INSIDE Goochland County students are all smiles in “first day” snapshots > page 3
Volume 66 Number 34 • September 2, 2021
Test scores, graduation rates remain high despite disruptions
Community encouraged to help fight area hunger
BULLDOGS BACK IN ACTION
Contributed report
Contributed report
Even with the challenges of the 202021 school year, Goochland County Public School students continued their history of high achievement on state and national assessments. Additionally, Goochland High School seniors graduated at a rate that far exceeds the state average in previous years. “Our focus last school year was getting students back into classrooms and taking care of our students, families, and staff,” said Jeremy Raley, Division Superintendent. “Our primary focus was not on standardized tests, but the great work of our staff – and of our families who supported virtual instruction – ensured that our students continued to grow academically, despite the disruptions of 2020-21.” Over 97 percent of Goochland High School seniors graduated in 2021 – a significantly higher percentage than the state averages in 2019 and 2020 of 92 percent. The Virginia Department of Education will release 2021 graduation data in September. On Standards of Learning (SOL) exams, GCPS students exceeded the state average in all four of the core tested areas of reading, math, history, and science. see Test scores > 2
Photo by Nick Vandeloecht
Goochland’s Eyan Pace (3) attempts to break a tackle in Friday’s home season opener versus visiting King William. For more on the game, which the GHS Bulldogs won 13-6, see page 9.
After a long hot summer, local Goochland food pantry shelves are bare again. September is Hunger Action Month. As Goochland gears up for the new school year and the return of cooler temperatures, we need you to take action to fight hunger in your community. Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to join a nationwide movement that has a real and lasting impact. Goochland food pantries need your help to feed nearly 3,000 residents who struggle with hunger every day. Whether by advocating to raise awareness, making donations, or volunteering, you can make a difference during Hunger Action Month and every month to help Goochland neighbors in need. Together, we can solve hunger in our community. Everyone at any age can easily participate. Choose an activity from the “Take Action” list below. Urge your friends, family, neighborhood, class, church group, civic group, or even your employees and customers to become involved. Drop off food donations at your local food pantry or at collection boxes (non-perishable items only, like cans of tuna and chicken, canned beans, and canned vegetables and fruit) at key locations throughout the county including Essex Bank, EZ Ship (next to Food Lion on Fairground see Hunger > 2