News from the Upper School
Our gratitude tree is back in the Milliken Lobby and is home to many messages of thanks and notes of kindness. This month is always a whirlwind for many reasons, and it is nice to pause for a moment to read the leaves and remember how lucky we all are to be here together.
The Upper School drama production of Appropriate Audience Behavior was captivating and hilarious. The performance spotlighted more of our amazing talent in our Upper School. Thank you to Ms. O'Neil and Ms. Smith for supporting our students and guidance in performing such an amazing performance. We hope you could catch one of the performances this week.
This time last week, 48 of our students were wrapping up their time at Youth in Government in Columbia. This year, six pairs had their bills signed into law by the youth governor: Evans Taylor & Coleman Tolbert, Charley Wilson & Mary Franklin Gilman, Thomas Hyde & Bradley Johnson (this is the third year in a row for Thomas and Bradley!), Samuel Kitchen & Rory Hall, Jacob Cochran & Murphy Garrett, and Daria Staskevich & Ellie Baughman.
Samuel Kitchen and Rory Hall were recognized for "Best Bill," and Samuel Kitchen was recognized as an Outstanding Legislator.
Five members of YIG served in leadership positions this year: Mary Ella Bullington, Essence Olley, Eve Decker, Liz Willoughby, and Valentina Landa. While not everyone could have their bill signed into "law," every student worked hard to prepare for three days of long hours and debate. We are incredibly proud of our entire delegation.
Special Studies lists have been released; please watch for information regarding parent meetings, payments, or forms that may need to be completed. Students should contact their trip advisors and have been reminded to check their emails for updates and information. If your student is registered for the Quebec trip and does not have a passport, please begin that application process as soon as possible.
Please email attendance@sdsgriffin.org with information on late arrivals, early departures, or absences. Mrs. Sansbury and Mrs. Rhinehart have been tracking student sign-ins and outs, which will help them tremendously with keeping dates and times organized.
Students are considering midterms and how the first semester draws to a close. While those things are definitely on the horizon, we have a few weeks before we wrap up this calendar year. We will continue to check in with our advisees about concerns about missing assignments, late work, and end of the semester. We are also looking forward to the weeks of basketball, Xanadu! musical auditions, the Turkey Trot, and other celebrations across campus.
With Gratitude,
Jillian & Amanda
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday - November 19: Coffee w/ Counselors (8am)
- Tuesday - November 19: Progress Reports
- Tuesday - November 19: Varsity Girl's Basketball vs. Palmetto Christian Academy (Home - 6pm)
- Tuesday - November 19: Varsity Boy's Basketball vs. Palmetto Christian Academy (Home - 7:30pm)
- Thursday - November 21: Turkey Trot (11:15am)
- Thursday - November 21: Continuum Art Showcase Reception 5:30 - 7pm Dent Gallery
- Thursday - November 21: Varsity Girl's Basketball vs. Northside Christian (Home - 6pm)
- Thursday - November 21: Varsity Boy's Basketball vs. Northside Christian (Home - 7:30pm)
- Friday - November 22: Parent's Club Bake Sale
- November 25 - November 29: Thanksgiving Break
College Counseling Corner
If you would like to take the March 8th SAT, the deadline to register is February 21st.
Junior Families - please schedule your family meeting with your college counselor if you have not done so already.