Knightly News

Lower School had a big week of reading celebrations. In addition to the Cavalier House Book Fair, the young Knights enjoyed free-dress fun, special games and prizes. Episcopal QUEST Center Instigator Dr. Elizabeth Lewis surprised students at Morning Meeting with a reading of her book “Stick Boy.”  I can understand why someone might ask, “Why? How does all of this celebrate reading?”  Undeniably, reading is one of the most important and most used skills at any age. In fact, we are so passionate about reading that we recently launched the Drop Everything and Read initiative to ensure that students of all ages have time to read. 

There are many facets to promoting literacy.  We all know our children are constantly watching, listening, and learning from us.  While we may be on guard about what they learn from the things we do and say, it’s also important to remember they’re also learning from the more subtle things, like what we value – what we celebrate.  One of the best and most crucial ways to promote literacy is to spark a lifelong love of reading in a child. When we celebrate reading, we encourage children of all ages to discover a pure and simple love of reading.  

Students in all divisions are participating in the Drop Everything and Read Initiative every Thursday.

An Upper School student takes time out for reading during the Drop Everything and Read moment.

The Lower School has taken many steps to promote literacy throughout the year. We welcomed author Alda Dobbs who shared insights from her historical fiction novel “Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna.” We celebrated reading with Episcopal alumni who read their favorite stories to Lower School students in Pollard Library. Our project-based learning units also boost the reading skills of Lower School students. For example, third graders host a colorful vocabulary parade in the VPAC each year after studying Debra Frasier’s book “Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster.”  If you’ve visited the school, you may have even noticed that each teacher has a sign hanging just outside the classroom door solely designated to what they're currently reading.  The point of all of this is to create opportunities, however large or small, for students to see reading as something we value. The Reading Days for Reading Knights celebration was another fun way to encourage our young Knights to pick up a book and read.

We invite families to continue the emphasis on reading at home. Here are two good resources that provide helpful tips for what parents can do to encourage young readers.

How to Create a Literate Home: Young child and Kindergartener

Promoting Family Literacy: Raising Ready Readers

Lower School Librarian Sara Gomez has worked in education since 2008. She previously taught social studies in East Baton Rouge Parish and English/Language Arts at Denham Springs Junior High School. Most recently, Gomez was the librarian at Central Middle School. While at Central Middle, Gomez organized a Battle of the Books reading competition involving 100 Central students and a regional competition with area schools. In addition, she managed the implementation of a school-wide Accelerated Reader plan and oversaw the Louisiana Student of the Year, Scripps Spelling Bee and National Geographic Bee competitions. Gomez organized book fairs, reading challenges, author visits and maker-space events. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University. She is certified in teaching English and social studies and earned a Louisiana school library certification for K – 12th grade from Louisiana State University. She is a Google Certified Educator.

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.