Upper School Updates

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Over the weekend, the first of three trips through the Upper School Study Trips Program embarked for Key Largo, Florida, for a field-intensive marine biology program. Click here to read more and see additional photos. 

Semi-Formal: January 25, 2025
The 2025 Semi-Formal will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Francis Marion Hotel. This dance is for all Upper School students. 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. Click here for additional details, including the ticket link. Ticket sales end at 3:20 p.m. on Friday.

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. If your student plans to attend a new school in the fall or if you are considering other school options, please email Ken Hyde at khyde@portergaud.edu.

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 or school-related events, including the Semi-Formal. 

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. 

Senior Yearbook Ads
If you'd like to purchase a senior yearbook ad, please click here. Ads can still be purchased until January 31, 2025. Prices are as follows.

• Full-page $595
• Half-page $350
• Quarter-page $250

Substance Use Education and Prevention for PG Students and Families
Chris Herren will visit campus on Thursday, January 30, to share an empowering and inspiring message about substance use education and prevention. He will speak to students in grades 7-12 during the school day and to parents and caregivers in the evening from 6-7 p.m. Click here to learn more about his program and to RSVP. We hope you can join us!

College Counseling Update: Service Academy Information Session
We will host a Service Academy Information Session on Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper School Library. During the session, we will share relevant details about the different service academies and their application processes, which are very different from traditional universities. Since the application process begins during the 11th grade year, students and families from 9th, 10th, and 11th grade who are considering applying to service academies are encouraged to attend. 

From Our Chaplains
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 (please note new date): All parents and caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend the PGPA Winter Meeting on Monday, January 27, in Washington Hall at 8 a.m. 
• Concessions: Please click here to sign up for shifts and support our Cyclone sports teams.

Important Calendar Dates for Planning Purposes

• January 25: Semi-Formal
• January 27: PGPA General Meeting, 8 a.m.
• January 29: Service Academy Information Session, 6:30 p.m.
• January 30: PG Speaker Series: Chris Herren, 6 p.m.
• February 27-March 2: Upper School Musical
• February 28: Pre-ACT (10th Grade)
• March 7: PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade)
• March 14: Faculty Workday
• March 22, 2025: PGPA Spring Party, 4 p.m., John Singleton Stadium
• March 26: Spring Conferences
• March 31 - April 4: Spring Break
• April 18: School Closed (Good Friday)
• April 21: School Closed (Easter Monday)
• April 26: Prom
• April 27: Spring Arts Festival
• May 6-16: AP Exams
• May 13: Last Day of Senior Classes
• May 14-16: Senior Exams
• May 19: Senior Milestone Dinner
• May 22: Baccalaureate
• May 24: Graduation
• May 26: School Closed (Memorial Day)
• May 27 - 30: US Exams
  • May 27: G & F Block
  • May 28: E & D Block
  • May 29: C & B Block
  • May 30: A Block & Make Up Exams