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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of September 11, 2026
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
Dear Gifft Hill School Families, Students, and Faculty,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
As we begin a new school year, there is much to celebrate, including the fact that Gifft Hill School is beginning this year with our highest enrollment in school history.
This milestone is a reflection of the growing recognition within our community of the value of a Gifft Hill School education and of the important role our school plays in meeting the educational needs of St. John’s families. As our community evolves, so do we. We continue to listen, adapt, and expand opportunities for our students, always with the goal of providing an education that is responsive to the needs of our island while preparing young people for an ever-changing world.
Of course, growth comes with responsibility. As more families place their trust in us, we remain committed to ensuring that the qualities that make Gifft Hill School special — our sense of connection, our care for one another, our island-based approach to learning, and our belief in knowing and supporting every student — remain at the heart of all that we do.
I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff, whose dedication makes this education possible; to our families, whose partnership strengthens our school; and to our students, who bring curiosity, energy, and joy to our campuses each day. Most of all, I am grateful for the community that continues to believe in what Gifft Hill School can be and what it can contribute to the future of St. John.
Here’s to a remarkable year ahead, and to continuing to grow, learn, and serve our community together.
Upcoming Events
COMING UP NEXT
Sep. 14-18: MAP testing window (grades K-12)
Sep. 23: Lower Campus August & September birthday assembly
Sep. 24: Lower Campus school picture day
Sep. 25: Upper Campus school picture day
Oct. 1: National Honor Society induction
Oct. 7: In-school PSAT (11th grade) and
SAT (12th grade)
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY SEPTEMBER 24, 25
School picture day is coming up, and picture order forms will be distributed next week. Picture day will take place on Thursday, September 24, at the Lower Campus and Friday, September 25, at the Upper Campus. Students may wear a school-appropriate outfit of their choosing for their individual picture, and should wear the GHS uniform for their class picture.
Please reach out to andreamilam@giffthillschool.org with any questions about picture day.
GHS Highlights
THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR HAS BEGUN!
The 2026-2027 school year is off to a great start! It was such a joy to see students engaging in learning, helping one another, and happily reuniting with their schoolmates this week. It's going to be another wonderful year at GHS!
PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF REMINDERS
This is a friendly reminder that adhering to our drop-off and pick-up procedures will make for a smoother process for us all.
Drop off: Parents/guardians should follow the prescribed traffic flow (uphill for Lower Campus and staying left around the circle for Upper Campus) and pull into the “kiss and ride” lane. Please DO NOT PARK, whether in our parking lot or across the street, when dropping off or picking up your child. Following the prescribed flow of traffic (southbound on Gifft Hill Road) helps us ensure a safe and smooth process for all families and faculty. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE LOWER CAMPUS. Drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m. If you arrive earlier than this, please wait in the drop-off line with your child in the car until a staff member comes to retrieve them. While you may see students in the great room earlier than 8:00 a.m., these are children of faculty or bus riders who arrive early.
Pick-up: The afternoon pick-up window is 3:00-3:15 p.m. for K-12 and 3:15-3:30 p.m. for ELC. Please continue to follow the prescribed traffic flow (uphill for Lower Campus and staying left around the circle for Upper Campus) and pull over into the “kiss and ride” lane to collect your child. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE LOWER CAMPUS.Thank you for helping us facilitate an efficient drop-off and pick-up experience for all our families!
INTRODUCING A NEW LOWER CAMPUS ASSEMBLY FORMAT
This year, based on parent feedback, we are trying something new!
Monthly academic awards assemblies will be even more student-centered, emphasizing personal goal setting, celebrating academic achievement, learning more about the attributes that make up GHS Pride, and supporting peers as they grow. Parents and other family or friends who would like to watch these assemblies are invited to tune in to the livestream broadcast on the GHS Facebook page, but in-person attendance will be limited to our Lower Campus student body.
Monthly birthday assemblies, during which we celebrate what makes each child uniquely special, will look and feel much the same. Parents, family, and friends of children being recognized are invited to attend this assembly in person. But don't worry if you can't make it in person; we will livestream these too!
At the end of each trimester, we will host an assembly to celebrate students who consistently meet their academic goals and display character growth centered around the attributes of a GHS student: curiosity, kindness, accountability, and resilience. Families and friends are invited to attend this assembly whichever way works best for them, in-person or livestreamed.
Reminders about livestream-only and hybrid assemblies will be announced here in the Barracuda Bulletin and on ClassDojo.
LOWER CAMPUS CLUBS BEGIN MONDAY
Lower Campus clubs are offered to students in grades preschool-5 and begin Monday, September 14. They run from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per day, and there is a fee of $10 for every five minutes after 4:30 if a child is picked up late. To sign your child up, please contact Ms. Rachael at 352-223-6412 or rachaelfox@giffthillschool.org. Here are the Lower Campus clubs with space still available.
Monday:
ELC - Playground
K-5 - Karaoke/Academics (3 spots left)
Wednesday:
ELC - Yoga (2 spots left)
K-2 - Green Top
3-5 - Diamond Painting
1-5 - Running Club
Thursday:
ELC - Playground
3-5 - Crafts and games
UPPER CAMPUS CLUBS BEGIN MONDAY
Upper Campus clubs are offered to students in grades 6-12 and begin Monday, September 14. They run from 3:30-4:15 p.m. and are free of charge. Students should see Ms. Margaret in the front office to sign up.
Monday:
Communication Arts (Ms. Banen)
Step into the world of news broadcasting! You’ll help create and host the weekly Barracuda Broadcast featuring school announcements, community news, skits, interviews, and other fun segments. Each week, our finished broadcast will premiere during advisory for the Upper Campus community.
Archery (Mr. D)
Learn the fundamentals of archery, including proper technique, safety, accuracy, and target shooting.
Academic Support (Ms. McGuire, Mr. Frank)
Wednesday:
Dungeons and Dragons (Ms. Amelie)
Join us for Dungeons & Dragons Club, where students team up to create characters, solve puzzles, and embark on epic adventures in worlds limited only by imagination! No experience necessary; just bring your creativity and a willingness to roll some dice.
AP Workshop (Ms. Veronica)
Get dedicated time and support to work on AP coursework, strengthen study skills, and prepare for AP exams.
Academic Support (Mr. Bill, Ms. Whitsett)
Thursday:
Paper Eats (Chef Parris)
Students will prepare and taste various recipes and be challenged to create them from paper and other recycled items.
English Language Learner Support Club (Sr. Pete)
Are you a bilingual speaker who is still getting comfortable with English? Get extra support with homework and class assignments while building confidence using English in an academic setting. You’ll have a relaxed space to ask questions, work through assignments, and practice communicating in English.
Academic Support (Ms. Veronica, Ms. Christina)
HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVES BEGAN THIS WEEK
High school students have a wide variety of electives to choose from, and take two electives per week: one on Mondays and Wednesdays and one during a double block on Fridays. Here is a listing of the opportunities our students chose from.
Mondays/Wednesdays, sixth period
Coaching & Leadership: (Coach Emma, Room 14)
Coaching and leadership will teach you how to lead and how to coach. You’ll learn how to run practices, teach skills, motivate athletes, communicate with your team, and build a positive team environment. Whether you want to coach someday or become a stronger leader, this class gives you real skills you can use on and off the field. Credit: P.E.
3D Printing and Laser Engraving for Biomimicry: (Ms. Amelie, Room 13)
You will replicate the engineering of living things using modern technology. Activities will include observing, sketching, modeling using Tinkercad and WeCreate software, and ultimately building replicas (sometimes with their own spin!) of the plants and animals local to our island. Credit: A/C/T or Art
GHS Newspaper: (Ms. Andrea, Room 10)
Curious about how news is made? Want to write stories that matter? In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to research, interview, and write like a real journalist. We’ll cover essential journalism skills, including AP style, ethics, and the inverted pyramid. You’ll write news articles, opinion pieces, features, and more, then work together to publish a school newspaper or literary journal by the end of the trimester. Credit: A/C/T
Health II: (Ms. Rashida, Room 6)
In this class, we will explore a variety of topics such as reproductive health, sex hormones, the effects of aging on fertility, and what can affect sexual health. We will discuss critical issues such as gender-affirming care, adoption, abortion, the different types of abortion procedures, and access barriers. We will also talk about pregnancy, childbirth, and sexually transmitted diseases. Overall, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make safe and responsible decisions. Credit: Health requirement (Must have taken Health 1)
Exploring Indian Cuisine: (Chef Parris)
Explore the vibrant flavors, spices, and cooking traditions of India in this hands-on culinary course. Students will learn about the diverse regional cuisines of India while developing practical cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. Credit: A/C/T or Art
Fitness Lite: (Ms. Margaret, Gym)
Stay active at your own pace! You’ll walk, stretch, complete light workouts, and learn how to safely use free weights while developing a fitness routine that works for you. Credit: P.E.
Fridays, fifth & sixth periods
Yearbook: (Ms. Andrea, Room 1)
Be a part of documenting the 2026-2027 school year. Students in this class will be involved in designing the layout for this year’s yearbook and giving input into the content balance. Credit: A/C/T or Art
Farm to Table FOH: (Ms. Veronica, Room 5)
The Front of House Hospitality elective is a double-block course that focuses on the principles of hospitality management, guest service, event planning, dining room operations, and professional service as students help execute the school's Farm to Table program. All high school students who have not previously taken the ServSafe elective course are eligible to enroll; however, only 11th and 12th grade students who have previously completed a high school Culinary or Farm to Table elective will be eligible to sit for the official ServSafe certification examination. Students enrolled in this elective will automatically be enrolled in the STEAM Week selection, which requires participation in the Farm to Table Dinner on Friday, October 23, 2026. Credit: A/C/T or Art
Farm to Table BOH: (Chef Parris)
The Back of House Culinary elective is a double-block course that provides students with hands-on experience in professional food preparation, kitchen operations, food safety, and culinary techniques while supporting the school's Farm to Table program. All high school students who have not previously taken the ServSafe elective course are eligible to enroll; however, only 11th and 12th grade students who have previously completed a high school Culinary or Farm to Table elective will be eligible to sit for the official ServSafe certification examinations. Students enrolled in this elective will automatically be enrolled in the STEAM Week selection, which requires participation in the Farm to Table Dinner on Friday, October 23, 2026. Credit: A/C/T
CORE Coral Nursery Maintenance: (Ms. Amelie)
Spend your Friday afternoons helping restore St. John's coral reefs. In this hands-on, immersive experience, you'll SCUBA dive to the coral nursery in Annaberg to help clean and maintain the structures supporting our growing coral gardens. You'll learn how to care for and "medicate" corals, support their growth, and understand the science behind reef restoration. You'll also have the chance to practice underwater drawing and explore dome design as part of the creative and technical process of rebuilding reef habitats. Credit: A/C/T or ART or P.E. Prerequisite: Must be 15 years of age, and SCUBA certification is required
Intro to Marketing: (Ms. Christina, Room 2)
Ever wonder how a local beach spot becomes an island legend or how brands make you want things before you even realize it? This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of marketing by using St. John as a living laboratory. You will explore how businesses, tourism organizations, nonprofits, and community groups market products, experiences, and the island itself. You will learn about the secrets of brand strategy, consumer psychology, and social media marketing. You will tackle a real-world challenge: create a marketing campaign for a St. John business, organization, event, or community initiative. If you like creative freedom, big ideas, and making an impact right here at home, this is the elective for you. Credit: A/C/T
Playwriting & Pre-Production - Dinner Theatre Cabaret: (Ms. Banen, Room 3)
This elective gives you the chance to help create our fall STEAM Week dinner theatre performance! You’ll write and perform comedy skits, try stand-up comedy, and help create full-cast musical or production numbers. You’ll also help advertise the show and transform the atrium into an interactive performance space. You do NOT have to participate in the NEYT October STEAM Week course to take this elective. Credit: A/C/T or Art
US Sailing Level 1 Certification Prep: (Coach Sam)This course will provide you with time and opportunity to practice the skills required to successfully complete your Level 1 Sailing Instructor Certification. You will enroll in the online course, work through the steps, and have a chance to practice teaching classes and operating safety boats. Pre-requisites: 15.5 years of age; Solid understanding of sailing and seamanship skills; availability to participate in the official evaluation taking place at St. Thomas Yacht Club, Nov 20-22 (Fri-Sun) Credit: A/C/T, PE
Walls That Speak: (Alice Krall)In this hands-on art course, students collaborate to design and paint a mural that will become a permanent part of our school campus, gaining real-world experience in large-scale composition, color theory, and public art. From initial sketches to the final brushstroke, students learn to work as a team to bring a shared creative vision to life. Credit: Art
Agriculture Business: (Mr. D)Get a hands-on introduction to what it takes to get paid to grow food. The skills you learn in this course could help you “grow” money right from the ground. We will cultivate using our hydroponic, aquaponic, and outside gardens, harvest monthly, and sell our produce. Don't miss this opportunity to build some life skills you could rely on in the future. Credit: A/C/T or P.E.
Sports Central
FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14
Gifft Hill School athletics are open to everyone regardless of ability, and are open to students even if they are enrolled at other schools/homeschools. Students interested in playing a sport must be willing and able to participate regularly and come eager and ready to work hard, be open to instruction and coaching, want to get better, and be excited to have fun. Teams will be determined by the number of students interested in participating and IAA guidelines. In some cases teams will be coed (unless prohibited by IAA rules) to ensure sufficient player numbers. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org to sign your child up for a fall sport.
In order to join a GHS team you and your child must:
Sign the Athletic Code of Conduct
Complete the GHS liability waiver
Have submitted a current SY2026-2027 school physical with up to date
Immunizations
Pay the athletics fee ($150 for GHS students). This fee is per season, not per sport. Students may play multiple sports within one season for the same flat fee.
Parent communication for athletic teams will be through Class Dojo. An invitation with a “join code” will come to the email provided by the parent on the school physical. Registration and dues must be turned in by September 14.
IAA season length (games): September 14 - October 31 (flag football ends November 2). Fall sailing will have a reduced schedule as well as a reduced fee of $75. The junior varsity, varsity, and club sailing schedule will be announced prior to its start in November.
Varsity girls and boys volleyball
Eligible Grades: 9-12 (girls and boys teams)
Practice Days/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:15-5:30 p.m.
Practice Location: Trayser Field
Practice Start Date: September 8
Players Need: Water bottle, sneakers, knee pads, and black spandex bottoms in any length for girls
Middle school girls volleyball
Eligible Grades: 6-8
Practice Days/Times: Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Practice Location: Trayser Field
Practice Start Date: September 8
Players Need: Water bottle, sneakers, knee pads, and black spandex bottoms in any length for girls
Flag football
Eligible Grades: 6-12
Practice Days/Times: Mondays and Fridays, 3:15-5:00 p.m.
Practice Location: Trayser Field
Practice Start Date: September 9
Players Need: Water bottle, plastic cleats or sneakers, mouth guard
Cross country
Eligible Grades: 3-12
Practice Days/Times: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Practice Location: Trayser Field and various locations
Practice Start Date: September 9
Players Need: Water bottle, sneakers
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
NOTHING HERE YET!
Please send notices of community events that you'd like to appear in this section to andreamilam@giffthillschool.org.
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