Parent Pocket - October 30

This week, Arnett Hills Elementary School had a phenomenal night for their English Language Learners and Families. Families learned how to use the PowerSchool program, as well as Class Dojo and the importance of attendance. Snacks and laughs were had by all.

Gibson families showed up and showed out at our Fall Festival! Students and families explored math through fun, hands-on games that brought learning to life. From measuring and building to solving problems with shapes, fractions, and place value, students practiced important math skills while enjoying time together as a school community. Thank you to our staff, families, and volunteers for making the evening such a success!

Last week, both Girls and Boys Cross Country at Galileo earned the Dogwood District Championship title after a meet in Altavista. The following students received All-District honors:

• Luke Bryant (1st team)
• Xavier Johnson (1st team)
• Barak Tahirkhali (1st team)
• Ava Garcia (1st team)
• Ava Moon (1st team)
• Jessie Arthur (1st team)
• James Kemp (2nd team)
• Parson Lutz (2nd team)
• Cameron Snead (2nd team)
• Isabelle Delgiorno (2nd team)

This week, Galileo runners competed in the VHSL Class 1B Region Championships, in which the boys gained their seventh regional title since 2017 and the girls earned their eighth since 2018. In addition, Ava Garcia was named the 2026 VHSL Region 1B Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Go Falcons!

On Saturday, October 24, the George Washington High School Marching Eagles traveled to Dan River for the Wildcat Classic Band Competition. The Band performed great and won big capturing: 1st Place Drum Major, 1st Place Colorguard, 1st Place Percussion, 1st Place Visual Performance, 1st Place General Effect, 2nd Place Music and winning class 4A. Congratulations Marching Eagles!

Third graders in Mrs. Owen's music class are learning about the musical alphabet by composing measures of pitches for a partner to play on the xylophone. They're building their musical knowledge, practicing note patterns, and collaborating with classmates to bring their compositions to life!

The Activ8 Microbots celebrated Red Ribbon Week with Pajama Day! A reminder that our dreams are worth protecting and healthy choices lead to bright futures.

DPS is now accepting applications for our choice schools and programs! The fall application window is open through November 20th. For more information and to view our school choice guide, visit our school choice website here. In addition, we will be hosting High School Options Night on October 20th at 5 p.m. in the George Washington High School Auditorium for students to find out more about educational opportunities in high school.

Current 10th and 11th grade students are encouraged to explore one of Virginia's premier academic and arts enrichment opportunities: the Summer Residential Governor's Schools. These highly selective programs provide students with the opportunity to spend up to four weeks living on a college campus while engaging in advanced study in an area of interest alongside talented peers from across the Commonwealth.

Students participate in immersive learning experiences led by university faculty, industry professionals, researchers, and artists. Depending on the program, students may engage in research projects, laboratory investigations, seminars, performances, field studies, collaborative problem-solving, and creative productions.

Programs are offered in:

• Agriculture

• Engineering

• Humanities

• Marine Science

• Mathematics, Science, and Technology

• Medicine and Health Sciences

• Visual and Performing Arts

These experiences are designed for students who demonstrate strong academic or artistic potential and a desire to learn at an advanced level. Through Summer Residential Governor's School, students gain access to unique opportunities not typically available in a traditional high school setting while connecting with similarly motivated students from across Virginia.

Who can apply?

• Current DPS 10th and 11th grade students

• Students who meet local selection criteria

• Students with a demonstrated interest and aptitude in their selected area of study

Students interested in learning more should speak with their school counselor regarding local timelines, application requirements, and selection procedures. Questions can also be directed to Dr. Dee Jordan, Advanced Learning and School Choice Coordinator, at 434-268-9543.

For program descriptions and application information, visit the Virginia Department of Education's Summer Residential Governor's Schools webpage: Learn More About Summer Residential Governor's Schools

This summer could be an opportunity to live on a college campus, pursue your passions, build lasting friendships, and challenge yourself in an exciting new learning environment.

October 30 - GW Varsity Football home game vs. Tunstall at 7 p.m. (Homecoming and Senior Night)

November 2 - School Choice virtual information session at 12 p.m.

November 3 - Election Day: No School for Students; DPS Health, Wellness, and Financial Fitness fair at GWHS from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

November 4 - School Choice virtual information session at 5:30 p.m.

November 11 - Veterans Day holiday for all

November 12 - School Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

View school specific events and happenings on their website calendars.