Upper School Updates

PARENTS

Upper School Weekly Update

PiKEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

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We've had a blast with Spirit Week in the Upper School!  Watch a reel featuring a sampling of today's costumes here. 

Homecoming Dance

The Upper School Homecoming Dance is just two days away! Join us this Saturday, October 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Washington Hall for a memorable night featuring our Tropical decor theme.

Key Event Details:

  • Who: Students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. (Outside guests are not permitted.)
  • Tickets: $16 online through Friday, October 2. Prices increase to $26 on Saturday, October 3, so be sure to purchase online in advance.
  • Timing & Entry: Doors open at 7 p.m. and close strictly at 7:30 p.m. Per school policy, all students must remain at the dance until 9 p.m.
  • Drop-Off, Pickup & Parking: The Lower School main entrance will be the only campus gate open. Parent drop-off/pickup is in the Lower School carpool loop, and student drivers should park in the Lower School lot.
  • Attire: Semi-casual (e.g., sundresses, polo shirts) appropriate for a school event. The tropical theme is for event atmosphere only and does not change attire expectations.
  • Expectations: For the safety and welfare of our community, we will conduct random breathalyzer tests upon admission. When entering the line, students will draw a card to determine if they will be tested. Additional random checks will occur during the event. If a student tests above 0.00% BAC, their parents will be contacted immediately to pick them up, and disciplinary actions will be addressed on Monday, October 5. For reference, the drug and alcohol policy is located on page 46 of the Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook.

We look forward to a fantastic evening with our Upper School students on Saturday!

Picture Retakes

If your child was absent on Picture Day or would like a retake photo, we will have a Retake Day on Monday, October 5. Students should go to Gwynette during community time, study halls, lunch, or free periods. 

Clubs and Service Projects

Our students have had two opportunities this month to explore extracurricular involvement and community engagement. On September 4, students participated in our Service Fair, where they discovered various outreach and volunteer initiatives. This past Monday, we hosted our Club Fair, giving students the chance to connect directly with student leaders and learn more about our wide array of student-led clubs, special interest groups, and dialogue groups.

To help your student build on that momentum and stay involved, please encourage them to log into their ClubHub account. Through ClubHub, students can view the full schedule of upcoming activities, club meetings, and service projects, as well as sign up for any clubs or volunteer opportunities that spark their interest.

Once a student signs up for a club or service project on ClubHub, they will automatically receive direct announcements, updates, and event reminders from that organization. Encouraging your student to log in today is the best way to ensure they stay connected and informed throughout the semester.

National Student Conference Applications Due Tomorrow

Applications are now open for several National Student Conference opportunities for Upper School students. For students selected to participate, Porter-Gaud will cover all conference expenses. Students may apply to one or more of the following opportunities:

Students interested in applying should complete the Universal Application Form, indicate the conference or conferences they are interested in attending, and upload an artifact such as an essay, video, or artwork that supports their application. Applications are due Friday, October 2.

These conferences provide students with opportunities to grow as leaders, connect with students from other communities, and bring new ideas and perspectives back to Porter-Gaud. Students selected to attend will also become part of the Student Leadership Hub.

World Food Day Collection

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 at home athletic events. 

  • Grade 9 – Canned chicken
  • Grade 10 – Canned tuna
  • Grade 11 – Canned pink salmon
  • Grade 12 –  Hearty canned meats (ravioli, beef stew, Vienna sausages)
Service Opportunity

First Fisher House Dinner of the Year: Monday, October 5 | 4:55–5:55 p.m
Students are invited to help with our first Fisher House dinner of the year. Volunteers will meet at the Fisher House shortly before 5 p.m. to cook and prepare dinner for residents. This is a great opportunity for students to serve members of our community in a direct and meaningful way. Location: Fisher House, 150 Wentworth St., Charleston. Students should RSVP through ClubHub.

Student Flu Vaccination Clinics

Porter-Gaud will host two optional flu vaccination clinics this fall:

  • Parkwood Pediatrics - Friday, October 2, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
  • Dottie’s Pharmacy - Friday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For additional information, including consent forms and sign-up links, please click here.

Dining Update from Taher

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

From the PGPA
Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes
  • 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

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