Upper School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Jostens Visit
On Monday, December 1, representatives from Jostens will be on campus to share information with juniors about class rings and seniors about graduation announcements. 

Exam Schedule
Upper School exams will take place on Tuesday, December 16, through Friday, December 19. 

• All classes will have a cumulative exam or other required activity during their assigned class block. The only time students will not need to attend is during their free block or study hall. 
• Students are expected to take each of their exams during the assigned blocks. If there is a valid reason for a student to move an exam, the student must reach out to Mr. Hilpert as soon as possible to ask for approval to move an exam. 
• Only seniors who have privileges may leave campus between the two exam blocks. 

Tuesday, December 16:

• 9:30–11:30 a.m. – A Block
• 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. – B Block

Wednesday, December 17:

• 9:30–11:30 a.m. – C Block
• 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. – D Block

Thursday, December 18:

• 9:30–11:30 a.m. – E Block
• 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. – F Block

Friday, December 19:

• 9:30–11:30 a.m. – G Block
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. – Make-Up Exams

Bus Schedule for Exams

• December 15: Regular schedule (not an exam day)
• December 16: Regular schedule (LS and MS have a full day)
• December 17: Regular schedule (9AM start on Wednesday; LS and MS have a full day)
• December 18: Regular schedule (LS and MS have a full day)
• December 19: Regular Friday morning schedule, noon return home (Exam make-up day for MS, LS is dismissed at 11:45 a.m.)

College Counseling Updates

• FAFSA Update for Senior Families - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is live. We know applying for financial aid can be overwhelming and is unique to each family. We also know that not everyone has the time to attend an in-person information session on such a big topic. Taking that into consideration, we asked our colleague, Carolyn Sparks, from Wofford College to record a webinar on paying for college. Carolyn serves as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Director of Financial Aid at Wofford College. You can find the webinar in MyPG by clicking on the resources tab, selecting Upper School on the top right hand corner, and clicking “Applying for College Financial Aid.”
   
• Save the Date: Athletic Recruitment 101 - All Upper School students and parents are invited to hear from Coach TJ Kostecky, the head men’s soccer coach and assistant athletic director for leadership at Bard College, on Wednesday, December 10, from 7-8 p.m. in the Upper School Library. During his 30-plus-year career, Coach Kostecky has worked at six universities and served as a coach, athletic director, professor, author, and entrepreneur. Be on the lookout for a formal RSVP, which will be sent out after Thanksgiving. 

Upcoming Service Projects
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the projects and activities for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. You can still donate new and gently used coats for Neighbors Together by dropping them off in the boxes located at any division office. The drive ends on Friday. 

• Friday, November 21: Write cards and greetings for members of the unhoused community. Cards can be dropped off at any division office or at the table on the Green during lunch. 
• Saturday, November 22: Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for The Feeding of the Multitude at Berkeley Electric on Johns Island. You can register to volunteer by calling Claudia at 843-860-8811. 

Lands End Cyber Week Sale
From November 27 through December 3, one of our uniform vendors, Lands End, will be offering 25% off most uniform items. Click here for more information. 

Dining Update from Taher
Please click here to see the menu for the upcoming week. You can also follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) or access menus online.

Updates from the PGPA

• Holiday Market Pre-Orders: Get a head start on your holiday shopping with two exciting opportunities for pre-orders and pickup at the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Click here for more details and to place your orders. Orders must be placed by midnight on Friday, November 21. 
• PGPA Wellness Speaker: On Tuesday, December 2, at 8 a.m., Rose Cummings, a licensed professional counselor, will present "From Worrying to Well Being: How to Recognize Anxiety in Your Child and Nurture Confidence, Calm, and Joy" in Washington Hall. We hope you can join us! 
• Fathers' Night Out: Lowcountry Boil - Enjoy an evening with fellow PG dads on Friday, December 5, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 234 Little Palm Loop, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Click here to RSVP. 
• Save the Date: Denim and Diamonds Auction & Celebration: Join us on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 7 – 10 p.m. at The Island House for a luxurious twist on the wild west! The evening is sure to sparkle with community, generosity, and big impact! Click here to learn more, including ways you can help make the event a success! 
• PGPA Concessions Sign Up: Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our athletics teams. No experience necessary!
• Volunteer Opportunities: Click here to learn more about PGPA Volunteer Opportunities. 

Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• December 10: Athletic Recruitment 101
• December 13: Lessons and Carols (Church of the Holy Communion)
• December 16: Upper School Fall Semester Exams A & B Blocks
• December 17: Upper School Fall Semester Exams C & D Blocks
• December 18: Upper School Fall Semester Exams E & F Blocks
• December 19: Upper School Fall Semester Exams G & Make Up Blocks
• December 20-January 4: Christmas Break
• January 5: Faculty Workday
• January 6: Classes Resume for Second Semester
• January 14: Sophomore College Night