Cardinal Connections

As we head into winter break, we want to wish all our Gainesville High School families a joyful and restful holiday season. This is a great time to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the accomplishments of the first semester. When we return in the new year, we’ll be ready to dive back into learning and continue building on the success of our Cardinal community. Enjoy the break, and we look forward to an exciting start to 2026!

Congratulations to Our GHS Staff Nominees!

We are proud to announce Gainesville High School’s representatives for the PWCS Educator of the Year awards:

• Ms. Autumn Shade – Teacher of the Year
• Mr. Mike Wall – Support Staff of the Year
• Ms. Emma Schieda – Novice Teacher of the Year

Our school community thrives because of the dedication and hard work of staff like these. Thank you for all you do to support our students and school! The PWCS Educator of the Year awards will be held in spring 2026.

MLK Youth Oratorical Competition Finalist

We are thrilled to announce that Ryqah Shaikh, a freshman at Gainesville High School, has been named a finalist in this year’s prestigious 41st annual MLK Youth Oratorical Competition sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ryqah will deliver her inspiring speech honoring Dr. King's legacy and vision to county officials, school leaders, and community members on MLK Jr. Day in Triangle, Virginia.

Please join us in celebrating Ryqah’s incredible achievement and wishing her the very best as she takes the stage!

Specialty Program Information Night

What’s your Pathway? On Thursday, January 15, we will host our second 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. 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 reach out to Mrs. Terenchin at terencce@pwcs.edu or (571) 248- 3265.

New Year, New You!

As we start 2026, we ask our students and families to recommit to on time attendance each day to school for every block. We have noticed an uptick in students arriving to school after 7:30 am when school starts. Arriving to school on time sets good habits that will translate into good work habits when they are in the workforce. Family support in ensuring students are on time is greatly appreciated.

Update on Behavioral Concerns

PWCS has noted an increase in a social media trend called “pantsing,” which means pulling down someone’s clothing without their consent. This behavior is not a joke as it violates the PWCS Code of Conduct and can be considered sexual harassment under Title IX. Pantsing causes embarrassment, emotional harm, and can have lasting consequences.

Our school is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone. Any incidents of pantsing will result in disciplinary action and may lead to a Title IX investigation.

Please talk with your student about why this behavior is unacceptable and the importance of respecting others’ privacy and dignity. Together, we can maintain a culture of respect and safety for all.

Alumni Panel

GHS hosted our alumni panel for seniors on December 16. We had 6 alumni from the classes of 2025 and 2026 talk with our students about post-high school life including college, trade school, work/life balance, and study habits. It was great to have our former students come back to see how well they are doing!

Academic Advising for 2026-2027

Planning is in full force for the 2026-2027 school year! Students will meet with their teachers in mid-January to discuss recommendations for next school year, students will have a lesson on academic advising in advisory on January 20, and counselors start one-on-one meetings with students in early February. We have a lot in store to help students and families make good academic choices. Keep an eye out for more information after winter break!

College and Career Ready Virginia

Eligible junior and seniors should take a look at the College and Career Ready Virginia (CCRV) program through NOVA. The CCRV website has a lot of details including recorded webinars. While not a required step, if a GHS student plans to take a CCRV class in the spring of 2026, we ask that they complete the CCRV Interest Form. This will help GHS counselors know student plans and offer support as needed.

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, the price will increase on February 1. 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.

Girls Basketball

Dec. 29th - 30th: Boo Williams Invitational

Jan. 3rd: Highland Springs Showcase vs. Princess Anne @ Highland Springs HS, 6:20pm

Jan. 7th: JV, Varsity vs. Osbourn Park HS, 5:30pm, 7:00pm

Jan. 8th: JV @ Forest Park HS, 7:30pm

Jan. 9th: JV, Varsity vs. Patriot HS, 5:30pm, 7:00pm

Boys Basketball

Jan. 3rd: Freshman, JV, Varsity @ Gar-Field HS, 10:00am/11:30am/1:00pm

Jan. 5th: Freshmen, JV, Varsity vs. Stafford HS, 5:00pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm

Jan 7th: Freshmen, JV @ Potomac HS, 5:00pm, 6:30pm

Jan. 9th: Freshmen, JV, Varsity vs. Patriot HS, 5:00pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm

Indoor Track & Field

Jan. 3rd: East Coast Elite #2 @ Roanoke College, 9:00am

Jan. 7th: Varsity Meet @ Osbourn HS, 2:00pm

Jan. 10th: Liberty Premier Invitational @ Liberty University, 9:30am

Jan. 10th: Montgomery Invitational @ Prince George's Sports and Learning Center, 9:00am

Wrestling

Dec. 29th - 30th: Battle at the Bridge @ Woodbridge HS, 8:00am

Jan. 7th: Varsity Dual @ Battlefield HS, 6:00pm

Jan. 10th: Cardinal Classic @ Gainesville HS, 8:00am

Gymnastics

Jan. 7th: Varsity Meet @ Patriot HS, 6:00pm

Swim & Dive

Jan. 3rd: Meet vs. Osbourn Park @ PWCS Aquatics Center, 6:00pm

Jan. 10th: Varsity Meet vs. Independence @ PWCS Aquatics Center, 10:30am

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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