.png)
Student Spotlight
Seventh grader Eloise Simmons joined the GHS community as a fifth grader. She says she likes our small class sizes and the comfort and familiarity of being able to refer to teachers by their first names.
“They engage with the kids a lot and make sure everyone understands,” Eloise says of our teachers.
Seventh grade co-advisors Ms. Banen and Dr. Brittany say Eloise is always quick to help others.
“She’s really curious about learning so she’s always very engaged in the classroom,” says Dr. Brittany.
“She’s always willing to contribute to the discussion,” Ms. Banen adds.
Eloise is friendly and someone her peers consider to be a “safe place,” says Ms. Banen. She makes an effort to greet her peers and faculty and to check in on her fellow schoolmates each morning.
Eloise is an avid reader who’s “extremely dedicated to her studies,” says Dr. Brittany.
“I love the way words flow when you put them together and I love learning new vocabulary words,” says Eloise, who names English as her favorite subject.
Eloise is one of her class’s student council reps for the second year in a row and is a member of our cross country team. Outside of school, she enjoys acting, reading, listening to music, “and of course hanging out with my family,” she says.
Upcoming Events
BARRACUDA BOOSTER MEETINGS OCTOBER 1, 2
All interested Gifft Hill School parents are invited to attend the next Barracuda Booster Parent Association meetings, October 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus conference room and October 2 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lower Campus great room. Supervision will be provided at the Lower Campus playground for children of parents who attend. The same topics will be covered at each meeting, which are offered during different times of the day to accommodate everyone's schedules. Parents who would like to assist with the Halloween day craft fair at the Lower Campus should attend an October 1 or 2 meeting or email barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org to indicate your interest.
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY OCTOBER 2
The first Lower Campus academic awards assembly of the year is set for Wednesday, October 2, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll award our Lower Campus students who met their September academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of third grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend in person, as are parents and guardians of students who will be receiving reading and math awards. 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.
SAT PREP CLASS FOR GRADES 10-12 SET FOR OCTOBER 5
Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders are invited to take an SAT tune-up on Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus. This workshop is designed for sophomores through seniors planning to take the SAT or PSAT this year. At this class, students will become more familiar with the digital test format and have the opportunity to take a practice test with feedback and coaching. The cost is $20 per student and can be paid by cash or check made out to Gifft Hill School delivered to the Upper Campus front office. Pay ahead of time to secure your spot! Click here to sign up.
There will also be a 7-week full SAT prep course focusing on math and critical reading beginning in January, exact dates and times TBD. The full course will meet twice a week after school. If there is interest from St. John residents attending St. Thomas schools, the meeting times can be adjusted to accommodate their participation.
GHS Highlights
PICTURE DAY SUCCESS!
Students were all smiles for picture day this week. Huge thanks to our Barracuda Boosters and parent volunteers Val Tarr, Jennifer Gibbud, Tessa Louis, Bridget Rose, Tara Zullo, Jesse Berry, and Ja'Leah Stephens for helping picture day at the Lower Campus run so smoothly! We will announce the makeup date for those who missed picture day as soon as it has been scheduled.
PHYSICAL FORMS, IMMUNIZATION CARDS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 30
Physical forms and immunization cards are due by September 30 in order for us to comply with V.I. Department of Health regulations. If you have not turned in these forms, please do so at your earliest convenience. These records are required for enrollment at GHS. Give us a call or stop by the front office at either campus with any questions.
Sports Central
FALL SPORTS FEES TO BE CHARGED OCTOBER 4
The $100 athletic fee for fall athletes will be charged via TADS on Friday, October 4. Families who prefer to pay by cash or check should plan to deliver payment to the business office no later than Thursday, October 3.
PRACTICE UPDATE: FLAG FOOTBALL
Parents and athletes please take note, flag football practice will now end at 5:00 p.m.
KUDOS TO ALL OUR VOLLEYBALL TEAMS!
Congratulations to our middle school girls, varsity girls, and varsity boys volleyball teams, who all came up with wins this week! Our middle school girls came out on top against Antilles, varsity girls took the win against Sts Peter & Paul, and varsity boys were victorious against Montessori. Go, 'Cudas!
VOLLEYBALL 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. Best of luck to our varsity teams in the Antilles tournament this weekend! Here is the schedule for the coming week:
Middle school volleyball
Tuesday, 10/1, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. JESS at GHS
Friday, 10/4, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at GHS
Girls varsity volleyball
Friday, 9/27, 6:30 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at Antilles
Saturday, 9/28, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints at Antilles
Boys varsity volleyball
Friday, 9/27, 6:30 p.m. - GHS vs. Central at Antilles
Saturday, 9/28, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints 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
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS NOW ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS
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).
UVI SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE INFORMATIONAL SESSION OCTOBER 15
The University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture will host an informational session on Tuesday, October 15, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees will meet the school's faculty and learn about opportunities available to UVI School of Agriculture students. Click here to attend.
Comments