GSSV Gazette

While the first week of school certainly wasn't how we planned for it to go, we have had a wonderful opening to the semester.

As part of the introductory study on the taxonomy and phylogeny of living things, senior Biology students are getting an up close and personal view of select representative species from various phyla of animals (pigs, sharks, frogs, etc). Dissections over the next few weeks during these comparative anatomy labs will help develop an appreciation for the unity and diversity of life.

This summer, Cumberland senior Glory Cubbage was selected to be a Longwood Summer Scholar. This program is a five-week summer research program for high school students interested in future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Below, Glory shares a brief recap of her experience at Longwood.

Glory Cubbage

The Longwood Summer Scholars program initially interested me because I would be able to conduct research on a topic of my choice, surrounded by various STEM professors. My experience included not only that research but also went beyond in ways I didn’t originally expect. I was able to meet new people with similar interests, make connections with Longwood staff, experience immersion in various STEM fields, and conduct hands-on labs. I was given the opportunity to work on my presentation skills outside of my school environment when we presented our research proposal posters at the end of the program, which gave me an idea of how I will present things after graduation.

The GSSV Spirit Wear Store is now open until September 30. This is a fully online store with short and long sleeve t-shirts and crew and hooded sweatshirts. We have also added a few items this year: a GSSV book bag, cup, and koozie! A small portion of the proceeds of the apparel sold will be returned to GSSV to help offset the costs of our field trips. This will only be open for September but will reopen in February. Don't miss the opportunity to purchase something and proudly support GSSV!

The Governor's School instructors will host a Senior College Night information session where we will discuss college selection, college application, FAFSA guidelines, and more. This is an optional event but is held to provide information to parents and students to aid them in planning for the next steps after high school. Please see flyers below for information for each session on each campus.

Parent Email Listserv

Mrs. Swain is in the process of creating a parent email listserv separated by grade, site, and strand. If you would like to be added to these emails to receive announcements and information not appropriate for social media, please complete this Google Form. If you cannot access this form, please email Mrs. Swain (wesley.swain@southside.edu) with your email address and child's name to be manually added.

Parent Advisory Committee

In an effort to continue the partnership and communication with our parents, we are hoping to grow our Parent Advisory Committee that will meet at least twice a year. We would like at least two parents from each participating high school to be on this committee. These parents will be the liaison between the community and GSSV. Of course, direct communication with Mrs. Swain is still always welcome if there is an immediate or private concern.

These meetings will be in-person meetings. We will also hold one joint PAC meeting where parents from both campuses will meet together to discuss the growth of the program as a whole. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete the PAC Google Form by September 15, 2024.

While GSSV is a small staff, we are dynamic! There are 9 certified instructors on staff along with an administrative assistant and director. We have over 180 years of teaching experience among us combined.

Our Christanna Campus in Alberta staff is as follows:

• Mrs. Kristen Beekwilder -- Research and Biology instructor
• Mrs. Ann Moore -- Math instructor
• Mrs. Lori Moore -- English instructor
• Mrs. Tracey Nash - English Instructor
• Mrs. Chelsea Thorpe -- Research and Chemistry instructor

• Mrs. Tara Beck -- Research and English instructor
• Mrs. Katherine Clatterbuck -- Research and Biology instructor
• Mrs. Sarah Fenwick -- Math instructor
• Mrs. Lori Moore -- English instructor
• Mrs. Leslie Poling -- Research and Chemistry instructor
• Ms. Connie Tucker -- Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Wesley Swain is the GSSV director, and she splits her time between the two campuses.

We also have many SVCC instructors who teach a class or two for us. We thank them for their willingness to teach our students so we can offer a full Associate Degree to our students.

Remember, we are here to work together to support the high schools and the students. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that arise throughout the year. We are looking for a memorable school year.

September 2 -- Labor Day - No GSSV

September 6 -- Alberta Junior Longwood Trip

September 9 -- Keysville Junior Longwood Trip

September 12 -- Alberta Senior CBF Trip

September 19 & 20 -- Keysville Outreach Event

September 24 -- Alberta Senior Planning Night

September 25 -- Keysville Senior Planning Night

September 26 & 27 -- Alberta Outreach Event

Mrs. Tara Beck -- tara.beck@southside.edu

Mrs. Kristen Beekwilder -- kristen.beekwilder@southside.edu

Mrs. Katherine Clatterbuck -- katherine.clatterbuck@southside.edu

Mrs. Sarah Fenwick -- sarah.fenwick@southside.edu

Mrs. Ann Moore -- ann.moore@southside.edu

Mrs. Lori Moore -- lori.moore@southside.edu

Mrs. Tracey Nash -- tracey.nash@southside.edu

Mrs. Leslie Poling -- leslie.poling@southside.edu

Mrs. Chelsea Thorpe -- chelsea.taylor@southside.edu

Ms. Connie Tucker -- connie.tucker@southside.edu (Administrative Assistant)

Mrs. Wesley Swain -- wesley.swain@southside.edu (Director)