Recent News

Laura Bradlee, the school’s Director of Outdoor Education, recently made a significant impact at a professional development gathering held at Shalom Farms. This event brought together a diverse group of outdoor, environmental, and alternative educators from across the Richmond area, creating an invaluable opportunity for networking, skill sharing, and professional growth.

As part of the gathering, Ms. Bradlee co-presented a session titled “Helping Students Make Interdisciplinary Connections and Bridging the Gap Between Field and Classroom” alongside Josh Bearman, the Program Director at Blue Sky Fund. Their presentation focused on innovative strategies for connecting outdoor education with classroom learning, emphasizing the importance of cross-curricular integration.

During her presentation, Ms. Bradlee outlined various topics and strategies implemented at GSES that foster meaningful outdoor learning experiences. This approach not only enhances students' education but also fosters a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. By integrating outdoor education with traditional academic subjects, the school aims to foster a learning environment that enables students to thrive both academically and personally.

The session garnered enthusiastic engagement from attendees, including GSES outdoor educator Acorn Hanrahan, who recognized the critical role that outdoor and environmental education plays within the larger educational landscape. Ms. Bradlee’s insights echoed the school's commitment to nurturing students' curiosity and respect for nature, while also preparing them for the challenges of the future.

GSES is dedicated to supporting the development of outdoor education, not only within its curriculum but also as a vital part of the broader educational dialogue. The school is proud to have Ms. Bradlee as a representative in discussions that shape the future of education in our community. Her involvement with other educators strengthens the collaboration necessary to enhance learning experiences for students, preparing them to be informed and responsible citizens.

The event was further enriched by the ongoing support of Shalom Farms, an organization dedicated to increasing access to healthy food and fostering community engagement. Its partnership with GSES highlights the importance of collaboration among educational institutions and community organizations to achieve common goals.

This gathering not only fortified existing relationships within the educational community but also inspired educators to explore new ways to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Good Shepherd Episcopal School is excited about the possibilities that arise from these collaborations and looks forward to seeing the positive impacts on the lives of its students.

We are proud to announce that GSES has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as a Virginia Naturally School for the 2024–2025 school year. This honor is the Commonwealth’s official recognition program for environmental education, acknowledging schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental literacy, stewardship, and hands-on learning.

This recognition reflects the numerous ways our teachers have embraced and integrated environmental education throughout the curriculum. Each week, students across the grade levels participate in immersive outdoor education experiences, learning within Forest Hill Park and the James River Park System. They also engage in field-based partnerships with organizations such as Shalom Farms, Capital Trees, and Friends of Forest Hill Park, where they contribute to conservation efforts and trail maintenance projects. Student leadership plays a key role as well: the majority of Middle School students participate in our Eco Club, which leads recycling, sustainability, and outreach initiatives. This year, a new Eco Club Junior will extend those opportunities to our younger students as well.

Learning continues beyond the school year through summer camps focused on gardening, conservation, and environmental leadership. Students also have opportunities to connect their learning to the future through an ecological careers assembly, where professionals in forestry, arboriculture, and environmental science share their experiences and inspire the next generation of stewards. Behind all of these efforts is the dedication of our faculty, who continue to deepen their training in outdoor and place-based education to bring fresh, engaging experiences to their classrooms.

This recognition affirms what we see every day: our students aren’t just learning about nature—they are leading in its care. We are proud of our teachers, our students, and our community for making this honor possible.

Learn more about the Virginia Naturally Schools program here: dwr.virginia.gov/education/school-recognition

Last month, we joyfully celebrated the graduation of our 8th graders. Many of these students have been a part of the Good Shepherd community since Kindergarten, and their heartfelt speeches reflected the deep connections and memories they’ve built over the years.

Ms. Brook honored each graduate with meaningful and witty alliterative tributes, capturing the unique character and spirit of every student. The ceremony also featured a nostalgic slideshow showcasing moments from their classroom experiences and outdoor adventures throughout their time at GSES.

Next year, our graduates will take the next step in their academic journeys at a variety of outstanding high schools, including Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, Open High School, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, and Trinity Episcopal School.

We are incredibly proud of each of our graduates and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish in high school and beyond.

GSES hosted its very first Eco Careers & Tree Families Assembly this past Wednesday, and it was an incredible success! The event kicked off with a few of our 8th grade Eco Club members sharing an inspiring quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They went on to explain the concept of “green jobs” — careers that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment — and introduced our special guests, who are all professionals dedicated to working outdoors and protecting natural resources.

Students, grouped in their tree families, rotated around four different “career stops” set up on the blacktop. At each stop, they had the chance to hear firsthand about the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of various outdoor careers. The beautiful weather made the experience even more enjoyable, creating the perfect setting for students to connect with nature while learning about potential career paths.

We were incredibly grateful to have such knowledgeable and passionate guests with us, including Kathleen Ogilvy from the Virginia Department of Forestry, who spoke about forest management and conservation. Tyler Twyford from the Department of Parks & Recreation (JRPS) shared insights into maintaining public parks and promoting outdoor activities. Diego Riffle from Virginia State Parks discussed the importance of preserving state parks and encouraging public engagement with natural spaces. Finally, Scott Turner and Aiden Stewart from True Timber captivated students with their experiences in wildlife management and sustainable practices.