Lower School Updates

_{KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS}

Weekly Updates

Congratulations to these fourth graders who shined at the Battle of the Books, earning the runner-up spot after months of hard work and mastering 20 titles! The Cyclones competed against 30 other teams in this online quiz bowl-style event.

Chapel
You are invited to attend Chapel this Friday, January 17.  

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 20, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, school is closed on January 20. We will commemorate the day during next week’s chapel service. 

Preparing for 2025-2026 Re-Enrollment 
Re-enrollment contracts will be sent to all eligible families on Monday, February 3, and the re-enrollment window will be open from February 3-14. For more information about the contract timeline and schedule, withdrawals, re-enrollment eligibility, and tuition refund and payment plan options, please click here.

Book Fair
The Literati Book Fair will be hosted in the Lower School Library February 6-14. Once the shopping schedule is finalized in the next few weeks, a parent volunteer sign up will be shared. Can't wait? The Literati online fair has begun! Note: The fair will be open after Grandparents/Special Friends Day or better yet, grandparents can skip the lines and purchase a gift card before the performance. Mrs. Benson will be selling gift cards near the check-in table!

Personal Technology in the Lower School

• Cell Phones: Must be kept out of sight and silent during school hours. Violations will result in confiscation.
• Smartwatches: Strongly discouraged. If brought to school, they must be turned off and stored in backpacks.

Policy Enforcement

• First Offense: The device is confiscated and returned to students at the end of the day.
• Subsequent Offenses: Parents will need to retrieve the device from the school.

From the Nurse’s Office
We have seen an increase in flu, flu-like illnesses, and GI viruses on campus over the last two weeks.  As a reminder, any student who is feeling even slightly unwell should stay home from school.

Sick Policy

• Any student who is absent due to illness must stay home until overall symptoms have improved and are fever-free for at least 48 hours 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 present with any flu-like or COVID symptoms at school will be sent home.
• If your child tests positive for COVID or the flu, please notify the nurse’s office at nurse@portergaud.edu for tracking purposes. 

Prevention Tips

• Handwashing: The most effective defense against the spread of germs is handwashing. Using antiseptic soap for at least 20 seconds is best; however, hand sanitizer can be used when there is a time constraint.
• Flu Vaccination: The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against the flu. 

Parenting Tip
Riddles are incredibly beneficial for kids! They spark curiosity, enhance critical thinking, and improve problem-solving skills. By encouraging your child to think outside the box, riddles help develop creativity and mental flexibility. They also: 

• Encourage children to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
• Improve language skills and vocabulary through the use of puns, metaphors, and wordplay. 
• Enhance cognitive development by stimulating reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Improve verbal communication skills as kids need to articulate their thoughts and ideas when discussing or explaining the answers. 
• Foster creativity and imagination.

Fun Riddles for School-Aged Kids
School-aged kids will get a kick out of these funny riddles, with topics ranging from animals to spelling to math.

• Q: Why is the snow leopard so popular?
  A: Because it’s the coolest cat around. 
• Q: What color does a cat like best?
  A: purrr-ple.
• Q: What has hands but does not clap? 
  A: A clock.

PG Service Opportunities

• Hurricane Helene Recovery: On January 24, PG will host a joint fundraiser with First Baptist to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. We hope you can join us!  Click here for more information. 
• California Wildfires: Earlier today, our Upper School Service Club hosted a bake sale to benefit the American Red Cross and its response to the wildfires. Any families who would also make a donation may do so here. We will share additional ways to show support for recovery and rebuilding efforts in the coming weeks. 

From Our Chaplains
We also invite you to pray for those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires in California: Heavenly Father, look with mercy upon all of those now threatened by the devastating fires of Southern California. Protect those who are in danger. Shield those who are risking their lives in the service of others. Guide our leaders, and give us the grace to be your hands and feet to those in need. This we pray in Christ's holy name, Amen."

Click here to read reflections from our chaplains, access recommended resources, and request prayer. 

Dining Update from Taher
Follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) to see the latest offerings in Washington Hall. You are also welcome to email dining@portergaud.edu with any questions or feedback. To access daily menus, please click here. 

From the PGPA

• Winter Meeting: All parents and caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend the PGPA General Meeting on Thursday, January 23 in Washington Hall at 8 a.m. 
• Concessions: Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our Cyclone sports teams.

Important Dates 

• January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - School Closed
• January 30: PG Wellness Speaker Series: Chris Herren
• February 7: Grandparents and Special Friends Day
• February 17 & 18: Winter Break - School Closed
• March 14: No School: Faculty Work Day
• March 22: PGPA Spring Party at 4 p.m., John Singleton Stadium
• March 26: Conference Day
• March 31 - April 4: Spring Break
• April 18: Good Friday - School Closed
• April 21: Easter Monday - School Closed
• April 27: Spring Arts Festival
• May 26: Memorial Day - School Closed
• May 30: Last Day of School