Upper School Updates

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The Upper School gathered on Tuesday for Porter-Gaud’s inaugural International Holocaust Remembrance Assembly. The Jewish Culture Dialogue Group organized the assembly in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement and Wellness. We are grateful for our guest speaker, Anita Zucker, who shared her family’s story and helped our students understand the importance of remembrance, testimony, and education. Click here to see more photos. 

From the Nurse’s Office
We have seen an increase in illnesses, including the flu, on campus this week. As a reminder, any student who is feeling unwell should stay home from school. Any student who is absent due to illness must stay home until overall symptoms have improved and are fever-free for at least 48 hours without fever-suppressing medication, have no diarrhea or vomiting in the last 24 hours, and are well enough to participate in a full day of classes. Students who come to school with any flu-like or COVID symptoms will be sent home.

Re-enrollment for the 2026-27 School Year
Re-enrollment contracts will be sent to all eligible families on the afternoon of Monday, February 2, along with information about the contract timeline and schedule, withdrawal procedures, re-enrollment eligibility, and tuition refund and payment plan options. The re-enrollment window will be open from February 2-13. If your student plans to attend a new school in the fall or if you are considering other school options, please email Ken Hyde at khyde@portergaud.edu.

Senior Yearbook Ads
The deadline for senior ads is January 31. If you'd like to purchase a senior yearbook ad, please click here. ​​Prices are as follows:

• Full-page - $595
• Half-page - $350
• Quarter-page - $250

Upper School Service Opportunities

• Saturday, January 31 - Pet Helpers Shelter – Weekend Assistance - Students will volunteer at Pet Helpers Animal Shelter over the weekend, providing hands-on assistance and care for animals in the shelter. Location: Pet Helpers Animal Shelter from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, January 31 - Habitat for Humanity - Students will participate in service activities supporting Habitat for Humanity, contributing time and effort to help build and improve housing for families. Location: Habitat site, 1 - 4 p.m. 
•  Monday, February 2 - Water Mission - Students will support Water Mission, an organization dedicated to providing safe drinking water and sanitation solutions to communities around the world. This service opportunity offers a meaningful way for students to contribute to global outreach efforts. Location: 1150 Molly Greene Way, Building 1605 (North), 3:45–4:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 4 - Valentine’s Cards for Harvest Moon (Special Service Project) - Students will create Valentine’s cards for Harvest Moon, which will be delivered to chemotherapy patients as a message of encouragement and care. This project provides a thoughtful way for students to bring comfort and support to those undergoing treatment. Location: LAM 519 (Art Room), 3:20–3:50 p.m.
• Saturday, February 7 - Habitat for Humanity - Students will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, contributing time and effort to support affordable housing initiatives and serve families in need. This hands-on outreach opportunity is a meaningful way for students to engage in community service. Location: Habitat for Humanity site, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 7 - Bouquets of Cheer Students will assemble and deliver bouquets to patients at the VA Hospital, offering encouragement and gratitude to veterans through this uplifting service opportunity. Location: Pavilion, 3 –4 p.m.

Dining Update from Taher
We are pleased to welcome Taher Chef Council member, Chef Benny, to campus this week. He is serving up delicious Italian dishes! Today, he showed us how traditional Cacio e Pepe is made.  Be sure to visit Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) to see some of the fantastic dishes we enjoyed in Washington Hall. Click here to view the menu for next week or access menus online. 

Updates from the PGPA

• Virtual Pop-Up Sale: Stock up on your Cyclone gear at this Virtual Pop-Up Sale! Click here for details on how to shop. 
• Tickets are Live! Denim & Diamonds Gala and Celebration - Join us for a night filled with live music, delicious food, curated cocktails, and incredible company as families, faculty, alumni, and friends come together to support the mission of Porter-Gaud School and the PGPA on March 20. Click here for additional details. 
• Please mark these upcoming dates on your calendar: 
  • March 27: PG Community Shabbat Dinner
  • May 21: Closing PGPA General Meeting
• 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 Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• February 16-17: Winter Break - School Closed
• February 26 - March 1: US Musical
• March 6: Pre-ACT (10th grade) & PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade)
• March 10: Parent coffee 10th-12th grade scheduling
• March 25: Conference Day
• April 3: Good Friday - School Closed
• April 4-12: Spring Break
• April 18: Prom
• April 26: Spring Arts Festival
• May 1: Senior College T-Shirt Day
• May 4 - 15: AP Exams
• May 13-15: Senior Exams
• May 18: Senior Milestone Dinner (6 p.m.)
• May 19: Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice, Unity Assembly
• May 21: Baccalaureate (5 p.m. - Church of the Holy Communion)
• May 23: Graduation (6:30 p.m.)
• May 26: Upper School Spring Semester Exams G & F Blocks
• May 27: Upper School Spring Semester Exams E & D Blocks
• May 28: Upper School Spring Semester Exams C & B Blocks
• May 29: Upper School Spring Semester Exams A & Make Up Blocks