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Student Spotlight
Finn Siska was a member of our toddler program and has rejoined the GHS community this year as a kindergartener. His teacher, Ms. G., says Finn is thrilled to be back at Gifft Hill.
“He arrives each day with a bright smile and a passion for learning, especially when it comes to reading,” says Ms. G.
Finn agrees that he likes to read, and he enjoys it when his grandmother, retired GHS teacher Ms. Liz H., comes to read to his class with her friend Ms. Tutu. He says he also enjoys math because “math is easy” and STEAM is his favorite special. Finn also has fun playing on the playground at school. He says Ms. G. is a good teacher.
“As a dedicated kindergartener, Finn brings great focus and enthusiasm to every activity,” says Ms. G. “It’s a joy to watch his creativity shine during centers, where he builds imaginative structures with Legos, wooden blocks, pattern blocks, and more.”
Finn says he likes playing both indoors and outdoors at home. His favorite color is red and pasta and pizza are his favorite foods.
Upcoming Events
CULTURE DAY AT UPPER CAMPUS NOVEMBER 26
Gifft Hill School's IDEA Club is proud to present Culture Day, November 26, when we invite our students to share their culture through food, music, dance, and art. Students are encouraged to dress up in traditional clothing, or colors representing their family culture, and are welcome to bring in a dish to share that's reflective of their family's culture. This can be a food that's tied to your heritage, or a beloved family recipe. The sign-up period for students who'd like to perform a dance, song, or poem is now closed.
SCHOOL CLOSED NOVEMBER 27-29
School will be closed November 27-29 for Thanksgiving recess. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful break!
NHS FOOD DRIVE KICKS OFF DECEMBER 1
The Gifft Hill School chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a food drive starting December 1. Donations of canned or non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Upper Campus front office from December 1-20. Donations will be delivered to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church once the food drive has concluded.
SECOND TRIMESTER AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS, ACADEMIC SUPPORT TO BEGIN DECEMBER 2 AT BOTH CAMPUSES
Second trimester after-school clubs are set to begin at both campuses December 2.
Sign-ups for clubs at the Lower Campus are now closed.
Clubs at the Upper Campus have limited availability. Students should sign up in the office. Clubs will begin as close to 3:15 p.m. as possible and will end daily at 4:25 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. parent pickup. Here are the Upper Campus after-school club options:
Mondays
Math academic support with Ms. V.
English academic support with Ms. Emma
Archery with Mr. D.
Wednesdays
Math academic support with Ms. Leah
Social studies academic support with Dr. Brittany
Art club with Ms. Adrienne
Thursdays
Math/science academic support with Mr. Bill
English academic support with Ms. Janet
Cooking club with Chef Parris
All interested Gifft Hill School parents are invited to attend the next Barracuda Booster Parent Association meeting, Tuesday, December 3, at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus conference room.
NOVEMBER ACADEMIC AWARDS / DECEMBER BIRTHDAY ASSEMBLY DECEMBER 4
We'll have a combined celebration for students who met their November academic goals and students who have December birthdays at our academic awards/birthday assembly on Wednesday, December 4, at 8:45 a.m. at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of first grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend, as are families of students who met their November reading and math goals and families of students who have December birthdays. 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.
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER DECEMBER 6
The Barracuda Boosters Parent Association will host a fundraiser December 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cruz Bay Beach, when everyone is invited to have their photo taken by award-winning photographer Nancy Borowick in exchange for a $25 donation. No appointment is needed for these 10-minute mini sessions and all funds raised will benefit the Barracuda Boosters.
GHS Highlights
THANK YOU, ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SIGMA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER!
We would like to extend a thank you to the Sigma Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their donation of two recycling bins and one garbage bin to Gifft Hill School. Julice Holder and Lineek Williams delivered the bins, which will further enhance our ongoing recycling efforts, on Thursday morning.
UPPER CAMPUS PHONE POUCHES
This is a reminder that all students must turn off their phones and secure them in their Yondr pouches each morning at school. Students who repeatedly arrive at school without their pouch will be required to purchase a new one for $30.
Sports Central
KUDOS, MIDDLE SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM!
Kudos to our middle school flag football team which wrapped up their season by taking second place in the Dana Richardson Flag Football Tournament on Tuesday!
FALL ATHLETE UNIFORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED
All fall sports uniforms (washed) should have been returned to Ms. Francis. Any fall athletes that still have their uniforms, please return them ASAP.
BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING NOW CLOSED
Sailing and running club/track and field are still enrolling. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information.
Sailing
Open to grades 6-12
Practice is underway and takes place Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:05 to 6:30 p.m. at the KATS facility in Coral Bay. Friday practices are open sail time for beginners.
Athletic dues are past due. 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 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
VETIVER GRASS PRESENTATION TOMORROW AT UPPER CAMPUS
In a presentation organized by Island Green Living, Dr. Laura Martin will discuss the uses of vetiver grass to improve agriculture in the Virgin Islands. This event will take place Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. at the GHS Upper Campus atrium.
SOCIETY 340 EVENT FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS MONDAY
Society 340 will host Success on the Agenda on Monday, November 25, at 4:00 p.m. for ninth and tenth graders and at 6:00 p.m. for eleventh and twelfth graders at the Cleone Henrietta Creque Legislative Conference Room. This event is aimed at helping students get better prepared for their future through information about programs, plans, and possibilities during and after high school.
PARADISE JAM STUDENT & TEACHER APPRECIATION DAYS NOVEMBER 22, 25
Students and teachers can get in to the Paradise Jam for free today and Monday. Students and teachers will also receive a $5 voucher for food and drink at the concession stand. See flyer below for more information.
FREE HOLIDAY RUNS NOVEMBER 28, DECEMBER 22
The St. John Land Sharks will host two free holiday fun runs. No pre-registration is required for either event, but participants 17 and under will need permission and a signature from a parent or guardian. The 5K Turkey Trot and one mile kids' fun run is set for Thanksgiving morning and the Reindeer Ramble 5K and kids' run will take place December 22. Both races begin at 8:00 a.m. the Annaberg parking lot.
TEEN TIME AT VIRGIN ISLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM DECEMBER 6
Youth ages 13 and up are invited to teen time at the Virgin Islands Children's Museum on Friday, December 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Teens can play games and win prizes and there will be free entry and free snacks. Scan the flyer's QR code to register or learn more.
CHILDREN'S JOLLY JOG DECEMBER 14
The Children's Jolly Jog will take place December 14 at 8:00 a.m. beginning and ending at the National Park ball field. Participants can register for free by using the QR code on the flyer below.
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 14
Love City Pan Dragons will host a holiday concert and fundraiser with a theme of Caribbean Christmas on December 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. Ronald Lee Jr. and friends will open the performance and there will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, merchandise for sale, and a 50/50 raffle. This performance is a fundraiser for the band's May 2025 trip to PANFest in Virginia Beach, Va. Seats are limited and tickets will sell out. Reserve your seat by sending $20 per person and each guest's name, phone number, and email address via Venmo @Lovecitypandragons or via PayPal to lovecitypandragons@gmail.com. Call or text 340-690-2420 for more information.
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