Cardinal Connections
August 21st, 2025
April 24, 2026
Message from GHS Administration
Spring at Gainesville is off to a busy start. Spring Sports are in full swing, and we recently welcomed our rising 9th grade Cardinals during New Student Open House as they stepped into the building for the first time. In classrooms, students and teachers continue preparing for upcoming SOLs and AP exams during the final stretch of the school year.
We also want to wish the best of luck to the Gainesville High School Robotics Team 13105E as they compete this week at the World Competition in St. Louis.
Information for all Students and Parents
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!
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
Principal’s Advisory Council
Our Principal’s Advisory Council (P.A.C.) will hold its next meeting on May 4, at 6:00 pm in room 1146. Students and parents or guardians are welcome to attend. The P.A.C. has a role in providing feedback regarding our school budget development, as well as our school Continuous Improvement Plan. We hope to see you there as we build membership.
AP Exam Information
AP Exam season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to support our students as they prepare to showcase all they’ve learned!
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 4, 2026
· Morning- AP Biology
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
· Morning- AP Chemistry & AP Human Geography
· Afternoon- AP U.S. Government & Politics
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
· Morning- AP English Literature & Composition
· Afternoon- AP Physics 1
Thursday, May 7, 2026
· Morning- Physics 2 & AP World History: Modern
· Afternoon- AP African American Studies & AP Statistics
Friday, May 8, 2026
· Morning- AP U.S. History
· Afternoon- AP Macroeconomics
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
GHS Counseling Information
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 28. Decision Day 2026 Sign-Up
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 30.
Class of 2026
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.
Senior After Grad Party
Gainesville High School PTSO presents the 3rd Annual Senior After Grad Party
Friday, May 29th 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Casino games, inflatables, money booth, large floor games, mirror photo booth, live DJ, caricature artists, and much more! Plus, all of your favorite foods!
$50.00 a ticket
Tickets can be purchased at:
https:///www.gainesuillehighptso.com/senior-arter-grad-tickets
Awesome Raffle prizes such as laptops, Smart I's, Apple irod'S, JBL Headphones/Speakers, Beats headphones, and much more!
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!
Mark Your Calendar
Important Dates:
· 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
Athletics and Activities
Monday, April 27, 2026
4:30pm Tennis: Girls Varsity Match vs. Osbourn Park @ Osbourn Park High School, 4:30pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Osbourn Park @ Gainesville, 5:30pm Soccer: Boys JV Game vs. Unity Reed High School @ Unity Reed High School, 6:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Unity Reed High School @ Gainesville, 6:00pm Softball: Varsity Game vs. Unity Reed High School @ Unity Reed High School, 6:00pm Softball: JV Game vs. Hayfield @ Hayfield High School, 7:00pm Soccer: Boys Varsity Game vs. Unity Reed High School @ Unity Reed High School
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
5:30pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Independence @ Independence High School, 5:30pm Soccer: Boys JV Game vs. Independence @ Gainesville, 5:45pm Lacrosse: Boys JV Game vs. Hayfield @ Hayfield High School, 6:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Independence @ Gainesville, 6:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Independence @ Independence High School, 6:00pm Softball: Varsity Game vs. Independence @ Gainesville, 6:00pm Softball: JV Game vs. Independence @ Independence High School, 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Independence @ Independence High School, 7:00pm Soccer: Boys Varsity Game vs. Independence @ Gainesville
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
2:00pm Outdoor Track: Varsity Meet vs. Multiple Schools.. @ Unity Reed High School, Spring Band Concert 7:00pm
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:30pm Lacrosse: Girls JV Game vs. Patriot @ Patriot High School, 5:30pm Lacrosse: Boys JV Game vs. Patriot @ Gainesville, 5:30pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Brentsville @ Brentsville District High School, 6:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Unity Reed High School @ Gainesville, 6:00pm Softball: Varsity Game vs. Paul VI Catholic @ Gainesville, 6:00pm Softball: JV Game vs. Paul VI Catholic @ Paul VI Catholic, 7:00pm Lacrosse: Girls Varsity Game vs. Patriot @ Patriot High School, 7:00pm Lacrosse: Boys Varsity Game vs. Patriot @ Gainesville, 7:00pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Brentsville @ Brentsville District High School, Spring Choir Concert 7:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2026
Outdoor Track: Varsity Invitational TBA vs. University of Virginia @ University of Virginia Dogwood Invitational, 4:00pm Tennis: Girls Varsity Match vs. Forest Park @ Forest Park High School, 4:00pm Tennis: Boys Varsity Match vs. Forest Park @ Forest Park High School,
6:00pm Baseball: JV Game vs. Osbourn Park @ Gainesville, Spring Orchestra Concert 7:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Outdoor Track: Varsity Invitational TBA vs. University of Virginia @ University of Virginia Dogwood Invitational , 1:00pm Baseball: Varsity Game vs. Herndon @ Gainesville
Gainesville High School
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