Today we proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Oratorical Competition, and what an incredible morning it was!
Seventeen outstanding students from across Gloucester County stepped up to the podium and delivered powerful speeches inspired by Dr. King’s call to embrace “the fierce urgency of now.” Each participant demonstrated remarkable eloquence, passion, and thoughtfulness, challenging us all to reflect on why today’s generation must lead with courage and conviction. We are so proud of every student who participated — your voices matter, and you represented your schools beautifully!
We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued community partners for helping make this event possible:
🤝 NAACP Gloucester Branch
🤝 Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation
🤝 Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Your continued partnership and commitment to uplifting student voice and leadership are deeply appreciated.
And congratulations to this year’s winners:
🥇 1st Place: Kara Willoughby
🥈 2nd Place: Ashlee VanVranken
🥉 3rd Place (tie): Peyton King and Connor Addleman
Thank you to everyone who supported this meaningful event. The future is bright in Gloucester County! 🌟
Seventeen outstanding students from across Gloucester County stepped up to the podium and delivered powerful speeches inspired by Dr. King’s call to embrace “the fierce urgency of now.” Each participant demonstrated remarkable eloquence, passion, and thoughtfulness, challenging us all to reflect on why today’s generation must lead with courage and conviction. We are so proud of every student who participated — your voices matter, and you represented your schools beautifully!
We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued community partners for helping make this event possible:
🤝 NAACP Gloucester Branch
🤝 Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation
🤝 Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Your continued partnership and commitment to uplifting student voice and leadership are deeply appreciated.
And congratulations to this year’s winners:
🥇 1st Place: Kara Willoughby
🥈 2nd Place: Ashlee VanVranken
🥉 3rd Place (tie): Peyton King and Connor Addleman
Thank you to everyone who supported this meaningful event. The future is bright in Gloucester County! 🌟
Let’s Talk About Work! (Ages 14–22) We are excited to share this PEATC webinar designed for Virginia students ages 14–22 with disabilities. This session focuses on competitive integrated employment and preparing youth for meaningful work opportunities in the community. For questions, please contact the GCPS Special Education Department at 804-693-7880.
📐🍬 Scaling Up Math at Peasley! 🍬📐
Students in Ms. Burggraf and Ms. Richardson’s 7th grade math classes at Peasley are putting their knowledge of scale factor and proportions to work through a hands-on Candy Scale Drawing Project!
Using real candy wrappers as their inspiration, students are applying what they’ve learned about ratios, scale factor, area, and perimeter to create enlarged, proportional drawings. By carefully measuring dimensions, calculating area and perimeter, and selecting a scale factor, they’re solving a real-world problem designers and engineers tackle every day — how to accurately resize objects while keeping them perfectly proportional.
This project goes beyond the textbook. Students are:
✅ Measuring and analyzing real objects
✅ Using proportions to determine new dimensions
✅ Calculating how scale changes impact area and perimeter
✅ Practicing precision and attention to detail
It’s exciting to see math come alive as students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications like product design, packaging, and architecture. Great work by our 7th graders and their teachers for making math both meaningful and creative! 👏✨
#PeasleyPride #RealWorldMath #ScaleFactor #7thGradeMath
Students in Ms. Burggraf and Ms. Richardson’s 7th grade math classes at Peasley are putting their knowledge of scale factor and proportions to work through a hands-on Candy Scale Drawing Project!
Using real candy wrappers as their inspiration, students are applying what they’ve learned about ratios, scale factor, area, and perimeter to create enlarged, proportional drawings. By carefully measuring dimensions, calculating area and perimeter, and selecting a scale factor, they’re solving a real-world problem designers and engineers tackle every day — how to accurately resize objects while keeping them perfectly proportional.
This project goes beyond the textbook. Students are:
✅ Measuring and analyzing real objects
✅ Using proportions to determine new dimensions
✅ Calculating how scale changes impact area and perimeter
✅ Practicing precision and attention to detail
It’s exciting to see math come alive as students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications like product design, packaging, and architecture. Great work by our 7th graders and their teachers for making math both meaningful and creative! 👏✨
#PeasleyPride #RealWorldMath #ScaleFactor #7thGradeMath
We're looking forward to the Oratorical Competition next week!
It’s been a fantastic week in Gloucester’s secondary schools! 💙✨
At GHS, students in Ms. Gum’s Anatomy & Physiology class explored disorders of the integumentary system, learning how conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails impact overall health and daily life. Through research and discussion, students connected science to real-world experiences — building both medical knowledge and empathy for those living with these conditions.
At Peasley, students in Ms. Lester and Ms. Clarno’s 6th grade math class reviewed fraction and mixed number conversions through a fun, hands-on group activity. Working collaboratively, students strengthened their understanding, explained their thinking, and built confidence in a supportive, engaging learning environment.
Across GCPS, students also celebrated Kindness Week with activities promoting compassion and inclusivity. From spirit days to intentional acts of kindness and classroom discussions about empathy, our schools focused on building positive connections and strengthening school community.
From rigorous academics to meaningful character development, it’s been another great week to be #GloucesterProud!
At GHS, students in Ms. Gum’s Anatomy & Physiology class explored disorders of the integumentary system, learning how conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails impact overall health and daily life. Through research and discussion, students connected science to real-world experiences — building both medical knowledge and empathy for those living with these conditions.
At Peasley, students in Ms. Lester and Ms. Clarno’s 6th grade math class reviewed fraction and mixed number conversions through a fun, hands-on group activity. Working collaboratively, students strengthened their understanding, explained their thinking, and built confidence in a supportive, engaging learning environment.
Across GCPS, students also celebrated Kindness Week with activities promoting compassion and inclusivity. From spirit days to intentional acts of kindness and classroom discussions about empathy, our schools focused on building positive connections and strengthening school community.
From rigorous academics to meaningful character development, it’s been another great week to be #GloucesterProud!
🚨 Job Fair Update 🚨
The GCPS Job Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 21st and will now be held at Page Middle School. See the graphic for updated details and registration information. Walk ins welcome!
The GCPS Job Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 21st and will now be held at Page Middle School. See the graphic for updated details and registration information. Walk ins welcome!
This week, we join schools across the Commonwealth in celebrating Virginia Kindness Week, a time to highlight how simple daily acts of kindness can make our schools and communities kinder, safer, healthier, and more inclusive. Throughout the week, we encourage students, staff, and families to find ways to show kindness and support one another. #VAKindnessWeek #KindnessMatters #BeKindVA
The Gloucester County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will hold a virtual meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. Visit the Special Education page on the GCPS website to access the meeting link.
📅 Here’s a look at what’s happening across GCPS this month!
Check out our Calendar at a Glance and Events Calendar online for important dates and events.
Check out our Calendar at a Glance and Events Calendar online for important dates and events.
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week and recognize the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success. 💙💚
Thank you for amplifying student voices, supporting growth, and guiding our students every day.
Thank you for amplifying student voices, supporting growth, and guiding our students every day.
🚑📻 Learning by doing—and having fun while at it!
Mr. Burr’s Emergency Medical Technician students at Gloucester High School put their radio communication skills to the test with a hands-on challenge: searching for objects blindfolded while classmates guided them over the radio. 😄
This engaging activity wasn’t just fun—it reinforced the clear, calm communication EMTs rely on every day in real emergency situations. Experiences like this help students build confidence, teamwork, and career-ready skills that truly matter beyond the classroom.
Great work, GHS EMT students! 👏🚨
#HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #CTE #GloucesterHighSchool #FutureEMT
Mr. Burr’s Emergency Medical Technician students at Gloucester High School put their radio communication skills to the test with a hands-on challenge: searching for objects blindfolded while classmates guided them over the radio. 😄
This engaging activity wasn’t just fun—it reinforced the clear, calm communication EMTs rely on every day in real emergency situations. Experiences like this help students build confidence, teamwork, and career-ready skills that truly matter beyond the classroom.
Great work, GHS EMT students! 👏🚨
#HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #CTE #GloucesterHighSchool #FutureEMT
The YMCA Before and After School Program is now available at Gloucester County elementary schools for children ages 4–12. The program provides a safe, engaging environment with enrichment and STEM-based activities before and after school. Please refer to the graphic above for participating locations, dates, pricing, and registration information.
Important Update from Gloucester County Public Schools!
We’ve rescheduled our Job Fair just for you!
New Date:Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Gloucester High School
6680 Short Lane | Gloucester, VA
Explore job opportunities in a great place to work and learn and take advantage of on-site interviews
Register here:https://www.applitrack.com/gloucester/onlineapp
We can’t wait to see you there!
🎤 Calling All Gloucester County Students (Grades 8–12)! 🎤
Gloucester County Public Schools, in collaboration with the NAACP Gloucester Branch, invites students to participate in the 3rd Annual Oratorical Competition.
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words on “the fierce urgency of now,” students will share their voices and perspectives on this year’s powerful theme:
💬 “Why does the ‘Fierce Urgency of Now’ demand action from today’s generation?”
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Petsworth Elementary School
This competition is open to all Gloucester County students in grades 8–12 and is a wonderful opportunity to develop public speaking skills, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and inspire change through words.
📧 For more information, contact Dianne Carter at
Dianne.Carter@gc.k12.va.us
Please help us spread the word by sharing! ✨
Gloucester County Public Schools, in collaboration with the NAACP Gloucester Branch, invites students to participate in the 3rd Annual Oratorical Competition.
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words on “the fierce urgency of now,” students will share their voices and perspectives on this year’s powerful theme:
💬 “Why does the ‘Fierce Urgency of Now’ demand action from today’s generation?”
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Petsworth Elementary School
This competition is open to all Gloucester County students in grades 8–12 and is a wonderful opportunity to develop public speaking skills, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and inspire change through words.
📧 For more information, contact Dianne Carter at
Dianne.Carter@gc.k12.va.us
Please help us spread the word by sharing! ✨
Hands on, minds engaged! 🎵 Students in Ms. Talbot’s 6th Grade Band at Peasley Middle School practiced clapping the rhythms of their song before playing, strengthening their musical foundation and setting themselves up for success. This is what excellence in the performing arts looks like!
📚✨ **Professional Learning in Action at GCPS!** ✨📚
Gloucester County Public Schools teachers recently participated in **Building Thinking Classrooms** professional development sessions designed to deepen student thinking and engagement.
🔹 **Session One** focused on consolidating student thinking and creating meaningful note-taking practices.
🔹 **Session Two** explored how to write, find, and adapt both non-curricular and curricular thinking tasks to enhance classroom instruction.
A huge **thank you to Gloucester High School teachers Sara Ralph and Roxanne Smoker** for leading these impactful sessions and supporting instructional growth across our division. Your expertise and leadership are truly appreciated! 👏
#GCPSLeadership #BuildingThinkingClassrooms #ProfessionalLearning #TeachingExcellence
Exciting Highlights At Our Elementary Schools: This week has been full of wonderful activities and learning opportunities across our schools. Here’s what’s been happening:
Petsworth: Our 2nd graders shone brightly during their chorus concert, showcasing a delightful "snow family" theme. Their performances warmed our hearts!
Abingdon: Students engaged in a story with Ms. Humphrey, focusing on the concept of cause and effect. Meanwhile, Mrs. Watson’s Kindergarten class enjoyed using light wands to air write and tap out sounds for Structured Literacy, making learning an interactive experience!
Botetourt: In 5th grade science, students embarked on an exciting space project where they designed imaginary planets and explored their potential places in the solar system based on various characteristics. Creativity was in full swing!
Achilles: The 5th graders participated in a thrilling Rock Paper Scissors Probability competition, with the finalists facing off against Officer Butler. What a unique way to learn about probability!
Bethel: Bethel Elementary proudly celebrates students who exhibit kindness, compassion, and go the extra mile through the Bethel Bear Bravos. Your positive actions truly make a difference!
Thank you to our teachers, students and staff for a great week! Here’s to more fantastic learning experiences ahead!
#ElementaryExcellence #LearningIsFun #SchoolSpirit
Exciting Highlights At Our Elementary Schools: This week has been full of wonderful activities and learning opportunities across our schools. Here’s what’s been happening:
Petsworth: Our 2nd graders shone brightly during their chorus concert, showcasing a delightful "snow family" theme. Their performances warmed our hearts!
Abingdon: Students engaged in a story with Ms. Humphrey, focusing on the concept of cause and effect. Meanwhile, Mrs. Watson’s Kindergarten class enjoyed using light wands to air write and tap out sounds for Structured Literacy, making learning an interactive experience!
Botetourt: In 5th grade science, students embarked on an exciting space project where they designed imaginary planets and explored their potential places in the solar system based on various characteristics. Creativity was in full swing!
Achilles: The 5th graders participated in a thrilling Rock Paper Scissors Probability competition, with the finalists facing off against Officer Butler. What a unique way to learn about probability!
Bethel: Bethel Elementary proudly celebrates students who exhibit kindness, compassion, and go the extra mile through the Bethel Bear Bravos. Your positive actions truly make a difference!
Thank you to our teachers, students and staff for a great week! Here’s to more fantastic learning experiences ahead!
#ElementaryExcellence #LearningIsFun #SchoolSpirit
🎢 Learning in Motion at Page Middle School! 🔬
Ms. LaRue’s 8th grade science class at Page is taking learning to new heights—literally! Students designed and built their own roller coasters to explore force, motion, and energy in action.
From testing speed and gravity to making adjustments for smoother rides, this hands-on project turned big science concepts into an exciting, real-world experience. Learning is even better when it’s interactive, creative, and fun!
👏 Way to go, Page scientists!
Ms. LaRue’s 8th grade science class at Page is taking learning to new heights—literally! Students designed and built their own roller coasters to explore force, motion, and energy in action.
From testing speed and gravity to making adjustments for smoother rides, this hands-on project turned big science concepts into an exciting, real-world experience. Learning is even better when it’s interactive, creative, and fun!
👏 Way to go, Page scientists!
We proudly recognize Mr. Ade Brayboy, Principal of Gloucester High School, for his leadership, dedication, and positive impact on students, staff, and the school community. Thank you for your commitment to excellence at GHS!
