.png)
Barracuda Bulletin: Week of October 24, 2025
- andreamilam
- Oct 27
- 7 min read
Student Spotlight
Second grader Rennard Prentice, who goes by RJ, has been part of the GHS community since preschool. Second grade teacher Ms. Sammy says RJ is consistently happy to be at school.
“He’s a genuinely positive, kind, considerate boy,” says Ms. Sammy. “He has amazing sportsmanship and he’s a very hard worker.”
RJ asks thoughtful questions and always does his best work with enthusiasm. His reading has skyrocketed in the last year.
“He’s someone his classmates go to for comfort, because they know he’ll be consistently kind and helpful to them,” says Ms. Sammy. “He’s really great at balancing being silly and having fun while doing what he’s supposed to be doing.”
RJ says he’s enjoying having Ms. Sammy as a teacher again, as she taught him during pre-K.
“She’s good at math, and good at teaching me math,” says RJ.
RJ says he likes to read books about lightning and narwhals, along with the Dog Man and Captain Underpants series. He says math is his favorite subject. RJ enjoys spending time with the second grade’s buddies — the class has been paired with both pre-K and 11th graders, and RJ says he likes his time with pre-K because he likes “being the big kid.” RJ also enjoys seeing his baby sister at school. PE is his favorite special.
In his free time, RJ plays soccer with Castaways, and with his dad on Trayser Field.
Upcoming Events
HALLOWEEN BY THE SEA: TWO SHOWS THIS WEEKEND
Students who participated in our theater STEAM Week offering will present an original play in collaboration with the New England Youth Theatre this weekend. Shows are tonight at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 5:00 p.m. These family-friendly performances are free and open to the public, but donations for admission are welcomed!
SCHOOL PICTURE MAKEUP DAY IS NOW OCTOBER 28
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 Tuesday, October 28, 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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HALLOWEEN CRAFTS AT LC
The Barracuda Boosters Parent Association is seeking volunteers to help with the Halloween craft fair at the Lower Campus. Volunteers are needed to help set up the great room on Saturday, October 25, from 8:00-10:00 a.m., on Friday, October 31 to help run the activities, and on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, November 1, to help break down. To sign up to volunteer, please email barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org.
LOWER CAMPUS HALLOWEEN PARADE OCTOBER 31
At this beloved annual tradition, our Lower Campus students will parade around the green top in their Halloween costumes while parents and Upper Campus students watch from the ramp. All GHS families are welcome to attend. Please note that those attending the parade 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.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
Our Lower Campus students did developmentally appropriate deep dives into the topics of science, technology, engineering, art, and math during our first of two STEAM Weeks this week! From studying the five senses to learning about pushes, pulls, motion, and force, and exploring animals and their habitats, our students engaged in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that brings each concept to life. These deep dives into STEAM subjects enhance the Gifft Hill School experience by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity, helping our young learners make real-world connections while having fun exploring the world around them.
UPPER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
Our Upper Campus students dove into an exciting week of STEAM exploration, combining hands-on learning with real-world experiences. From hosting a New Orleans-themed five-course dinner and putting on an original play to studying physics through watersports and learning the intricacies of Dungeons & Dragons, students explored creativity, strategy, and science in action. They also tackled engineering challenges, earned scuba certifications, grafted fruit trees, and developed leadership skills through engaging with female leaders in the community. Additionally, one of our seniors who's interested in diesel engines within the marine and ground transportation industry worked with Varlack Ventures through an externship. These immersive experiences expand our students’ horizons, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence across a wide range of disciplines.
Sports Central
VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Best of luck to our number one-ranked varsity boys volleyball team as they enter playoffs next week! They will play the second or third place team in the league on Thursday, October 30, at 5:15 p.m. at IEKHS. Go, 'Cudas!
SPORTS COMPETITIONS THIS WEEK
Our flag football and cross country teams have competitions in the coming week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Our last middle school flag football home game of the season is set for Monday, October 27. Go, Barracudas!
Cross Country
Thursday, October 30, 3:30 pm. - UVI golf course
Middle School Flag Football
Monday, October 27, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. BCB at Trayser Field
Tuesday, October 28, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints at Lionel Roberts
Middle School Girls Volleyball
Saturday, October 25, 2:00 p.m. - GHS vs. JESS at VIMSIA
Varsity Girls Volleyball
Saturday, October 25, 12:15 p.m. - GHS vs. IEKHS at IEKHS
Monday, October 27, 5:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at IEKHS
TEAM PHOTOS ON TUESDAY!
Fall sports team photos will be taken this week. Varsity teams will have their photo taken on Tuesday, October 28, during lunch and our middle school teams will have their photo taken on Wednesday, October 29. Student athletes should come to school in your regular uniform and change into your team uniform for the photos, which will be taken at lunch.
GIRLS-ONLY FLAG FOOTBALL GAME NOVEMBER 1
The Bull and Bread Tournament is set for Saturday, November 1, in Frenchtown. There will be a girls-only flag football game for interested female athletes in grades 6-10. Any girls who are interested should sign up with Ms. Francis to attend practice on Tuesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 30.
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.
TUTU PARK MALL HALLOWEEN JAMBOREE OCTOBER 25
There will be a Halloween jamboree at Tutu Park Mall on Saturday, October 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will include entertainment, music, games, a costume parade, trick-or-treating, and spooky guests.
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.
JOHNNY LIME HAUNTED HOUSE NOVEMBER 1 TO BENEFIT KATS
Johnny Lime will host a haunted house and Halloween party on Saturday, November 1, at 5:30 p.m. The evening will include live music and a kids' costume contest. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit KATS.
KATS NEW SEASON TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 1
The Kids and the Sea program in Coral Bay Harbor kicks off Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The program is open to children ages 8 and up. For more information, see flyer below. Contact info@katsvi.com for a registration form.
FALL FEST NOVEMBER 8
The annual Fall Fest is set for Saturday, November 8, from noon to 7:00 p.m. in Cruz Bay outside the Pelican Post. The event will feature food vendors, plant vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment by DJ Adonis.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY NOVEMBER 8
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 8, 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.
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.
Comments