Student Spotlight
Fifth grader Sekhem Sewer Gibney joined the GHS community as a first grader. He says he appreciates his classmates’ and teachers’ sense of humor.
“Sekhem is a really good friend to all of his classmates,” says fifth grade teacher Ms. Christina. “He’s very inquisitive and he’s not afraid to step up and put in the work.”
Sekhem enjoys reading — fiction chapter books in particular — and says he’s now revisiting one of his favorites, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Classmate Stone says Sekhem was a welcoming presence during Stone’s first year at GHS last year.
“He’s an awesome friend in general,” says Stone. “He’s easy to be around. He was very nice to me when I was new.”
Ms. Christina notes that Sekhem is emerging as a leader among his peers.
“His peers recognize that he has the qualities to be a good leader,” she says. “He is fair and has a good sense of right and wrong.”
“They see his integrity and they follow it naturally,” adds third grade teacher Ms. Robin, who previously taught Sekehm.
Sekhem says he enjoys PE because “you can run around and play sports.” He plays soccer with Castaways, and in his free time, Sekhem likes to read and draw.
Upcoming Events
SAT PREP CLASS FOR GRADES 10-12 SET FOR TOMORROW
Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders are invited to take an SAT tune-up on Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Upper Campus. This workshop is designed for sophomores through seniors planning to take the SAT or PSAT this year. At this class, students will become more familiar with the digital test format and have the opportunity to take a practice test with feedback and coaching. The cost is $20 per student and can be paid by cash or check made out to Gifft Hill School delivered to the Upper Campus front office. Click here to sign up, or simply show up tomorrow morning.
There will also be a 7-week full SAT prep course focusing on math and critical reading beginning in January, exact dates and times TBD. The full course will meet twice a week after school. If there is interest from St. John residents attending St. Thomas schools, the meeting times can be adjusted to accommodate their participation.
NO BUS SERVICE OCTOBER 21
There will be no bus service on October 21. Please be sure to arrange alternate transportation for your child.
GHS Highlights
ATTRIBUTES OF A GHS STUDENT
Kudos to our third graders, who performed a chant highlighting the attributes of a Gifft Hill School student at Wednesday's Lower Campus academic awards assembly. Thanks to Upper Campus English teacher and cheerleading coach Ms. Banen for creating this original performance for our students. And congratulations to those who met their September reading and math goals!
Sports Central
KUDOS TO OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
Congratulations to our middle school girls volleyball team, which won against JESS and VIMSIA this week. Go, 'Cudas!
THIS WEEK'S GAME SCHEDULE
Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our Barracudas. Those who wish to travel with the team for games on St. Thomas should contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org to take advantage of the school's discounted taxi rate. Here is the schedule for the coming week:
Middle school volleyball
Friday, 10/4, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles White at GHS
Monday, 10/7, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles Blue at GHS
Tuesday, 10/8, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Sts. Peter & Paul at GHS
Wednesday, 10/9, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. BCB at BCB
Girls varsity volleyball
Monday, 10/7, 4:30 p.m. - GHS vs. IEKHS at GHS
Tuesday, 10/8, 4:30 p.m. - GHS vs. Sts. Peter & Paul at GHS
Boys varsity volleyball
Friday, 10/4, 5:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMSIA at IEKHS
Thursday, 10/10, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at GHS
Middle school flag football
Tuesday, 10/8, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. All Saints at Antilles
Cross country
Thursday, 10/10, 3:30 p.m. - UVI golf course
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
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS NOW ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS
Love City Pan Dragons is now enrolling new members in the band through October 31. No musical experience is required and ages 10 and up are welcome, including adults. Learn a new skill, make new friends, enjoy travel opportunities, and help keep your island's culture alive when you're part of the Pan Dragons family. To join, message the band's Facebook page, call or text 340-690-2420, email lovecitypandragons@gmail.com, or simply stop by during practice (Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the band's Cruz Bay pan yard - the green door next to the Sports, Parks & Rec center).
UVI SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE INFORMATIONAL SESSION OCTOBER 15
The University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture will host an informational session on Tuesday, October 15, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees will meet the school's faculty and learn about opportunities available to UVI School of Agriculture students. Click here to attend.
V.I. EMANCIPATION COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE POETRY & ARTS COMPETITION
The Virgin Islands Emancipation Commemoration Committee is hosting a V.I. Cultural Laureate Poetry & Arts competition. This event is designed to inspire young artists and poets alike, providing them with a platform to express themselves and gain recognition for their work. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience level.
We encourage all students to participate, regardless of their experience level and welcome all ART FORMS in celebration of the arts and our traditions of literacy. Entries are due October 25, and the winners will be announced on/during the Liberty Day Celebration in November.
Click here to submit your entry.
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