Cardinal Connections

We hope you had a restful and refreshing spring break. As we return, we’re officially stepping into the fourth quarter—always one of the fastest‑moving parts of the school year. With the GHS spring play just ahead, prom coming up later in April, and AP and SOL testing on the horizon, these next few weeks will go by in a blur.

As ever, we encourage all GHS students to stay focused and engaged as we head into this final stretch. Be sure to check in with your teachers, ask questions, and take advantage of the review opportunities coming your way. Whether you’re preparing for AP exams, SOLs, or end‑of‑year projects, now is the time to recommit to strong academic habits and ensure you are fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Before we dive into all that the fourth quarter holds, we want to take a moment to celebrate some outstanding accomplishments from some of our students before Spring Break.

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

Spring Play

Coming to the Gainesville High School Stage April 9-11, 2026! This Murder Was Staged, by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello. It's opening night of a brand-new mystery play but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play's director falls onstage instead. In that moment, the theater becomes an active crime scene, and everyone from cast to crew to even the audience becomes a suspect. But how is the intrepid detective supposed to find the killer when everyone and their mother (literally) has a motive to want the demanding director gone? This Murder Was Staged is a fast-paced, backstabbing, backstage comedy that is sure to delight audiences of all ages! Purchase tickets on GoFan!

Gainesville High School PTSO

Have you been looking for a way to get involved at Gainesville High School? Consider getting involved with our PTSO! The PTSO at Gainesville High School plans and funds many of the activities that make Gainesville great including the After Grad party, senior graduation and athletic signs, the Cardinal 5k, Cardinal Call Out, and school staff appreciation weeks. You can join our PTSO by using this registration link or get more information by emailing gainesvillehighptso@gmail.com.

Cardinal Athletic Booster Club

The Cardinal Activity Booster Club (CABC) has a few open board positions for the next school year. Open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Spirit Wear Chair, and Sponsorship Chair.

We are looking for parents of student athletes to take on these roles that directly impact student sports teams, activities, and clubs. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the CABC is essential in bridging the gap between school budgets and the needs of our student-athletes and extracurricular clubs. Board members oversee operations including fundraising drives, corporate sponsorships, and managing home game concessions. These efforts directly fund new equipment, team travel, team requests, and senior banners.

If you are looking for a practical way to support the high-quality experience of Gainesville student-athletes, we invite you to join the board and help lead these initiatives. Please email communications@gainesvillecabc.com for more information.

Save the Date: Senior Scholarship Ceremony

This ceremony is an awards night to celebrate all senior students who have been awarded scholarships, military academy positions, and/or grants from institutions they plan to attend. The ceremony will be on May 20th and is invite only. Invitations will be sent out in late April, early May. Students must complete the Scholarship Survey to be sent an invitation. Please see the next section below for reporting awards and scholarships to learn more.

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 30th.

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 28th. Decision Day 2026 Sign-Up

Junior SAT School Day – April 15

We are quickly approaching April 15 – Junior SAT School Day. On that day all Juniors will take the SAT for free during the school day. Students are automatically registered and there is no cost to families. Senior students will work asynchronously, and those in grades 9 and 10 will participate in their classes as usual.

Students can prepare now using Khan Academy for excellent SAT approval. Families can help support a successful day by ensuring their students show up on time, have prepared with Khan Academy, and bring their fully charged PWCS iPad.

Radiance Awards

GVHS will be honoring our stand out students at our 2026 Radiance Awards on April 28. The Radiance Awards recognizes our students that represent our values of Lead, Learn, Care, and Create from each department with a special award for an outstanding senior. Invites will be sent to students and families in mid-April. We are excited to honor our students!

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.

Important Dates:

· Thursday, April 9- Saturday, April 11- Spring Play

· Wednesday, April 15- Junior SAT Day

· 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

Monday, April 6th- Varsity Girls Tennis versus Patriot at Gainesville at 4:30 pm, Varsity Boys Tennis versus Patriot at Patriot at 4:30 pm, JV Boys Lacrosse versus Hylton at Hylton at 5:30, and Varsity Boys Lacrosse versus Hylton at Hylton at 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, April 7th- Boys & Girls Varsity Track Meet at Gainesville at 2:00 pm, JV Girls Lacrosse versus Brentsville at Gainesville at 5:30 pm, JV Softball versus Loudoun Valley at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, Varsity Softball versus Loudoun Valley at Loudoun Valley at 6:30 pm, and Girls Varsity Lacrosse versus Brentsville at Gainesville at 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 8th- Varsity Boys Tennis versus Brentsville at Brentsville at 4:00 pm, Varsity Girls Tennis versus Brentsville at Gainesville at 4:00 pm, JV Boys Soccer versus Unity Reed at Gainesville at 5:30 pm, Varsity Softball versus Unity Reed at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, Varsity Girls Soccer versus Unity Reed at Unity Reed at 6:00 pm. Varsity Baseball versus Unity Reed at Gainesville at 6:00, and Varsity Boys Soccer versus Unity Reed High School at Gainesville at 7:00 pm.

Thursday, April 9th- JV Boys Lacrosse versus Colgan at Gainesville at 5:30 pm, JV Softball versus Colgan at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, Varsity Baseball versus Frank W. Cox at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, and Varsity Boys Lacrosse versus Colgan at Gainesville at 7:00 pm.

Friday, April 10th- Boys and Girls Varsity Track Invitational at Woodbridge at 3:30 pm, JV Girls Soccer versus Osbourn Park at Gainesville at 5:30 pm, JV Boys Soccer versus Osbourn Park at Osbourn Park at 5:30 pm, JV Girls Lacrosse versus Forest Park at Forest Park at 5:30 pm, Varsity Softball versus Osbourn Park at Osbourn Park at 6:00 pm, JV Baseball versus Osbourn Park at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, Varsity Baseball versus Osbourn Park at Osbourn Park at 6:00 pm, JV Softball versus Gar-Field at Gainesville at 6:00 pm, Varsity Girls Soccer versus Osbourn Park at Gainesville at 7:00 pm, Varsity Boys Soccer versus Osbourn Park at Osbourn Park at 7:00 pm, and Varsity Girls Lacrosse versus Forest Park at Forest Park at 7:00 pm.

Saturday, April 11th- All County Arts Festival from 10:00-4:00 pm, Girls Varsity Lacrosse versus James Madison at James Madison at 10:00 am, Boys Varsity Lacrosse versus James Madison at 12:00 pm

Address: 13150 University Boulevard, Gainesville VA 20155
Phone: (571) 248-3200

Website: https://gainesvillehs.pwcs.edu/index
Facebook: facebook.com/GainesvilleHS
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