KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Student-Led Conferences
As we prepare for Conference Day on Wednesday, October 28, we wanted to share why Student-Led Conferences are an important part of the Middle School experience. Student-Led Conferences provide a meaningful opportunity for students to share their learning, reflect on their progress, and discuss their goals with the adults who support them.
For our fifth-grade families, this format may be a new experience. For families in grades six through eight, we hope this serves as a helpful reminder of why we ask students to take the lead.
Learning to understand and explain their own progress is an important part of becoming an independent learner. During a student-led conference, students practice identifying strengths, acknowledging challenges, using their work as evidence, and asking for support. These skills take time and practice to develop, and each conference offers another opportunity to grow.
The preparation for their conference is as important as the conference itself. As students review their work and consider what to share, they think through questions such as:
- What am I proud of, and why?
- Where have I made progress?
- What is challenging for me?
- Which habits are helping me, and which need attention?
- What will I do next, and what support do I need?
For families, these conversations offer a window into how your child understands their school experience. A grade can communicate one part of the story, but hearing your child explain a revision, describe a difficulty, or recognize a successful strategy adds invaluable context.
Your role is to listen with curiosity, celebrate growth, and help your child think through next steps. Questions such as “What helped you improve?” “What would you do differently?” and “How can we support your goal?” encourage thoughtful conversation. Giving your child a little extra time to answer—even through an awkward pause—helps them practice speaking for themselves.
Some students will approach the conference confidently. Others may rely on notes, need a prompt, or feel nervous. We expect that range, particularly as fifth graders experience this process for the first time. Our goal is thoughtful reflection, honest conversation, and an achievable plan for continued growth.
Faculty are essential partners in this process by helping students prepare, offering perspective, and supporting next steps. You can always reach out to teachers with questions or concerns that need a follow-up discussion.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help our students become more reflective, responsible, and confident learners. We look forward to hearing what they have to share. You can set up a conference time starting on Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. by logging into MyPG. Additional instructions will be shared by email early next week.
Dress Down for World Food Day
Tomorrow is the final day of our school-wide food drive, and students are invited to dress down tomorrow in celebration of this wonderful effort! Rules concerning coverage, length, and repair outlined in the student handbook still apply. All logos and writing on clothing must be appropriate for a school setting. The following guidelines apply:
- Skirts and shorts must be an appropriate length.
- Shirts and tops must be an appropriate length. No spaghetti straps, backless shirts or tops, or tops with exposed shoulders or arms.
- No hats or face coverings.
- No open-toed shoes, Crocs, slides, or flip-flops.
- No pajamas or onesies.
- Costumes should be respectful and not disruptive to the learning environment.
There is still one more day to donate if you would like to participate. As a reminder, each grade level is collecting the following items:
- Grade 5 – Rice 32 oz. (2 lb.) bags or smaller, no bulk bags
- Grade 6 – Canned vegetables, especially corn, green beans, and peas
- Grade 7 – Canned fruit, especially pineapple, mixed fruit, and peaches
- Grade 8 – Soup
We will continue to accept monetary contributions through the end of the on Friday. Please Venmo @Porter-Gaud with the memo WORLD. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community and for showing our students the importance of kindness, generosity, and giving back!
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month! This month is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in helping everyone feel welcomed, valued and included. This week, we ask you to challenge yourself - pay attention to the moments when you have a choice - whether to join in on a joke at someone’s expense, leave someone out, or stand by when someone is being treated unkindly. Choose to be the person who makes a positive difference. Let’s continue to look out for one another and make our school a place where everyone feels they belong.
Wednesday, October 21st is Unity Day and we will have a Middle School Orange Dress Down Day. Why Orange? The National Bullying Prevention Center's Unity Day is their signature event and as they share on their website: "This is a day when we can come together to send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The call to action is simple: wear and share the color orange. This vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, showing support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention.
Fifth Grade Pumpkin Carving Contest
Our traditional Fifth Grade Pumpkin Carving Contest will be held on Friday, October 30. Students in fifth grade are encouraged to participate and bring in a decorated pumpkin in one of several categories. Judging will be done by the fourth grade students in Lower School with winners announced at lunch that day.
Upper School Preview Event for Current Eighth Grade PG Parents and Caregivers
Join us on Thursday, October 29, from 9-11 a.m. for an Upper School Preview for current 8th grade Porter-Gaud parents and caregivers. This event will include student and adult perspectives on life in the Upper School, a presentation of academics, arts, athletics, service, and spiritual life; a Q&A; and a tour of the Upper School. We hope you can join us!
RSVP HERE.
Upcoming Service Opportunities
- October 17: Katie's Krops
- November 21: Miracle League
- December 4: Holiday Market
Please use this link to learn more about the Middle School service program and to reserve your child's spot for a project: MS Service Events
Student Flu Vaccination Clinic
Porter-Gaud will host one more optional flu vaccination clinic this fall with Dottie’s Pharmacy on Friday, October 16, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For additional information, please click here.
Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to access menus. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining).
From the PGPA
- RSVP for Fusion Fest: On Wednesday, November 4, come and enjoy an evening featuring small bites from local eateries and live performances of music and dance, showcasing traditions from around the globe. Click here to learn more and RSVP.
- Save the Date – Pop-Up Sale: Get ready for cooler temperatures and stock up on PG sweatshirts at the PGPA Pop-Up Sale on Friday, November 6, from 7:30-9 a.m. outside the stadium. Swing by on your way to or from drop-off!
- PGPA Concessions Sign Up: PGPA Concessions are underway! Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our athletics teams. No experience necessary!
- Online Spirit Store: Stock up on your Cyclone gear! Our online store is now open with fresh designs for the school year.
Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes
- October 19: Founders Day
- October 28: Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
- November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
- December 5 - Holiday Festival
- December 12: Lessons and Carols (Church of the Holy Communion)
- December 19-January 3: Christmas Break
- January 4: Faculty Workday
- January 5: Classes Resume for Second Semester
We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.