Upper School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

During today’s Lunch and Learn, Upper School students took a "digital walk" through the events and impacts of September 11, 2001. Guided by faculty-curated resources, they explored key moments, reflected with peers, and honored the lives forever changed, as well as the resilience and unity that followed.

Senior Day of Caring

After packaging over 23,000 meals of fortified oatmeal on Monday morning as part of our 17th Annual Senior Day of Caring, members of the Class of 2026 continued their impact by serving at eight different organizations across Charleston. Click here to watch the news story and here to view more photos. 

National Merit Semifinalists
Congratulations to Porter-Gaud's National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2026: Lucia S., Michael M., and Niko L.! This distinction places them in the top one percent of high school seniors nationwide based on their performances on the PSAT exam. Each student has earned the opportunity to compete for $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. 

Service Fair on Friday
On September 12, the Upper School will host its annual service fair. Students will have the opportunity to learn about all of the different service projects offered during the year. Students will have time to sign up for the projects and speak to the leaders of each project. The Club Fair for student-led clubs will take place on Friday, September 26. 

Ninth Grade College Night is Monday, September 15
The Ninth Grade College Kickoff is scheduled for Monday, September 15, at 7 p.m. in Gwynette Auditorium. All ninth-grade students are required to attend, and parents and guardians are encouraged to join us as well. We ask that parents and caregivers sit with their students so that they can share resources during the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Spirit Week Themes
Next week, we will celebrate Spirit Week, and the themes are listed below. All attire should reflect Porter-Gaud’s values and follow the dress code guidelines stated in the handbook. Costumes should not diminish, put down, or make fun of any individual or group. If a student has questions about what is appropriate, please contact Mr. Hilpert.  

Monday: Senior Surprise

• An email has been sent to all 12th-grade students with the surprise theme. 
• Students in grades 9-11 will be in regular school uniform.  

Tuesday: Iconic Duo

• Dress as either your favorite superhero or favorite supervillain 

Wednesday: PJ Day

• Dress in your school-appropriate pajamas

Thursday: Bikers vs. Beach/Surfers (Teen Beach Movie) 

• Think like motorcycles and leather jackets or Tropical shirts

Friday: Grade Colors 

• 9th - Grey
• 10th - Garnet
• 11th - White
• 12th - Black

Homecoming Dance
PG's Homecoming Dance will be hosted in Washington Hall on Saturday, September 20 from 7-9 p.m. Students must arrive between 7-7:30 p.m. The dress is semi-casual, which includes sundresses and polo shirts. All grades in the Upper School are invited. We will not have outside guests for this dance. Tickets will be $10 each, and more information regarding ticket sales will be sent to students in the Week Ahead email on Sunday. Ticket sales will begin Monday at 8 a.m. and end on Friday at 3:20 p.m. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $15 (cash only).

Porter-Gaud Celebrates Food Allergy Awareness Week

Porter-Gaud is proud to recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week! This initiative raises awareness about the 33 million Americans living with food allergies, including 1 in 13 children—roughly two students per classroom.

We want to make it clear that Porter-Gaud is an allergy-aware school. While we take proactive steps to reduce the risk of exposure for students with life-threatening allergies, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. We rely on the support of our entire PG community to help maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Highlights This Week:

• The dining staff served gluten-free Oreo cookies as a dessert option.
• The power bowl station has been free of the top 9 allergens all week.
• We’re sharing again our PSA from the spring — please take a moment to view it here.
• PG alum Tess Ferm (‘25) was recently crowned Miss America Teen, promoting her platform of Food Allergy Awareness. Congratulations, Tess—we’re so proud of you!

Key Reminders for Families:

• Please avoid sending snacks or lunches containing peanuts or tree nuts and choose items from our approved snack list.  We encourage all students to use this snack list when bringing in food or snacks for school.
• We encourage non-food-based celebrations whenever possible.
• Food sharing is not permitted among students.
• Faculty and staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, with emergency medications accessible and administered according to individual care plans.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep all students safe and supported during Food Allergy Awareness Week—and throughout the school year!

Blood Drive
Please save the date for our first on-campus blood drive on Thursday, September 25, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Click here to schedule an appointment. 

National Student Conferences Applications Due Friday, September 12
The National Student Conferences Applications are due by Friday, September 12. The opportunities are listed below: 

• National Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent (Washington, DC , November 21–22) – 8 spots
• AI Conference: From Classrooms to Careers (Houston, TX, December 3–6) – 4 spots
• Mere Anglicanism (Charleston, SC, January 22–24, 2026) – 10–12 spots
• NAIS Student Civic Leadership Summit (Washington, DC, Jan 27–30) – 8 spots
• Academic Integrity Conference (Charlotte, NC, Jan 30–31) – 8–10 spots
• Student Leadership Summit on Belonging (Charleston, SC, March 6-7, 2026) – 25 spots

2025-26 Study Trip Applications are Due on Friday, September 12
This year, we will offer three international study trip experiences – a service learning/Spanish language trip in Honduras with the Lamb Institute, a Chinese language trip to Taiwan, and a science-based trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Click here to learn more. Applications are due Friday, September 12, at 3:30 p.m.  

Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to access menus. You can also follow us on Instagram (@taherpgdining).  

Updates from the PGPA

• 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!
• Volunteer Opportunities: Click here to learn more about PGPA Volunteer Opportunities. 

Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• September 15: Ninth Grade College Night
• September 15-19: Spirit Week
• September 19: Homecoming Game
• September 20: Homecoming Dance
• October 3: Picture Retakes
• October 10: End of Quarter - No School for Students - Teacher Workday
• October 13-14: Fall Break - School Closed
• October 17: PSAT/NMSQT for 11th grade 
• October 31: Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
• November 1-2: Fall Play
• November 3: First Day of Winter Sports
• November 10: Junior College Night
• November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• December 13: Lessons and Carols (Church of the Holy Communion)
• December 16: Upper School Fall Semester Exams A & B Blocks
• December 17: Upper School Fall Semester Exams C & D Blocks
• December 18: Upper School Fall Semester Exams E & F Blocks
• December 19: Upper School Fall Semester Exams G & Make Up Blocks
• December 20-January 4: Christmas Break
• January 5: Faculty Workday
• January 6: Classes Resume for Second Semester
• January 14: Sophomore College Night