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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of September 18, 2026
Teacher Spotlight
First grade teacher Ms. Melisa just began her 23rd year of teaching, and her fifth year at GHS. Lower Campus Principal Ms. Rachael says Ms. Melisa brings “a wonderful appreciation for culture, character development, and the importance of helping every child grow.”
“Ms. Melisa’s passion is teaching students to read and finding creative ways to support those who need a little extra help along the way, or adding an additional challenge for those who are ready to level up,” says Ms. Rachael. “Her kind, loving, and gentle nature is something our students quickly gravitate toward. As a colleague, she is always ready to lend a hand, share advice, or offer an uplifting story. We are grateful to have her warmth, dedication, and expertise on our team.”
Ms. Melisa is a native of St. Lucia, where she taught grades 3 and 6 beginning in 2003. She moved to St. John in 2022 and became a substitute teacher at GHS before going on to spearhead our summer program. She joined the faculty as our first grade teacher for the 2022-2023 school year.
“What I love most about GHS is the strong sense of community,” says Ms. Melisa. “I enjoy working in a school where teachers care about the children and where learning is about more than just academics.”
Ms. Melisa enjoys making learning fun and hands-on. She uses music, movement, technology, art, stories, and various activities to help children understand new ideas. She also gives opportunities for her students to work together, ask questions, and solve problems.
“I want them to enjoy learning and feel comfortable trying new things, even when they make mistakes or when it gets tough,” says Ms. Melisa.
Ms. Melisa says she works to help GHS fulfill its mission by encouraging her students to think for themselves and try different ways to solve problems.
“I also help students understand the importance of taking care of our environment,” she says. “We talk about keeping our environment clean, reducing waste, saving resources, and taking care of the places where we live. And I believe it’s important for children to learn about Caribbean culture and history. I include Caribbean stories, music, traditions, people, and places in our learning. I want students to be proud of where they come from and understand the important role they can play in their communities.”
Ms. Melisa’s daughter, seventh grade student Tianna, has been part of the GHS community since they moved to St. John in 2022.
“I love GHS for Tianna because it gives her the opportunity to grow as a whole person,” says Ms. Melisa. “I love that Tianna is able to learn in an environment where she can ask questions, explore, be creative, and learn from her experiences. I also value the school’s focus on the environment, service, and Caribbean culture because I want her to understand and appreciate the place she calls home. Most of all, I love GHS for Tianna because I believe it is a community where she can feel supported, be herself, and grow into a confident and caring young person.”
In St. Lucia, Ms. Melisa was a Rotaractor and Rotarian, serving as chair in both organizations. She enjoys volunteering with organizations including the Ocama Youth Choir, Love City Pan Dragons, and St. John School of the Arts.
Upcoming Events
COMING UP NEXT
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. 6: Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting
Oct. 7: In-school PSAT (11th grade) and
SAT (12th grade)
Oct. 12: Parent conferences; school closed to students
LOWER CAMPUS AUGUST, SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY ASSEMBLY SEPTEMBER 23
We'll celebrate August and September birthdays at our monthly Lower Campus birthday assembly Wednesday morning, September 23, 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 students with August and September birthdays are welcome to attend. This event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY SEPTEMBER 24, 25
School picture day is coming up, and picture order forms were distributed this 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
FACULTY BOOK CHAT
Upper Campus students engaged in our faculty book chat today, where students meet with the teacher who suggested the book they chose to read over the summer for a book club-style discussion. They shared ideas, talked about favorite moments, and dug deeper into the stories together. This annual activity is a fun way for our students to connect with their teachers over a good book.
Sports Central
VOLLEYBALL GAMES THIS WEEK
Our volleyball teams have regular season games in the coming week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Middle School Volleyball
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - GHS vs. VIMSPGIA A at Antilles
Varsity Girls Volleyball
Saturday, September 19, noon - GHS vs. All Saints at Antilles
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Saturday, September 19, noon - GHS vs. Charlotte at Antilles
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
EARN 10 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AT COASTWEEKS CLEANUP SEPT. 19
Students are invited to earn 10 hours of community service by volunteering at the Coastweeks St. John International Cleanup this Saturday, September 19, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in Coral Bay. Those who plan to volunteer should click here to pre-register.
CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK EVENT SEPTEMBER 20-26
In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, there will be a free car seat safety check event on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Edith Williams Alternative Academy on St. Thomas. For more information, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety at 340-712-6073.
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