This week has been full of events; between the “Red Out", the first home football game, the “Welcome Back” picnic, yearbook signings, and “I’m a Griffin Day” we have been on the move. It has been wonderful to see our Upper School students cheering on the sidelines, rushing to get their yearbooks signed by friends and faculty, and enjoying a celebratory cupcake at the end of lunch. 

We are constantly reminded of what makes this place so special. It is moments like these, when we all come together, that the magic happens: lower schoolers running up to their favorite upper school friend for a hug, faculty from across the divisions eating and laughing together, and families pulling up camping chairs to chat during the game. 

It made our hearts so full to see the Upper School students waving pompoms and cheering on the team. We are really excited about this new school tradition!

Students began planning for the YIG conference this week with Margaret Sullivan. They are hard at work researching and thinking up bill ideas. Mary Capers Bledsoe, the director of SC YIG, will be here on Monday to hold a bill “brainstorming session” with our team. We have 49 students signed up to attend the mock legislative conference in November. This is the largest group that we’ve had in over a decade!

Our visiting German students gave presentations during C, D, and E block on the German School System. Our students learned about German culture and asked thoughtful questions about curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Progress Reports will go home next week. Students have been checking in with their advisors every Wednesday regarding their grades and are encouraged to reach out with questions or concerns. 

Thank you all for celebrating with us this week!

Jillian and Amanda

Looking Ahead:

• Sunday, September 15: SAT Prep 1:00 - 3:00 Seminar Room (see email from Dr. Duncan for details)

• Monday, September 16: Coffee with Counselors 8:00 - 9:00 

• Tuesday, September 17: Viewfinder Reception 5:30 - 7:00 Dent Gallery

• Wednesday, September 18: Picture Day

• Saturday/Sunday, September 20 - 21: Senior Paint & Park

• Sunday, September 22: SAT Prep 1:00 - 3:00 Seminar Room

• Sunday, September 29: SAT Prep 1:00 - 3:00 Seminar Room

• Tuesday, October 1: Willy Taco Spirit Night (more info to come)

• Sunday, October 6: SAT Prep 1:00 - 3:00 Seminar Room

• Tuesday, October 8: PSAT Day grades 9-11/Optional SAT day for seniors

• Tuesday, October 8: College Application Night 5:00 - 7:00 Seminar Room

• Wednesday, October 9: Herff Jones meeting - Juniors and Seniors mandatory 12:00 - 12:30 Seminar Room

• Wednesday, October 9: Band Concert 6:30 - 7:30 Stone Gym

• Friday, October 11: End of Quarter 1

• Friday - Monday, October 11 - 14: Fall Break/No School

• Tuesday, October 15: Quarter 2 Begins