Upper School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Congratulations to the 30 Upper School students who have earned honors at the regional affiliate level through the National Center for Women & Information Technology's Aspirations in Computing High School Award. This national program celebrates girls in grades 9-12 for their achievement and leadership in technology. 

Friday, March 6: Special Testing and Grade-Level Programming
Please note that next Friday features a modified schedule for all Upper School students.

Freshmen and Sophomores: Standardized Testing

• Arrival: 7:30 a.m. at Upper School
• 9th Grade (PSAT 8/9) and 10th Grade (PreACT): Students should arrive by 7:30 a.m. These assessments provide valuable practice and baseline data for the college admissions process in a low-stakes environment. Testing will conclude mid-day.

Juniors: College Counseling Case Studies

• Arrival: 9 a.m. at Washington Hall
• Juniors will participate in an interactive "Mock Admissions Committee." Guest admissions counselors from colleges across the country will lead students through the decision-making process, giving them a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at how applications are evaluated.

Seniors: Alumni and Graduation Workshop

• Arrival: 9:30 a.m. at Gwynette Auditorium
• Seniors are invited for a special morning that begins with breakfast, followed by a presentation from the Alumni Office and an overview of upcoming graduation logistics. To wrap up the morning, seniors will spend time making cards for their first-grade buddies.

Coffee for Parents of Current PG Rising 10-12 Graders
On Thursday, March 12, parents and caregivers of current rising 10-12th graders are invited to attend a coffee in Washington Hall at 8:15 a.m. to learn more about the 2026-27 course scheduling process. Click here to learn more and RSVP. 

Family Leave Update
Andy Christopherson, Upper School Counselor, is currently out on family leave and will return on May 4. During his absence, please reach out to Liz Boeschen at lboeschen@portergaud.edu with any counseling questions or needs. 

Health Update: Flu Cases in the Upper School
We continue to see confirmed flu cases in the Upper School. 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.

Unclaimed Bikes
Several bikes have been parked at various locations around campus for several weeks. If any of these are yours and you would like to claim them, please contact Mike Feinberg at mfeinberg@portergaud.edu. If the bikes are not claimed by Friday, March 13, they will be donated. 

Upper School Writing Contest
The PG English Department’s annual Upper School Writing Contest is now open for 2026 submissions. Students may submit work in one of four categories: poetry, short fiction, personal essays, or academic essays (personal essays include reflections or autobiographical pieces; academic essays argue, analyze, or explain a topic with a clear thesis). Students may submit work completed for a class or written independently and are welcome to seek teacher feedback before submitting. Each student may submit up to three total pieces (not three per category). Submissions are due Monday, March 2, at midnight and should be emailed to alehman@portergaud.edu. The faculty will judge entries anonymously. First-, second-, and third-place pieces will be published in the 2025 literary edition of Watch magazine.

Service Opportunities

• Register Now: 2026 Walk for Water: Saturday, March 21, at North Charleston Riverfront Park – We are less than one month away from the annual Water Mission Walk for Water, and we want the Porter-Gaud community to show up in full force! This impactful event helps raise awareness and funds to provide sustainable, safe water solutions to people in developing countries and disaster areas. Join our school team today to help us meet our goal and walk in solidarity with those who must walk miles every day for water. Register here: Walk for Water PG Team Registration
• Water Mission – Walk Preparation Volunteers: Monday, March 2 & Monday, March 9 | 3:45–4:25 p.m. - Students will help prepare materials and supplies for an upcoming community walk. This hands-on opportunity allows students to contribute to global humanitarian efforts in a meaningful way. Location: 1150 Molly Greene Way, Building 1605, North Charleston
• Tutor and Mentor Students at WINGS: Tuesday, March 3 & Tuesday, March 10 - 3:45–4:20 p.m. - Students will volunteer with WINGS, providing tutoring and mentorship to local students. Location: 265 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC 29403
• Blood Drive vs. Pinewood Prep: Thursday, March 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Students, faculty, and parents are invited to donate blood through The Blood Connection to help save lives in our local hospitals. Let’s show our school spirit by out-donating Pinewood Prep for this vital cause. Location: The Blood Connection Bus (In front of Upper School) 
• Special Olympics Unified Sports Day: Saturday, March 14, 3–5 p.m. - In partnership with the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, students will volunteer as "Unified Partners" for a day of Special Olympics golf and other sports. This event celebrates inclusion and teamwork, pairing students with athletes of all abilities for a fun and competitive afternoon. Location: PG Football Stadium

Uniform Savings
One of our uniform vendors, Lands End, is offering 20% off select uniform items with the code HELLOSPRING20 through March 10. Click here for more information. 

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 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