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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of March 20, 2026
- andreamilam
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Student Spotlight
This is fifth grader Kalem Hendricks’ first year as part of the GHS community. He says he likes the way our teachers teach and that students get to do fun activities in class. Kalem particularly enjoyed fifth grade’s spring STEAM Week activity, which challenged the students to engineer a prototype for an original invention.
“Kalem has blended very nicely into the fifth grade class,” says fifth grade teacher Ms. Christina. “He’s a good, loyal friend. His classmates gravitate to him because he’s an all-around good person.”
“Kalem has made some really awesome academic gains since he started at GHS,” adds Lower Campus learning strategist Ms. Lenny. “He works really hard and he always has a good attitude. He’s got an amazing work ethic and is very responsible.”
Kalem says his classmates were welcoming and that they help him with his schoolwork. PE is his favorite special because he enjoys the activities, especially capture the flag.
“Kalem is always excited to get his homework done,” says Ms. Lenny. “He keeps up with assignments and knows what’s due and when it’s due. His attitude really serves him. He’s polite and respectful with adults and is able to laugh and make jokes with his classmates.”
Kalem is a member of our elementary basketball team. In his free time, he enjoys being outside and riding bikes.
Upcoming Events
JUSTICE WATCHING: A CLOWN NOIR AT THE UPPER CAMPUS THIS WEEKEND
Students who took part in our Upper Campus STEAM Week theater offering will present, in partnership with the New England Youth Theater, Justice Watching: A Clown Noir at the Upper Campus this weekend. Shows will be on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 5:00 p.m. The shows are open to all interested community members.
SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SPRING BREAK MARCH 23-27
Gifft Hill School will be closed for spring break from March 23-27. We hope everyone has an enjoyable week!
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY APRIL 1
The next Lower Campus academic awards assembly is set for Wednesday, April 1, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll award our Lower Campus students who met their March academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of third 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. Please note that those attending the assembly may not park until after 8:30 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property.
UPPER CAMPUS SECOND TRIMESTER HONOR ROLL ASSEMBLY APRIL 2
We will recognize students who earned honor roll, high honor roll, and pride awards at our second trimester Upper Campus awards assembly on Thursday morning, April 2, at 8:20 a.m. Parents whose children will be recognized have been notified by email. We look forward to celebrating your children with you!
SCHOOL CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 3
Gifft Hill School will be closed for Good Friday on April 3, We hope everyone has an enjoyable Easter holiday!
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.
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.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
Students at the Lower Campus enjoyed deep explorations of science, technology, engineering, art, and math for our second and final STEAM Week of the school year. From the toddlers' exploration of colors to our fifth graders' creation of prototypes of their own original inventions, these activities brought an excitement to our campus and an even deeper love of learning to our students.
UPPER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
Students at our Upper Campus engaged in a wide variety of STEAM Week options this week. Our middle and high schoolers were challenged to create and host a Rastafarian-inspired dinner for nearly 40 guests or to create and stage an original play in partnership with the New England Youth Theater. Other groups explored ceramic arts, created escape rooms and scavenger hunts, learned about personal finance, and engaged in Odyssey of the Mind-style creative problem solving. It was a lively week at the Upper Campus, one that students often count among their favorite memories at GHS.
EIGHTH GRADE DENIS SULLIVAN JOURNEY
Our eighth graders and some of our high schoolers returned today from their five-day journey aboard the tall ship Denis Sullivan. While sailing between the Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra, students gained seamanship skills, enjoyed many new experiences, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We're so grateful to our generous donors who make this signature GHS experience possible!
Sports Central
NO PRACTICES OR GAMES NEXT WEEK
There will be no practices or games next week due to spring break.
SOCCER GAMES COMING UP
Our elementary soccer team has a regular season game coming up. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Elementary Soccer
Monday, March 30, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Ulla Muller at Castaways
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
KATS FUNDRAISER MARCH 21
Lime Out will host a "seven years on the sea" celebration on March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the Kids and the Sea sailing program. The event will feature live music with Moss Henry.
VINP FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL MARCH 27 AND 28
The Virgin Islands National Park will host the Folklife Festival Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Annaberg. This two-day event will showcase the cultural traditions of the Virgin Islands with a focus on Quelbe music. A shuttle service from the VINP visitors center in Cruz Bay will be available on Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m. Please see flyer below for more details.
SUPPORT THE GHS TEAM AT LIGHT UP THE NIGHT MARCH 28!
The Gifft Hill School Light Up the Night team is looking for volunteers to help run the table. We will do carnival-style games with prizes along with a USVI boat trip raffle. Below is a flyer with more details about the raffle and a QR code to purchase raffle tickets or donate to GHS's Light Up the Night team. The event takes place March 28 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and all proceeds will benefit the St. John Cancer Fund.
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.
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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