Lower School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Weekly Updates

It was a morning well spent at Full Circle Farm for our second graders! They explored the farm, met and fed animals, and saw their science studies come to life in the most interactive way.

Thank You for Joining our Lower School Coffee Talk on Technology Today!
We were thrilled with the strong turnout for today’s Coffee Talk on Technology. It was wonderful to see so many parents engaged in meaningful conversation about how technology enhances learning and supports skill development across subjects. 

At Porter-Gaud, our use of technology is always purposeful, structured, and balanced. Digital tools serve to enrich or supplement, not replace, the essential connection between teacher and student. Our teachers remain at the heart of every learning experience, using technology only when it meaningfully supports understanding, creativity, and engagement. Based on our latest review, Lower School students spend less than one hour per day, on average, using screens for academic purposes throughout the week. This reflects our commitment to keeping technology use intentional, age-appropriate, and aligned with best practices for child development.

We also emphasize safe and responsible use, helping students learn to navigate the digital world with confidence, care, and integrity. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work and for your ongoing support of our students’ growth, both academically and as thoughtful digital citizens.

Parent-Guardian/Teacher Conferences
All Lower School teachers extend their gratitude to our parents and caregivers for meeting with them during conferences. They truly enjoyed meeting with each of you to share your child's progress and learn more about your child. We are thankful to be part of such a supportive and engaged community.  

Day for PG
Thank you! Yesterday was a wonderful celebration of generosity, unity, and school spirit across our entire community. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support in making the day such a success. Our students loved showing their Cyclone pride in spirit dress, and it was inspiring to see how our shared commitment to Porter-Gaud continues to make such a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.

Morning Arrival & Tardies
Morning drop-off takes place from 7:30–7:50 a.m., and we encourage all Lower School students to be in class and ready to begin their day by 7:45 a.m. This brief time before classes start is incredibly valuable as it allows students to unpack, get organized, and ease into the day by engaging in quiet activities like reading or finishing morning work.

We’ve noticed that late arrivals have continued to be a challenge, which can be disruptive for both students and classrooms. Please make every effort to arrive on time so your child can start the day calmly and confidently. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. will be marked tardy and must check in at the Lower School office. Even more importantly, students are missing valuable instructional time and morning meetings that begin promptly at 7:50 a.m.

Chapel
Chapel begins between 7:55-8 a.m.  If you would like to join us for chapel on Fridays, we ask that you arrive early enough to sign in at the Lower School office by 7:50a.m., then meet your child in the lobby and walk in with them and their class. Students are encouraged to wear their virtues t-shirt. 

Save the Date for Upcoming Lower School Choir Performances 

• Holiday Festival: The Lower School Choir will perform at this year's PGPA Holiday Festival on December 6, at 12 p.m. More details about this event will be shared soon! 
• Lessons and Carols: The Lower School Choir will sing a selection for this year's Lessons and Carols Service, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at Church of the Holy Communion (218 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403). 

Lost and Found: Please Check for Missing Items
With the cooler temperatures, our lost and found in the Lower School Office has grown quite full! Please stop by or have your child check to see if any missing items belong to you. 

Parenting Tip: Just say "no." 
Resist the urge to take on extra obligations at work. You will never, ever regret spending more time with your children.

Communicating Time-Sensitive Information
Contact the Lower School Office at 843-556-3376 if you have time-sensitive information to share during the school day, including dismissal changes that occur after 2 p.m. Our teachers are not able to check or respond to their email during the school day, and they may miss important and/or time-sensitive information. 

Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to see the menu for the upcoming week. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) or access menus online.

From the PGPA

• Holiday Market Pre-Orders: Get a head start on your holiday shopping with two exciting opportunities for pre-orders and pickup at the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Click here for more details and to place your orders.  
• Save the Date: Denim and Diamonds Auction & Celebration: Join us on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 7 – 10 p.m. at The Island House for a luxurious twist on the wild west! The evening is sure to sparkle with community, generosity, and big impact! Click here to learn more, including ways you can help make the event a success! 
• 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 1

• November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• Friday, December 19: Half Day - Lower School Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
• December 22-January 4: Christmas Break - School Closed
• Monday, January 5: Faculty Workday - No School for Students
• Tuesday, January 6: Classes Resume