Teacher Spotlight
Eleventh grader Lillian Richardson joined the GHS community last year as a tenth grader. She came to us from a small community in Tennessee that she says has the same tight-knit feel as GHS and St. John. Lillian has many kind things to say about our teachers.
“They are really awesome because they know how to get the kids to interact and participate,” says Lillian. “They’re accepting of students who learn in different ways and will teach you in the way you need so you can learn what you need to know.”
Eleventh grade adviser Ms. Rashida says Lillian pursues topics she’s interested in with great energy.
“She goes deep into her research and will come tell you everything she’s learned,” says Ms. Rashida. “Her work ethic is very good.”
“The minute she starts doing something of interest to her it’s like a light switch flips on,” adds Upper Campus English teacher Ms. Emma. “She’s so excited and committed to the task. She loves researching topics she’s interested in.”
Lillian is very talented when it comes to language and is a confident presenter.
“She writes and speaks quite beautifully,” says Ms. Emma.
Lillian says English and history are her favorite subjects. She was inducted into the National Honor Society this year and plans to join our soccer team in the spring. In her free time, Lillian enjoys being out in nature, collecting sea glass, and reading.
Upcoming Events
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETINGS NOVEMBER 5, 6
All interested Gifft Hill School parents are invited to attend the next Barracuda Booster Parent Association meetings, Tuesday, November 5, at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus conference room and Wednesday, November 6, at 4:30 p.m. at the Lower Campus great room. Supervision will be provided at the Lower Campus playground for children of parents who attend. The same topics will be covered at each meeting, which are offered during different times of the day to accommodate everyone's schedules. Contact barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org for more information.
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS NOVEMBER 6
The next Lower Campus academic awards assembly of the year is set for Wednesday, November 6, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll recognize our Lower Campus students who met their October academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of fifth 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.
SHOWCASE NIGHT NOVEMBER 7
Join us for our annual Showcase Night, where families can visit their children's classrooms to see what they've been working on and mingle with other GHS families over a potluck dinner. The classroom visit portion of the evening will take place from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., with the potluck happening from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. The Lower Campus potluck will take place in the Great Room and the Upper Campus potluck will be at the kitchen patio. Families with children on both campuses can choose which campus potluck they'd like to attend.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS HALLOWEEN FUN
Lower Campus students had a great time yesterday with our Halloween celebrations! The costume parade, moved indoors due to inclement weather, was as adorable as always. Big thank you to our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association who volunteered their time to decorate the Lower Campus and to create, set up, and lead Halloween-themed games and activities.
UPPER CAMPUS HALLOWEEN FUN
Our Upper Campus students spent the afternoon celebrating Halloween with a costume contest, Halloween Jeopardy, and a trip through a spooky haunted house. Thank you to our student council for bringing the Halloween fun yesterday!
Sports Central
FLAG FOOTBALL ALL-STAR GAME TBD
The middle school flag football all-star game, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed. The new date will be announced once it's been set. Kudos to Fox Fryman, Kallen Payne, Armani Pickering, Trevor Tyrell, and Nathan Wheatley for earning spots on the all-star team!
FALL ATHLETE UNIFORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED
As the fall sports season wraps up, all athletes should return their washed uniforms to Ms. Francis.
WINTER SPORTS NOW ENROLLING
Our winter sports teams are now enrolling. Keep an eye out for info on basketball and cheerleading clinics for third to fifth graders. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information.
Boys basketball, middle school and varsity
Open to grades 6-12
Practice begins November 5 and will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Peace basketball court
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 8. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Girls basketball, middle school and junior varsity
Open to grades 6-12
Practice begins November 12 and will take place Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the Lower Campus green top and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus basketball court
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 14. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Coed cheerleading
Open to grades 6-12
There will be an informational meeting for interested students this Wednesday during lunch in the cafe
Practice begins November 18 and will take place Mondays from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 22. 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, with no practice on 10/29, 10/31, or during the Thanksgiving break.
November practice locations will include Susannaberg, Hawksnest, and possibly Trunk or Cinnamon Bay. Athletes should bring a towel and swimsuit for a chance to cool off in the water with supervision on beach days.
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
WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL ENROLLING FOR WINTER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
World Ocean School is enrolling for its Winter Ambassador Program, set for December 27, 2024 to January 3, 2025. Students age 16 to 19 are welcome to set sail aboard the Denis Sullivan in a program that begins and ends in St. Croix. No knowledge of sailing is required. Scholarships are available. See flyer below for more information.
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