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Student Spotlight
Madison Bertolino, who joined us for the first time this year as a student in our toddler program, is a second-generation GHS student. Madison’s favorite things to do at school are arts and crafts, especially painting, and singing together with Ms. Beth, learning her letters, giving hugs, and playing with her friends on the playground.
“She has this zest for life and is always excited to be at school,” says toddler program teacher Ms. Beth. “She bounds out of the car with a bright smile on her face, so happy to be here.”
Ms. Beth says Madison’s curiosity is insatiable.
“She always wants to explore new things,” says Ms. Beth. “She’s interested in what new toy we’re getting out or what the art project is. She always wants to jump in and be hands-on.”
Ms. Beth describes Madison as fearless and says she’s willing to try anything and everything. Madison is a very independent student who fit right in at GHS from day on. She’s kind to her friends and is a great leader whose behavior her peers will emulate. Madison is kind to her classmates and is very caring toward her friends.
“She jumped right into school with zeal and hasn’t looked back,” says Ms. Beth.
Upcoming Events
STEAM WEEK
Next week, we'll celebrate STEAM Week at both campuses. At the Lower Campus, students will engage in developmentally-appropriate projects that build their STEAM skills. At the Upper Campus, students will take a deep dive into the topic of their choosing in a week-long immersive experience. Options range from scuba diving and sailing to vehicle maintenance and business planning. Upper Campus students do not need to wear their school uniform during STEAM Week but clothing should be school-appropriate. There is no after-school academic support or clubs at the Upper Campus during STEAM Week.
FARM TO TABLE DINNER THURSDAY
We are excited to present our first Farm to Table dinner of the 2024-2025 school year! This student-driven, student-prepared, and student-served dinner is the culmination of the farm to table back of house and front of house STEAM Week offerings. The evening will bring the flavors of Mexico to St. John with pairings by Island Hope Wines. Join us and see why guests call our dinners "the best restaurant on St. John!" Click here to get your tickets today.
NO BUS SERVICE MONDAY
There will be no bus service on Monday, October 21. Please be sure to arrange alternate transportation for your child.
SCHOOL PICTURE MAKEUP DAY
Picture makeup day has been scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, October 29. Those who were absent on picture day will have their school photo taken. Please send in your picture orders by Friday, October 25. Contact andreamilam@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
GHS Highlights
TENTH GRADE'S FIRST HARVEST
Kudos to our tenth graders who had their first hydroponics harvest this week! The class is growing greens to help fund their senior class trip. Stay tuned for details on how you can purchase their delicious greens and support their initiative.
AUTOPISTA AMERICAS COLLEGE FAIR
The Autopista Americas College Fair came to the Upper Campus this week, giving our high schoolers the opportunity to talk with representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Central Connecticut State University, the U.S. Coast Guard, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Life University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Sports Central
KUDOS TO OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS AND VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS!
Congratulations to our middle school girls volleyball team, which ended their season with a win against Calvary on Tuesday, meaning they have gone UNDEFEATED in regular season play this year! Kudos also to our varsity boys volleyball team which won against CAHS and IEKHS this week with great serves by Nathaniel Peters, '28, Jacori Laurencin, '27, and Angel Perez, '26, and great coverage at the net with blocks and spikes by Kadeem Thomas, '26. Go, 'Cudas!
THIS WEEK'S GAME SCHEDULE
Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our Barracudas. Those who wish to travel with the team for games on St. Thomas should contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org to take advantage of the school's discounted taxi rate. Here is the schedule for the coming week:
Boys varsity volleyball
Thursday, 10/26, 3:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at IEKHS
Cross country
Thursday, 10/24, 3:30 p.m. - UVI golf course
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
STUDENTS: EARN FIVE HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE AT TRASH PICKUP TOMORROW!
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host its annual Drunk Bay trash pickup Saturday morning, October 19, at 9:00 a.m. Students who participate in the pickup will receive five community service hours. Volunteers should meet in the Salt Pond parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Friends will provide trash bags and gloves. If the pickup is cancelled due to weather, that will be announced on the Friends Facebook and Instagram pages.
V.I. EMANCIPATION COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE POETRY & ARTS COMPETITION
The Virgin Islands Emancipation Commemoration Committee is hosting a V.I. Cultural Laureate Poetry & Arts competition. This event is designed to inspire young artists and poets alike, providing them with a platform to express themselves and gain recognition for their work. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience level.
We encourage all students to participate, regardless of their experience level and welcome all ART FORMS in celebration of the arts and our traditions of literacy. Entries are due October 25, and the winners will be announced on/during the Liberty Day Celebration in November.
Click here to submit your entry.
HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS
There are several Halloween events happening on St. Thomas and St. John for youngsters to enjoy.
Castaways soccer club will host a trunk-or-treat-style event at their St. Thomas soccer field on October 26 and 27 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and will include prizes for the scariest, most creative, funniest, and best overall costume; creepiest food/drink item; and for the best booth set up by a Castaways team. Click here to register a booth.
Mongoose Junction will host its traditional trick or treat on October 31 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Trunk or treat will take place in the Cruz Bay gravel lot on October 31 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. The event will feature food and drinks, a haunted house, games, music by DJ Adonis, and more. Cash or candy donations for the event can be dropped off at Dr. Cool or Cruz Bay Watersports in Palm Plaza. To volunteer, to sign up for a trunk space, or for more information, contact dana.neil@yahoo.com.
I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON CHALLENGE ENTRIES DUE OCTOBER 30
The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources is celebrating iconic Virgin Islander D. Hamilton Jackson this month with an art project that encourages students to make a difference.
DPNR is calling on middle and high school students to participate in the art for activism project, I am David Hamilton Jackson. As part of DPNR's monthlong tribute to Jackson and his groundbreaking contributions as a journalist, labor leader, educator, and civil rights activist, the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is encouraging students to create artwork and literature that symbolize Jackson’s advocacy. The project gives students the opportunity to highlight a present-day Virgin Islander, their leadership, activism, education, or community service that exemplifies Jackson’s legacy.
Students can choose from a variety of mediums:
• Drawing a portrait or creating mixed media artwork that reflects Jackson’s impact.
• Designing digital art, animation, or photography inspired by Jackson’s fight for equality and justice.
• Writing an essay, short story, poem, or creating music that aligns with Jackson’s efforts to influence modern-day struggles for equality and self-determination in the Virgin Islands and beyond.
• Performing a monologue, spoken word, or play via TikTok or another video app, capturing the spirit of his activism.
The submission deadline for the project is October 30.
Starting on November 4, the project will be exhibited at DPNR’s forts and libraries, and also virtually. Individual prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the junior high and middle school categories, while a class prize will be awarded to high school participants.
For further information, contact the Division at 340-773-5715, ext. 7314.
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS THROUGH OCTOBER 31
Love City Pan Dragons is now enrolling new members in the band through October 31. No musical experience is required and ages 10 and up are welcome, including adults. Learn a new skill, make new friends, enjoy travel opportunities, and help keep your island's culture alive when you're part of the Pan Dragons family. To join, message the band's Facebook page, call or text 340-690-2420, email lovecitypandragons@gmail.com, or simply stop by during practice (Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the band's Cruz Bay pan yard - the green door next to the Sports, Parks & Rec center).
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