PiKEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Porter-Gaud alumni returned to campus for Career Day, sharing their journeys and advice with the Class of 2027 on life after PG. Our alumni represented careers in healthcare, journalism, real estate, marketing, law, STEM, education, business, and more. We sincerely appreciate their time and perspective. See more photos here.
Richards Memorial Award Applications
Applications are now available for the Lieutenant James T. Richards, Jr. Memorial Award, which provides $3,000 toward a summer enrichment experience for a current junior during the summer before senior year. Established in memory of Porter-Gaud alumnus Jamie Richards '80, the award recognizes a well-rounded student of strong moral character who has demonstrated involvement in academics, athletics, the arts, service, or other creative pursuits.
Applicants must submit a two-page typed description of their proposed enrichment experience, a résumé of activities and accomplishments since ninth grade, and a parent or legal guardian's signature. The application deadline is Friday, December 4 at 3:30 p.m.
Applications may be delivered to Ms. Tate or given to Mrs. Cadden for placement in Ms. Tate's mailbox. Please see the application information for complete requirements. Contact Ms. Tate with any questions.
Yearbook Feature: Outside-of-School Talents
The yearbook staff is looking to highlight students' talents and activities outside of school. Whether your student participates in sports, the arts, or another hobby, Kate Steinberg and Zola Blume would love to feature them. Students interested in being considered should email Kate Steinberg with a clear photo of themselves participating in the activity by November 15.
Senior Privileges: Check-in and Check-out Procedures
To further enhance campus safety, we are launching the Ruvna Attendance system with our senior class to ensure an accurate, real-time headcount of who is physically on school grounds in the event of an emergency.
Seniors are required to check in and out using Ruvna every time they arrive at or depart from campus throughout the school day. If the senior class demonstrates consistent compliance with check-in and check-out procedures between now and Thanksgiving, they will unlock daily off-campus lunch privileges starting in December.
Students may sign in manually at an on-campus kiosk or they can check in directly on their phones by enabling location services in the Ruvna app. Please note that the app only uses local device data to verify campus presence during check-in, and that data never leaves the student's phone. The school does not collect or track location data. Please contact Mr. Hilpert with any questions or concerns.
Junior College Night: Monday, November 16
Junior students and parents are invited to Junior College Night on Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m. in St. Timothy's Chapel. This important evening will help families understand the college search and application process, explore what lies ahead during junior and senior year, and learn how the College Counseling Office will support students throughout the journey. We encourage all junior families to attend and invite you to submit questions here.
Upcoming Virtual College Counseling Workshop
All ninth and tenth-grade families are invited to join Paul Martin from College Money Method for a live one-hour webinar, "Navigating Today's College Pricing and Financial Aid," on Tuesday, November 17, at 7 p.m. The webinar will provide an overview of how colleges price education and award financial assistance today, followed by a live Q&A session. Click here to learn more.
Newsies Auditions
Auditions for the Upper School production of Newsies will take place Tuesday, November 17, after school in the auditorium. Students interested in participating should complete the appropriate audition form:
Performances are scheduled for February 25–28, 2027.
Fall Semester Exam Schedule
Please review the Upper School exam schedule as you make plans for the end of the semester.
Tuesday, December 15
- 9:30–11:30 a.m. — A Block Exam
- 12:00–12:30 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:00–3:00 p.m. — B Block Exam
Wednesday, December 16
- 9:30–11:30 a.m. — C Block Exam
- 12:00–12:30 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:00–3:00 p.m. — D Block Exam
Thursday, December 17
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — E Block Exam
- 12:00–12:30 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:00–3:00 p.m. — F Block Exam
Friday, December 18
- 9:30–11:30 a.m. — G Block Exam
- 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Make-Up Exams
Lunch will be available from 12:00–12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Thursday's E Block exam begins at 10:00 a.m. because seniors will attend the first-grade play that morning.
Exam Changes: Any student needing to move an exam must contact Mr. Hilpert. All exam changes must be approved by him before adjustments are made.
PG Service Opportunities
There are many ways for Upper School students to get involved in service.
- Coat Drive | November 16–20: In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Porter-Gaud is collecting gently used coats for Neighbors Together. Collection boxes will be available around campus throughout the week. Service leaders may collect coats at any time.
- 41st Annual Porter-Gaud Toy Drive | December 7–11: Our annual Toy Drive will support eight local nonprofit organizations this year. Please save the dates. Additional information about requested donations and collection procedures will be shared soon.
- Reindeer Run | Saturday, December 12: Porter-Gaud has registered a team for the annual Reindeer Run, and students and families are invited to participate. The race begins at 8:00 a.m., and the Porter-Gaud team photo will take place at 7:45 a.m. in front of the carousel in American Garden. Holiday attire is encouraged! Service leaders will pick up race packets on Friday, December 11, and distribute race bibs and T-shirts to registered team members before the end of the school day. Register with the Porter-Gaud Reindeer Run Team here.
- Ongoing Opportunities: Students can also support the Extended Day program in the PG cafeteria or participate in Morning Flag Detail before school.
Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to access menus. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining).
From the PGPA
- Spread Holiday Cheer: This year, the Holiday Festival will take place on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5. Click here to learn more about campus decorating and volunteer opportunities.
- PGPA Concessions Sign Up: 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
- 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.