Eagle Nation: Weekly GWHS News
Back 2 School Edition: Vol 1. Issue 11/ November 7, 2021
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Eagle Nation,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and investment into your students' lives as we take a deeper dive into the 21-22 school year. We have had an excellent beginning, and the energy, enthusiasm, and life of 1,010 young adults have been beyond invigorating. The second quarter is off to a great start and the end of the first semester is on the horizon. To date, we have a lot to celebrate at George Washington High School.
With our Covid mitigation measures in place, George Washington High School has been able to remain a busy place. In terms of non-academic areas, George Washington High School continues to radiate a true sense of community. Our school's culture and climate are some of our most vital assets. GWHS administrators, faculty, staff, and students take pride in our work and strive for excellence at every turn. I want this sense of community and positive school culture to continue to shine. As a school, we work hard to uplift and support our stakeholders. At GWHS, people matter! I want to thank our students, faculty, parents, community, and school system leadership for their dedication and continued support in making George Washington High School the best it can be.
On Tuesday, November 2, the Danville community voted to approve the one percent sales tax for capital improvement projects for school facilities. Danville Public Schools will now be able to invest dollars from this sales tax, which is expected to generate $141 million in revenue over the next 20 years, in learning environments that are designed to help every student achieve, with a focus on 21st century upgrades, increased technology access, and eliminating the need for trailer classrooms at the elementary level, among others.
“Danville Public Schools is so grateful to our community for supporting us and our students,”
Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston said. “We know that these needed renovations will positively affect morale, student achievement, instruction, safety, and more.” On behalf of Dr. Hairston, the Danville Public Schools Board of Education, and the faculty and students of GWHS, I would again like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to the Vote Yes 4 DPS committee, all volunteers, and those who worked hard to spread the word. This historic vote for our community would not have succeeded without the support of the volunteers.
There are numerous school activities and events that offer students opportunities to showcase their talents and skills scheduled for the remainder of the semester. We have fall season sports entering state tournaments, winter sports beginning their regular seasons, and our fine arts department working hard to soon provide us with uplifting performances. It is hard to believe we are already a few weeks into the second quarter, and the holidays are upon us. I know our students are beginning to count the days until the next school break. Please keep the second quarter's momentum going by encouraging your child to stay focused during the holiday excitement and be mindful of grades and attendance. Being present and on time is of the utmost importance to maximize learning at the high school level.
Finally, November is one of the times we usually reflect on our blessings. I am thankful for the students, faculty, staff, and the entire George Washington High School community. I could not do this job without their support. We would not be the outstanding school that we are without the help and support of all of you. Thank you, and may you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
Have a fantastic week Eagles,
Dr. Johnnie M. Simmons
Proud Principal
George Washington High School
Important Dates:
Upcoming important dates:
- 11/09 thru 11/12: MAPs Testing
- 11/8: Girls' Basketball Tryouts 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the gym
11/9: Sophomore Class Ring Order – Lunch – Cafeteria Lobby
11/9: Sophomore Class Ring Family Night - After School until 6:15PM - Gym Lobby
11/9: Senior Graduation Orders – Lunch – Cafeteria Lobby
11/9: Senior Graduation Orders Family Night - After School until 6:15PM - Gym Lobby
11/9: Girls' Basketball Tryouts 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the gym
- 11/10: Sophomore Class Ring Orders – Make Up Day – Cafeteria Lobby
11/10: Senior Graduation Orders – Make Up Day – Lunch - Cafeteria Lobby
11/10: Girls' Basketball Tryouts 6:00 to 7:30 in the gym
11/12: Performance Matters Training during planning periods
11/12: Region Playoff Game vs. TBD @ 7:00 pm at JT Christopher Stadium
2021-22 Fall Semester Exam Schedule
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Reading SOL
Friday, December 10, 2021
History SOL
Monday, December 13, 2021
Math SOL
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Science SOL
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
SOL Expedited Retakes
Thursday, December 16, 2021
1st Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Friday, December 17, 2021
2nd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Monday, December 20, 2021
(half day)
3rd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
(half day)
4th Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 (half day)
Make-Up/Retake/SOL Expedited Retakes
Note: W!SE and Work-Place Readiness CTE Exam must be taken during November 15-19 to provide at least 14 days of remediation before retake.
Daily Schedule
All EOC and CTE Exams must be administered at school on a school issued Laptop. After testing is completed, students will continue their daily schedule and instruction will continue. Classroom activities will include important preparation for upcoming exams and enrichment/previewing activities. Students should not leave after exams as they will miss vital instruction. If a student misses school or signs out early, he/she will be counted as absent for the periods missed.
Exam Exemptions
Exam exemptions are for teacher-created final exams only. No EOC/SOL or CTE test may be exempted. If a student exempts a teacher-created final exam, the student is required to report to school. If a student does not report to school, the student will be marked absent.
Students must meet one of the following requirements to exempt teacher-created final exams.
94% average or above in the course OR
70% average or above in the course and 400 or above score on the SOL assessment
Inclement Weather
If school is cancelled, testing will continue (or begin) on the next day of school. Also, if school is delayed (1 or 2 hours), an announcement will be made by the Danville Public School District notifying parents and students whether or not exams will take place.
Note: Students should check with their individual school with any specific questions.
Student Spotlight
Teachers For Tomorrow
Teacher for Tomorrow Cadets have been extremely busy exploring the world of education. Cadets spent a week in area schools observing classroom instruction and pedagogy for the Spring preparation for Teaching a lesson on their own! Cadets were able to experience "A Walk in their Shoes" opportunity to further understand the challenges and necessary accommodations needed for Special Education Students. Way to go Future Educators!!!
Go(ld)Fish! Mrs. Holshouser's Anatomy & Physiology Classes Participate in Circulatory System Lab
Pictured students are Ashton Carter, Sierra Fields, Jaylan Dickerson, Yasmine Cobbs, and Laniya Coles.
*Disclaimer: No goldfish were harmed in the completion of this lab! We are now the proud owners of 8 happy goldfish!
Lady Eagles Volunteer at the Polls
The Lady Eagles Basketball team members volunteered at the Election Polls on this past Tuesday, November 2. They braved the cold and rainy conditions to be a support to our Danville Community. These ladies have been very good stewards of the community and have been very selfless in their actions. In addition to this volunteer experience, they have also worked concessions at football games and on November 20th they will volunteer at the SPCA to offer assistance with whatever they need.
Ladies, please know that we are very proud of you and can't wait to see you take the court.
Pictured left to right: Takiyah Harris, Ari Murphy, Shanice Glass, Makayla Royster and Amara Harrell.
Compose Yourself! Mrs. Emmel's Chemistry Classes Participate in Composition Lab Study
Look at our little scientist. We are so very proud of you.
GWHS Eagles Advance to Regional Playoffs
Entering the second quarter the Eagles found themselves with zero points and two turnovers, and trailing 7-0. The Eagles then put together three touchdowns in a six-minute span. Two came on the legs of Jacoby Dixon. The third on an RPO TD pass from Donovan Howard to Jalen Spratt.
The Eagles defense turned in another stellar performance, limiting Magna Vista to 128 total yards. A third of that came on the Warriors' lone touchdown of the night.
Dixon had a career night, carrying the ball 31 times for a career-high 206 yards.
The Eagles close their regular season with a 7-1 record. They will open the Division 4 Region 4 playoffs at home, Friday November 12th, against an opponent to be determined. We look forward to seeing you at the Eagles Nest for Friday Night Lights!!!
Thanks to all of our Veterans. The Mighty Eagles Salute You!
2021 NRJOTC Annual Review Featured in DPS Chalktalk
Have You Signed Up for Your Club Yet?
About Us
Email: jwright1@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Website: https://gwhs.danvillepublicschools.org/
Location: 701 Broad Street, Danville, VA, USA
Phone: 434-799-6410
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWashingtonHighSchool
Twitter: @GWHSDPS