Lower School Updates

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Weekly Updates

Our fourth graders interviewed experts in flood management this week at the third annual Flooding Symposium. As part of a project connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges, students will soon design systems to protect a LEGO world from flooding. Click here to see more photos.

You’re Invited: Lower School Coffee Talk on Technology
Join us for a Coffee Talk on Technology in the Lower School on Thursday, November 13, from 8:15-9 a.m. in Washington Hall. Together, we’ll explore the purpose of technology in our classrooms, how it enhances learning across subjects, and ways to help children develop healthy, responsible screen habits at home. Click here to learn more and to RSVP.

Morning Arrival & Tardies
Carpool and morning dropoff is from 7:30 - 7:50 a.m., but we would love all Lower School students to be here and in class by 7:45 a.m. This time is incredibly important and allows students to get settled, unpack, and or even begin schoolwork, such as reading a good book. Please be aware that students who arrive after 7:50 a.m. will be marked tardy and need to be checked in at the Lower School office.  

A Day for PG
Day For PG is Porter-Gaud’s largest day of philanthropy—a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate generosity, school spirit, and the impact of giving. On Wednesday, November 12, students and faculty are invited to wear their Cyclone spirit gear as we mark 1,867 minutes of giving in honor of our founding year. Students should wear their spirit gear with uniform bottoms. 

Be on the lookout for our Advancement team in the carpool lines next Monday and Tuesday handing out additional spirit items for any student who would like something extra for Day For PG. Thank you for helping us build excitement and celebrate what makes Porter-Gaud such a special community!

Spelling Bee (Third and Fourth Grades)
Porter-Gaud is participating in the SCISA Spelling Bee again this year, and all third and fourth grade students have the opportunity to compete in the Qualifying Round on Tuesday, November 11. Participation is voluntary – no one is required to take part in the competition – but all are welcome. Click here to learn more. Please complete this form only if your child is interested in participating in the Spelling Bee. 

Lost and Found: Please Check for Missing Items
With the cooler temperatures, many students have been bringing jackets and other warm clothing to school. Our Lost and Found in the main office has grown quite full! Please stop by or have your child check to see if any missing items belong to you. 

Parenting Tip: Cheer the good stuff.
When you notice your child doing something helpful or nice, let them know how you feel. It's a great way to reinforce good behavior so they're more likely to keep doing.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Friday, November 7 (Grade 4)
Tomorrow is our last day of conferences.  We have truly valued these opportunities to connect with you and to discuss your child’s growth and progress. Thank you for your partnership and continued support.

Grade 4 Parents: This is a friendly reminder that our conferences will be held at Albemarle Point Center (APC), located at 176 Croghan Spur Road-Suite 300, across from our football and baseball fields. This arrangement allows students to follow their normal school day while teachers meet with parents.

Save the Date for Upcoming Lower School Choir Performances 

• Holiday Festival: The Lower School Choir will perform at this year's PGPA Holiday Festival on December 6, at 12 p.m. More details about this event will be shared soon! 
• Lessons and Carols: The Lower School Choir will sing a selection for this year's Lessons and Carols Service, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at Church of the Holy Communion (218 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29403). 

Communicating Time-Sensitive Information
Contact the Lower School Office at 843-556-3376 if you have time-sensitive information to share during the school day, including dismissal changes that occur after 2 p.m. Our teachers are not able to check or respond to their email during the school day, and they may miss important and/or time-sensitive information. 

Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to see the menu for the upcoming week. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) or access menus online.

From the PGPA

• 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 Dates - Semester 1

• November 3-7: A second day of Parent/Teacher Conferences is scheduled for each grade level - students will attend school on all of these days. Conferences will take place at Albemarle Point Center, Suite 300. 
• November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• Friday, December 19: Half Day - Lower School Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
• December 22-January 4: Christmas Break - School Closed
• Monday, January 5: Faculty Workday - No School for Students
• Tuesday, January 6: Classes Resume