PiKEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
What goes up must come down! Honors Physics students headed outside to put that principle to the test, launching rockets and using physics to predict where they would land. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the lesson! Click here to watch a video.
Spring Interdisciplinary Seminars — Applications Now Open
Upper School students are invited to apply for two Interdisciplinary Seminars being offered this spring. These seminars provide opportunities for students to explore topics of interest beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. The two seminars accepting applications are:
Students interested in either seminar should review the linked application questions and complete the Interdisciplinary Seminar Application by Friday, October 30, at 9 a.m. Please encourage interested students to review all application requirements carefully. Applications that do not follow the specified formatting guidelines will not be considered. Students with questions about the application process or the Interdisciplinary Seminar program are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Bauer for assistance.
PSAT NMSQT for 11th Grade Friday, October 16
Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EST. Please note the following:
- Students must arrive at the Upper School by 7:30 a.m.
- Room assignments will be sent to students via email the afternoon before the test.
- The PSAT is now digital. Students must bring a fully-charged PG laptop. They may also bring a water bottle and pens or pencils for scratch work. They are also able to bring a calculator if they would like to, although there is one built into the testing application.
- Students should not bring any other electronic devices other than their PG laptop.
- If students are absent, there are no makeup opportunities for this specific test.
- Scores are usually released the first week of November. We will notify students when scores are available.
Why PG offers it:
- The primary purpose of this test is a practice opportunity to help students get a feel for standardized testing.
- Scores are often used by certain academic departments (Science and Math) to help inform Honors/AP placement.
- Here's a link to a Khan Academy article providing more info about the test.
World Food Day Collection Ends Tomorrow!
The annual celebration of World Food Day is Friday, October 16. The purpose of this day is to increase awareness and understanding of the complex issue of food security for all and the importance of sharing with those who are hungry. Our entire school observes this event by participating in a food collection for Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center. We ask each grade to bring in a specific food item from October 6-16. Items can be dropped off in homerooms or division offices.
- Grade 9 – Canned chicken
- Grade 10 – Canned tuna
- Grade 11 – Canned pink salmon
- Grade 12 – Hearty canned meats (ravioli, beef stew, Vienna sausages)
Dress Down Day for Service on Friday
We will have a school-wide dress-down day in recognition of the food drive effort and World Food Day on Friday, October 16.
PG Service Opportunities
There are many ways for Upper School students to get involved in service.
- PG Mentorship and Tutoring — Monday, October 19. 3:25–4:15 p.m. in Washington Hall – Students involved in PG Mentorship and Tutoring will meet Monday afternoon. This is an opportunity for students interested in mentorship and tutoring to connect with the group and participate in its ongoing work.
- Pet Helpers — Tuesday, October 20, :45–4:45 p.m. - The Pet Helpers service group will hold its first event of the year on Tuesday afternoon. Students interested in supporting animal welfare and getting involved with Pet Helpers are encouraged to check ClubHub for participation information.
- WINGS Mentoring — Wednesday, October 21, 3:40–4:15 p.m. at Arthur Christopher Community Center – Students participating in WINGS Mentoring will gather Wednesday afternoon at the Arthur Christopher Community Center. This ongoing service opportunity allows Upper School students to participate in community mentoring activities.
- Bake Sale for Share Our Suzy — Thursday, October 22, 11:15–11:40 a.m., US Courtyard – Students will host a charitable bake sale in support of Share Our Suzy, an organization that assists breast cancer patients with care-related needs. Students and faculty are encouraged to stop by and support this student-led fundraising effort.
Students should visit ClubHub for details, registration, and additional opportunities to get involved.
Scheduling Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
Conference Day will take place on Wednesday, October 28. 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.
Join Us for the Fall Play
The Upper School Fall Play, Almost, Maine, will run on Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. in Gwynette Auditorium. You can purchase tickets here. Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the show!
Picture Retakes Now Available for Viewing
Photos from our Retake Picture Day are now available for viewing. You can access images and place orders by signing in to the Jostens website using the event code FE11426 and the email address associated with your school account. Additional information is included in this flyer. Please note that students in grades 1–11 do not get to select their yearbook photo. Jostens will automatically select the photo used for the yearbook.
Upper School Musical: Newsies — Audition Information
We are excited to announce that this year's Upper School musical will be Newsies, with performances scheduled for February 25–28! Auditions will take place on Tuesday, November 17, after school in the auditorium. The production offers numerous speaking and singing opportunities, with only a few roles that are gender-specific. Students interested in speaking or singing roles will need to audition, while students who wish to participate in the ensemble will only need to complete a Google Form that was emailed to them.
An audition packet, including the songs students should prepare, will be distributed at the end of October.
Important Dates:
- Auditions: Tuesday, November 17, after school
- Required rehearsal and performance availability: February 21–28
- Performances: February 25–28
Families should review these dates carefully before students audition. All participants must be available February 21–28, including rehearsals with the orchestra, dress rehearsals, and performances. We look forward to another wonderful Upper School musical production!
Student Flu Vaccination Clinic
Porter-Gaud will host one more optional flu vaccination clinic this fall with Dottie’s Pharmacy on Monday, October 19, 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 Fall 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 16: PSAT/NMSQT for 11th grade
- October 19: Founders Day
- October 28: Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School for Students
- November 2: First Day of Winter Sports
- November 16: Junior College Night
- November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
- December 5 - Holiday Festival
- December 11: Holiday Assembly
- December 12: Lessons and Carols (Church of the Holy Communion)
- December 15: Upper School Fall Semester Exams A & B Blocks
- December 16: Upper School Fall Semester Exams C & D Blocks
- December 17: Upper School Fall Semester Exams E & F Blocks
- December 18: Upper School Fall Semester Exams G & Make Up Blocks
- December 19-January 3: Christmas Break
- January 4: Faculty Workday
- January 5: Classes Resume for Second Semester
- January 13: Sophomore College Night
We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.