KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Weekly Updates
Welcome back! We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful holiday break. We are excited to have students back on campus, and we look forward to an exciting second semester. As a reminder, we are here and our doors are always open. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time with questions, concerns, or feedback you would like to share.
Special Author Visit
Today, we were thrilled to host Octavia Spencer in the Lower School. Our students had the opportunity to learn about her passion to become a children’s author and actress. Ms. Spencer stressed the importance of literacy and read the opening of her children’s mystery, “Detective Dell is on the Case," which she co-wrote with Ello. We’re so grateful to Ms. Spencer and Ello for the inspiration they shared – and for the signed copies that they provided to each student. We are sure they will keep our students turning pages long after today! Keep an eye out on social media for more photos in the coming days.
Chapel
You are invited to attend Chapel this Friday, January 9.
Outerwear Guidelines
As the weather gets colder, we want to clarify our uniform guidelines for outerwear.
- In the Classroom: Jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies worn indoors must be either official Porter-Gaud gear or solid-colored (gray, white, or black). Logos should be no larger than the size of your fist.
- Outerwear for Outdoors: Students are welcome to wear non-Porter-Gaud jackets or coats to school, but these must be removed once inside the building.
- P.E. Uniform: P.E. uniforms should only be worn on days that students have P.E.
- Leggings: Leggings and tights may be worn under skirts, shorts, and dresses if desired. They must be solid black, white, or gray in color.
- Lower School Students: We understand that students may be transitioning between classrooms and buildings during the day. We will be flexible and extend grace where necessary.
Arrival and Dismissal Times
Arrival Time
School begins at 7:50 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesdays. Ideally, children should arrive by 7:45 a.m. (or 8:45 a.m. on Wednesdays) so they have time to unpack and get ready to learn by 7:50 a.m. (or 8:50 a.m.). Arrival time sets the tone for the day, and arriving late often has negative effects on the rest of the morning. Please note that students who arrive after 7:50 a.m. (or 8:50 a.m. on Wednesdays) need to check-in at the office and they will be marked tardy.
Dismissal Times
- 2:55 p.m. - Carpool
- 3:10 p.m. - Extended Day
- (Note: Lower School students who have not entered into the car line 3:10 p.m. will go to Extended Day in Washington Hall) - This ensures efficiency for the carpool line and process.
- 3:10 p.m. - Lower School/Middle School Sibling Carpool
- 3:20 p.m. - Carpool Ends
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 19, 2026
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. School is closed on January 19. We will commemorate the day during chapel service January 16.
Fourth Grade Families: You're Invited to a Middle School Coffee and Technology Talk
All fourth grade and Middle School families are invited to an informative session on technology use in Middle School on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 8:15 - 9 a.m. in Washington Hall. Topics will include:
- The "Why" and "How" of technology use in Middle School
- The transition to using technology in fifth grade from fourth grade
- An overview of the different apps students use
Dismissal Changes in SchoolPass
Please be sure to update SchoolPass with all dismissal changes (even when you call the office for last minute changes).
Grade Level Websites
Please check your child’s class webpage for important information
Parent Webinar on January 13
Please save the date for the upcoming webinar, “Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind,” on January 12, 2026, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This event is being offered as part of The Parent Series, a year-long program offering six one-hour webinars designed for independent school parents and caregivers in all stages of their child’s growth. Click here for additional details on how to register. We also invite parents in all divisions to join us for a parent coffee on Wednesday, January 21, from 9:15 - 10 a.m. in the Upper School Library to discuss learnings from the webinar. We hope to see you there!
Parenting Tip: Recognize Their Efforts
Say your child is on the tennis team and just won the doubles match in the regional tournament. You might praise their accomplishment of winning the tournament match, but an expression of “we are so proud of you” might miss the mark. The child might feel like the win was all that mattered. Instead, say something like, “Doesn’t it feel good to know that all of your hard work paid off?” They'll feel validated not only for the win but also for the effort that went into it, which will inspire them in the future.
Dining Update from Taher
Click here to view the menu for January 12-16. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) or access menus online.
Uniform Savings
Lands End is offering 30% off select warm-weather uniform items and 20% off other uniform items through January 19. Click here for more information. As a reminder, you can access the PE uniform options for grades 1-6 by selecting “PE Uniforms” located at the bottom of the drop down list titled grade/status on the PG store landing page.
From the PGPA
- PGPA Concessions Sign Up: Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our athletics teams. No experience necessary!
- Volunteer Opportunities: Click here to learn more about PGPA volunteer opportunities.
Important Dates - Semester 2
- January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - School Closed
- January 29: 100th Day of School
- February 5: Black History Month Assembly at 8 a.m.
- February 16 & 17: Winter Break - School Closed
- March 13: No School: Faculty Work Day
- March 25: Conference Day - No Classes
- April 3-12: Spring Break
- April 26: Spring Arts Festival
- May 25: Memorial Day - School Closed
- May 29: Last Day of School
We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.