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Student Spotlight
First grader June Smith joined the GHS community as a pre-K student. First grade teacher Ms. Melisa says June is known for going out of her way to assist others.
“June is a kind, helpful, and spirited student,” says Ms. Melisa. “She approaches every task with a strong work ethic, giving her best effort in everything she does.”
June says she thinks GHS is “really fun” and she likes the way our teachers and students treat one another.
“Ms. Melisa is very kind,” says June.
Math is June’s favorite subject because “when I do it, I can learn new things,” and PE is her favorite special because “it can make you feel stronger.”
Ms. Melisa says June is a dedicated and supportive student.
“Whether it's helping a classmate with a problem or staying focused on her work, June consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to the classroom community,” says Ms. Melisa. “Her fun, energetic spirit brings joy to the class, and her kindness and dedication make her a pleasure to have around in first grade.”
In her free time, June says she loves to play with her cousin and she enjoys going out to dinner with her family.
Upcoming Events
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER THIS AFTERNOON
The Barracuda Boosters Parent Association will host a fundraiser December 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cruz Bay Beach, when everyone is invited to have their photo taken by award-winning photographer Nancy Borowick in exchange for a $25 donation. No appointment is needed for these 10-minute mini sessions and all funds raised will benefit the Barracuda Boosters.
NEW ADDITIONS TO UPPER CAMPUS CLUB OFFERINGS
An open gym club hosted by Coach Emma every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. gives students the opportunity to work out on their own or to see Coach Emma for guidance. This club started yesterday and will continue weekly.
The communication arts club hosted by Ms. Banen every Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. beginning December 11 will combine aspects of journalism and theater to form an entertainment news program via traditional broadcast journalism, sketch comedy, podcasting, and newspaper. Students will get hands-on experience in creating, writing, performing, and editing content to educate and entertain the student body.
Students should sign up in the front office.
HIGH SCHOOL WINTER FORMAL TOMORROW
Student council will host a high school winter formal this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus. Tickets can be purchased from any student council member or at the door. High school students who do not attend GHS are welcome to the dance as a guest of a GHS high school student.
UPPER CAMPUS FIRST TRIMESTER HONOR ROLL AWARDS DECEMBER 12
We will celebrate our students who earned a place on the honor roll or high honor roll and students who earned character awards for the first trimester on Thursday, December 12, at 8:20 a.m. in the Upper Campus atrium. Parents of students who will be recognized have been emailed directly.
There will be no after-school clubs or academic support at the Lower Campus on Friday, December 13, when we're treating our teachers to a staff appreciation sunset sail, or on Friday, December 20, to give teachers time to prep their classrooms for the holiday break.
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP OPEN TO ALL ST. JOHN FAMILIES DECEMBER 17
Gifft Hill School will host a college financial aid workshop open to all St. John families on Tuesday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the GHS Upper Campus conference room. This workshop will offer practical guidance on assessing your eligibility for different types of aid, understanding the difference between loans, grants, and scholarships, and how to get as much support as possible. Families of high school juniors and seniors in particular will benefit from the information shared including types of aid, who qualifies, the FAFSA, and the total cost of attending college vs. the net price. Pre-registration is not required. Those who wish to attend by Zoom should use meeting ID 871 915 8703 and password GHS.
GHS Highlights
ACADEMIC GOAL REWARD
We celebrated our Lower Campus students who met their November reading and/or math academic goals this week, and two winners were chosen at random from each class — one who met their reading goal and one who met their math goal — to enjoy a special treat of Irie Pops. Thank you to Will and Laura at Irie Pops for helping us celebrate our students' academic success!
MIDDLE STATES VISIT
We had a wonderful visit this week from a visiting team of educators representing the Middle States Association, our accrediting agency, as they collected evidence to verify that we meet their standards for excellence in schools. Preparing for this visit gave us the opportunity to reflect on the many ways we equip our students to engage meaningfully in their classrooms, lead within the school, and contribute to community groups addressing real-world challenges. We thank all our stakeholders, from students to parents to faculty, for their participation in the reaccreditation process and we look forward to sharing the Middle States team's report with you as soon as it's available. In the meantime, here's an excerpt from their report summary:
"The one word that the visiting team heard as the stakeholders described the school climate was 'family.' Students, parents, staff, administrators, and board members all used this word to describe the relationships that have been developed within this school's community. The visiting team witnessed the very caring nature of the faculty from the toddler program all through the grades. The staff knows all the students and you can see these interactions throughout the day."
Sports Central
BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING NOW CLOSED
Sailing and running club/track and field are still enrolling. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information.
Sailing
Open to grades 6-12
Practice is underway and takes place Mondays and Thursdays from 3:05 to 6:30 p.m. at the KATS facility in Coral Bay. Friday practices, also from 3:05 to 6:30 p.m., are open sail time for beginners and will begin after winter recess.
Athletic dues are past due. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Running club/track and field
Open to grades 3-12
Running club will continue on an open enrollment basis. Practices will take place on Thursdays going forward.
Track and field meets will begin in January.
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
DROP OFF YOUR LETTERS TO SANTA TODAY!
Letters to Santa are being accepted through today with the help of the Rotary Club of St. John. Letters can be dropped off at the Tap Room, Dazey Drive In, Julius E. Sprauve School, or with the Dynamic Dancers.
TEEN TIME AT VIRGIN ISLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM TODAY
Youth ages 13 and up are invited to teen time at the Virgin Islands Children's Museum on Friday, December 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Teens can play games and win prizes and there will be free entry and free snacks. Scan the flyer's QR code to register or learn more.
CHILDREN'S JOLLY JOG DECEMBER 14
The Children's Jolly Jog will take place December 14 at 8:00 a.m. beginning and ending at the National Park ball field. Participants can register for free by using the QR code on the flyer below.
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 14
Love City Pan Dragons will host a holiday concert and fundraiser with a theme of Caribbean Christmas on December 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. Ronald Lee Jr. and friends will open the performance and there will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, merchandise for sale, and a 50/50 raffle. This performance is a fundraiser for the band's May 2025 trip to PANFest in Virginia Beach, Va. Seats are limited and tickets will sell out. Reserve your seat by sending $20 per person and each guest's name, phone number, and email address via Venmo @Lovecitypandragons or via PayPal to lovecitypandragons@gmail.com. Call or text 340-690-2420 for more information.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 21
Sun Dog Cafe will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to share their Christmas list with Santa and to get pictures taken with Saint Nick.
FREE HOLIDAY RUN DECEMBER 22
The St. John Land Sharks will Reindeer Ramble 5K, a free fun run, on December 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Annaberg parking lot. No pre-registration is required, but participants 17 and under will need permission and a signature from a parent or guardian.
FREE LIFEGUARD TRAINING TO BEGIN JANUARY 11
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host a free lifeguard training for ages 16 and up beginning January 11. Those who enroll in the course will be paid $24/hour during training. In exchange, the Friends asks that attendees participate in its Learn to Swim program at least five times over the course of the year. The course will take place January 11 and 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cinnamon Bay and testing will take place January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at a location that's yet to be determined. Those who cannot test on January 13 can do so on the evening of January 12. For more information or to sign up, email tmurza@friendsvinp.org.
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