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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of April 3, 2026
- andreamilam
- Apr 6
- 6 min read
Student Spotlight
This is seventh grader Amia Smith’s sixth year as part of the GHS community. She says she appreciates the way our teachers challenge their students.
“I like that I can ask Ms. S. math questions and she explains it in a way I can understand,” says Amia. “I get free hugs from Ms. Banen which makes my day better, and I can ask Ms. Francis questions about Virgin Islands history and I get accurate answers.”
Amia possesses a quiet determination and a subtle sense of humor, say seventh grade co-advisors Ms. Banen and Mr. Corey.
“She’s a calming presence among her classmates,” says Ms. Banen. “She’s really good about making people feel comfortable and she's a very supportive friend.”
“Her thoughtful personality always shines through,” adds Mr. Corey. “She works hard, stays focused, and puts in genuine effort. She’s a true joy to have in class.”
Amia says her classmates are funny and sweet, and they treat one another respectfully. Social studies is her favorite subject because it challenges her, and STEAM is her favorite elective. Amia often chooses the theater option during STEAM Week because she enjoys acting.
“She’s a fantastic performer,” says Ms. Banen. “She surprises me each time with her passion for it and her ability to embody her character.”
Amia is part of our after school singing club with Ms. Rashida. In her free time, she enjoys calling her friend Leanna to play Roblox, going to the beach and the playground, and getting ice cream.
Upcoming Events
GHS SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION TO BEGIN APRIL 6
Gifft Hill School's Summer Adventure Camp will begin accepting registrations on April 6. The fee is $300 per week and children ages 4 and up are welcome to join. Please see flyer below for more information.
UPPER CAMPUS SPIRIT WEEK APRIL 6-10
Students at the Upper Campus will celebrate Spirit Week next week, with a different theme each day. Students are invited to dress in each day's theme in clothing that is school-appropriate.
GHS GIVES BACK DAY RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 8
Gifft Hill School Gives Back Day has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 8. If you previously signed a permission slip for your child's Gives Back Day activity and their activity has not changed, this permission will carry over to the April 8 event. Please contact your child's teacher/advisor with any questions or concerns.
RE-ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DUE APRIL 5; DEPOSIT AND SIGNED AGREEMENT DUE APRIL 12
Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year opened March 1. We value your family and we are grateful for the trust you place in us to educate your children. If your child is already enrolled at Gifft Hill School, you should have received an email on March 1 with the link to complete your re-enrollment. If you are applying for financial aid, please complete that at the same time. We give current students one month to re-enroll before we begin filling open seats in each grade level, so be sure you complete re-enrollment and submit your financial aid application by April 5! To hold your spot, your tuition deposit must be paid and your agreement signed by April 12. Families that miss this deadline will be given consideration for remaining seats in the class alongside new applicants. Please keep in mind that current GHS families must be in good standing in order to re-enroll. Please contact businessoffice@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
2025-2026 YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY; DEADLINE APRIL 15
2025-2026 yearbooks are now available for pre-order. This year's book features portraits and interesting tidbits of every student and teacher, class themes chosen by the students, fun candids of sports and other activities, and much more! A limited amount of books will be ordered, so be sure to pre-order yours today by bringing $30 cash or check made out to Gifft Hill School to either campus's front office.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY
Kudos to our third graders for sharing their Learn to Swim experience at our March academic awards assembly this week! Third grade spent STEAM Week working with Friends of Virgin Islands National Park's Learn to Swim program, and each student shared what they accomplished during these lessons.
UPPER CAMPUS HONOR ROLL/CHARACTER AWARDS ASSEMBLY
Congratulations to this group of students for rising to the challenge and earning a spot on honor roll and high honor roll during the first trimester! Congratulations also to those who received character awards, also pictured below, at Thursday's assembly.
IN MEMORY OF BECKY WARD
Gifft Hill School mourns the loss of Becky Ward. Not only was Becky the mother of our fifth grade student, Hazel Rooney, but she was also our first toddler program teacher. In that role, she helped lay the foundation for a program rooted in warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for our youngest learners. Her energy, patience, and dedication to early childhood education shaped an environment where children felt safe, seen, and inspired to explore the world around them.
Becky’s legacy will continue to live on in the toddler program she helped build, and in the many students whose earliest school experiences were guided by her care and compassion.
We will honor Becky with a memorial planting at the Lower Campus. Details to follow. Additionally, we will compile a memory book for Hazel. Becky played a meaningful role in the early development of many children on St. John, both through her time at GHS and through the playgroups she led prior to joining our school community. We warmly encourage you to share this opportunity with others who may hold special memories of her. Please send photos, stories, and remembrances of Becky to andreamilam@giffthillschool.org.
Sports Central
SOCCER GAMES COMING UP
Our varsity soccer team has regular season games coming up. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Varsity Soccer
Tuesday, April 7, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at Antilles
Thursday, April 9, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMPSGIA at Antilles
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
HEADING EAST EASTER EGG HUNT APRIL 5
Heading East, managed by a GHS alum and owned by a family with ties to GHS, will host its fourth annual Heading East-er Eggstravaganza on Sunday, April 5, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The event will feature an egg hunt with more than 4,000 eggs, games, music, fun prizes, and a special appearance by the Easter bunny.
CBYC FLOTILLA & CHILI COOK-OFF TO BENEFIT STJ YOUTH SAILING ON APRIL 11
The Coral Bay Yacht Club will host a flotilla and chili cook-off on April 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the KATS rigging area on the beach behind the Coral Bay fire station. In addition to the chili competition, there will be a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and live music. For more information call Dave at 340-643-2630.
V.I. DEPT. OF LABOR SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Virgin Islands Department of Labor is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program is now open!To be eligible, applicants must complete this form, be between the ages of 16-25, and upload all supporting documentation (listed below). In an effort to match applicants with their desired occupation and/or field of study, VIDOL staff request that customers complete the Career Interest section of the application carefully. To ensure that VIDOL staff will be able to contact you, please confirm the accuracy of your phone number and e-mail address before submitting your application. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS APRIL 17, 2026.
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency Status (Passport, Birth Certificate OR Permanent Resident Card)
Proof of enrollment in High School/College, Basic Education or Adult Continuing Education (Report Card, Diploma or Degree)
Valid Picture ID (School or Driver’s License)
Resume (if available)
Important Note: All required documents must be submitted by April 17, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions or additional information, please contact Youth Services.
AEROSPACE CAREER EDUCATION ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals' Aerospace Career Education Academy, set for June 22-26, is now enrolling. The program is open to students ages 12-18 who are interested in aircraft systems and components and aircraft repair. The cost is $175 per student. See more information and learn how to register below.
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