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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of November 21, 2025
- andreamilam
- Nov 24
- 7 min read
Student Spotlight
First grader Lundin Cope has been part of the GHS community since pre-K. She says that first grade teacher Ms. Melisa is “the best teacher.”
Ms. Melisa says that Lundin is a bright and enthusiastic student who brings joy and energy to every school day.
“She is highly motivated and approaches all tasks with focus and determination,” says Ms. Melisa. “Lundin listens carefully and follows directions with ease, setting a positive example for her classmates.”
Lundin’s kindness is evident in the way she treats her friends, Ms. Melisa adds. Lundin is supportive, caring, and always ready to help. Her natural leadership skills make her someone others look up to.
“She guides her peers with warmth and confidence,” says Ms. Melisa. “She has a fun, expressive personality and a genuine love for learning. Whether she’s tackling a new challenge or practicing a skill, Lundin works hard on self-improvement and always greets each opportunity with a bright smile.”
Lundin says she loves Ms. Melisa so much.
“She makes me feel happy because she smiles at me and I smile at her,” says Lundin. “She’s good at helping with spelling words and reading.”
Lundin says PE is her favorite special because Coach Emma is kind and she enjoys running around. Lundin also likes her classmates for their friendly nature.
“I like that they are kind to me and sometimes they help me spell some things,” she says.
Outside of school, Lundin plays soccer and tennis. In her free time, she enjoys making drawings of her family and going to the beach to swim and look for sea turtles.
Upcoming Events
FIRST TRIMESTER GRADES CLOSE TODAY
Today is the last day of the first trimester. The second trimester begins December 1, and first trimester report cards will be distributed December 5.
SCHOOL CLOSED NOVEMBER 24-28
School will be closed November 24-28 in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable break!
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING DECEMBER 2
All GHS parents and guardians are invited to the next Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting on Tuesday, December 2, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus. Please contact barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org with questions.
LOWER CAMPUS NOVEMBER ACADEMIC GOALS ASSEMBLY DECEMBER 3
The next Lower Campus academic awards assembly is set for Wednesday, December 3, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll award our Lower Campus students who met their November academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of third, fourth, and fifth grade students, who will present a choir encore 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.
NHS CHARITY DRIVE CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 19
The GHS chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a charity drive through December 19. Whichever class brings the most items to donate (see flyer for suggestions) by the deadline will win a pizza party.
FRESH ORGANIC MICROGREENS FOR SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY
The Class of 2027 will be selling fresh organic microgreens every Wednesday after school at the Upper Campus. Microgreens are $5 a bag. Proceeds raised will help fund the class's senior trip.
GHS Highlights
FIRST ISSUE OF THE GIFFT HILL PRESS IS RELEASED!
Students in our high school journalism elective were excited to release Vol. 1, Issue 1 of The Gifft Hill Press this week. Through interviewing, reporting, writing, and editing, students learn core journalism skills while telling the stories of our school. Each issue highlights student perspectives, campus happenings, and stories that matter to our school community. Read the current issue by clicking here.
KINDERGARTENERS TOUR CORAL BAY ORGANIC GARDENS
As part of our kindergarten class's series of field trips to study the natural features of St. John, the class toured Coral Bay Organic Gardens this week. Students harvested fresh lettuce to bring home, toured the farm, and visited with Josephine. Thank you to parent Nancy Borowick for documenting the day!
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
KUDOS, JV GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM!
Congratulations to our JV girls flag football team, which finished their season undefeated by winning against BCB 41 to 0! Go, 'Cudas!
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. Those who are interested in playing should turn in their dues and registration forms ASAP, as the deadline has passed.
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 $15 per day and open to students in grades K-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. Those who are interested in playing should turn in their dues and registration forms ASAP, as the deadline has passed. There will be no middle school or varsity girls basketball team due to low interest.
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 6-12. 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. Second trimester sailing will resume at the start of the second trimester. Registration forms and dues should be turned in by December 1.
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. Registration forms and dues should be turned in by December 1.
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.
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
YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE NOVEMBER 22
Youth ages 10-14 are invited to a Youth Leadership Institute hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sigma Theta Omega and Rho Omicron Chapters on Saturday, November 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. See flyer below to learn more, including how to apply.
FREE HOLIDAY FUN RUN THANKSGIVING DAY
St. John Landsharks will host a free holiday fun run or walk on Thanksgiving day at 8:00 a.m. starting at the Annaberg parking lot. The event will feature a 5K Turkey Trot and a one-mile kids' fun run. No pre-registration is required. Participants are asked to bring a donation of dog or cat food to benefit the Animal Care Center of St. John. See flyer below for more details.
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS TO PERFORM NOVEMBER 28
The Love City Pan Dragons will kick off the holiday season with a free live performance at Mongoose Junction on Friday, November 28, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The band will be selling merchandise including t-shirts, CDs, and insulated cups. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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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