Cardinal Connections

As we approach the end of the first marking period on Friday, October 31, we encourage all students to take time this week to connect with their teachers about any missing assignments or outstanding work. This is a great opportunity to ensure everything is submitted and graded before the deadline. Parents, please check ParentVUE for the most up-to-date grades and have a conversation with your child about their academic progress. These final days of the marking period are crucial for setting a strong foundation for the rest of the school year!

Touchbase Conferences – November 3

GHS will be hosting Touchbase conferences on November 3, 7:30-9:30 a.m. There is no school for students this day. Touchbase is an opportunity for families to have a brief 2-3 conference with their student’s teachers. If a longer conference is required, families are asked to schedule those directly with teachers. A full Touchbase schedule is posted on the GHS website.

Principal’s Advisory Council

Our Principal’s Advisory Council (P.A.C.) will hold its next meeting on November 17, 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 and hold elections.

Impact Aid

Please complete the Impact Aid survey by November 30, 2025. The following are a few key facts from the Impact Aid website to provide you further information about Impact Aid:

• School districts with military installations or other federal lands within their boundaries lose local revenue because of nontaxable federal activities. Impact Aid funding partially reimburses school districts for this loss of locally derived revenue.
• Federally connected and military connected are not the same. Parents can be federally connected but are not military connected. This is why it is important for ALL parents to complete the Impact Aid survey.

· Since enrollment changes and students move from year to year, the U.S. Department of Education requires school districts to count students annually.

The Impact Aid survey is live in ParentVUE. Completing the survey takes less than 5 minutes. Thank you in advance for your support!

End of Marking Period 1

October 31 is the end of the 1st marking period. Families should be checking their students’ grades in ParentVUE about once a week. If parents have questions about their students’ progress, they should contact their students’ teachers. The full list of GHS staff can be found on the GHS Staff Directory. Report cards will be mailed around November 12. A reminder that ParentVUE always has the most up to date grades for students.

Specialty Program Information Night

What’s your Pathway? On Thursday, November 20, we will host our first Pathways to Global Citizenship Program Information Night starting at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Families interested in applying for transfer to GHS for the 2026 – 27 school year are invited to come learn more about this innovative and inclusive specialty program. Current students and families are welcome to attend as well. We’ll outline the various pathways available to GHS students and introduce the Extended Learning Experience option for juniors and seniors. For more information, interested students should visit with their counselor or reach out to Mrs. Terenchin at terencce@pwcs.edu or (571) 248- 3265.

Underclassmen Picture Make-Up and Retakes

Victor O’Neill Studios is coming back for Underclassmen portrait makeups/retakes on Thursday, October 30!

This session is open to those who meet the following criteria:

· Any student who was absent for the original session.

· Any new/transfer students or staff who joined after the original session.

· Any student who was dissatisfied with their original picture day portrait. Please note: No purchase is necessary to retake photos. Any student may retake their photo for use in the yearbook.

o Students retaking their portrait will not receive a new ID card, exceptions below.

o The new portrait will replace their original yearbook portrait and then be available for purchase.

o Students who previously purchased a photo package and would like to retake their photo MUST return their original photo package to the photographer to receive a new package.

This session will be done through appointments only. There are limited spots available, so please register at your earliest convenience. To register, click the attached link below and schedule an appointment. The booking system for appointments will close @ 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 29 or when all slots are booked.

https://outlook.office.com/book/TroyWashington@pwcs.edu/

Questions? Feel free to contact the VOS office with any questions or concerns: underclass@vosphoto.com (703) 532-0013 or contact Mr. Troy Washington (Assistant Principal) washintl@pwcs.edu

Senior Transcript Reminder

Early action and early decision college application deadlines are quickly approaching! A reminder to seniors and their families that transcripts and letters of recommendation are requested in Naviance. Transcripts take 10 school days to process, and students should give teachers counselors a minimum of two weeks to complete.

Senior Portrait Opportunities

SENIOR PHOTOS - FINAL Opportunity: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose is traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by us! In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits. Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time: www.vosphoto.com/gainesville

Questions? seniors@vosphoto.com Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Gainesville Class of 2026” when emailing, for faster assistance.

· October 31 – End of marking period 1

· November 3 – Touchbase conferences, no school for students

· November 4 – Teacher workday, no school for students

· November 5 – Marking period 2 starts

· November 6 – 2024-2025 Academic Awards Reception

October 27th

Football: Freshman & JV @ Independence, 5:30, 7:00

October 28th

Flag Football vs. Forest Park, 7:00

Volleyball District Championship @ Patriot, 6:00

October 31st

Football: Varsity vs. Independence, 7:00

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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