Upper School Updates

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This week, we celebrated two seniors who made their official commitments to continue their athletic careers at the college level: 

• Brett Jones, University of Tennessee (javelin)
• Matt Fortson, The United States Military Academy at West Point (swimming)

Congratulations to both of these outstanding student-athletes! Click here for more photos.

We also want to congratulate the 56 Upper School students who competed in mock trials and appeals court proceedings at the Youth in Government Conference in Columbia last week. The Porter-Gaud team handled complex issues with poise and precision. Click here to see more photos.

Spring Musical Auditions
Our spring musical, Mamma Mia, will run from February 28 - March 2. Auditions will take place in Gwynette Auditorium on Wednesday, November 20 immediately after school. 

• Students interested in a part will need to sing a song and are encouraged to memorize the lyrics so they can perform during the audition. Anyone who would like to schedule a time to practice with the accompanist can email Coach Knight. 
• Any student who has a conflict with any of the show dates should not audition for a leading role.

Students who want to be in the ensemble do not need to sing at the audition and should come to the auditorium on Wednesday and fill out a form. 

Semester Schools Lunch & Learn on November 18
Any 9th or 10th-grade students who may have an interest in applying to a semester school such as the School for Ethics and Global Leadership, the Alzar School, or any other semester school must attend the Semester Schools Lunch and Learn on Monday, November 18.  Students should complete the sign-up form linked below to register for this lunch and learn. The School for Ethics and Global Leadership will present at this event.  

• Lunch and Learn Sign-up Form

School Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be taken on Friday, November 15. Students (Grades 9-11) should wear polo shirts and uniform bottoms and go to Gwynette during free periods, study halls, community time, or lunch between 9:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

Service Opportunities
Porter-Gaud is honoring National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week through several of the following activities: 

• Monday - Canned Vegetable, Gently Used Men's Clothes, and Gently Used Coat Drive begins for Star Gospel Mission and Neighbors Together. 
• Tuesday - School-wide challenge to fill a blessing box! Please send pictures to pgservice or tag them in your post to encourage others to fill blessing boxes too!
• Wednesday - Meet outside Ms. Tate's office immediately after school to fill toiletry bags for Neighborhood House. If you have toiletries from your travels to donate, please send them in!
• Thursday - Charitable bake sale for Star Gospel Mission at 11:20 a.m. by the Rev Statue. Students may also volunteer at the March of Dimes Gala from 5-10 p.m. This is a black tie event so volunteers must dress up! Email Lew Thompson or Blair Centurino to sign up. 
• Friday - Write a thank you card to a homeless veteran or send them an inspirational note! A table will be set up by the Rev Statue. 
• Saturday - Volunteer at the Feeding of the Multitude at Haut Gap Middle School on Johns Island. Email Ms. Tate for more information. 

Dining Update: Last Call for Thanksgiving Sides and Pies
Taher Catering is offering Porter-Gaud families the opportunity to order sides and pies for their Thanksgiving holiday gatherings. You can also express your gratitude to a teacher or staff member by giving them a side or pie of their choice. Please click here to learn more and place your order by November 19 at 10 a.m. 

To access daily menus, please click here. You can also follow us on Instagram (@taherpgdining). 

Save the Date: French Toast Black Friday Sale
Our uniform vendor, French Toast, will be running a sale from November 25-December 3, and families can save up to 40% on uniform purchases. Click here to learn more.

From Our Chaplains
Click here to read reflections from our chaplains, access recommended resources, and request prayer.

Save the Date: PGPA Holiday Festival
The 2024 Porter-Gaud Parent Association Holiday Festival is on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fun will include shopping with over 30 local vendors, food, musical performances by the Porter-Gaud choirs, new Porter-Gaud merchandise, play and activities for young children, visits with Santa, and "snow" much more! Click here for more information about the event and volunteer opportunities.

Concessions
Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our Cyclone sports teams.

Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• November 15: Make-up Picture Day
• November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• December 14: Lessons and Carols (Church of the Holy Communion)
• December 17-20: Upper School Fall Semester Exams
  • December 17: A & B Blocks
  • December 18: C & D Blocks
  • December 19: E & F Blocks
  • December 20: G Block & Make up Exams
• December 23 - January 3: Christmas Break - No School for Students
• January 6: Faculty Workday - No School for Students
• January 7: Classes resume for the Second Semester 
• January 15: Sophomore College Night
• January 20: MLK, Jr. Day - School Closed
• January 25: Semi-Formal
• February 27-March 2: Upper School Musical
• February 28: Pre-ACT (10th Grade)
• March 7: PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade)
• March 31 - April 4: Spring Break