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Teacher Spotlight
Though Chef Parris comes to us with a wealth of culinary experience, this is her first year working as a teacher. She’s risen to the challenge beautifully, says Upper Campus Principal Ms. McGuire.
“It’s one thing to be a chef, and it’s quite another to be able to teach those skills to kids ranging in age from 2 to 18,” says Ms. McGuire. “She has done a really good job of integrating herself and looking for opportunities to get students excited about working in the kitchen.”
Chef Parris was born and raised in Mesa, Ariz. Her love of cooking came from time spent with her aunt, who enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. Chef Parris attended Le Cordon Bleu in Arizona and worked in restaurants while earning her associates degree in culinary arts. Her first professional gig was at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, where she worked in catering and learned more about the business side of the culinary industry. At age 29 in 2016, she left Arizona for a job at Caribbean Fish Market on St. Thomas. After the 2017 hurricanes she returned to Arizona, then came back to the Virgin Islands in early 2020 to take on the role of chef de partie at Necker Island. She moved up to a role in procurement and sustainability before realizing she wanted something more.
“Working in high-end private island culinary is often demanding,” she says. “I really wanted something more rewarding. I saw the GHS job posting and the fact that the school has gardens and that the students are getting out in nature drew me in. I love a lot of the real-world skills the school is teaching to help make the world a better place.”
Chef Parris says she developed relationships with and an appreciation for local fishermen and farmers while working at Necker Island that helped solidify her belief in sustainability.
“There’s so much beauty in the world and we need to take care of it,” she says. “I learned about agriculture and how hard the farmers work. I’m always buying from local farmers, fishermen, and shops first. It starts with everybody doing the small things.”
Chef Parris has a natural approach to teaching, says Ms. McGuire.
“She listens to the students’ ideas about food,” says the Upper Campus principal. “The students are learning next-level skills. We have elementary students using knives to learn different cuts and our older kids are learning things like how to make hollandaise sauce. She’s working toward zero waste in the kitchen, with the compost she makes being used in our gardens.”
Chef Parris’s children, Empress in first grade and Orin in second grade, joined the GHS family as well this year.
"The school's values align with mine, and I am very excited for my kids to be here," says Chef Parris.
Upcoming Events
THEATER SHOWS THIS WEEKEND
Gifft Hill School and the New England Youth Theater are proud to present Post-Apocalyptic Cabaret, an original play created by the students in our STEAM Week theater class. Students are involved in directing the play as well as the tech, acting, costumes, music, and set design of the production. Showings will take place today at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus atrium. There is a suggested donation of $5-10 per person, but no guest will be turned away.
HALLOWEEN PARADE THURSDAY
Parents are welcome to join us for our annual Halloween parade at the Lower Campus green top on Thursday at 8:45 a.m., when students will parade around in their costumes. Parents should park at the Upper Campus main parking lot or gravel lot to be shuttled to the Lower Campus by GHS staff beginning at 8:30 a.m. The shuttle will depart from the Upper Campus main parking lot. Lower Campus parking is reserved that morning for Barracuda Boosters parents who are setting up craft day in the Great Room.
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.
SHOWCASE NIGHT NOVEMBER 7
Join us for our annual Showcase Night, where families can visit their children's classrooms to see what they've been working on and mingle with other GHS families over a potluck dinner. The classroom visit portion of the evening will take place from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., with the potluck happening from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. The Lower Campus potluck will take place in the Great Room and the Upper Campus potluck will be at the kitchen patio. Families with children on both campuses can choose which campus potluck they'd like to attend.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
From making slime to building castles in the clouds to designing and building structures made of mini marshmallows and toothpicks, our Lower Campus students did a deep dive into all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math this week. Developmentally-appropriate projects helped our students develop their STEAM skills in fun and creative ways.
UPPER CAMPUS STEAM WEEK
During STEAM Week at the Upper Campus, students took a deep dive into the topic of their choosing in a week-long immersive experience. Students sailed, went scuba diving, learned vehicle maintenance, explored the science of flight, prepared and hosted an elegant four-course dinner for 60 guests, and created business plans, a play, and a school newspaper. It was a busy week in which students sharpened their STEAM skills while learning important life skills and exploring potential career fields. We'll do it all again during our second STEAM Week of the year in March!
Sports Central
GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS!
Good luck to our middle school girls and varsity boys volleyball teams as they have their final playoff games on St. Thomas starting this weekend! Our middle school girls team is heading into the playoffs undefeated. 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:
Middle school flag football
Monday, 10/28, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints at GHS
Wednesday, 10/30, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. BCB at Antilles
WINTER SPORTS NOW ENROLLING
Our winter sports teams are now enrolling. Keep an eye out for info on basketball and cheerleading clinics for third to fifth graders. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information.
Boys basketball, middle school and varsity
Open to grades 6-12
Practice begins November 5 and will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Peace basketball court
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 8. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Girls basketball, middle school and junior varsity
Open to grades 6-12
Practice begins November 12 and will take place Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the Lower Campus green top and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus basketball court
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 14. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Coed cheerleading
Open to grades 6-12
Practice begins November 12 and will take place Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus
Athletic dues must be turned in by November 14. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Running club
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 on 10/29, 10/31, or 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.
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
V.I. EMANCIPATION COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE POETRY & ARTS COMPETITION ENTRIES DUE TODAY
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 today, October 25, and the winners will be announced on/during the Liberty Day Celebration in November.
Click here to submit your entry.
KIDS AND THE SEA REGISTRATION DAY OCTOBER 26
Kids and the Sea is getting ready to begin for the 2024-2025 season. Those interested in joining should attend registration day on Saturday, October 26, at 9:00 a.m. at the Coral Bay dinghy dock. KATS official day of sailing and seamanship will be November 2. For more information, contact info@katsvi.com.
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).
WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL ENROLLING FOR WINTER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
World Ocean School is enrolling for its Winter Ambassador Program, set for December 27, 2024 to January 3, 2025. Students age 16 to 19 are welcome to set sail aboard the Denis Sullivan in a program that begins and ends in St. Croix. No knowledge of sailing is required. Scholarships are available. See flyer below for more information.
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