Upper School Updates

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More than 50 Upper School students represented countries from around the world at the Model United Nations Conference hosted by Georgia Southern University last week. Over several days of debate, collaboration, and problem-solving, our delegates researched global issues, delivered speeches, and worked alongside students from across the region to tackle complex international challenges. We're proud to share that two resolutions were passed by the General Assembly. Well done, Cyclones!

Signing Day
Congrats to three of our seniors who have officially committed to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level! Ewan McIntosh will play soccer at Clark University, Kayden Pryor will play football at Tufts University, and Haley Taylor will play lacrosse at Sewanee. Click here for more photos.

Re-enrollment for the 2026-27 School Year
Re-enrollment contracts were sent to all eligible families on Tuesday, February 3, and the re-enrollment window will be open from February 3-13. For more information about the contract timeline and schedule, withdrawals, re-enrollment eligibility, and tuition refund and payment plan options, please click here. 

Mini College Fair for Upper School Students on February 12
PG College Counseling will host a Mini-College Fair during lunch on February 12 in the Upper School Library with the representatives from the following schools:

• University of Alabama
• University of Alabama -Birmingham
• Hampden-Sydney College
• University of Tennessee
• Rider University
• Fairfield University
• Appalachian State University
• Newberry College
• Long Island University
• Mississippi State University.

This is open to all Upper School students, so please encourage your Upper School student to swing by during lunch on February 12!

Service Academy Information Night
Porter-Gaud will hold a Service Academy Information Night on Monday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in the Upper School Library. During the session, we will share details about the different service academies and their application processes, which are very different from traditional universities. Please note that because the application process for service academies begins during a student's 11th-grade year, students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade who are considering applying to the service academies are encouraged to attend this information session with their families. 

College Counseling Newsletter
Please click here to read the most recent issue of “Notes from Porter-Gaud College Counseling.” 

AI and Applied Mathematics Summer Intensive Opportunity 
Inspirit AI is a 25-hour pre-college research program led by Stanford PhD educators focused on guiding high school students to apply AI to tackle challenges in economics, public health, and environmental change. Students may learn more and apply here. The deadline is March 1.

Upper School Service Opportunities

• Habitat for Humanity - Saturday, February 7 | 12:30–3:30 p.m. - 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
• Bouquets of Cheer - Saturday, February 7 | 3:00–4 p.m. - 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
• Elderly Friendships: Valentine Card Making - Monday, February 9 | 11–11:25 a.m. - Students will create Valentine’s cards for residents participating in the Elderly Friendships program, spreading kindness and connection to older adults in our community. Location: Outside of Ms. Tate’s Office
• Elderly Friendships: Valentine’s BINGO - Tuesday, February 10 | 3:45–4:45 p.m. - Students will visit Canterbury House to spend time with residents through a Valentine’s-themed BINGO event, fostering meaningful intergenerational connections. Location: Canterbury House
• Adopt-A-Highway and Marsh Sweep - February 11 | 3:20–3:50 p.m. - Students will take part in a cleanup of Porter-Gaud’s adopted section of Albemarle Road and nearby marsh areas, helping care for the local environment through hands-on service. Location: Senior Lot
• Ronald McDonald House - Thursday, February 12 | 7:30–8:15 a.m. - Students will volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, supporting families with children receiving medical care by assisting with morning service efforts. Location: 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, SC 29401
• Charitable Snack Sale for SC Make-A-Wish Foundation - Thursday, February 12 | 11:20–11:40 a.m. - Students will host a snack sale to raise funds for the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation, supporting efforts to grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses. Location: Outside Ms. Tate’s Office

Dining Update from Taher
To view the menu for next week, click here 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. 
• Save the Date: 
  • 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