Cardinal Connections

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible educators at Gainesville High School who go above and beyond each day to support and inspire our students. We are also deeply grateful to our PTSO and community members for making the week so special. From a coffee truck to a popcorn bar and thoughtful room service snacks, your generosity made our teachers feel truly valued and celebrated.

PLTW Distinguished School

Gainesville High School is proud to have earned PLTW Distinguished School status for the third consecutive year, a testament to the strength and consistency of our STEAM programs. This recognition reflects the continued excellence of the school’s Engineering and Biomedical Science pathways, where students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning that prepares them for college and career success. Through innovative instruction and real-world problem solving, Gainesville High School empowers students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead confidently in high-demand STEAM fields.

End of Year iPad Collection

Seniors will return their iPads for collection during the Advisory period on Friday, May 15. It is important that seniors attend advisory to return their device and charger to avoid it becoming a graduation obligation, and a bill being generated for these items. Final senior exams will be mostly pencil and paper, with individual teachers explaining their exam format before exam week.

Underclassmen will return their iPads during advisory periods on June 4, and June 8, prior to final exams starting on June 9.

Yearbook

The end of year is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate the year than with the 2026 Yearbook. Preorder your yearbook today to reserve your book before we sell out! Books can be purchased at https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/IhO61rD0f9nbrK794LKJYNO7 Books will be distributed in May in the Red Commons. Quantity is limited!

Food Delivery Reminders

Students should not have food delivered by delivery companies during school hours. If, due to a club or sports event, a student needs food delivered after school, they should request the food be delivered after 2:30. Any time before that there is traffic and the main office is too busy. Thank you for your help with this matter.

Lost and Found

The Gainesville High School lost and found has an impressive collection of sweatshirts, book bags and water bottles. If your student has lost any items, they can come by the main office to search the lost and found. Items not picked up by Friday, June 12 will be donated to a local organization.

A few quick reminders to help AP exam days go smoothly: all students should bring their fully charged, school‑issued iPads and chargers to the exam. Please note that styluses and unapproved electronic devices are not permitted, must be powered off, and stored during the exams. All students should report to the auditorium for their AP Exams.

Students taking morning exams should report to the auditorium as soon as they arrive at school (doors open at approximately 7:05 a.m.). Students scheduled for afternoon exams should report at 12:10 p.m. after eating A, B, or C lunch. Students testing in the morning with extended time will not finish until after the cafeteria closes and should bring their own lunch. Afternoon exams will likely conclude between 3:30–4:00 p.m., so families should plan for independent transportation home.

More detailed information has and will continue to be shared directly with students and families. Students, please be on the lookout for emails from Mrs. Terenchin, Mrs. Weddel, and Mr. Dulin as we get closer to the start of AP exams.

Questions may be directed to your student’s AP teacher or to Mrs. Terenchin, AP Coordinator at terencce@pwcs.edu.

2026 AP Exam Schedule:

Monday, May 11, 2026

· Morning- AP Calculus AB & AP Calculus BC

· Afternoon- AP Seminar

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

· Morning- AP French Language & AP Precalculus

· Afternoon- AP Psychology

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

· Morning- AP English Language & Composition

· Afternoon- AP Physics C: Mechanics

Thursday, May 14, 2026

· Morning- AP Spanish Language & Culture

· Afternoon- AP Computer Science Principles & AP Physics C: Electricity and Mechanics

Friday, May 15, 2026

· Morning- AP Environmental Science

· Afternoon- AP Computer Science A

Summer School

If your student does not pass a class or their SOL this school year, we strongly encourage them to attend PWCS Summer School. This is an excellent way to earn previously failed credit and enables students to stay on track for graduation. Their SOL remediation program is also an excellent way for students to get concentrated support for graduation testing requirements. Parents enroll their students through ParentVUE. If you need help, please contact your student’s school counselor. The registration window is April 8-June 5, 2026.

Moving This Summer?

If you are moving this summer out of GVHS’ boundaries, please complete the withdrawal packed in ParentVUE. This will enable us to send records to your student’s new school in a timely manner. Information on how to withdraw can be found on the PWCS Student Withdrawal Information page.

Senior Celebrated on Decision Day

As we entered our seniors’ final month of high school, we had the joy of celebrating them at last Friday’s Decision Day. The afternoon was filled with food, games, music, and meaningful moments as students came together to celebrate their plans beyond graduation. We extend our sincere thanks to our counseling department for organizing such a memorable celebration for the Class of 2026.

We are also incredibly grateful to our families and PTSO for their generous support in making Decision Day a success. Your time, effort, and contributions helped create a truly special experience for our seniors.

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.

Name Verification and Pronunciation

It is very important to us that we pronounce all names correctly as you cross the stage at graduation. Thank you to those who have already completed the name verification and pronunciation form. If you haven't done so yet, please complete the Name Verification and Pronunciation form by May 15, 2026 3:00 pm. The name announced at graduation will be your full name as it appears on your transcript and in StudentVue/ParentVue.

Senior Obligations

Seniors who have uniforms, owe lunch money, need to turn in library books, or have other GHS gear, please be sure to turn these in as soon as possible. Senior obligations need to be settled prior to or on the day of graduation practice. We appreciate your help in collecting all necessary supplies and money!

Senior After Grad Party - Friday, May 29th 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Gainesville High School PTSO presents the 3rd Annual Senior After Grad Party

Casino games, inflatables, money booth, large floor games, mirror photo booth, live DJ, caricature artists, and much more! Plus, all your favorite foods!

Tickets are $50.00. They can be purchased on the PTSO website.

Awesome Raffle prizes such as laptops, Smart I's, Apple iPods, JBL Headphones/Speakers, Beats headphones, and much more!

Reporting Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students can still report their awarded scholarships, grants, or financial aid offers by completing the scholarship survey. 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.

Thank you for the seniors who completed the Scholarship and Financial Aid Survey. Those who completed the form by April 30 and indicated that you wanted to be recognized for an award that you are accepting should have received an invitation to the Senior Scholarship Reception. Please be sure to RSVP by May 11.

Diploma Seals for the Class of 2026

Students who meet graduation requirements and show outstanding performance may earn diploma seals. Three seals require 50 hours (grades 9–12) of qualifying activities: STEM Seal: Work-based STEM experiences, Civics Seal: Community service or activities focused on civics, and the Science & Environment Seal: Service or activities applying science (e.g., environmental work). If eligible, submit the required surveys by 9:00 PM on May 18 using your PWCS Office365 account. Late submissions are not accepted.

Additional seals based on academic achievement include: the Governor’s Seal, the Board of Education Seal, the Career & Technical Education Seal, and the Seal of Biliteracy. More information on these seals can be found in the PWCS Course Catalog. Final seal decisions are made before graduation after grades and attendance are finalized.

Important Dates:

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

· Tuesday, May 26- Graduation Practice

· Thursday, May 27- Graduation Practice

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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