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Student Spotlight
Fourth grader Keng Fong has been part of the GHS community since his first grade year. He says everyone at GHS is nice and he enjoys our teachers’ sense of humor. Keng is a huge history buff who’s particularly interested in World War II and Napoleon, shares fourth grade teacher Ms. Laura.
“He comes in for sharing day with a write-up and a historically accurate puppet or a Lego creation, down to the correct color of feather in the figure’s cap,” she says. “He provides us with a really fun little snippet of history.”
Keng says he gravitates to history because “there’s always something new to learn.”
Ms. Laura says Keng is a very hard worker who doesn’t shy away from tasks that he finds difficult. Keng’s family is his biggest cheerleader, says Ms. Laura, who shares that Keng sometimes video chats with his sister, who’s away at college, for help with his homework.
Keng says he enjoys fourth grade because Ms. Laura always makes him laugh, and he appreciates the way she helped him tackle division, a subject he initially found difficult.
“We always get a laugh and we always learn something,” Keng says of his experience in Ms. Laura's classroom.
“Keng is dependable and brings levity to all situations,” says Ms. Laura. “He provides a good example for a willingness to be who you are, and to grow in a public manner.”
Upcoming Events
PROGRESS REPORTS COMING HOME ON WEDNESDAY
Your child's progress report will be heading your way on Wednesday. Lower Campus students will be sent home with their reports, while reports for Upper Campus students will be mailed to you. These progress reports feature insightful narratives about your child from each of their teachers, and they give you a window into areas where your child might need additional support before the second trimester closes on March 1. Upper Campus parents, if you have not received your child's progress report by the end of next week, please email maryburks@giffthillschool.org and we'll be happy to send you a digital copy.
NO BUS FEBRUARY 5
There will be no bus service on Monday, February 5. Please be sure to arrange alternate transportation for your child.
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY FEBRUARY 7
We'll award our Lower Campus students who met their January academic goals on Wednesday morning, February 7, at 8:30 a.m. at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of fourth grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend in person, as are parents and guardians of students who will be receiving reading and math awards.
HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING FEBRUARY 10
The high school homecoming dance is set for Saturday, February 10, at 6 p.m. at the Bellevue Community Center. All St. John high school students are invited to the homecoming dance on February 10. Dress is formal and tickets are $30 apiece. Those who wish to attend must have a permission slip/liability form filled out by a parent or guardian. Parents are welcome to help with set up on Friday, February 9, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. or with break down on Sunday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact Ms. Francis at francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information or to buy tickets.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE FEBRUARY 17
All St. John middle school students are invited to the Gifft Hill School middle school dance on February 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Upper Campus, hosted by our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association. The theme is Under the Stars. Tickets are $10 apiece and will be on sale during lunch periods next week. Middle school students who do not attend GHS are welcome to attend as guests of GHS students. Guest tickets may be purchased by GHS students with accompanying contact information for the guest's parents.
VALENTINE'S DAY PARENTS NIGHT OUT
The National Honor Society is hosting a Valentine's Day parents night out on February 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Upper Campus. The evening will feature a movie, pizza, crafts, and more and is open to GHS students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The cost is $20 per child. Click here to sign your child up for a night of fun!
GHS Highlights
AUCTION COMING UP MARCH 2; TICKETS AVAILABLE, DONATIONS WELCOME
Our 38th annual auction is coming up on March 2, and we are now soliciting donations for the event. From a bottle of wine for our highly coveted Wall of Wine prize to villa stays, boat trips, and Jeep rentals, there are many ways you can support our most important fundraiser of the year. Bottles of wine can be dropped off at the Upper Campus front office. To donate goods or services, please click here to fill out the donation form or return the paper form sent home with your child. Click here to purchase tickets to the event. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event go to supporting our financial aid program!
FIRST GRADERS LAUNCHING CAN DRIVE FOR GHS GIVES BACK DAY
GHS Gives Back Day is right around the corner and first grade is getting a head start on their day of service by collecting non-perishable foods for Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands. Donation boxes will be in place at both campus front offices starting today through February 8. Thanks for helping to support this initiative!
JOIN US IN OUR REACCREDITATION PROCESS!
This year, Gifft Hill School will participate in a reaccreditation process certified by the Middle States Association. There will be many opportunities for you to participate and share input as we collect data on how we are doing, set goals, and prepare for an inspection by the MSA visiting team in December 2024. Click here to learn more! One important way you can contribute feedback is by completing the digital survey found here. This is a great way for your voice to be heard. This is your school, and your feedback is valuable!
Sports Central
MIDDLE SCHOOL, VARSITY BASKETBALL GAMES COMING UP
Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our Barracudas!
Middle school girls basketball
Tuesday, 2/6, 4 p.m. - GHS vs. ARA at IEKHS
Thursday, 2/8, 4 p.m. - GHS vs. ARA at BCB
Middle school boys basketball
Saturday, 2/10, 10 a.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at BCB
Varsity boys basketball
Monday, 2/5, seven minutes after conclusion of 4 p.m. game - GHS vs. CAHS at Pine Peace
RUNNING CLUB HOSTING SATURDAY PRACTICE FOR 8 TUFF PREP
Members of running club who will be competing in the 8 Tuff Miles race are welcome to join special Saturday practices on February 3 and February 10. Check the group chat for updates on meeting times and locations.
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
FREE CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK FEBRUARY 3
The V.I. Office of Highway Safety and its team of Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will provide free car seat safety checks on Saturday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at the BMV parking lot in Cruz Bay. The team will also distribute car seats to families who do not currently have one for their child at a cost of $20. Click here to fill out the application for a new car seat. St. John applicants are asked to call 340-473-7383 after filling out the application to verify that their car seat is set aside for transport to St. John on Saturday.
Virgin Islands law requires car and booster seats for children age 8 and younger or up to 4’9” tall. These devices are proven to reduce crash-related injuries and fatalities for child crash victims. Crashes happen. Don’t let a crash test your installation skills! Be sure. Keep your child safe with a proactive car seat safety check.
