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Student Spotlight
Eighth grader Darianny Peguero joined the GHS community for her seventh grade year. She says she noticed the personalized attention our students receive from their teachers.
“Teachers get more one-on-one time with each student,” she says. “They explain things. I’m glad it goes all the way up to 12th grade so you can get a better connection with the teachers.”
Eighth grade advisor Ms. V. says Darianny has found happiness in the GHS community.
“She’s developed strong academic behaviors and pride in her work,” says Ms. V. “Darianny has command over her studies and she’s increased her ability to work independently. She’s been doing exceptionally well this year.”
Darianny says she appreciates that “all the students are friends” at GHS. Math is her favorite subject.
“Mr. Bill is a great teacher,” she says. “He explains everything so thoroughly and shows you how to do things.”
Darianny is a member of our middle school volleyball team and says she plans to continue playing volleyball for GHS through high school. She works with Ms. Pat’s after-school program and summer camp and attends church regularly, and in her free time, Darianny enjoys playing volleyball at Hawksnest.
Upcoming Events
GHS GREEN & WHITE GALA AND AUCTION TOMORROW!
As our most important annual fundraiser approaches, we want to thank everyone who contributed to putting together this incredible event. From our auction committee, volunteers, and faculty to those who donated auction items or sponsored the event, our annual auction and gala would not be a success without you. From all of us at Gifft Hill School, including the 60% of students who receive financial aid that's supported by this event, we extend our sincerest thanks. If you won't be joining us in person, you can still get in on the fun by bidding on our silent auction items. The silent auction closes at 7:00 p.m. AST. Happy bidding!
ENROLLMENT OPENS TOMORROW
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens on March 1. We value your family and we are grateful for the trust you place in us to educate your children. If your child is already enrolled at Gifft Hill School, you will receive an email on March 1 with the link to complete your re-enrollment. If you are applying for financial aid, please complete that at the same time. We give current students one month to re-enroll before we begin filling open seats in each grade level, so be sure you complete re-enrollment and submit your financial aid application by April 4! To hold your spot, your tuition deposit must be paid and your agreement signed by April 11. Families that miss this deadline will be given consideration for remaining seats in the class alongside new applicants. Please keep in mind that current GHS families must be in good standing in order to re-enroll. Please contact businessoffice@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
NO SCHOOL MONDAY
School will be closed to students on Monday for a teacher workday. We hope our students enjoy a restful long weekend!
FEBRUARY ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY MARCH 5
The next Lower Campus academic awards assembly of the year is set for Wednesday, March 5, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll award our Lower Campus students who met their February academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. Parents and guardians of first grade students, who will present at the assembly, are welcome to attend in person, as are parents and guardians of students who will be receiving reading and math awards. Please note that those attending the assembly may not park until after 8:30 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property.
THIRD TRIMESTER CLUBS BEGIN AT LOWER CAMPUS MARCH 10
Third trimester clubs at the Lower Campus will begin on March 10. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and clubs are likely to fill up. Here are third trimester club options:
Preschool/Pre-K
Monday: Games/playground with Ms. Kissa and Ms. Maya
Wednesday: Yoga with Ms. G.
Thursday: Stories, games, and crafts with Ms. Lenny
Kindergarten-2nd grade
Monday: Legos with Ms. Melisa
Wednesday: Stories and games with Ms. Laura
Thursday: Playground with Ms. Rachael
3rd-5th grade
Monday: Games with Ms. Nyshima
Wednesday: Homework help and playground with Ms. Christina and Ms. Robin
Thursday: Art with Ms. Adrienne
Thursday: Diamond painting with Ms. Jessica
Please click here to sign up your child.
GHS Highlights
THE CRUCIBLE COMES TO LIFE
Ms. Banen and Ms. Emma's high school English class brought The Crucible to life on Thursday by performing scenes from the 1953 play after reading it in its entirety as a class. Kudos to all who were involved in this wonderful production!
Sports Central
KUDOS, BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM!
Congratulations to our boys varsity basketball team which came out with a huge win against VIMSIA on Tuesday, with a final score of 61 to 29. Shout-outs to Isaias Obando, '26, and Justin Richards, '25, for being the game's highest scorers, and to Kadeem Thomas, '26, who was great on defense.
Although the team ended up in a loss against CAHS at their only home game of the season on Thursday, Kadeem Thomas, '26, and Angel Perez, '26, played well on defense and Kevin De Leon, '25, and Justin Richards, '25, were the team's high scorers.
VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL GAME NEXT WEEK
Our boys varsity basketball team has one game on the schedule for next week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our players. Good luck and go, Barracudas!
Tuesday, 3/4, 4:30 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at IEKHS
GIRLS BASKETBALL GAMES TODAY, TOMORROW
Kenzey O'Donnell, '28, and Nhtalya Jacobs, '28 are competing as part of a joint junior varsity team with GHS, Antilles, and VIMSIA. Here's their schedule for the coming week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our players. Good luck and go, Barracudas!
Friday, February 28, 4:00 p.m. - vs. CAHS at Antilles
Saturday, March 1, 2:00 p.m. - vs. CAHS at IEKHS
TEAM PHOTOS AT SOCCER PRACTICE MONDAY
Soccer practice will take place on Monday, with elementary set for 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. and middle and high school from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. Team photos will be taken, so players should arrive with enough time to change into their kits for the photo.
RUNNING CLUB ONGOING
Running club is ongoing and is open to any students in grades kindergarten through 12. Practices are on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lind Point trail, with transportation provided from GHS, and dismissal at the Virgin Islands National Park pavilion. Any new students interested in running club need to fill out the athletic forms, which can be obtained from Ms. Francis or Coach Emma. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
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
FEMA NOW ACCEPTING YOUTH PREPAREDNESS COUNCIL APPLICATIONS
FEMA is looking for students in grades 8 through 11 who are interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council. The YPC provides young people an opportunity to learn about emergency management, develop professional skills, and share their perspectives with FEMA staff. During their one-year term, YPC members can gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country. YPC members collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will have the chance to engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and nonprofits.
During their one-year term, council members collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will have the chance to engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and nonprofits.
The online application closes March 3. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit the YPC website and visit the application page to apply.
AUTISM CONFERENCE APRIL 8 IN ST. THOMAS
The V.I. University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will host the 15th Autism Conference on April 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Victor's New Hideout in St. Thomas. The theme will be "Beyond the spectrum: Understanding autism and celebrating differences" with the goal of bringing awareness to research and best practices that highlight stories of empowerment, challenges faced, and victories achieved for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. See event flyer for more details including how to register for this conference.
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