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Student Spotlight
This is preschooler Layla Mathenia’s first year at GHS. Preschool teacher Ms. Maya shares that she’s seen a lot of growth from Layla this year.
“She’s really blossomed,” says Ms. Maya. “When the new toddlers started recently, she was the first one to go up to them, grab their hands, and show them around the playground.”
Layla is a kind student who is always up to the task.
“She’s ready to go into whatever activity we are doing and she puts her all into it,” says Ms. Maya.
Layla does a great job of helping her friends stay on task and she’s a great mediator among her peers.
Layla shares that she loves school because she loves to “play everywhere.” She says Ms. Maya is a good teacher, and she likes playing and singing songs with Ms. Maya.
While in the preschool playroom, Layla can always be found with a baby doll in her arm. Her playground climbing skills have grown tremendously and she loves to read.
“She works hard and she comes in every morning with a big smile, ready to start the day,” says Ms. Maya.
Upcoming Events
NO LC AFTER-SCHOOL TODAY
There will be no after-school clubs or academic support at the Lower Campus today to give teachers time to prep their classrooms for the holiday break.
WINTER RECESS DECEMBER 23-JANUARY 6
School will be closed for winter recess from December 23 to January 6, with school resuming on Tuesday, January 7. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable break!
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS HOLIDAY SHOW
Kudos to our Lower Campus students for putting on a wonderful holiday show this week! Below is a compilation of the performances, and you can see the full performance on our Facebook page, where it was streamed live.
UPPER CAMPUS GINGERBREAD BUILD
Upper Campus students engaged in our annual gingerbread build on Thursday. From applying math concepts to calculating nutrition facts to writing narratives about the person, animal, or creature who lives in their design, this interdisciplinary project required students to rely on their knowledge across several subjects. Kudos to our students for their innovative designs!
ALUMNI PANEL
We wrapped up the week at the Upper Campus with our traditional annual alumni panel. GHS graduates from 2008 through 2024 shared insights and answered questions posed by our faculty and students. It's always so wonderful to welcome our alumni back home, and to hear the nuggets of wisdom they have to share with the next generation.
LOWER CAMPUS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Huge thanks to our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association which brought the holiday cheer to Lower Campus on Friday! From holiday-themed crafts to making it snow, our parent volunteers brought the festive fun for our students.
SCHOOL PICTURE ORDERS GOING HOME TODAY
School picture orders came home today with students. Please contact andreamilam@giffthillschool.org with any questions or concerns.
Sports Central
SPORTS AWARDS
We recognized our fall athletes for their accomplishments at our sports awards assembly Friday morning. Congratulations to our athletes, who manage busy practice and game schedules along with academics and other responsibilities. Extra kudos to our middle school girls volleyball team, which went undefeated during their regular season. Go, 'Cudas!
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
FREE LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS PERFORMANCE AT MONGOOSE JUNCTION TONIGHT
The Love City Pan Dragons will perform holiday songs and other tunes from their repertoire in a free event at Mongoose Junction this evening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 21
Sun Dog Cafe will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to share their Christmas list with Santa and to get pictures taken with Saint Nick.
FREE HOLIDAY RUN DECEMBER 22
The St. John Land Sharks will Reindeer Ramble 5K, a free fun run, on December 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Annaberg parking lot. No pre-registration is required, but participants 17 and under will need permission and a signature from a parent or guardian.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 21
Sun Dog Cafe will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to share their Christmas list with Santa and to get pictures taken with Saint Nick.
FREE HOLIDAY RUN DECEMBER 22
The St. John Land Sharks will Reindeer Ramble 5K, a free fun run, on December 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Annaberg parking lot. No pre-registration is required, but participants 17 and under will need permission and a signature from a parent or guardian.
CRUZ BAY CHRISTMAS TOWN DECEMBER 23
The second annual Cruz Bay Christmas Town event will be held December 23 from 4:00 to 11:30 p.m. in Frank Powell Park. Everyone is welcome to shop with local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and visit with Santa.
FREE LIFEGUARD TRAINING TO BEGIN JANUARY 11
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host a free lifeguard training for ages 16 and up beginning January 11. Those who enroll in the course will be paid $24/hour during training. In exchange, the Friends asks that attendees participate in its Learn to Swim program at least five times over the course of the year. The course will take place January 11 and 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cinnamon Bay and testing will take place January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at a location that's yet to be determined. Those who cannot test on January 13 can do so on the evening of January 12. For more information or to sign up, email tmurza@friendsvinp.org.
BLAKE & KAREN RAPIER SPACE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 21
Virgin Islands high school students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher are invited to apply for the Blake & Karen Rapier Space Camp Scholarship. The scholarship covers all costs for space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. with program dates running from May through August 2025. Students will participate in simulated space missions, astronaut training, and hands-on activities including robotics and engineering challenges. Applications must include one letter of recommendation, a personal statement (500-750 words), and a resume. To apply, visit https://cfvi.co/SpaceCamp. For more information, contact 340-626-9396 or allena@rapiermed.com.
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