Upper School Updates

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Congratulations to Porter-Gaud's National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2027: Nathan DiLisi, Allison Kulka, Owen Donahue, and Robert Wey. This distinction places them in the top one percent of high school seniors nationwide based on their performances on the PSAT exam. Each student has earned the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholarships.

Service Opportunities and Blood Drive

Last Friday’s Service Fair gave Upper School students an opportunity to learn about the many service projects available throughout the year. If your student did not get a chance to visit every group, they can still get involved by joining Service Project groups in ClubHub. 

Our first Porter-Gaud Blood Drive will be Wednesday, September 30, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students who are at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate. Sixteen-year-old donors require parent/guardian permission, and all student donors must complete the Porter-Gaud blood drive permission form. Students may donate only during a free period or lunch and may not miss class to donate. We will also have an opportunity to register for the Blood Drive at Friday night’s home football game.

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We had a prayer in Chapel on Wednesday and will recognize the significance of the day through opportunities for learning, service, remembrance, and community. Our featured Lunch & Learn, curated by Dr. Westerman and Mr. Greenwell, will explore the day from a historical and community perspective. Seniors will participate in the 18th Annual Senior Day of Caring, in honor of the anniversary of September 11 and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

Picture Day on Monday

Upper School students in grades 9–11 will take yearbook pictures on Monday, September 14, in Gwynette. Students should go to Gwynette during a free period, study hall, Community Time, or lunch. All Upper School students should wear polo shirts and uniform bottoms to school on Monday. Students who are absent will have another opportunity on the photo retake date, Monday, October 5.

Seniors who either missed the August 12 photo session or would like to do a retake may go to Gwynette to take photos during free periods or lunch. Formal attire is mandatory. Attire options include the traditional black drape provided by the photographer, which may be enhanced with pearls or other jewelry (optional), as well as suit jackets and collared dress shirts paired with ties or bow ties.

If you would be interested in volunteering on this day, please click here to learn more. 

Study Trips: Application Deadline Extended to September 14

The application deadline for Upper School Study Trips has been extended to Monday, September 14. You can review full details, dates, and projected costs here.

Updates from College Counseling

• On-Campus Visits: College representatives continue to visit campus throughout the fall, giving students an excellent opportunity to learn more about schools that interest them. Families can view all upcoming college visits. Unless otherwise noted, visits take place in the College Counseling Office.
• Ninth Grade College Night will take place Monday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Timothy’s Chapel. This evening will help ninth-grade families better understand the college counseling process and how students can make the most of their Upper School years.
• In-State College Night will take place Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper School Building. The program is open to all Upper School students and families and is an opportunity to learn more about college options here in South Carolina.

Dining Update from Taher

Please click here to access menus. You can also follow us on Instagram (@taherpgdining).  

From the PGPA

• Teacher Appreciation – Help Us Say Thank You! We are committed to showing our faculty and staff how much we value all they do for our children and our school community. With your support, we provide gestures of appreciation throughout the year such as special meals, holiday celebrations, Teacher Appreciation Week and more. Click here to learn more and make a donation. 
• Picture Day Volunteer Opportunity: If you would be interested in volunteering on picture days, please click here to learn more. 
• You're Invited: Coffee and Conversation: PGPA's Families for Cultural Engagement invites parents and caregivers in all divisions to Coffee and Conversation on Tuesday, September 22, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. in Washington Hall. The Dean of Wellness and our Lower, Middle, and Upper School Counselors will share strategies for tackling tough topics with our children—focusing on expectations, engagement, and resilience—followed by division-specific breakout sessions. 
• Holiday Decorating Committee: This committee will be making the school festive and fun for the holidays! If you’d like to get involved, please join them for the first meeting on Wednesday, September 16, at 9 a.m. on The Green. 
• 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

• September 11: Senior Day of Caring
• September 14: Picture Day
• September 14: Ninth Grade College Kickoff
• September 15: Senior Privileges Begin
• September 16: HBCU Breakfast
• September 28-Oct 2: Spirit Week
• October 2: Homecoming Game
• October 3: Homecoming Dance
• October 5: Picture Retakes
• October 9: End of Quarter - No School for Students - Teacher Workday
• October 12-13: Fall Break - School Closed
• 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 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