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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of May 9
- andreamilam
- 8 hours ago
- 8 min read
Student Spotlight
Third grader Layla Schnell joined the GHS community in pre-K. Third grade teacher Ms. Robin says Layla has a really fun imagination and takes a leadership role in the class.
“The kids look to her,” says Ms. Robin. “She’s very kind and makes sure to include people in the classroom with whatever it is she’s playing.”
Layla says she likes seeing her friends and teacher at school.
“Ms. Robin is nice,” says Layla. “People treat each other pretty good. Sometimes my classmates and I argue but then we apologize and let it be.”
Layla loves to read and “has really neat insights into what we’re reading, like why characters do what they do,” says Ms. Robin. Layla is excited about learning new things, and Ms. Robin says she enjoys the challenge of presenting Layla with new material.
Science is Layla’s favorite subject, and she says she’s enjoyed learning about birds this year through guest speakers and field trips funded by a Virgin Islands Audubon Society grant.
Outside of school, Layla takes tumbling at the St. John School of the Arts and she’s part of the Kids and the Sea sailing program in Coral Bay. In her free time, she likes to read Harry Potter books, play outside, and do crafts.
Upcoming Events
MOVIE NIGHT MAY 10
It's time for another Parents' Night Out, hosted by our Student Council. The kids will have a blast with their peers enjoying playtime on Trayser Field, board games, food, drinks, and Moana 2, and you'll get a kid-free evening. There is no need to pre-register. Simply show up at the door and pay your fee for the evening.
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING MAY 13
All interested Gifft Hill School parents are invited to attend the next Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting, Tuesday, May 13, at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus.
WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS AWARDS MAY 15
We will host our Winter and Spring Athletics Award Ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at 8:30 a.m. in the Upper Campus Atrium. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our dedicated winter and spring season athletes, recognizing their stamina, resilience, flexibility, and significant contributions to our school community. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org with any questions or concerns. PLEASE NOTE All Lower Campus students who participated in running club during the winter and/or spring season will be recognized at the May 21 birthday assembly.
GHS ALL-WHITE BASH MAY 17
All St. John high school students are invited to an all-white bash on Saturday, May 17, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. The evening will feature live music by X-Static the Band and Hunter. Tickets for GHS students are $25 and can be purchased from your student council representative. Tickets for non-GHS students who fill out this form prior to the event are $35. Tickets at the door are $40 for all attendees.
GRACE & GRATITUDE BRUNCH MAY 24
Join us for our Grace & Gratitude Brunch, an event hosted by our Farm to Table Culinary and Back of House students as a "thank you" to their parents who've supported them throughout the school year.
In addition to parents, this event is open to anyone who would like to attend! The brunch will feature a wide array of breakfast foods at various stations and buffets with elements of Caribbean cuisine.
Our Farm to Table events are run by our students. Enjoy dishes from our culinary class which showcases fresh, seasonal produce grown in our gardens and ethically, sustainably sourced local proteins on the menu. Experience exceptional service from our select group of students while mingling with residents and visitors. Click here to buy tickets by May 21.
Questions? Call Andrea at 340-776-1730 or email andreamilam@giffthillschool.org.
LOWER CAMPUS TALENT SHOW JUNE 11
Our Lower Campus talent show is set for June 11 at 9:00 a.m. Here's what students and parents need to know to help us prepare:
- Sign-ups can be done through your child's teacher. Students should start working on their act as soon as they're signed up.- The deadline to sign up and submit music if needed is May 23. Music submissions must be made to Ms. Rachael with an Apple Music or YouTube link.- Auditions will take place on May 28 to give Ms. Rachael a chance to screen the acts.- Dress rehearsal will be on June 10.
GHS Highlights
ANAIS AND SEAMUS ARE GOING TO SPACE CAMP!
Kudos to Anais Craig, '28, and Seamus O'Donnell, '26, who have both been selected to receive full scholarships to attend Space Camp 2025 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Space Camp offers students hands-on astronaut training, mission simulations, and team-building in a world-class technology, engineering, and mathematics environment. Congratulations to Anais and Seamus!
TUITION AGREEMENTS NOW PAST DUE
Tuition agreements have been emailed through the FACTS tuition management system. If you have not yet finalized your tuition contract, please do so as soon as possible. Call 340-776-1730 or email businessoffice@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
Sports Central
KUDOS TO OUR ELEMENTARY SOCCER PLAYERS!
Big congratulations to our elementary soccer team which won all four of its games this week! Beau Ramsey, '32, scored twice against All Saints with assists from Tucker Neil, '33 and Rollie Simmons, '32; three times against Antilles Blue with assists from Rollie Simmons and Tucker Neil; and once against Antilles Grey with an assist from Ollie Stone, '32. Rollie Simmons scored against All Saints with an assist from Jahslynn Clendinen, '33 and against Antilles Grey with assists from Keslyn Groetzinger, '33 and Jahmal Clendinen, '33. Nevawn Brathwaite, '32 scored against Antilles Blue three times, once with an assist from Beau Ramsey. Jahmal Clendinen scored against Antilles Blue with an assist from Ollie Stone. Ollie Stone scored against Antilles Blue with an assist from Stone Cooper, '32. And Tucker Neil scored against Castaways. Go, Barracudas!
KUDOS TO OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYERS!
Big congratulations to our middle school soccer players who won both their games this week! Knox Stone, '30 scored two goals and Colt Smith, '30, Giuliana Germain, '30, and Kyla Groetzinger, '29 each scored one goal against All Saints/VIMSIA. And in a second game against All Saints/VIMSIA, Giuliana Germain scored with an assist by Knox Stone, Kallen Payne, '29 scored a goal, and Knox Stone scored with an assist from Colt Smith. Go, Barracudas!
KUDOS TO OUR VARSITY SOCCER PLAYERS!
Although our varsity team was bested by Antilles this week, the team played a great game. Kudos to Aden Trujillo, '27 for playing a great defensive game as center back.
SOCCER GAMES NEXT WEEK!
The soccer game schedule for the coming week is below. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our players. Good luck and go, Barracudas!
Elementary
May 19-23 - playoffs, days/times/locations TBA
Middle School
Tuesday, May 13, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at GHS
Friday, May 16, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at Antilles
May 19-23 - playoffs, days/times/locations TBA
Varsity
Tuesday, May 13, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMSIA at IEKHS
Saturday, May 17, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. CAHS at IEKHS
RUNNING CLUB STILL OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS
Running club is still open to students in grades kindergarten through 12. Practices take place on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lind Point Trail. GHS will transport students to the trail. Pickup is at the VINP visitors center pavilion. Those who haven't signed up should see Ms. Francis to do so.
RUNNING CLUB TRAILBLAZERS RACE MAY 17
Running club will host a trailblazers race on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 a.m. Registration is at 6:45 a.m. with a post-race party from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The route will follow the Lind Point loop starting and finishing at the VINP visitors center, with runners going around the hill rather than up the stairs. Runners will sign waivers and St. John Rescue will be on call.
RUNNING CLUB TRAILBLAZERS RACE MAY 17
Running club will host a trailblazers race on Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 a.m. Registration is at 6:45 a.m. with a post-race party from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The route will follow the Lind Point loop starting and finishing at the VINP visitors center, with runners going around the hill rather than up the stairs. Runners will sign waivers and St. John Rescue will be on call.
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
VINP SEEKING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR PAID SUMMER JOBS; APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 15
The Virgin Islands National Park is looking for students age 15 to 18 for summer work through the park's Youth Conservation Corps program. The application deadline is May 15.
Participants will get paid to work, learn, and gain leadership skills. No prior experience is needed. YCC engages young people in meaningful work experiences at national parks and other public lands, while developing an ethic of natural resource stewardship and civic responsibility.
The YCC session dates for Virgin Islands National Park are June 16 August 1. Participants work on a variety of projects, like trails maintenance and repair, natural resource conservation, and visitor outreach and education. The pay is $15 per hour for a 32-hour work week. More information about the application process is available on the YCC website.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR POWER SWIM MAY 25
Volunteers are needed for the Friends of VINP Joe Kessler's Beach to Beach Power Swim on Sunday, May 25. Volunteers can help on land with beach setup, registration, timing, and lunch/prizegiving, or on the water in boats, kayaks and SUPs. Anyone interested in helping should contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org. High school students who volunteer will earn community service hours.
CASTAWAYS SOCCER SUMMER CAMP
Castaways will host three weeks of soccer summer camps, one for ages 7 to 11 and two for ages 8 to 17. Please see flyer below for more details.
SUMMIT STEM FELLOWSHIP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Summit STEM Fellowship is a virtual summer fellowship empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM. Open to rising 9th-12th grade students, the fellowship aims to identify top students around the world and connect them with mentors from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and other top institutions, to explore different opportunities and career pathways in STEM. The fellowship is a flexible 10-15 hours/week commitment, allowing students to participate alongside other summer activities. Two sessions are offered: June 23-July 11 and July 14-August 1. The fee is $875 and financial aid is available. Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information and the program application, please visit www.summitstemfellowship.org. For questions, please email info@summitstemfellowship.org.
UVI ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS INSTITUTE TAKING APPLICATIONS UNTIL MAY 30
The University of the Virgin Islands' Entrepreneur Business Institute is a free summer program for rising tenth graders through 12th graders that will take place July 6-19. Students will live on campus for two weeks and will be provided with the opportunity to enjoy a pre-college experience and learn about the challenges and advantages of entrepreneurship. Students will engage in team exercises to improve their team-building and project management skills, and will experience mentorship from successful business leaders. Participants will receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the program. Scan the flyer's QR code for more information or to apply.
WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL OFFERING SUMMER PROGRAMS
World Ocean School, which runs the Denis Sullivan program that all GHS eighth graders are fortunate to take part in, offers summer programs for students ages 12-19.
Program at a Glance:
Summer Ambassador Program (Ages 12-15) August 1-8, 2025
Advanced Summer Ambassador Program (Ages 16-19) August 17-26, 2025
No sailing experience required – just curiosity and a willingness to grow!
See flyer below for more details.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR FRIENDS SUMMER TRAIL CREW
The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park summer trail crew work opportunity, which runs from June 9 to August 1, is now open for applications. This paid opportunity is open to those ages 15 to 18. Work consists of maintaining hiking trails and historic sites, working in the Friends nursery, and learning about kayaking, boating, traditional uses of plants, marine ecosystems, and more. Click here to apply online or see Ms. Burks at the Upper Campus front office for an application.
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