How many middle school students have helped teach English to children who speak other languages? Yesterday, our TGS students began volunteering to do just that. During study hall, our sixth graders met their Asian language buddies at Kensington Elementary School. The little girls, kindergarten students, knew only a few words of English. Our students helped the children practice body terms such as eyes, nose, and mouth; classroom vocabulary such as pencil, book, and scissors; and “b” words such as ball, bat, and boy. 

Next week, our seventh graders will work with their Hispanic language buddies at Kensington. Our students will read to their buddies and play games to help the children expand their vocabularies. Two of our seventh graders are bilingual! Their Spanish skills will help them relate to the younger children in a way most students cannot.   Teachers at Kensington are excited to have TGS students as role models and tutors for their English language learners. The elementary children look up to our students and look forward to interacting with them. In addition, our students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving, students and faculty of TGS gathered to give thanks and share a meal before heading out on vacation.  Dr. Gates and Dr. Razzi prepared turkeys while the Spanish class contributed some Spanish “comida.”  We also enjoyed lots of sides and desserts: mashed potatoes and gravy, tamales, taquítas, churros, sopapillas, mini tacos, flan, brownies, chocolate covered cookies, green beans and sweet potato casserole . Everyone relaxed and had a good time, and after the meal Dr. Gates told the students how much the faculty appreciates them and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.

TGS took a trip to Charleston on Tuesday, November 5.  We arrived just in time to tour the College of Charleston.  It was fun to learn the legend of the Cistern and watch a frat boy get dunked on a chilly November morning with our guide, a C of C sophomore from Massachusetts.  Afterwards, the students followed Mr. Razzi as he ambled to the Dock Street Theater.  We paused only to scarf down our food in a nearby park or on the front steps of the theater.  Then, we sat down in the historic Dock Street Theater to watch Sherlock Holmes.  As always with this great detective, the plot was complex but the problems were all solved by the end. Our last adventure of the day was a visit to the Gibbes Art Museum, where a docent talked to us about elements of art using the collection. Sadly, we had to tear ourselves away from the Civil War photography exhibit to be back in Georgetown on time. We look forward to our next foray in Charleston where everyone agrees we will have a sit down meal together.

Students from all over the Low Country crowded the halls of TGS on Tuesday, October 29 for the SCISA Regional One-Act Play competition.  Wilson Hall, Florence Christian, Francis Xavier, and Coastal Christian arrived in Georgetown the normal way, while kids from Cross Schools flew into Georgetown Airport!  “What a beautiful facility,” said the drama coach of Coastal Christian School as she made her way backstage with her team.  Excitement was high and nerves were on edge as the competition began, but throughout the day everyone began to relax and have a great time.

Judy Gates, drama coach for TGS, was extremely pleased with our middle and high school students’ performance in Accused of Comedy, a lighthearted look a world where humor is against the law.  She practiced with her students during study halls, lunches, and after school to get them ready for the event.  The high school cast received an “Excellent” rating.

Florence Christian School took first place with The Devil and Danielle Webster for the high school level.  For the middle school level, Wilson Hall took first place with Kitty Steals a Dog.

Later on that afternoon, SCISA activities coordinator Lyndi Bonnette wrote in an email, “I am already being flooded with emails and phone calls complimenting the host schools.”  TGS students and faculty pulled together to make the day a success.  We would like to thank our judges Jim Calk, Tracy Crane, Debby Summey, and Jeremy Vause, as well as all of the faculty, parents and volunteers who helped out and loaned us the stuff we needed.  Thanks go to Dustin Ashenfelter for providing technical support and finally thanks go to The Winyah Auditorium, LLC, for allowing us to use its facilities.