Hello Wildcat Families,

Can you feel the shift in the air? Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes a renewed energy and the final "home stretch" of our school year. April is a pivotal month for our students—a time to balance the excitement of warmer weather with the focus needed to finish the year strong.

To our Class of 2026: You are so close! This is a whirlwind season filled with milestones. Please keep a close eye on your email and the school website for "all things graduation." From cap and gown distribution to ceremony details and senior events, you won’t want to miss a single update. Let’s make these final weeks unforgettable!

SOL testing has officially begun. These assessments are a chance for our students to showcase the incredible growth they’ve made this year. To ensure your student feels confident and prepared, we encourage a focus on the "Big Three":

Attendance: Being in class every day is the best way to stay synced with lessons.

Grades: Keep checking portals and staying on top of assignments.

Remediation: If your student needs extra support, please take advantage of our remediation options. Our teachers are here to help bridge any gaps before testing day!

Thank you for your continued partnership and for making our school community so vibrant. Let's make this April our most productive month yet!

With Wildcat Pride,

Karen Black
Principal
Great Bridge High School

April 20 Cap & Gown Pictures

April 25  Saturday School

May 4 - 8 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 9 Prom

May 16  Saturday School

May 25 Memorial Day School's closed

May 30  Saturday School

June 11 & 12 Graduation practice

June 16 Graduation

June 17 Teacher Workday, No school for students

Finding that balance between "spring fashion" and "school appropriate" can be a challenge! To help our Wildcats stay focused on their studies while staying comfortable in the warmer weather, here is a quick refresher on our dress code:

Keep it Covered: Please ensure that shirts provide full coverage of the torso (no crop tops or muscle tees) and that shorts and skirts (no shorter than mid thigh) are of an appropriate length for a professional learning environment.

Headwear & Hoods: Once inside the building, we ask that students remove hats and keep hoods down. This helps us maintain a clear line of sight and enhances school security.

Footwear for Fun: With PE and outdoor activities increasing, safe, closed-toe shoes are always the best bet for active Wildcats!

Our goal is to keep the focus on the amazing learning happening in our classrooms. We appreciate your support in helping your student choose outfits that are both stylish and school-ready!

 School Board Regulation 9-33- Dress and Appearance.

At Great Bridge High School, Legacy Lives Here. The Legacy Fund celebrates our proud Wildcat tradition by inviting alumni, families, and community members to invest in the continued success of our students. Each contribution strengthens the foundation built by generations of Wildcats—supporting programs, innovation, and opportunities that ensure future Wildcats thrive. With pride in our past and purpose for our future, the Legacy Fund keeps the Wildcat spirit strong for years to come. Click HERE to contribute.

Being part of your child’s PTSA is one of the most powerful ways to support their education. By joining, you help create a stronger school community, stay connected to important updates, and advocate for positive changes that directly impact your child’s learning environment. Your involvement shows your child that education is a priority and sets a great example of how to be an active and engaged member of the community. Click HERE to join

For students, joining the PTSA provides an opportunity to have a voice in shaping their school environment, earn volunteer hours, and develop leadership skills. It’s a chance to actively contribute to events and initiatives that make a difference for their peers while building connections with teachers, parents, and staff.

Jostens will be on campus May 1st to distribute graduation caps and gowns to all Seniors who have placed their orders. Seniors, please head to Roy’s Alley during your lunch to pick yours up. This is a huge milestone we can’t wait to see you in your graduation gear!

Still need to order your Cap & Gown? To ensure your regalia arrives in time for the ceremony, please place your order through Jostens as soon as possible. 👉 Order Online Here

We have several exciting opportunities to support our students and staff while having some fun! Mark your calendars and share with family and friends to join in on the community spirit:

GB Flea Market (April 25): Ready to declutter or hunt for treasures? Reserve your spot today! Register Here

Nothing Bundt Cake Sale (April 16–24): We are excited to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week with a Nothing Bundt Cakes sale! Treat yourself or a Teacher to a delicious "Bundtlet" while supporting our school.

Order Dates: April 16 – April 24

Cost: $6.00 per cake (If paying with Cash, see Ms. Thomas during your assigned lunch. $7 if purchasing on GoFan.

Delivery: Monday, May 4 (The perfect start to Teacher Appreciation Week!) 

 Click HERE to order.

Wash Your Car for a Great Cause!

Get a "top-tier" car wash for a fraction of the price while supporting GBHS! For a limited time, you can snag a premium wash (valued up to $30) for only $10, and half of the proceeds go directly back to our school.

Plus, if we have the most code redemptions in the district, our school wins an extra $1,000 donation!

Use code: 050326

When: April 30 – May 3, 2026

Where: Miller’s, 1040 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322

Cats for a Cause- GB Pickleball Tournament (May 16): Grab a paddle and hit the courts! Whether you're a pro or a beginner, come out for some friendly competition. Click Here for Registration Info

Chesapeake Public Schools is expanding its student ID badge program to include high school students. Students will be issued a lanyard and badge holder. Each student will be issued only one badge for security purposes. Students will use their ID badge on the school bus, in the cafeteria, in the library, and with KioskVue when arriving to school late or leaving early. Click here to learn more.

Keeping our students safe is a community effort. Please review these essential safety and parking guidelines with your student to ensure a smooth daily commute.

🚲 Bike & E-Bike Safety

For students riding bikes or e-bikes to school, safety is the top priority. Please remind them to:

Wear a helmet at all times.

Follow all speed limits while on or near campus.

Stay predictable: Do not weave between cars or through active traffic.

🚗 Student Drivers

Driving on campus is a privilege that comes with high responsibility:

Observe Speed Limits: New drivers must strictly follow all posted speed limits on school grounds.

Parking Pass Accountability: Speeding or reckless driving may result in the immediate revocation of a student's parking pass.

Watch for Buses: Always yield to moving buses and stay alert in loading zones.

🅿️ Parking Permits

All student vehicles parked on campus must display a valid permit.

Cost: $25 per pass.

Policy: Parking on campus without a registered pass may lead to disciplinary action.

Note: Please visit the front office or our school website to purchase a pass and register your vehicle.

During the instructional day , any personal communication devices are expected to be turned off and away. This means that these devices should not be kept on the person or on the clothing of students during the school day. This expectation applies to ALL instructional, administrative, medical, or health-related settings including, but not limited to: classrooms, hallways, libraries, cafeterias, auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, administrative offices, clinics and during any testing environment. Please
note that this policy has been updated to include ALL spaces, and cell phones/ devices will NOT be permitted before school or during lunches in the Cafeteria. Please refer to school board policy 9-20.1 for more information.

Students are expected to attend school daily for their scheduled courses, and attendance will be taken daily.

Please note that students who miss more than NINE days in a semester course will not receive credit for the
course. 

Paws for Applause: Wildcat Spotlights

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work and leadership of our Student Council Association (SCA). Their dedication to our school community has earned them several prestigious honors this year:

"Outstanding Student Council Project Display" Award: Recognizing their creativity and excellence in school-wide initiatives.

2026 VSCA Achievement Award: A testament to their high standards of student leadership and service.

Advisory Committee Honors: A special shout-out to our three seniors who were recognized for their vital contributions and participation in the Advisory Committee.

Thank you to our student leaders for representing our school so well and for making a tangible difference on campus!

Congratulations to Mrs. Snider for being named a March "Pass the Torch" recipient!

Your hard work and commitment to the students at GBHS are deeply felt and truly appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to make our school a better place!

Congratulations to Ms. Anderson, a March "Pass the Torch" recipient! We are incredibly grateful for her hard work and dedication to keeping our students safe every day.

Her commitment to a secure environment makes a world of difference for our entire school community.

Supporting Our Students

We want every student to have the tools they need to succeed! If your student is running low on essentials like notebooks or pencils, please encourage them to visit the Counseling Office. Our supply center is open to all students in need and is replenished monthly through the generous support of the Chesapeake Educational Foundation and CPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE).

FAFSA & College Planning Updates

The 2026–27 FAFSA is now officially open! If your senior plans to attend a two- or four-year college, please complete the application using 2024 tax information.

Key Requirements & Deadlines:

FSA ID: Both the student and one parent must create an account HERE.

Deadlines: Check each college's specific priority deadline, don't miss out on available grants!

CSS Profile: Be aware that some schools require this additional form.

College Commitment Day: May 5th

Join us for a celebration featuring a special 757 celebrity guest! To participate, students must have:

A completed FAFSA.

At least one college acceptance letter.

Resources & Support

Need Help? Ms. Pugh is available to assist families with filing or reviews. Schedule a meeting via her CALENDAR.

Helpful Links: * Financial Aid Estimator

Who is my Parent Contributor?

uAspire FAFSA Checklist

Pro Tip: Even if you are using GI Bill benefits, you should still file the FAFSA to qualify for additional aid.

Be sure to check the Chesapeake Public Schools Family Updates newsletter for important information

For events throughout the community be sure to visit the City of Chesapeake Website.