GSSV Gazette

In mid-November, after visiting each school to meet with prospective students and their parents, we held our annual Shadowing Day where those students spent the morning with us touring the campus, participating in hands-on activities, and learning a little about GSSV. The current seniors showed the visiting students around. They assisted them in their classroom activities, which ranged from examining different species to writing a group poem to creating shapes with tangrams to a Socratic Seminar and many activities in between. It was a wonderful two days with over 250 students visiting us.

The Alberta Humanities Junior ITE 152 class, taught by Ms. Wendy Ezell, has reached an impressive milestone, with every student successfully passing their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams. A total of 25 certifications were earned across Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, reflecting both strong preparation and exceptional performance. Among the group, six students tested in Word, fourteen in PowerPoint, and five in Excel. With a passing score of 700, the overall scores were outstanding, with one perfect score, thirteen in the 900 range, and eight others the 800s. These results highlight the high level of mastery demonstrated across the class.

The class achieved not only a 100 percent pass rate, but also had a perfect score amongst the group. Student Kennedi Drummond earned a flawless 1000 out of 1000 on the Microsoft Word exam, a rare accomplishment that may qualify her for national recognition.

This accomplishment underscores the dedication, perseverance, and technical proficiency of the students and the top-notch instruction provided by Ms. Ezell. Their success serves as a strong example of career-ready skills and academic excellence.

The December weather surely wasn't in our favor this year as we missed 5 days of school and had to make 5 different exam schedules and 3 different holiday countdown spirit days. However, we were able to adjust as needed to get our exams in and still have some fun dressing up to count down the days until winter break and the end of the first semester!

In January of 2025 at the annual Crossroads Winter Conference in Gatlinburg, TN, Mecklenburg and GSSV junior Lilly Beatty was selected as the winner of the partially paid mission trip to Guatemala. She was able to participate in this life changing trip over Thanksgiving break. Below is a short account of her week spent serving the Lord.

"In November, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Guatemala City, Guatemala on a mission trip. I went with Crossroads Missions out of South Carolina, who has a partnership with Engadi Ministries located in Guatemala City. I was able to work alongside my team on a VBS-type program for the children in Zone 18 in Guatemala City. In the morning, we taught English through Bible stories. In the afternoon, my team and I also started construction on a parking lot in front of a church.

Alongside doing mission work, I got to meet incredible people, learn about a new culture, and make amazing memories. Some of the experiences I would like to highlight include late-night talks with the other members of my team, getting close to many of the Guatemalan children despite the language barrier, and hiking Mount Pacaya to see the volcano. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity I had to grow closer to God while getting to be His hands and feet."

Congratulations to our GSSV students who were named Students of the Month at their respective high schools this semester.

We are thrilled to highlight Natalie Aldridge, GSSV Class of 2022, who is currently interning with Reef Renewal USA, Inc. Natalie recently graduated from Old Dominion University where she majored in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology, a passion that stemmed from her senior research project and mentor Katherine Clatterbuck.

Read more about Natalie in this SVCC article: SVCC Alumna Finds her Path from Governor's School to Coral Conservation

Congratulations, Natalie! Keep doing great things and changing the world.

Senior Trip

The first payment for the D.C. trip has been received and spots are secured. The second payment of $100 (cash or check made out to GSSV) is due the week of January 26 - January 30. Please make sure to adhere to this deadline! As a reminder, this trip will be April 20-21, 2026. We will spend two days touring the National Mall and visiting museums and enjoy a group activity and dinner Monday evening.

Requesting Transcripts

GSSV does not issue transcripts as all of our classes are through SVCC. Our classes are listed on your SVCC transcript. You always have access to your unofficial transcript from your Parchment account on your MySVCC page. Please visit SVCC's transcript page for more information regarding transcripts.

As we enter the colder weather, this is a reminder of our inclement weather policy. Please check our Facebook page for announcements; a Remind will also be sent if we are delayed or closed.

Remember that the Christanna site in Alberta follows the Brunswick County Public Schools' weather closing and delays, and the John H. Daniel site in Keysville follows the weather closing and delays of Lunenburg County Public Schools.

See our website for more information on our policy.

Parent Email Listserv

If you have not already and would like to be added to Mrs. Swain's parent email list to receive announcements and information not appropriate for social media, please complete the GoogleForm by scanning the QR code to the right. If you cannot access this form, please email Mrs. Swain (wesley.swain@southside.edu) with your email address and child's name to be manually added.

January 5 -- Teacher Work Day

January 6 - Students Return

January 19 - No School/MLK, Jr. Holiday

January 26-30 - Senior Trip Payment #2 due

Mrs. Tara Beck -- tara.beck@southside.edu

Mrs. Kristen Beekwilder -- kristen.beekwilder@southside.edu

Mrs. Katherine Clatterbuck -- katherine.clatterbuck@southside.edu

Mrs. Sarah Fenwick -- sarah.fenwick@southside.edu

Mrs. Ann Moore -- ann.moore@southside.edu

Mrs. Lori Moore -- lori.moore@southside.edu

Mrs. Tracey Nash -- tracey.nash@southside.edu

Mrs. Leslie Poling -- leslie.poling@southside.edu

Mrs. Chelsea Thorpe -- chelsea.taylor@southside.edu

Ms. Connie Tucker -- connie.tucker@southside.edu (Administrative Assistant)

Mrs. Wesley Swain -- wesley.swain@southside.edu (Director)