encourage you to take a moment to thank your school’s counselor(s). To learn more about the impact of this essential profession, visit: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/role. Please take a moment to reach out to your student's school counselor to say thank you for the work they do each and every day.

Last week, engineers from Clark Construction visited our GHS senior PLTW engineering classes to introduce students to their virtual design and construction (VDC) division and the career paths it offers. During the visit, the team demonstrated the tools and technologies they use to reduce project risks, identify potential conflicts before construction begins, streamline timelines, and improve communication with clients. The presentation gave students a firsthand look at how cutting‑edge engineering and design practices are applied in the field.

Congratulations to freshman Ryqah Shaikh, who was named as one of only three high school finalists for this year’s MLK Youth Oratorical Competition for her writing and public speaking skills. Ryqah performed her speech last Monday at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle for politicians, community leaders, and community members. Great job, Ryqah!

Last week our GHS staff handed out golden tickets to students who exemplify GHS values and make our school the great place that it is. The golden tickets invited students to a lunch time pizza party. Way to go GHS Cardinals! Thank you for making GHS a great place to lead, learn, care, and create!

Academic Advising

Academic advising for the 2026-2027 school year starts on February 9 with rising 12th graders. It will take school counselors until the end of March to see all GHS students for their one-on-one conferences. Students have access to the Academic Advising Canvas in the GHS Counseling 2025-2026 Canvas page. Families should review all resources in this module to help guide academic choices. Students will be receiving an academic advising lesson in advisory on January 20.

End of Marking Period 2 and Semester 1

The end of marking period 2 and semester 1 was on January 22. Parents and students should be checking student grades in Student and Parent VUE. All questions about grades and student progress should be directed to students’ teachers.

Mid-Year Transcripts for the Class of 2026

Mid-year transcripts with semester 1 grades will be sent to requested colleges in mid-February. If students have requested an initial transcript, mid-years will be automatically sent. Colleges are aware that PWCS sends mid-years in mid-February.

WIDA Testing at GHS

Earlier this fall, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) shared information with families of English Learners (EL) about their language level and participation in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment. PWCS will administer the ACCESS for ELLs assessment to English Learners between January 27 and March 13. This test measures growth in reading, writing, speaking, and listening and helps teachers support students’ English development. The best way to prepare is to encourage your child to do their best! For questions, contact your child’s school or visit https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/access.

Virginia Student Survey – February 3

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, GVHS will conduct the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions on February 3, across grades 9–12. The anonymous survey measures student support, engagement, discipline, and safety to help create a positive school environment, and covers topics such as school climate, relationships, rules, and teacher support, with some questions addressing sensitive issues like bullying, mental health, and suicide. You can preview the survey at tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey, and results will be available at the end of the school year at the same link.

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, the price will increase on February 1. 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.

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

Website: https://gainesvillehs.pwcs.edu/index
Facebook: facebook.com/GainesvilleHS
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