Career and Technical Education (CTE) News
The KGHS new Career Academy experience option coming in school year 2025-2026 made the news this month! Read about it here.
This month, the King George-Dahlgren Rotary Club presented KGHS Work-Based Learning with a generous $3,850 District Grant to help us meet our goal of being able to provide KGHS teachers with Summer Externships in local places of business and industry to better support student career direction in the fall of 2025.
October’s CTEats casual stakeholders’ meeting was held at Kings Pizza! Collaboration occurred over a meal in the name of workplace readiness for ALL students! Thank you to KGCS Work-Based Learning, KGHS Administration, King George Social Services, C&F Bank, King George Supervisor Ken Stroud, Rappahannock Goodwill, KG-Dahlgren Rotary, KGCS, King George Parks & Rec, KGES STEM, and community members Julia Snow and Neil Richard!
KGES News for Families and the Community
Looking Back at October
KGES has had a busy October with lots fun activities! Several grade levels enjoyed field trips. Second grade went to Millwood Farms. Jamestown was visited by 4th grade. First grade took a trip to Belvedere and 3rd grade went to Motts Run. The pumpkin patch came to KGES for Kindergarten.
We celebrated the 50th Day of School on October 23! Hooray to being 50 days smarter! Second grade has started their swimming lessons at the YMCA. They will swim each Friday until December 6.
Looking Ahead to November
Fifth grade will be visiting the Patawomeck Museum on November 1. On November 8, we will celebrate our veterans with a special program in the morning.
KGES Dates to Remember
Nov. 4-- Wear patriotic colors for USA Day
Nov. 15-- Wear GREEN for National Recycling Day
Nov. 22-- Picture Retakes
Nov. 26-- Pajama Day
Dec. 2-- Winter Concert
PES News for Families and the Community
October was a month full of activities at PES. Students enjoyed a visit from Miss Virginia 2024, Carlehr Swanson, who talked about making healthy choices, living a healthy lifestyle, and being a leader. Students also celebrated Red Ribbon Week by participating in a Red Ribbon Relay in PE classes and classroom counseling lessons focused on making healthy choices. Red Ribbon Week concluded with a Spirit Week where students and staff dressed up and won prizes. It was a fun time for all!
Students participated in lots of fun hands on learning activities during the month of October! In Science class, our fourth graders created Water Cycle in a Bag models to demonstrate the stages of the water cycle. Students were able to observe the clouds forming inside the bag and the precipitation on the sides. Our 4th grade scientists loved this hands-on learning experience!
First graders enjoyed engaging lessons in celebration of Farm to School Week. During Science students tried samples from 20 different apple varieties from the National Apple Harvest Festival and categorized them by their different characteristics. During Math they graphed their data, then wrote about their findings during Writing. Finally, students placed each apple on a U.S. state map based on where the variety was invented during Social Studies. It was a delicious and healthy learning experience for our first grade Hawks!
First graders also enjoyed a special presentation during the month of October! The Virginia Osprey Foundation came to teach them about adaptations, animal migrations, how ospreys grow and change and how important they are to our local ecosystem. They brought gifts for the classes including "Belle's Journey", a children's book written by a local author. The Foundation presenters also showed an osprey film made by a local photographer. The students were even invited to sing the National Anthem at the annual Virginia Osprey Festival this coming spring!
SES News for Families and the Community
October was a month filled with lots of learning, fun, and school spirit here at Sealston Elementary!
Our annual cereal drive was a huge success this year, thanks to the incredible generosity and enthusiasm of our students, staff and families! The competition was fierce, with teachers and students alike showing off their competitive spirit as they worked hard to bring in the most cereal boxes. The excitement grew as the stacks of cereal boxes in each classroom climbed higher and higher.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed – your donations will go a long way in helping families in need. It’s always inspiring to see our school community come together for such a great cause. Stay tuned to find out which class brought in the most cereal and earned some well-deserved bragging rights and a pizza party!
As we wrapped up the month, we celebrated Red Ribbon Week with a fantastic Spirit Week that brought the whole school together. Each day, students and staff alike dressed in fun and creative outfits. The school was full of energy and excitement and the outfits truly highlighted our school’s Wildcat spirit.
On Wacky Wildcat Day, students had an absolute blast playing PTA sponsored carnival games during recess. The fun didn’t stop there! Families were invited to join us for our annual Wacky Wildcat Parade around the bus loop, where students proudly showed off their costumes.
We ended the week with a cozy PJ Day, and students were treated to an assembly featuring a magician. Not only did the magician wow everyone with amazing magical tricks, but he also took the opportunity to talk to our students about the importance of strong character, sharing messages of kindness, respect, and responsibility.
October was a month to remember at Sealston Elementary, filled with memorable moments and lessons both in and out of the classroom. We look forward to what’s to come in November!
KGMS News for Families and the Community
English in Action!
8th grade Advanced English and TAG students presented their children's storybooks which demonstrate The Hero's Journey in the library! Mrs. Nunez and Mrs. Donaldson's students shared their original stories along with juice and cookies on our "Kindergarten Day". Classes were encouraged to wear comfy clothes and bring snuggly blankets for our special "Story Time"!
The CGS Class of 2026 attended an overnight, interdisciplinary field experience in Philadelphia, PA to gain a better understanding of how our government was established with the help of renowned statesmen and scientists. Students collected evidence of how chemistry contributed to the development of the United States during the Revolutionary Era.
Students visited the Museum of the American Revolution, the Franklin Institute, the Ben Franklin Museum, The Chemical Heritage Foundation, Reading Terminal Market, Love Park, Washington Park, Carpenter Hall, Portrait Gallery, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. This was a fantastic experiential learning experience!
The KGHS Counseling Department has been very busy this month!
College Preparatory Events Included:
- Financial Aid Night
- College Night at Spotsylvania Mall
- 5 Sessions of College Application Boot Camp
College representatives have also visited to share info with interested students.
Coming up on November 13th, there will be a Trade School Boot Camp.
More college visits are scheduled including: Christopher Newport, UMW, Longwood, ODU, and VMI.
Germanna Community College will visit in December for students ready to apply.
KGHS recently took part in Bully Prevention Awareness with a special Blue Shirt Day to show unity against bullying. Students and staff wore blue to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone. In the cafeteria, students worked together to create a poster featuring blue handprints as a symbol of our commitment to kindness and inclusion.
Mix It Up at Lunch Day was a huge success! Students enjoyed ice pops and had fun making new friends by teaming up with someone who had the same color ice pop. To keep the conversations going, students were encouraged to ask questions that were provided to help them get to know their new friends!
KGHS would like to highlight the incredible work being done by Mrs. Miller and the Active Minds group, which focuses on mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month and has sponsored a “Take What You Need” board in the high school, offering uplifting messages and cards for students to take whenever they need a boost.
Elementary Counseling Department
KGES
Sarah Ritchie and Dr. Mason
K-5 Upstander Initiative
This month, our K-5 students engaged in an important learning experience focused on becoming upstanders. Through role-playing scenarios, they explored how to respond in challenging situations and reflected on ways to support their peers. Our K-2 students added a creative twist by crafting "boo-ppets" to reinforce the message of "Don't be a Boo-lly."
B - Being Mean
O - On Purpose
O - Over and Over
These activities not only highlighted the importance of kindness and respect but also empowered our students to take action against bullying. We're proud of their efforts to foster a positive and inclusive school environment!
SES
Julie Sodergren & Dawn Hamilton
For the month of October K-5 students learned about not getting caught in the bullying web. They learned strategies to avoid becoming involved in bullying and how to respond appropriately if they witness bullying.
SES participated in National Unity Day by wearing orange and the students wrote messages on orange strips of construction paper of how they can make Sealston a better and safer place.
PES
Hannah Hanks & Lisa Lawrence
This month students learned about making healthy choices, leadership, and citizenship. Miss Virginia, Carlehr Swanson, visited PES and talked with the students about making healthy choices, why they are important, living a healthy lifestyle, and leadership.
Guidance lessons this month also focused on identifying healthy choices and why living a healthy lifestyle is important.
In PE, students participated in a Red Ribbon Relay and signed a pledge to make healthy choices. PES will wrap up Red Ribbon Week with a spirit week and our monthly pep rally to recognize the students who were nominated for the character trait of the month and students who had perfect attendance for the month. There are lots of “not so scary” things happening at PES.
SAVE THE DATE!
November 13th- World Kindness Day- Wear Tie-Dye!!
Attendance Matters
KGCS is excited to share that Attendance Awareness Month was a wonderful success at our schools, thanks to the collective support of our students, families, and staff! Throughout the month, we focused on promoting the importance of consistent attendance, and we are proud of the positive impact our activities and events have had on our students.
Our school community came together with enthusiasm, from fun spirit days and attendance challenges to classroom recognitions. The response was incredible, and it was a joy to see our students embracing the message of "Every Day Counts."
As we move forward, let’s continue to build on this momentum to ensure every student feels connected, supported, and motivated to attend school daily. If there’s anything we can do to assist you in maintaining this commitment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's school.
School Social Work
As we come to an end to Mental Health Awareness Month (October), we are excited to continue to foster a school environment that supports every student’s well-being. We dedicate not only October, but the entire year to raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting open conversations about mental health.
The School Social Work team continues to help students, parents, and staff better understand the importance of mental wellness, recognize signs when someone may need support, and explore effective coping strategies.
A healthy mind is essential for a successful education, and together we can build a supportive community for everyone! In the United States, approximately 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Research also shows that nearly 50% of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, underscoring the importance of early support and intervention in school settings for students in grades K-12.
Helpful Resources
Governor's School Application Information
Family Information Nights
CBGS and CGS
November 7, 6:00-7:30 pm
KGMS Auditorium
Intended Audience: Families of Middle School Students
CBGS
November 12, 6:00-7:00 pm
King George High School Library
Intended Audience: Families of 9th Grade Students
The Commonwealth Governor’s School (CGS) program serves students in grades 9 – 12. CGS provides an integrated program of math, science, English, social sciences and research. 8th grade students must be enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry to be eligible to apply. CGS students are selected for the program based on ability and achievement test scores, teacher recommendations, a portfolio, GPA, and an interview.
The Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School (CBGS) program serves students in grades 10-12. CBGS provides a program of math, science, technology, and research, woven with marine and environmental sciences. Students travel to the CBGS site in Caroline County for blocks one and two. 9th grade students must have successfully completed Algebra I and be enrolled or have completed Geometry and Biology to be eligible to apply. CBGS students are selected for the program based on achievement test scores, teacher recommendations, a timed writing assessment, GPA, and an interview.
Applications will be available October 8 from the counseling office. Applications and recommendations are due to the counseling office no later than December 20.
SchoolMessenger for Familes
How do I sign up for the SchoolMessenger App?
You must have a valid email address and it must be listed in our student database. Follow these steps:
1. Download the SchoolMessenger App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Market, OR you can also access the SchoolMessenger App web portal at https://go.schoolmessenger.com
2. Click the “Sign Up” button, enter your email address, and create a password. An email will be sent to that address with a secure link. Note: If you receive a “this account already exists” error message that means you already created a SchoolMessenger account in Contact Manager using the email address in SchoolTool. Simply follow the “Return to login” link and login with your old Contact Manager credentials. Use the “Forgot your password” link if needed.
3. After verifying via the link sent to your email, return to the SchoolMessenger App and sign in using your email and password.
What is in the SchoolMessenger App?
Once you've created your account, you will see the communication associated with your child.
You are able to:
- Review the last 30 days of messages
- View your contact information and configure how you would like to receive notifications.
IMPORTANT – SMS text messages!
To receive text messages, you must check the Send Text button for each cell phone in the App.
You can also subscribe using the SchoolMessenger short code. Simply text the word, YES, to 67587. That’s it! You’ve completed the opt-in process.
Technology Department
As we continue to embrace digital learning and online engagement, it's essential to discuss the importance of our students' online presence and how we can work together to ensure a positive and safe experience.
In today's digital age, students are increasingly connected through social media, online forums, and various digital platforms. While this connectivity offers valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration, it also comes with responsibilities and potential risks.
Continue the conversation with your child using the linked resources
Student Health Services
As flu season approaches, these are some helpful resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
The Flu: What Parents Need to Know
Special Services Department
I'm Determined Resource for Families and Students You made it to the right place, we are glad you’re here. As family members, you are an important part of your student’s success no matter their age. Explore resources and events that will help you support your child along their journey. The I’m Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. Please consider using the Good Day Plan tool with your students, child, family, etc. to get to know what a good day is for each and everyone of those in your circle. The more we know, the better we become together!
Supporting Math Instruction at Home
One of the most important things that families can do to help students excel in math is to promote a math mindset. This means communicating to your student that learning is about working hard and learning from your mistakes. The resource below has helpful tips on helping your student develop a math mindset.
