Upper School Updates

_{PiKEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Our Upper School Studio II artists recently had the opportunity to learn from Moroccan artist Wafae Safar about hand-crafting traditional silk buttons. Wafae is a longtime member of the Cherry Buttons Cooperative and shared insights into the nonprofit’s work supporting women artists and preserving this beautiful Moroccan tradition. We’re grateful for the chance to connect our students with artists and cultural traditions from around the world. Click here to see more photos. 

Homecoming Dance Photos

Click here to see photos from disposable cameras that our Upper School students passed around at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday.

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.

AMC 10/12 Math Competition

The PG Math Department is excited to offer students the opportunity to participate in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 10 and 12, nationally recognized mathematics competitions organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

These competitions challenge students to apply their mathematical knowledge, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills to problems that go beyond traditional classroom exercises. Each competition consists of 25 multiple-choice questions completed in 75 minutes, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting and probability. No calculators are permitted.

The AMC 10 is designed for students in 9th and 10th grades, while the AMC 12 is intended for students in 11th and 12th grades. Students do not need to be enrolled in an advanced mathematics course to participate. The competitions offer an excellent opportunity for students who enjoy mathematics to challenge themselves and explore mathematical problem-solving in a new way. Strong performance can also lead to invitations to additional national mathematics competitions.

• Competition Date: Thursday, November 5, approximately 7:45–9:30 a.m.
• Registration Details: Students interested in participating should complete the AMC 10/12 registration form. The registration deadline is Thursday, October 15. 

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)

PG Service Opportunities

• WINGS Mentoring: Wednesday, October 14, 3:40–4:15 p.m. Students participating in WINGS will continue their mentoring work at the Arthur Christopher Community Center. This program provides an opportunity for students to connect with and support members of the Charleston community through mentoring. Arthur Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne St., Charleston.
• Charitable Snack Sale: Thursday, October 15, 11:15–11:40 a.m. Students can support Star Gospel Mission by purchasing snacks during this week's charitable snack sale. Proceeds will benefit the organization. Location: US212.
• Down Syndrome Buddy Walk: Sunday, October 18, 12:00–2:00 p.m. Students are invited to participate in the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk through the Special Olympics Golf and Other Sports group. The event offers an opportunity to support the Down syndrome community and participate in a local fundraising event. Location: Etiwan Park, 453 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island.

Student Flu Vaccination Clinic

Porter-Gaud will host one more optional flu vaccination clinic this fall with Dottie’s Pharmacy on Friday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3 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

• 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 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 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