Knightly News

Dear Episcopal Community, 

With the Thanksgiving holidays approaching, I wanted you to know that I count you among my many blessings. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this community of teachers, learners, and supporters. Episcopal is a special place, and we all have so much for which to be thankful. 

I am grateful and amazed by the hard work and perseverance of our students.  Just this fall, we announced that 10 members of the Class of 2022 have been named National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars. Our Middle and Upper School math competitors recently earned first place overall in Division 2 of the St. Paul’s Math tournament. We also sold out the Visual & Performing Arts Center for the return of the Lower and Middle School musical, “Aladdin.” Our fall athletes competed well into the playoffs, and I look forward to seeing what is in store for our winter and spring competitors. Our students also served our community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and contributing food to the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry.

Episcopal students are remarkable in academics, arts, athletics, and service. It’s important to recognize the hard work and determination necessary to accomplish all of this. Our students push themselves every day! They truly are preparing for purposeful and meaningful lives, and I am thankful to be a part of it.

I am tremendously grateful for the team of educators assembled here at Episcopal. The expectations we have for our students are high, and these dedicated professionals stand with our students to help them achieve their goals. Faculty and staff are creative and fearless in finding new ways to teach lessons that engage and empower students. Project-based learning experiences showcase our faculty and staff talents and highlight the potential of our students.

The impact of our faculty and staff reaches far beyond the classroom. On any given day, these educators facilitate clubs, chaperone events, or attend performances or games to support their students. These experiences mean so much to our students and enrich their lives. For example, did you know that we have a robotics club in Lower School, a math club in Middle School, and a stock traders club in Upper School? These would not be possible without faculty support. 

Our faculty also find ways to empower students to assist each other. The student tutoring opportunities in the Writing Center are a great example of students learning by teaching. Writing Center faculty and fellows have found new ways to collaborate with teachers and students across campus to make a bigger contribution, and the program is growing.

I am thankful for the members of our Episcopal community who served our country in the military. Our faculty and staff did a tremendous job organizing our first campus-wide Veterans Day parade. It was amazing to see members of our community take time to celebrate this special occasion with us. The event was joyful and meaningful for everyone who attended.

We all know that family involvement is critical to a student’s success in school. At Episcopal, we are never short on volunteers and well-wishers. Each day in Webster Refectory, parents show up for students as tray helpers during Lower School lunch. Each quarter, parent volunteers shower faculty and staff with treats to thank them for being terrific. Each year, we know we can count on the contributions of our parent groups. We are grateful to the Parents’ Guild, Squires, and the new Arts Krewe for supporting students, athletes, and artists. These groups help make Episcopal feel like a united community with a shared goal of helping students succeed.

I also want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s eFund. The financial support of our community helps us with the extras that make Episcopal such a special place. We could not do it without you.

I am proud to be a Knight and thankful for the many contributions to our community. Congratulations to all of you for being honored in the recent Baton Rouge Parents’ Magazine Family Favorites survey. Episcopal was the Reader’s Choice for Middle School program, Middle School Principal – Mark Engstrom, Theater program, and Music program. We were the Runner-Up for High School, High School Principal – Tom Forti, High School Football Team, and Elementary School.

Last, but certainly not least, I am incredibly thankful for my loving and supportive family.  Our family tradition is to gather at our cabin in Mississippi, enjoy the outdoors, catch up around the campfire, and of course, eat plenty of our Thanksgiving favorites.  I hope you and your family feel the love and warmth of this holiday season and count Episcopal among your many blessings.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.