SG-Portal

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Weekly Updates

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! Yesterday, the halls of Porter-Gaud Middle School were once again filled with excitement and energy as old friends were reunited and new friendships began.
 

As we step into this new year, I’d like to share five practical tips from Stephanie Simpson, CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). In a recent article, Simpson outlined ways families can help their children thrive in Middle School. I’ve adapted her advice below, with a few of my own reflections.

1. Don’t Let Your Child Peak in Middle School
Middle School should be a time for growth, not the “high point” of life. These years are a low-stakes playground where students are wired to take risks and try new things. Encourage positive outlets for that urge, and resist the temptation to pile on unnecessary pressure. As Jessica Lahey reminds us in The Gift of Failure, setbacks are often the “secret sauce” of Middle School learning.

2. Step Back, but Stay in the Game
Middle School is the right time for students to discover their gifts—whether that’s theater, chess club, or the ukulele. Parents can give their children space to explore while still nudging them to try new things. Let them experiment, even if the eye-rolls are fierce.

3. Every Day is Different: Keep Talking, Even When It’s Tough
Your child may crave independence, but they still need you to be their biggest fan. Keep conversations going, even when responses are short. Show up in small ways—listening to their music, watching them play, or simply being present. And remember: you are the parent. Boundaries, especially with technology and friendships, are both healthy and necessary.

4. Expect a Daily Rollercoaster
Middle Schoolers are emotional kaleidoscopes. In a single day, they may cycle through joy, frustration, silliness, and worry. Some days they’ll seem fiercely independent, while others they may need extra reassurance. Take it in stride, breathe deeply, and keep perspective.

5. Embrace the Weird: It’s a Feature, Not a Bug
Middle Schoolers are gloriously quirky. They try on new identities daily, swing between idealism and fibs, and push boundaries as they begin to think abstractly. Even lying, though frustrating, can become a teaching moment about empathy and accountability. Ask: Who did this hurt? How can we make it right? This is prime time for guiding moral compasses while keeping communication open.

Final Thoughts
Every faculty and staff member at Porter-Gaud chooses to work in Middle School because we genuinely love this age group. Middle School is a glorious mix of growth, challenges, and discovery. Your role isn’t to clear every obstacle, but to be a steady, guiding presence. Celebrate the effort, embrace the stumbles, and trust that through the messiness, your child is learning to soar.

Looking forward to a great year ahead,

Dr. Michael Wright

Morning Arrival
Please note that Middle School students may not enter Tyler Hall and the S&T Building until 7:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays). Thank you! 

SchoolPass Reminder
Please remember to use SchoolPass for all attendance-related information, including absences, early dismissals, and dismissal changes. SchoolPass notifies all faculty of any updates, so it is not necessary to email teachers separately or call the front office. If you need to install or reinstall the SchoolPass app, click here for Apple devices and click here for Google. To reset your password, click here. For additional assistance, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@portergaud.edu.

Carpool and Crosswalk Reminders
To help improve traffic flow with our ongoing chapel construction, please note an adjustment to our carpool procedures for this school year:

• All Middle and Upper School carpool traffic no longer needs to use the Stadium Drive to enter the carpool line from Albemarle Road or the Connector. Please proceed directly to Albemarle Road and stay to the left if possible, keeping the right lane open for Lower School traffic. 
• For students who walk to school, we have one crosswalk for pedestrians to cross Albemarle Road, which is located by the student parking lot at the stadium. Students should not try to cross Albemarle Road at any other location for safety reasons.
• As a reminder, we kindly ask that you do not pick up your child anywhere else on or near campus except in the carpool lane.
• Additional carpool information, including videos, can be accessed here on the PG website. 

Extended Day: Cyclone Club
After-school supervision for Middle School students is available through our Auxiliary Programs. The Cyclone Club offers a secure, fun, and relaxed setting where students can complete homework, make new friends, and try something new. Click here to learn more and register. Please note students may not be unsupervised on campus after 3:10 p.m. 

Enrichment
Welcome to Fall Enrichment 2025! We're back and returning with our amazing instructors and coaches that offer beneficial, age-appropriate, and cutting-edge programming for your students. Program options have been posted on the Auxiliary section of the website. 
 

Save the Date: Middle School Back-to-School Night
On Wednesday, August 27, we will host our Back-to-School Night from 5:30-7 p.m. As part of our sustainability efforts, we will not print student schedules and ask you to take a picture of your student’s schedule in MyPG. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium followed by an Open House format where parents and caregivers are free to visit any teacher their child has in any order through the night. Staff will be on hand to help find your child’s classrooms. Special area teachers and Ms. Campbell will be located in the Middle School Library. We hope you can join us!

You’re Invited: Learn about PG Campus Ministry and Vestry 
Join us on Sunday, August 24, from 4-5 p.m. in Washington Hall to hear from our three chaplains as they share campus ministry opportunities and pray together for the year ahead.

• Hear how God is at work in our school
• Connect with our campus ministry programs
• Pray together for our students, teachers, and broader school community

Dining Update from Taher
We are excited to kick-off another year serving the students and families of Porter-Gaud School! Our lunch items will be prepared and served on‐site by your local food service team. Please click here to access menus. You can also follow us on Instagram (@taherpgdining).  

Updates from the PGPA

• Save the Date: Mark your calendars for the first PGPA meeting on Thursday, September 4, at 8:15 a.m. in Washington Dining Hall. All parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend. This meeting is a great way to learn about the many events and initiatives supported by the PGPA throughout the year.
• PGPA Merchandise: At CycloneTown, be sure to stop by the merchandise tent and stock up on your PG spirit wear! 
• PGPA Concessions Sign Up: PGPA Fall Concessions are underway! Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our athletics teams. No experience necessary!