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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of November 14, 2025
- andreamilam
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Student Spotlight
Tenth grader Nhtalya Jacobs has been part of the GHS community since third grade. She says that Gifft Hill is a welcoming and safe place.
“The teachers really care for their students a lot,” says Nhtalya. “They look out for their students and they want to help us succeed and thrive.”
Nhtalya says she also appreciates the tight-knit, family-like relationships that she and her classmates have formed with one another.
Tenth grade advisor Ms. S. says Nhtalya always checks in on her classmates and makes sure they feel included.
“She asks insightful questions and takes very good notes,” says Ms. S. “She truly takes the time to understand the material. She holds herself to that high standard.”
Nhtalya’s diligence paid off this year, when she was inducted into the GHS chapter of the National Honor Society.
Nhtalya says math is her favorite subject because she likes the way Ms. S. teaches and the subject comes to her naturally. During fall STEAM Week, Nhtalya participated in our Front of House offering.
“It’s a different opportunity and it will help me when I go to work in an actual restaurant,” Nhtalya says.
Nhtalya is part of our JV flag football, varsity girls volleyball, and varsity girls basketball teams. Outside of school, she’s a member of the Love City Pan Dragons. In her free time, Nhtalya says she enjoys reading, cooking, and baking.
Upcoming Events
NHS CHARITY DRIVE CONTEST
The GHS chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a charity drive through the month of November. Whichever class brings the most items to donate (see flyer for suggestions) by December 1 will win a pizza party.
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING TUESDAY
All GHS parents and guardians are invited to the next Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting on Tuesday, November 18, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus. Please contact barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org with questions.
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISER TUESDAY
Everyone is invited to come out for 10-minute mini photo sessions with Nancy Borowick of Love City Photo on Tuesday, November 18, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cinnamon Bay Beach. Sessions are offered for a suggested donation of $25 to $50. All funds raised will support our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association.
LOWER CAMPUS NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY
We'll celebrate November birthdays at our monthly Lower Campus birthday assembly Wednesday morning, November 19, at 8:45 a.m. in the Lower Campus Great Room. 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. Parents and guardians of first grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend, as are parents of students with November birthdays.
GHS Highlights
CULTURE DAY
The many threads of culture, heritage, and tradition represented by our student body came together to form a beautiful tapestry reflecting the rich diversity of the Gifft Hill School community at our Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Club's Culture Day this morning. From a vibrant potluck to music and dance performances to language lessons to cultural dress and flags repping our students' heritage, it was a truly beautiful celebration of who we are as a community. Thank you to IDEA Club co-advisors Ms. V. and Chef Parris, and IDEA Club members for hosting this wonderful event!
SECOND TRIMESTER LOWER CAMPUS CLUBS
Second trimester Lower Campus club offerings have been sent home with students. Please see details below. Second trimester clubs will begin at the Lower Campus on December 1.
SECOND TRIMESTER UPPER CAMPUS CLUBS, HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Second trimester Upper Campus electives and clubs will begin on December 1. High school students chose their electives this week. Please click here to review high school elective options. After-school clubs are open to middle and high school students and are offered at no cost. Students should see Ms. Margaret in the front office to sign up. Please click here to review after-school club options.
GHS FAMILY FEEDBACK SURVEY
As the end of the first trimester approaches, we would love to hear how you feel the year is going. Ms. Liz has created a simple form to provide an easy way for you to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback helps us reflect on our practices and encourages us to do more of what you love, and gives us a chance to explain things that don't make sense to you. The more specific you can be (yes, please use names and give examples!), the more useful your comments will be.
Please click here to complete the English version of the survey, o aqui para completar la version en Espanol.
Sports Central
LOWER CAMPUS WINTER SPORTS OFFERINGS
Below you'll find information on the sports we're offering our Lower Campus students for the winter season. Registration and dues are $100 per season and are due Monday. We do not want any motivated student to miss out on sports because of financial concerns. Please contact Ms. Francis at francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information about scholarships or for general questions regarding athletics.
Basketball is open to students in grades 3-5. Practices take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Lower Campus green top. Players should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Track & field is open to students in grades 3-5. Practices take place Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Trayser Field and various locations. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Running club is free of charge and open to students in grades 1-5. Practices take place Fridays from 3:15-4:30 at Trayser Field and various locations across the island. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
UPPER CAMPUS WINTER SPORTS OFFERINGS
Below you'll find information on the sports we're offering our Upper Campus students for the winter season. Registration and dues are $100 per season and are due November 17. We do not want any motivated student to miss out on sports because of financial concerns. Please contact Ms. Francis at francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information about scholarships or for general questions regarding athletics.
Basketball is open to students in grades 6-12. Practices take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45-6:45 p.m. at the Pine Peace court for varsity and 4:45-5:45 p.m. for middle school. Players should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Track & field is open to students in grades 6-12. Practices take place Thursdays and Fridays from 3:15-4:30 p.m. at Trayser Field and various locations. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Running club is free of charge and open to students in grades 1-5. Practices take place Fridays from 3:30-4:30 at Trayser Field and various locations across the island. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Junior varsity sailing is open to students in grades 6-12. Practices take place Tuesdays from 3:00-6:30 p.m. at KATS and the Upper Campus, with an optional practice on Mondays. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
Varsity sailing is open to students in grades 9-12. Practices take place Mondays from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at KATS and the Upper Campus. Participants should come with a water bottle and sneakers.
CHEERLEADING MEETING DECEMBER 3
Students in grades 6-12 who are interested in cheerleading will have an informational meeting with Coach Banen on Wednesday, December 3, in her classroom at lunch.
JV FLAG FOOTBALL GAME TUESDAY
Our JV girls flag football team, which is currently undefeated, will play BCB on Tuesday, November 18, at 4:00 p.m. at our own Trayser Field. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on the team, which has already won against Antilles 36 to 8 and CAHS/Lockhart 7 to 0. Go, 'Cudas!
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
MOSAIC PROJECT CELEBRATION NOVEMBER 15
The community mosaic project honoring the Virgin Islands March will be celebrated in an event on Saturday, November 15, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas. Guests are invited to see the mosaics, listen to the Virgin Islands March performed by Sing St. John's Ocama Youth Choir, and enjoy some light refreshments. Those who would like to attend should RSVP to Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org or 340-779-4940.
WATER WARS FAMILY FUN DAY NOVEMBER 16
A water wars family fun day is set for Sunday, November 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Caneel Bay Beach Club at Honeymoon Beach to raise money for Cruz Bay Christmas Town. The event will feature games, food, and prizes. There will be a shuttle to the beach every 15 minutes. To donate, contact Carissa at 340-344-6984.
DISNEY'S HERCULES CAST MEMBER TO TEACH MASTER CLASS DECEMBER 3
Lamoi Leon, currently a member of the cast of Disney's Hercules, will teach a master dance class for ages 8-16 at the St. John School of the Arts on December 3 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. The class is $10 per person. Please call the arts school at 340-779-4322 to sign up.
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