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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of March 6, 2026
- andreamilam
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Student Spotlight
Kindergartener Calliope Woods has been part of the GHS community since she joined the toddler program in 2022. Kindergarten teacher Ms. G. says Calliope is compassionate and thoughtful.
“She often notices when a classmate needs help and offers quiet support,” says Ms. G. “She’s a truly understanding and empathetic student.”
Calliope says she likes Ms. G. because she’s nice and good at teaching. Calliope especially enjoys learning math, and she’s currently very into reading. Dr. Seuss is her favorite author. She likes her classmates because they’re good at sharing toys, and Spanish is her favorite special “because it’s fun,” says Calliope.
“Calliope is a model student who consistently listens carefully, follows directions, and gently encourages her classmates to do the same,” says Ms. G. “She works independently and demonstrates strong skills, especially in reading.”
Ms. G. says Calliope is a shining example of kindness and responsibility in the kindergarten classroom. Calliope’s confidence has grown this year and she’s adapted well to having her own desk and managing her school supplies and materials.
“She’s incredibly observant and aware of what’s happening around her,” says Ms. G.
In her free time, Calliope says she likes to go to the beach with friends and family, and play blocks with her mom and dad.
Upcoming Events
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 AUCTION TODAY!
Today is the big day, when more than 200 community members will come together in support of Gifft Hill School and our financial aid program, which keeps a GHS education accessible to families across our community. Tickets are sold out, but you can still get in on the fun by bidding on our silent auction items. The silent auction closes at 7:00 p.m. AST on Saturday, March 7, so be sure to get your bids in on time!
We are so grateful to everyone who's supporting our event this year, especially our sponsors, Caribbean Solar, Caribbean Villas of St. John, Holiday Homes, Kinsella Marine, and Trayser Construction. Every dollar raised helps support the rigorous, experiential education we offer to about 40% of the island's school-aged children, 65% of whom are able to attend GHS thanks to financial aid.
SCHOOL CLOSED MARCH 9
Gifft Hill School will be closed to students on Monday, March 9, for a teacher workday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
FARM TO TABLE DINNER MARCH 19
Our culinary program will host its final Farm to Table dinner of the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. This final dinner will present Rastafarian-inspired cuisine and the event is open to all community members. Seats are limited and ticket sales will close March 10. Not only is the food served at our Farm to Table dinners consistently delicious, but our culinary and front of house students always knock it out of the park when it comes to delivering an elegant evening that will leave you impressed by their skills and pleasantly sated. Come see for yourself why our guests call this event "the best restaurant on St. John!" Click here to purchase your tickets today.
GHS Highlights
LC ACADEMIC AWARDS
Thank you to our first graders for introducing this month's student attribute, curiosity, at our Lower Campus academic awards assembly this week! Students who are seen displaying this attribute are recognized by their teacher and Lower Campus Principal Ms. Rachael.
SECOND ISSUE OF THE GIFFT HILL PRESS RELEASED
Students in the second trimester high school journalism elective released the second issue of our student newspaper, The Gifft Hill Press, this week. Kudos to Kyla Groetzinger, '29, and Kallen Payne, '29, for their hard work on this issue! Click here to see the issue in full.
Sports Central
KUDOS TO OUR 8 TUFF RUNNERS!
Congratulations to our students who participated in 8 Tuff Miles last weekend, and extra thanks to our volunteers who manned the race's first water station in Lower Pastory. Below is a list of GHS students who ran and their times:
Kallen Payne, 1:05:49
Tucker Neil, 1:27:25
Jahmal Clendinen, 1:27:32
Zacharius Wilson, 1:32:21
Aksel Tarr, 1:32:25
Emma Johnson, 1:32:27
Harper Neil, 1:32:28
Kyla Groetzinger, 1:35:58
Nevawn Brathwaite, 1:36:23
Ollie Stone, 1:36:24
Seamus O'Donnell, 1:52:13
Margaret Pokorny, 1:55:37
Emilie O'Born, 1:57:06
Livv Holford-Kauffman, 1:57:55
Sophie Schnell, 1:59:08
Cooper Leroux, 2:03:57
Abu Abdulai, 2:04:03
Renee Tarr, 2:05:29
Keslyn Groetzinger, 2:08:20
Fox Fryman, 2:09:00
Vivian Guidi, 2:09:37
Kailani Moore, 2:21:00
Hazel Rooney, 2:22:11
Zoe Williamson, 2:25:30
Greer McCoy, 2:33:14
Hayes King, 2:33:40
Leaf Cooper, 2:33:45
Harbor York, 2:33:46
Samantha McNamara, 2:33:47
Siena Mathenia, 2:35:04
Banks Batten, 2:35:22
Empress Caesar, 2:38:16
Olivia O'Born, 2:53:23
NO SPORTS PRACTICES FRIDAY
All sports practices are cancelled for today, Friday, March 6, as we prepare for our auction on Saturday at Trayser Field.
SOCCER GAME THIS WEEK
Our elementary soccer team has regular season games in the coming week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Elementary Soccer
Friday, March 13, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints 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
GREAT MANGROVE CLEANUP MARCH 14
UVI, in partnership with DPNR and CBCC, will host another annual Great Mangrove Cleanup event on St. John Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Coral Bay. Since 2018, these community cleanup events have removed more than 26 tons of marine debris from mangrove forests across the territory. Last year, 70 volunteers helped to remove 6,048 lbs of garbage from this site. Please consider joining this cleanup to help preserve our mangrove forests. This is also a wonderful opportunity to earn community service hours for your participation in this effort. Please register using this link.
UVI-NASA PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 16
The University of the Virgin Islands is pleased to announce the UVI–NASA Physics and Engineering Pre-College Summer Institute, a one-week residential summer camp designed for high-achieving USVI students with an interest in physics and engineering.
The program will run from June 28 – July 4, 2026, on the UVI St. Croix campus. This immersive experience will provide students with hands-on exposure to the engineering design process, an understanding of engineering careers, and insight into how physics supports engineering disciplines. Participants will engage directly with UVI professors, current UVI students, and practicing USVI engineers.
Program highlights include:
On-campus housing and meals provided
Travel provided for students from St. Thomas and St. John
Limited enrollment of 15–20 students
Eligibility for students rising to grades 9–12
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
To apply, students must:
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
Submit a 250-word essay explaining their interest in participating
Complete the mandatory application via the QR code on the flyer
Provide a letter of recommendation from an academic reference
The essay and letter of recommendation must be emailed to michael.francois@uvi.edu with the subject line: NASA Camp. Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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.
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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