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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of October 10, 2025
- andreamilam
- 55 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Student Spotlight
Toddler program student Ayza Pickering “brings everyone joy,” says toddler teacher Ms. Beth.
“Ayza comes bounding onto the playground every morning with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye,” says Ms. Beth.
Ayza has done well with settling into the routine of being at school. She’s excited to try whatever activities the day brings, and especially enjoys painting.
“She takes her time and takes pride in her work,” says Ms. Beth.
Ayza is friendly and kind to her classmates, and she models for them how to make good choices.
“Ayza is a great listener,” says Ms. Beth. “She’s very respectful and uses her manners. She’s enthusiastic, energetic, and excited to learn.”
Ayza enjoys puzzles and the water table, and she loves music and singing songs.
Ayza says she likes school and that Ms. Beth makes her happy. She shares that she likes playing outside and she likes her friends at school. When she’s not at school, Ayza says she plays with her sister and brothers, and she enjoys swimming and going to the beach.
Upcoming Events
NO SCHOOL/PARENT CONFERENCES OCTOBER 13
Gifft Hill School will be closed to students on Monday, October 13, in honor of Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Friendship Day. Progress reports will be distributed to parents on this day during parent conferences. At the Lower Campus, conferences are by appointment, and at the Upper Campus, conferences are offered on a drop-in basis. Parents of Upper Campus students should feel free to come by between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to meet with your child's teachers. Parents who are unable to attend conferences are encouraged to connect directly with your child's teacher(s) for an update on your child's progress.
LOWER CAMPUS OCTOBER BIRTHDAY ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY
We'll celebrate October birthdays at our monthly Lower Campus birthday assembly Wednesday morning, October 15, 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 fourth grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend, as are parents of students with October birthdays.
UPCOMING UC STUDENT ORGANIZATION EVENTS
In-school events will be hosted by our various Upper Campus student organizations in the coming weeks. Here's what is coming up:
Tuesday, October 14: Student council invites students to wear pink to school in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donations for the privilege of dressing down are not necessary but are appreciated. All funds raised will be donated to the St. John Cancer Fund.
Friday, October 17, during lunch: Student council bake sale benefiting the St. John Cancer Fund.
SCHOOL PICTURE MAKEUP DAY OCTOBER 17
Students who did not get their individual photo taken on picture day last month will have the opportunity to sit for a photo on the morning of Friday, October 17, at the Upper Campus. Lower Campus students who need to have their picture taken will be transported to the Upper Campus for photos in the GHS van. As a reminder, students may wear an outfit of their choosing for their individual photos. Please contact andreamilam@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
FARM TO TABLE DINNER OCTOBER 23
Join us for our first Farm to Table dinner of the 2025-2026 school year and see why guests call our dinners "the best restaurant on St. John!" This dinner will bring the flavors of New Orleans to St. John with wine pairings from Island Hope Wines. Our Farm to Table dinners are run by our students. Enjoy dishes from our culinary class which showcases fresh, seasonal produce grown in our gardens and ethically, sustainably sourced proteins on the menu. Experience exceptional service from our select group of students. Seats are limited! Click here to purchase your tickets today.
GHS Highlights
VI FIRE & EMS VISIT
Thank you to our St. John firefighters who visited our Lower Campus this week! Our students were thrilled at the opportunity to explore the fire trucks and operate their horns and sirens.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Our Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Club ushered in Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant celebration at the Upper Campus this week. The event featured traditional foods from across Hispanic cultures such as frijoles negros, arroz rojo, ropa vieja de pollo, churros, flan, coquito, and morir soñando, along with Latin music and talking points highlighting Hispanic and Latinx heritage. Thank you, IDEA Club, for a fun and festive event!
SCHOOL PICTURE ORDERS ARE HERE!
School picture orders were sent home with students this week. Please contact andreamilam@giffthillschool.org with any questions or concerns.
Sports Central
SPORTS COMPETITIONS THIS WEEK
Our volleyball, flag football, and cross country teams all have competitions in the coming weeks. Home games are denoted with an asterisk. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Cross Country
Thursday, October 16, 3:30 pm. - UVI golf course
Middle School Girls Volleyball
Tuesday, October 14, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Canes at Antilles
Thursday, October 16, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. JESS at Trayser Field
Varsity Girls Volleyball
Friday, October 10, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. CAHS at IEKHS
Saturday, October 11, 11:15 a.m. - GHS vs. All Saints at IEKHS
Tuesday, October 14, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. CAHS at IEKHS
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Friday, October 10, 5:15 p.m. - GHS vs. IEKHS at IEKHS
Wednesday, October 15, 5:00 p.m. - GHS vs. CAHS at Antilles
Thursday, October 16, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMPSGIA at Trayser Field
TRICK OR TROT RACE OCTOBER 26
Gifft Hill School's running club will host a Trick or Trot kids' race on Sunday, October 26, at 5:00 p.m. in Fish Bay. Runners will complete a two-mile course. Runners age 4 and under will participate in a "Mini Monster Dash." A $10 donation to GHS for participation in the race is appreciated! Please see flyer below for registration information. High schoolers are invited to earn community service hours by volunteering at this event. Contact emmajohnson@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
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
FLU SHOTS HAVE ARRIVED AT ISLAND HEALTH & WELLNESS
Island Health & Wellness has received its shipment of flu vaccines, which can be administered to everyone age 6 months and up. The cost is $50 for those who are able to pay. The vaccines are free for those facing financial hardship. To make an appointment to get your flu shot, call 340-714-4270.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MARCH & VIGIL
The Family Resource Center will host a Domestic Violence March & Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 p.m. in Cruz Bay. This event is open to the public.
MOSAIC PROJECT CELEBRATION
The community mosaic project honoring the Virgin Islands March will be celebrated in an event on Saturday, October 18, 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 by October 13.
OCEAN WEEK BEACH CLEANUP
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host a beach clean-up in honor of Ocean Week on Saturday, October 18, at 9:00 a.m. at Drunk Bay. Volunteer should meet in the Salt Pond parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and the cleanup is expected to be completed by noon. It's recommended that volunteers wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water. Friends will provide bags and gloves. High schoolers who volunteer will receive five hours of community service.
TRUNK OR TREAT OCTOBER 31
Trunk or Treat will take place on Friday, October 31, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the gravel lot in Cruz Bay. Kids of all ages are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. To sign up to include your trunk in this event, email dana.neil@yahoo.com. Donations of cash or candy for the event can be dropped off at the Dr. Cool or Cruz Bay Watersports office, both at Palm Plaza.
YOUTH FINANCE SUMMIT NOVEMBER 8
Eighth and ninth graders are invited to register for the Pathway to Purpose Youth Finance Summit set for Saturday, November 8, at the University of the Virgin Islands. This free one-day summit will focus on learning about money skills through games, activities, and real-life simulations. There will also be a financial focused Q&A session with St. Thomas native Aliyah Boston, a forward for the Indiana Fever. Register by using the QR code in the flyer below. Registration closes October 18.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY NOVEMBER 9
High school students have the opportunity to earn community service hours by volunteering with the Animal Care Center of St. John's spay/neuter event on Saturday, November 9, at Our Place in Coral Bay. There are six openings for students to volunteer from around 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. cleaning and disinfecting the surgery space, as well as breaking down tables and chairs and resetting the area. Two adults will be supervising. Those interested should contact Robyn Payne at 340-774-1625 or info@stjacc.org.
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