Upper School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Last week, the Class of 2026 shared a special lunch at Head of School DuBose Egleston's home. With the final months of senior year ahead, it was the perfect time to pause and enjoy the moment together. Click here for more photos. 

Ash Wednesday
Yesterday, we held Ash Wednesday services with the imposition of ashes for our Upper School students. These ashes are imposed in the sign of the cross and signify Christ's gracious claim upon us. Our Head Chaplain, Father Kennedy, shares, “In spite of all that is broken, the cross promises redemption and once again declares in love: ‘I am yours, and you are mine.’"

Service Academy Information Night
On Monday, February 23, at 6 p.m. in the Upper School Library, we will share details about the different service academies and their application processes, which are very different from traditional universities. Please note that because the application process for service academies begins during a student's 11th-grade year, students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade who are considering applying to the service academies are encouraged to attend this information session with their families. 

Health Update: Flu Cases in the Upper School
We continue to see confirmed flu cases in the Upper School this week. Any student who is feeling unwell should stay home from school. Any student who is absent due to illness must stay home until overall symptoms have improved and are fever-free without fever-suppressing medication, have no diarrhea or vomiting in the last 24 hours, and are well enough to participate in a full day of classes. Students who come to school with any flu-like or COVID symptoms will be sent home.

Upper School Writing Contest
The PG English Department’s annual Upper School Writing Contest is now open for 2026 submissions. Students may submit work in one of four categories: poetry, short fiction, personal essays, or academic essays (personal essays include reflections or autobiographical pieces; academic essays argue, analyze, or explain a topic with a clear thesis).

Students may submit work completed for a class or written independently and are welcome to seek teacher feedback before submitting. Each student may submit up to three total pieces (not three per category). Submissions are due Monday, March 2, at midnight and should be emailed to alehman@portergaud.edu. Faculty will judge entries anonymously. First-, second-, and third-place pieces will be published in the 2025 literary edition of Watch magazine.

Service Opportunities

• Pet Helpers Oyster Roast – Student Clean-Up Crew: Sunday, February 22 | 5–6 p.m. – Students will assist with event clean-up to support one of Charleston’s leading animal welfare organizations. This opportunity allows students to serve the community while supporting efforts that care for and rehome animals in need. Location: Bowens Island Restaurant
• Water Mission – Walk Preparation Volunteers: Monday, February 16 | 3:45–4:25 p.m. – Students will prepare materials and supplies for an upcoming community walk that supports access to safe drinking water around the world. This hands-on opportunity allows students to contribute to global humanitarian efforts in a meaningful way. Location: 1150 Molly Greene Way, Building 1605, North Charleston
• Tutor and Mentor Students at WINGS – Tuesday, February 17 | 3:45–4:20 p.m. – Students will volunteer with WINGS, providing tutoring and mentorship to local students. Through academic support and relationship-building, participants help encourage confidence, growth, and long-term educational success. Location: 265 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC 29403
• Dinner at Fisher House – Wednesday, February 25 | 5-6 p.m. – Students will volunteer at Fisher House, helping provide dinner and support to military families and veterans receiving medical care. This meaningful outreach opportunity allows students to serve families during a challenging time. Location: 150 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Uniform Savings
One of our uniform vendors, Lands End, is offering 20% off select uniform items with the code HELLOSPRING20 through March 10. Click here for more information. 

Dining Update from Taher
To view the menu for next week, click here or access menus online.

Updates from the PGPA

• Virtual Pop-Up Sale: Stock up on your Cyclone gear at this Virtual Pop-Up Sale! Click here for details on how to shop. 
• Tickets are Live! Denim & Diamonds Gala and Celebration - Join us for a night filled with live music, delicious food, curated cocktails, and incredible company as families, faculty, alumni, and friends come together to support the mission of Porter-Gaud School and the PGPA on March 20. Click here for additional details. 
• Save the Date: 
  • March 27: PG Community Shabbat Dinner
  • May 21: Closing PGPA General Meeting
• 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

• February 26 - March 1: US Musical
• March 6: Pre-ACT (10th grade) & PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade)
• March 10: Parent coffee 10th-12th grade scheduling
• March 25: Conference Day
• April 3: Good Friday - School Closed
• April 4-12: Spring Break
• April 18: Prom
• April 26: Spring Arts Festival
• May 1: Senior College T-Shirt Day
• May 4 - 15: AP Exams
• May 13-15: Senior Exams
• May 18: Senior Milestone Dinner (6 p.m.)
• May 19: Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice, Unity Assembly
• May 21: Baccalaureate (5 p.m. - Church of the Holy Communion)
• May 23: Graduation (6:30 p.m.)
• May 26: Upper School Spring Semester Exams G & F Blocks
• May 27: Upper School Spring Semester Exams E & D Blocks
• May 28: Upper School Spring Semester Exams C & B Blocks
• May 29: Upper School Spring Semester Exams A & Make Up Blocks