🏆🎮 STATE CHAMPIONS! 🎮🏆
Congratulations to the Gloucester High School Esports Team on making history as the VHSL Mario Kart State Champions!
This marks the first year VHSL has fully sanctioned Esports, with nearly 200 schools across Virginia competing—and Gloucester has set the standard by becoming the first team in VHSL history to win a Mario Kart state title.
After an 8-week regular season, the team advanced through a competitive field of top programs, earning a spot in the state playoffs (top 32 teams). From there, they battled their way to the in-person championship at Old Dominion University, defeating:
➡️ C.D. Hylton (Quarterfinals)
➡️ Landstown (Semifinals)
➡️ Heritage (Lynchburg) – previously undefeated – 2-0 in the Finals
Their incredible performance secured a VHSL State Championship trophy and medals, placing them alongside champions in traditional sports.
Even more exciting—this journey isn’t over. The team will advance to national playoffs in May!
We are incredibly proud of these student competitors for their teamwork, focus, and determination. Way to go, Dukes! ❤️💛
Team members pictured L-R: Logan Williams, Erik Waters, Jason Hancock, Lane Briggs, Paul Trotman, and Luis Seda
Head Coach: Ms. Schoenthal
Congratulations to the Gloucester High School Esports Team on making history as the VHSL Mario Kart State Champions!
This marks the first year VHSL has fully sanctioned Esports, with nearly 200 schools across Virginia competing—and Gloucester has set the standard by becoming the first team in VHSL history to win a Mario Kart state title.
After an 8-week regular season, the team advanced through a competitive field of top programs, earning a spot in the state playoffs (top 32 teams). From there, they battled their way to the in-person championship at Old Dominion University, defeating:
➡️ C.D. Hylton (Quarterfinals)
➡️ Landstown (Semifinals)
➡️ Heritage (Lynchburg) – previously undefeated – 2-0 in the Finals
Their incredible performance secured a VHSL State Championship trophy and medals, placing them alongside champions in traditional sports.
Even more exciting—this journey isn’t over. The team will advance to national playoffs in May!
We are incredibly proud of these student competitors for their teamwork, focus, and determination. Way to go, Dukes! ❤️💛
Team members pictured L-R: Logan Williams, Erik Waters, Jason Hancock, Lane Briggs, Paul Trotman, and Luis Seda
Head Coach: Ms. Schoenthal
📅 Reminder for GCPS Families
Friday, May 1, 2026 will be a full instructional day for all GCPS students and staff.
Friday, May 1, 2026 will be a full instructional day for all GCPS students and staff.
🎒Ready, Set, Kindergarten!🎒
Join us on May 19th from 5:30–6:30 PM at all GCPS elementary schools to get your future kindergartener ready for the year ahead! Meet staff, explore the school, and learn everything you need to start with confidence. We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners!
Join us on May 19th from 5:30–6:30 PM at all GCPS elementary schools to get your future kindergartener ready for the year ahead! Meet staff, explore the school, and learn everything you need to start with confidence. We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners!
✨ Keeping Everything Running ✨
Our administrative professionals are the backbone of our schools and offices. Your dedication, efficiency, and care help create a positive and successful environment for all. Thank you!
Our administrative professionals are the backbone of our schools and offices. Your dedication, efficiency, and care help create a positive and successful environment for all. Thank you!
Public Input Requested: Secondary English Language Arts Textbook Adoption Review
GCPS News
April 20, 2026
Gloucester County Public Schools invites families and community members to participate in the review of instructional resources under consideration for Secondary English Language Arts textbook adoption.
Community members may access the digital resources using the link provided here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KXMluWP2n4ONgJEH6IMBlVw-cNRCpQm-Au3pqLCPrRc/edit?tab=t.0
In addition, physical copies of teacher and student materials will be available for in-person review in the cafeteria at the TC Walker Educational Center on until Friday, April 25. 8:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Feedback on the materials may be submitted using the Review Feedback Form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScccnf5028cUVjTiDJWusDCyUAKczF3KBfEXKBQPKI7i30qNA/viewform?usp=header
All feedback must be received by Friday, April 25, at the end of the day.
We value community input and appreciate your time in helping us select high-quality instructional resources for our students.
GCPS News
April 20, 2026
Gloucester County Public Schools invites families and community members to participate in the review of instructional resources under consideration for Secondary English Language Arts textbook adoption.
Community members may access the digital resources using the link provided here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KXMluWP2n4ONgJEH6IMBlVw-cNRCpQm-Au3pqLCPrRc/edit?tab=t.0
In addition, physical copies of teacher and student materials will be available for in-person review in the cafeteria at the TC Walker Educational Center on until Friday, April 25. 8:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Feedback on the materials may be submitted using the Review Feedback Form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScccnf5028cUVjTiDJWusDCyUAKczF3KBfEXKBQPKI7i30qNA/viewform?usp=header
All feedback must be received by Friday, April 25, at the end of the day.
We value community input and appreciate your time in helping us select high-quality instructional resources for our students.
🌟 National School Volunteer Week 🌟
This week, we celebrate and thank the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to support our schools. Your dedication helps strengthen our classrooms, enrich student experiences, and make a meaningful difference across our school community.
Thank you for all you do!
This week, we celebrate and thank the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to support our schools. Your dedication helps strengthen our classrooms, enrich student experiences, and make a meaningful difference across our school community.
Thank you for all you do!
💜 Celebrating Our Military Kids 💜
On Purple Up! Day, we recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected students. We are proud to support you!
On Purple Up! Day, we recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military-connected students. We are proud to support you!
👏 AP Appreciation—All Week Long!
Even during spring break, we’re giving a well-deserved shoutout to our Assistant Principals. Your leadership keeps everything running and your impact does not go unnoticed!
Even during spring break, we’re giving a well-deserved shoutout to our Assistant Principals. Your leadership keeps everything running and your impact does not go unnoticed!
What an incredible day at Gloucester High School on Thursday, April 2! 🎉
We were proud to host the Jostens Renaissance Regional Student Leadership Collaborative, welcoming hundreds of students from high schools across the region. The energy, ideas, and passion for building positive school cultures were truly inspiring!
It was especially exciting to have students from Page Middle School, Botetourt Elementary, and Achilles Elementary join us as well. These future leaders came ready to learn, collaborate, and bring back meaningful ideas to strengthen their own school communities.
Since implementing the Renaissance program in 2023, Gloucester High School has quickly become a recognized leader in Virginia and across the nation for its commitment to celebrating students and fostering a positive school climate.
A highlight of the day was celebrating our very own Beth Coleman, GHS Leadership teacher, who was honored as a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. This well-deserved recognition reflects her dedication, passion, and the lasting impact she has on our students and school culture.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event such a success. The future of student leadership is bright! 💙
#JostensRenaissance #StudentLeadership #SchoolCulture #GloucesterHighSchool #GHS #LeadTheWay #StudentVoice #FutureLeaders #EducationMatters #PositiveCulture #VirginiaSchools #LeadershipInAction
We were proud to host the Jostens Renaissance Regional Student Leadership Collaborative, welcoming hundreds of students from high schools across the region. The energy, ideas, and passion for building positive school cultures were truly inspiring!
It was especially exciting to have students from Page Middle School, Botetourt Elementary, and Achilles Elementary join us as well. These future leaders came ready to learn, collaborate, and bring back meaningful ideas to strengthen their own school communities.
Since implementing the Renaissance program in 2023, Gloucester High School has quickly become a recognized leader in Virginia and across the nation for its commitment to celebrating students and fostering a positive school climate.
A highlight of the day was celebrating our very own Beth Coleman, GHS Leadership teacher, who was honored as a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. This well-deserved recognition reflects her dedication, passion, and the lasting impact she has on our students and school culture.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event such a success. The future of student leadership is bright! 💙
#JostensRenaissance #StudentLeadership #SchoolCulture #GloucesterHighSchool #GHS #LeadTheWay #StudentVoice #FutureLeaders #EducationMatters #PositiveCulture #VirginiaSchools #LeadershipInAction
✨ Happy National School Librarian Day✨
School librarians play a vital role in connecting students to resources, encouraging curiosity, and supporting lifelong learning. We appreciate all that you do!
School librarians play a vital role in connecting students to resources, encouraging curiosity, and supporting lifelong learning. We appreciate all that you do!
Embrace Stress Awareness Month this April, a call to prioritize mental well-being. 🧠 Amidst the hustle of academics, both students and staff need those daily moments to reset and embrace mindfulness. Take breaks, step outside, and breathe deeply—small acts with a big impact on stress. Your well-being is a priority!
For support, Care Solace is available 24/7/365. Dial 📞 888-515-0595 or visit 💻 caresolace.com/gcps. Take the time for yourself, practice mindfulness, and thrive. 💚 #StressAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
For support, Care Solace is available 24/7/365. Dial 📞 888-515-0595 or visit 💻 caresolace.com/gcps. Take the time for yourself, practice mindfulness, and thrive. 💚 #StressAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
🍎 Happy National Paraprofessionals Day!🍎
Today we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals who support our students and staff each day. Your patience, dedication, and care make a lasting difference in our classrooms and across our school community. Thank you for all that you do! #NationalParaprofessionalsDay #ThankYou
Today we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals who support our students and staff each day. Your patience, dedication, and care make a lasting difference in our classrooms and across our school community. Thank you for all that you do! #NationalParaprofessionalsDay #ThankYou
🌼 April at a Glance is here!🌼
From celebrating our students and staff to spring break and special recognition days, April is packed with meaningful moments across GCPS. Be sure to visit your school’s website for additional events, and stay connected!
From celebrating our students and staff to spring break and special recognition days, April is packed with meaningful moments across GCPS. Be sure to visit your school’s website for additional events, and stay connected!
Students at Gloucester High School took an exciting step toward their futures at Wednesday’s Interactive Career Expo! 🎓✨
On March 25, 2026, students had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from local businesses, technical schools, and military branches—exploring a wide range of pathways available after high school. From hands-on career insights to meaningful conversations, this event helped students better understand the skills and opportunities that await them.
Experiences like these are essential in preparing our students for success beyond graduation. By fostering career readiness and strengthening connections with our local workforce, we are empowering the next generation to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s ever-evolving job market.
Thank you to all of our community partners who made this impactful event possible! 💼🔧🇺🇸 #CareerReadiness #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureReady
On March 25, 2026, students had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from local businesses, technical schools, and military branches—exploring a wide range of pathways available after high school. From hands-on career insights to meaningful conversations, this event helped students better understand the skills and opportunities that await them.
Experiences like these are essential in preparing our students for success beyond graduation. By fostering career readiness and strengthening connections with our local workforce, we are empowering the next generation to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s ever-evolving job market.
Thank you to all of our community partners who made this impactful event possible! 💼🔧🇺🇸 #CareerReadiness #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureReady
Active learning in action at Peasley Middle School! 📚✨
In Ms. Fradenburgh and Ms. Jeffrey’s 6th Grade ELA classes, students are diving into station rotations that keep them moving, thinking, and engaged every step of the way. From analyzing text features and practicing typography skills to sorting transition words and comparing ideas, each station challenges students to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Students are not just completing tasks—they’re collaborating, discussing, and building deeper understanding through hands-on activities. Whether working independently or with peers, they are strengthening critical reading and writing skills that support strong academic achievement.
This is what engaged learning looks like—active, purposeful, and student-centered! 💡👏
#PeasleyMiddle #GCPS #ActiveLearning #StudentEngagement #ELA #MiddleSchool #LearningInAction #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
In Ms. Fradenburgh and Ms. Jeffrey’s 6th Grade ELA classes, students are diving into station rotations that keep them moving, thinking, and engaged every step of the way. From analyzing text features and practicing typography skills to sorting transition words and comparing ideas, each station challenges students to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Students are not just completing tasks—they’re collaborating, discussing, and building deeper understanding through hands-on activities. Whether working independently or with peers, they are strengthening critical reading and writing skills that support strong academic achievement.
This is what engaged learning looks like—active, purposeful, and student-centered! 💡👏
#PeasleyMiddle #GCPS #ActiveLearning #StudentEngagement #ELA #MiddleSchool #LearningInAction #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
GCPS is sharing this informative PEATC webinar highlighting the perspectives of adult siblings of individuals with disabilities. This discussion explores lived experiences, family dynamics, and available supports for families. If you have questions, please reach out to our Special Education Department at 804-693-7880.
Onward to Preschool – Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention
Gloucester County Public Schools is sharing this helpful resource from PEATC to support families as they transition from Early Intervention to Preschool and ECSE services. This webinar is designed to guide families through the next steps and provide practical tips for a smooth transition. If you have questions, please contact our GCPS Special Education Department at 804-693-7880.
Gloucester County Public Schools is sharing this helpful resource from PEATC to support families as they transition from Early Intervention to Preschool and ECSE services. This webinar is designed to guide families through the next steps and provide practical tips for a smooth transition. If you have questions, please contact our GCPS Special Education Department at 804-693-7880.
📚✨ Engaged Learning in 7th Grade English!
Students in Ms. King and Ms. Boyce’s 7th grade English classes at Page Middle School participated in an interactive Figurative Language and Poetry Analysis station activity this week!
Working in small groups, students rotated through three learning stations designed to strengthen their understanding of figurative language and literary analysis. At one station, students highlighted examples of figurative language in a short passage. At another, they annotated Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son,” analyzing the poem’s message and literary devices. The final station gave students the opportunity to complete independent practice identifying figures of speech and applying what they learned.
This collaborative rotation allowed students to analyze text, discuss ideas with peers, and build deeper comprehension skills while exploring how authors use figurative language to add meaning and impact to their writing. Great work, Eagles! 🦅📖
#PageMiddleSchool #7thGradeEnglish #StudentLearning #FigurativeLanguage #PoetryAnalysis
Students in Ms. King and Ms. Boyce’s 7th grade English classes at Page Middle School participated in an interactive Figurative Language and Poetry Analysis station activity this week!
Working in small groups, students rotated through three learning stations designed to strengthen their understanding of figurative language and literary analysis. At one station, students highlighted examples of figurative language in a short passage. At another, they annotated Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son,” analyzing the poem’s message and literary devices. The final station gave students the opportunity to complete independent practice identifying figures of speech and applying what they learned.
This collaborative rotation allowed students to analyze text, discuss ideas with peers, and build deeper comprehension skills while exploring how authors use figurative language to add meaning and impact to their writing. Great work, Eagles! 🦅📖
#PageMiddleSchool #7thGradeEnglish #StudentLearning #FigurativeLanguage #PoetryAnalysis
⚠️ Menu Access Update
Linq Connect is currently experiencing an outage. While the issue is being resolved, a PDF version of the Elementary and Middle School menu is available for printing on the Food Services page of the GCPS website. Linq has also shared that families may create an account on Linq Connect to view menus while they work to restore full service.
Linq Connect is currently experiencing an outage. While the issue is being resolved, a PDF version of the Elementary and Middle School menu is available for printing on the Food Services page of the GCPS website. Linq has also shared that families may create an account on Linq Connect to view menus while they work to restore full service.
We are pleased to share this upcoming PEATC webinar focused on strengthening communication and advocacy skills for families and caregivers of youth with disabilities. This session offers practical strategies for navigating conversations and supporting self-advocacy. For additional information, please contact the GCPS Special Education Department at 804-693-7880.
