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2026 Semi-Formal Details

January 21, 2025

Dear Upper School Families,

On Saturday, January 24, our Student Council will host the 2026 Semi-Formal at the Music Farm in downtown Charleston from 7:30-10 p.m. The classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 are encouraged to attend and enjoy the dance with their friends and classmates. Students may arrive beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the doors will close at 8:15 p.m. As per our policy, students will be required to remain at the dance until the conclusion at 10 p.m.

Weather Forecast
We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for the possibility of winter weather, and at this time, we do not have any plans to adjust the event schedule or plan. We will continue to monitor the weather for any changes over the next several days and will communicate any updates as they become available.

Tickets
Students have received ticket sales information in the Week Ahead email. Tickets are being sold here for $45 for students and $55 for guests. Ticket sales will close at 3:20 p.m. on Friday.

Parking
Parking is conveniently located in the public parking garage situated next to the Music Farm. There is an entrance from Meeting Street and an entrance from Ann Street. Additional parking garages are located one block away at the Camden Garage on John Street. Metered street parking is also available throughout the area.

Attire
All students and guests should dress appropriately; otherwise, they may be asked to leave the dance.

Expectations
It is critical that we sustain an environment that nurtures and protects our students. Students should not engage in any inappropriate or illegal pre-dance or post-dance behavior. Please remind your student(s) of the school’s policy regarding alcohol and drugs.

As in past years, we will conduct random breathalyzer tests prior to a student’s admission to the dance. In addition, students will be randomly selected at several points during the dance for testing as well. If a tested student or guest registers above 0.00% BAC, the parents will be contacted and required to pick up the student or guest. Further consequences, including school disciplinary action, will be discussed on Monday, January 26. The full school drug and alcohol policy can be found on pages 40-43 of the Upper School Student-Parent Handbook.

At the dance, many faculty and administrators, along with our Director of Security, volunteer to serve as chaperones, and City of Charleston police officers will be on site to ensure all students and their guests enjoy a memorable and safe evening. The police now deal with underage drinking much more seriously than in years past. Please understand that the decision and authority of the police supersede that of any school official. In keeping with past practices, the police will also have breathalyzers on hand.

Finally, it is imperative that students understand the responsibility they assume when bringing a guest from another school. As stated in the guest form, the guest is held accountable to the standards of behavior expected of all Porter-Gaud students, and any consequences for inappropriate behavior apply to the guest and the host student.

We look forward to a safe, memorable, and fun-filled night. The Student Council has planned this event for a long time, and we appreciate their hard work.

Please contact Brent Hilpert with any questions or concerns at bhilpert@portergaud.edu.

With thanks,

Silvia Davis, Head of Upper School
Brent Hilpert, Assistant Head of Upper School and Upper School Dean