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2025 Semi-Formal Details

January 21, 2025

Dear Upper School Families,

On Saturday, January 25, our Student Council will sponsor the 2025 Semi-Formal at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston from 7:30-10 p.m. The classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 are encouraged to attend and enjoy the dance with their friends and classmates. Students may arrive beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the doors will close at 8:15 p.m. As per our policy, students will be required to remain at the dance until the conclusion at 10 p.m.

Tickets
Students received ticket sales information in the Week Ahead email this week. Tickets are being sold here for $25. The cost for tickets purchased on January 23 and 24 is $30. Ticket sales will close at 3:20 p.m. on Friday.

Parking
Students may park at the Francis Marion parking garage. Additional parking is available at the George Street Parking (31 George Street) or the St. Philip Street Garage (89 St. Philip Street). Both are about five-minute walks to the hotel.

Attire
We ask that all students dress appropriately; otherwise, students may be asked to leave the dance.

Expectations
It is critical we sustain an environment that nurtures and protects our students. Students should not engage in any inappropriate and illegal pre-dance or post-dance behavior. Please remind your student(s) of the school’s policy regarding alcohol and drugs.

As in past years, we will conduct random breathalyzer tests prior to a student’s admission to the dance. In addition, this year students will be randomly selected at a couple of points during the dance for testing as well. If a tested student or guest registers above 0.00% BAC, the parents will be contacted and required to pick up the student or guest. Further consequences, including school disciplinary action, will be discussed on Monday, January 27. The full school drug and alcohol policy can be found on pages 37-41 of the Upper School Student-Parent Handbook.

At the dance, many faculty and administrators, along with our Director of Security, volunteer to serve as chaperones, and City of Charleston police officers will be on site to ensure all students and their guests enjoy a memorable and safe evening. The police now deal with underage drinking much more seriously than in years past. Please understand that the decision and authority of the police supersede that of any school official. In keeping with past practices, the police will also have breathalyzers on hand.

Finally, it is imperative that students understand the responsibility they assume when bringing a guest from another school. The guest is held accountable to the standards of behavior expected of all Porter-Gaud students.

We look forward to a safe, memorable, and fun-filled night. The Student Council has planned this event for a long time, and we appreciate their hard work.

Please contact Brent Hilpert with any questions or concerns at bhilpert@portergaud.edu.

With thanks,

Silvia Davis, Head of Upper School
Brent Hilpert, Assistant Head of Upper School and Upper School Dean