KEY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Weekly Updates
We hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break. As we enter the final weeks of school, we want to remind students to dress appropriately for the cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Save the Date: 8th Grade Celebration and Photo Request
The 8th-Grade Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 21, at 9 a.m. in the Wendell Center. All 8th-grade families are invited to join us as we mark this special occasion in the academic journey of our students. In preparation for this special event, please send your favorite photo of your child as a baby or toddler along with a photo of them from this year to jhawkins@portergaud.edu by Monday, April 28, so we can include them in our slide show.
Fall Sports Information Sessions
Although the first official day of the fall sports season is not until July, many sports have tryouts, camps, and pre-season preparation during the spring and summer. As we look ahead to the fall season, please note these dates:
- Swim Team: There will be an informational meeting for any rising 6-12 grade students on April 16 at 3:30 p.m. in the Upper School Library.
- Varsity Cheer: There will be a family and athlete information session on April 16 at 6 p.m. in Washington Dining Hall. Tryouts will take place April 28-30 from 4-5:30 p.m. in Fishburne Gym.
Life 101
This week, students participated in our continuing series on Human Growth and Development. Next week, as part of our comprehensive and standard-setting child abuse prevention program approved by the Board of Trustees, we will hold student education sessions on child abuse prevention.
The Child Abuse Prevention Education (CAPE) program mission is to reduce all forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse, by creating and distributing educational, positive, and innovative content and materials across every grade-level at Porter-Gaud.
For our 5th - 8th grade students, lessons will be led in Life 101. These lessons are age-appropriate and have been vetted by local child abuse professionals. The lessons were developed by the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, with the goal “to educate children about what to do if they experience abusive behavior, educate them about safe and unsafe touches, and encourage them to go to a parent or another trusted adult for help.” By following the links below, you will have access to the videos and classroom activities that accompany them.
If you would like to speak further or opt out of your child participating, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social
On Friday, April 11, we will host an Ice Cream Social for the fifth and sixth grade students from 2:30-3:10 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to make ice cream sundaes and enjoy time outside on the Green.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Social
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Social will be held on Friday, April 11 from 6:30- 8 p.m. in Washington Dining Hall. The cost is $5, with a semi-dressy theme. Drop-off and pick-up is at the Lower School entrance. Only Porter-Gaud students in seventh and eighth grade are permitted to attend.
ERB Testing for Grades 5-8
Each spring, Porter-Gaud administers the ERB (Educational Records Bureau) Comprehensive Testing Program to all students in grades 3 through 8. This year, testing for Middle School students will take place at the start of each school day from Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2. Click here for more information.
STEM Night
All families are invited to join us for our second annual STEM Night on Wednesday, April 30, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wendell Center. Middle and Upper School students will present their research and projects from a variety of classes, interdisciplinary seminars, and extracurricular activities. Please RSVP here before April 23.
Family Service Opportunity
Celebrate Earth Week by volunteering with the Charleston Parks Conservancy from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26! Give back while having a day of team-building with our PG School community. CPC's mission is to connect people to their parks, and one way they do that is through horticulture and agriculture. We’ll be working on harvesting, weeding, and general maintenance of the Magnolia Community Garden (720 Magnolia Rd. Charleston, SC 29407). Dress to get dirty. Wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. Bring water and work gloves! Family members are also invited to attend.
Please add an adult's phone number and email as the contact so you can be alerted of any weather cancellations. A Charleston Parks Conservancy waiver must be signed for each minor and for each adult. For PG students, a waiver will also be added to MyPG. Charleston Parks Conservancy waivers can be found here.
From Our Chaplains: The Three C’s Framework
We’re proud to share that the National Association of Episcopal Schools featured an article by The Rev’d Palmer B. Kennedy, Head Chaplain, and Yerko Sepúlveda, Ph.D., Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, in its April newsletter. Titled "The Three C’s Framework: A Leadership Model for Episcopal Schools Anchored in Faith and Community," the article outlines a mission-driven, faith-based approach to leadership that builds inclusive, Christ-centered communities where everyone is valued.
If you’d like to read reflections from our chaplains, access recommended resources, or request prayer, please click here.
Dining Update from Taher
We invite you to follow Taher on Instagram (@taherpgdining) to see the latest offerings in Washington Hall and email dining@portergaud.edu with any questions or feedback. To access daily menus, please click here.
French Toast Uniform Sale Ends Tonight
Families can enjoy additional savings this evening on any orders at our school store.
From the PGPA
- Save the Date: Father’s Night Out on May 7: Enjoy an evening of food and drink with fellow PG dads on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Munkle Brewing Co. (1513 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC 29405).
- Spring Concessions: The spring sports season is in full swing and we need your help! Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our Cyclone sports teams.
- 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.
- PGPA Faith: All parents and caregivers are invited to meet Lowcountry FCA staff member, Johnathan Game on Tuesday, April 15, from 8:30-9 a.m. in Washington Hall. This will be an opportunity to learn about Lowcountry FCA, a student-led club on campus, and how to get involved.
Important Dates
- 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
We would love to discuss your place at Porter-Gaud.