Research by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) shows that students who are involved in sports, music, speech, theatre and debate are gaining “lifelong lessons that complement the academic lessons taught in the classroom.” These extracurricular experiences foster independence, promote healthy lifestyle choices and assist students in developing useful leadership skills.

Given that Episcopal’s mission is to prepare students for purposeful and meaningful lives, the school maintains a strong commitment to providing students an array of co-curricular opportunities to explore. For example, students can choose to participate in one or even multiple team sports among a list of 13 sports currently offered.

Based on enrollment numbers, Episcopal is classified as a 2A school. This classification size means more students have an opportunity to compete, play and achieve throughout the season. In contrast to larger high schools, it is common for Episcopal students to "letter" in more than one sport. Throughout Episcopal’s history, the school’s enrollment has been intentionally managed so that class sizes remain small and students benefit from personalized learning both on and off the field.  Students are carrying the lessons learned at Episcopal with them as they move on to become successful collegiate and professional athletes. Here are just a few of the many examples.

Recent Success
Last year’s senior athletes continued this tradition of success with many advancing on to collegiate sports. Click here to read more about the Class of 2018.

The Knights have had tremendous team success. Here is a look at a few highlights from last year:

• Cross Country: state champs once again! That brings the total to 22 consecutive state championships. Head Coach Claney Duplechin was named the 2018 National High School Athletics Coaches Association National Coach of the Year. Coach Dupe has also earned awards including the US Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Coach of the Year and the Metro Cross Country Coach of the Year.
• Basketball: state runner-up under the guidance of longtime Episcopal Head Coach Chris Beckman. Defeated nationally ranked Riverside Academy. Girls’ basketball, led by Head Coach Taylor Mims ’09, advanced to the quarterfinal round. Senior Tera Snell reached the 1,000 point club and signed to play for Loyola New Orleans.
• Swimming: the boys’ team finished state runner-up. Head Coach Stephen Anderson was named the All-Metro Boys Coach of the Year.

Click here for a look back at all of the team accomplishments from 2017/2018.

Research shows that being a teammate has long-term impacts for students. Episcopal Athletic Director Randy Richard says you cannot overestimate the impact of being a part of a team with a common goal.  “Participation in athletics can be a vehicle for teaching students teamwork, respect of self and others, and sound values that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Sports teaches all of us, adults and children alike, courage, grace, persistence, discipline, and greatness of spirit.  What one can gain from being on a team is immeasurable,” he says.

Students need a well-rounded education with abundant opportunities to explore their interests. Episcopal’s 2A enrollment size and commitment to excellence provide students the right combination of cross curricular activities so that they can do just that. With 80% of Middle and Upper School students participating in sports, Episcopal will continue to develop well-rounded, strong athletes who are also successful academically, artistically and spiritually.

Students and coaches are gearing up for another exciting fall sports season and they are hoping the entire Episcopal community will show their support. Here is a look at the upcoming action.

Football:
The Knights' football season is now underway! Here are some highlights of the home game schedule. The team gets straight to work with regional rival St. Thomas Aquinas making the trip in from Hammond for a face-off on Episcopal’s Memorial Field on September 7th. The rivalry action continues the very next Friday when Metairie Park Country Day also comes to Baton Rouge to take on the Knights at home. As always, look for exciting action when Episcopal takes on Dunham in a week 10 showdown on November 2nd.  The Knights hope to battle through this year’s tough schedule and extend their season by earning either a bye or home game rights for the first round of the playoffs.

Make plans now to attend football Friday nights and support your team. Mark your calendar now for special theme nights throughout the season.

September 7th – First Responders, Law Enforcement and Military Appreciation Night (All uniformed guests will receive free admission to the game.)
September 14th – Middle and Upper School Fall Sports Appreciation Night
September 28th – Homecoming and Friday Night Live
October 11th – Middle School Flag Football at Halftime
November 2nd – Senior Knight

This year’s Senior Knight will feature an exciting group of students who have committed themselves to Episcopal football over the years: Cruz Crawford, Grant Curry, Tyren Dutton, Brandan Garrido, Alex Harrison, Austin Jemison, Ethan Massengale and Kirk Singletary.

​Join your Episcopal Knights this fall for exciting sports action on the field, the court and in the pool. Here are a few reminders to improve your fan experience.

Episcopal home game admissions prices are $8 for adults and $5 for non-Episcopal students. Episcopal students and Squires members receive free admission with their student ID or Squires Card.

Due to the construction around our stadium, convenience areas will be different this year.

• Restrooms: For your convenience, temporary restrooms have been placed on the south side of the stadium, next to the track shed. Look for three pink stalls for women, two blue for men and an oversized stall for handicapped patrons.  
• Refreshments: Our concessions stand will be located behind the bleachers, under an Episcopal tent in “The Moat”.  Fat Mama's Snack Shack Food Truck, owned and operated by Episcopal Alum Cody Day, will be on site for all home games providing made-to-order hamburgers, hot dogs, cheese fries and much more!
• Parking: “The Moat”, or the lane and parking spaces immediately off the stadium, will be closed to thru traffic for the entirety of the stadium sports season.  That drive and those parking spaces (and other spaces around the back parking lot blocked with cones) will be reserved for restrooms, concessions, and parking for our security and medical staff, referees, visiting team buses and equipment trailers, and handicapped parking.  The driving lane nearest the Main Gym will serve as a two- way lane to enter and exit our parking lot, with a turn around being achieved by driving through to the baseball lot and making the loop. You are welcome to park in open spaces in the back lot, parking lots at the front of campus, and along Woodland Ridge Boulevard, however, please be mindful of the homes and yards in our neighborhood.

Go Knights!

Not exactly! The candy Airheads Xtremes do play a role in a wonderful story of community, personal connections, and generosity. Tasha Lemon, who most of us know, is the head of athletic concessions and one of Chef Pat’s leading colleagues in the Webster Refectory. However, this quintessentially Episcopal story centers around a relationship between Tasha, the concessionaire, and David Chauvin III, a member of Episcopal’s class of 2031.

David and his parents, Nicole and David Chauvin, live near the school’s campus. Over the years, that proximity and the family’s connections to Episcopal have led to a close relationship between “little David” and Tasha. Their remote location allows the Chauvin Family to attend virtually all games and meets held at Episcopal’s main field and track.

According to David’s parents, “at least once a week the Episcopal Concession Stand provides little David supper.” However, the Concession Stand is no more; it was demolished in May 2018 to make room for a beautiful new Field House. But fear not, Chauvin Family, a new, well-equipped concession stand will be part of the new Field House set for completion in spring of 2019.

No one, perhaps besides Tasha, is more excited to hear this than little David. David is a “regular” at the Episcopal Concession Stand and his favorite treat to buy is Airheads Xtremes. Knowing this, Tasha is always prepared for her most loyal customer. Her kind, caring, and dedicated attitude is respected by everyone in our community, and especially little David. Tasha sees David coming and the Airheads Xtremes are ready . . . ready to be handed over the counter to David with a smile.

As Nicole and David, Jr. considered how they would participate in the Spirit • Mind • Body Campaign, their connection to Tasha and frequent visits to the Concession Stand led them to the new Field House and then, very naturally, to the Concession Stand. The Chauvins made a pledge of $100,000 and reserved the Concession Stand for naming. In making the gift, Nicole says, “It was an easy decision to support the Campaign and to focus our gift on the Field House and Concession Stand. We love the school and we appreciate the warmth and care that Tasha has shown little David and our family over the years. She is a very special person, among a great community of teachers, coaches, and staff, who are devoted to all the students.”

One bit of karma: The Chauvin’s made their capital campaign commitment on the very day that the old Concession Stand was demolished. The school is grateful for the Chauvin’s dedication and generosity. While continuing their support of The eFund annually, they have added this five-year commitment as an additional “vote of confidence” and demonstration of their belief in and devotion to Episcopal and its mission.

Construction is now underway on the new Episcopal athletic field house. This innovative facility will be used by every student on campus with space for physical education classes, strength and conditioning and team sports activities. To learn more about the project, and the Spirit • Mind • Body Campaign, watch the new field house video below.

Senior Buddies
​Lower School students love their neighbors in Upper School! This week the Episcopal Senior Buddy tradition began for members of the Class of 2019 and their kindergarten partners. Students got to know each other at their first official meeting and even had time for a little fun. 

PreK-4 Students Get Their Hands Dirty at Annual Garden Party
It’s ok to play in the dirt! PreK-4 students, along with members of their family, had a great time getting dirty at the annual PreK-4 garden party. The little gardeners spruced up their neighborhood as they prepared the plot for this year’s crop of fresh herbs and flowering plants. While students think of garden time as great fun, parents and teachers know that there is much to be learned in the great outdoors. Throughout the year, students will observe life cycles, study light and color and experience hands-on science. 

“Even when folks are hitting you over the head, you can’t stop marching. Even when they’re turning the hoses on you, you can’t stop.” Barack Obama, 44th US President

The 2016/2017 Accolade features a smiling Kris Jackson with this quote from former President Obama beneath him. This is the quote chosen by Kris for his senior quote. As you’ll hear in the video below featuring Kris’ mother Sandra Jackson, Kris faced a tremendous challenge at a very young age and kept moving forward to become the successful adult he is today.

Watch the video below to learn more about his story and the compassion of the Episcopal community.

Individualized learning at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge means meeting the students where they are in the lesson, in the lab or in life.  This personal approach to learning is designed to take advantage of a student’s strengths and help them improve upon their weaknesses. A perfect example of the power of individualized learning is the magic that is happening in the Math Department.  

​“We want to challenge students as much as we can as long as it’s appropriate.” Stephen Anderson, an Episcopal alumnus and Math Department Chair, says this department philosophy equates to great things for students.  

As early as fifth grade, math teachers begin to identify which students have a proclivity for advanced studies.  These are the students with a conceptual understanding and procedural fluency for math, combined with a desire and hunger for learning.  Once a student’s math aptitude is summed up, teachers put their heads together to develop a mathematics pathway that fits.

“We want every kid to have the best opportunity possible,” says Anderson.  This may mean a student takes Honors Geometry in eighth grade, Algebra I as a freshman or even Calculus BC in tenth grade.  If there are enough sixth graders ready for seventh grade math – teachers create a special section just for them. If there is a freshman ready for Honors Pre-Calculus – teachers provide it.  If a student has exhausted what is thought of as “high school math” – teachers create an advanced class or offer an independent study. As a result of this desire to meet students where they are, the depth of courses offered has increased and the math range has skyrocketed among students.

Much planning and open communication is needed to truly be successful with this level of individualized learning.  This year Middle School math teachers are teaching more than one grade level, which provides them a comprehensive understanding of where individual students are in their learning journey. In addition, one-on-one meetings are conducted between students and teachers to discuss strengths, weaknesses and where the student wishes to go next.  Anderson says if a student attempts an advanced math path and finds that it is not for them they can simply rework the plan. He says teachers are always thinking big picture and long-term for students and ultimately want to make sure they provide the appropriate opportunities at the right time.
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Duke TIP research shows that 20% to 40% of students perform above grade level in reading and between 11% and 30% perform above grade level in math.  How to challenge these students is a struggle for schools nationwide. Episcopal’s ability to create individualized learning opportunities for students has proven to be a great solution.  Students are taught to their potential and pushed further than even they might have imagined.

In the end, this take on learning amounts to tremendous benefits for students.  Because the material is interesting and challenging they are more engaged and enjoy the learning experience more.  Being able to learn at their own pace, also gives students an advantage later on. For example, Anderson says students may enter university with enough math credits to jump right into sophomore level work, while others may not even need math at all depending on their major.  He says it’s usually once a student enters the post-secondary world that this hits home for them. It’s at this point that students may reach out to former teachers with a word of thanks for personalizing their experience.
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Individualized learning is a hallmark of an Episcopal education.  No matter the path our students travel, we want to provide them the right lessons for where they are and the path that the choose.

This year’s Lower School theme is such a simple and effective message for people of all ages. Lower School Division Head Bridget Henderson says it is a theme of joy, community and belonging – all of which are a part of the foundation of the Episcopal experience.

“Our yearly theme is something that ties us together as one community working toward a common goal,” says Henderson. Even though the school year has only just begun, Love Your Neighbor has already been embraced by everyone from PreK-3 to fifth grade. Check out the video below to hear students discuss what it means to Love Your Neighbor.

​At the heart of an Episcopal education is a mindset that we are created to “strive for justice and peace among all people and (to) respect the dignity of every human being.” Episcopal schools ensure that all who attend are challenged to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service in the world they will inherit. Love Your Neighbor is a great place to start!

Nationwide, more than 2 million students in the Class of 2017 took the ACT and more than 1.8 million took the SAT. According to the most recent reports from ACT and the College Board, college admissions tests are still a part of life for the majority of high school students in the country. In fact, the report shows that 60% of the Class of 2017 sat for the ACT and that the class of 2017 was the largest ever to take the SAT.  

With many college admissions decisions, scholarships and National Merit status depending on these exams, it may be overwhelming for some as they prepare for their opportunity to test. Episcopal College Counseling Director Justin Fenske offers tips to make test preparation more manageable.

1. Start with the foundation.
Fenske says it is important for students to remember that even though test prep is important, everything starts with a solid academic foundation. This foundation is what Episcopal students are learning every day in class. “Doing well and working hard in classroom subjects is key to testing success,” says Fenske. “Ultimately these exams are seeking to determine whether subject information has been gained and whether the student is ready for college-level course work.” Students who want to score well on admissions tests must commit themselves to doing well on day-to-day classroom activities. This means maintaining a strong GPA and fully understanding classroom concepts.

2. Understand the test.
Once a student has acquired a solid foundation in academic subjects, test preparation can truly begin. Episcopal students have a range of resources available to help them in this area, including three dedicated college counselors. Fenske, Shandi Fazely and Jody Kennard work one-on-one with students throughout the college admissions journey. Counselors provide guidance on everything from Episcopal class schedules and college admissions essays to getting the most from a college visit and meeting the application deadlines. Counselors can advise students regarding what score they need to qualify for admission into the college of their choice and they are there to motivate students and keep them on track to achieve that score.

College prep truly is a team effort at Episcopal. In addition to the counseling team, Dr. Alan Newton serves as the school’s College Block Coordinator. In College Block students brush up on the foundational skills that they have learned in class. College Block is also where students begin to think in terms of how to take the test. For example, as they are reviewing writing tips they will practice marking up a paragraph the way they would be required to do for the ACT.  Students also take timed practice tests, watch test prep videos and work on ACT lessons.

​Not only are students earning National Merit status, but they are also being accepted into the most competitive universities and colleges in the country. One third of the total members of the Class of 2018 were accepted into selective institutions, such as Georgetown, Harvard and Princeton. Students also earned scholarships to a range of universities and colleges throughout the country.

While not all universities require an admissions test score, Episcopal students receive tremendous support to help them achieve their testing goals and position themselves for long-term success.

Good luck to students taking the ACT this September!

Shandi Fazely has been a member of the Episcopal College Counseling team since 2016 after having served since 2011 in the Episcopal admission and advancement department. She is also a certified Highlands Ability Battery consultant. Shandi graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in secondary science education. She spent four years in the classroom teaching high school biology, AP biology and human anatomy before relocating to Louisiana. Shandi and her husband Michael have two daughters, Ella an Episcopal kindergartener and Norah, a future Knight.

​Justin Fenske joined Episcopal as the Director of College Counseling in 2014 and has been in the field since 2008. Justin graduated from the University of Michigan and earned a master’s in education from Boston University. During his time at Episcopal, his team has implemented a comprehensive high school program priding itself on individual attention to students in all grade levels. Justin is a certified Highlands Ability Battery consultant and has also spent time developing and implementing online career and college tools for high school students in the state of Michigan and as an administrator at Boston University.

Jody Kennard has been a part of the Episcopal community since 2005, serving first as Director of Advancement before joining the college counseling team in 2010. After graduating from Morristown Beard School in New Jersey, she earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Vermont with a double major in English and French. In addition to full-time college counseling, Jody is a certified Highlands Ability Battery consultant and a coach of Episcopal’s Girls on the Run program. Jody’s two sons are Episcopal graduates, Kenny Sheldon ’07 and Ricky Sheldon ’09.

Episcopal senior Douglas Robins knows what it is like to make the transition to a new school.  Now, after six successful years on campus he has advice for new students to help them become a part of the Episcopal community with ease. Read more from Douglas below.

Dear new friends--

​Congratulations on getting your first week under your belt at the E. You’ve met all your teachers, met some new people, and after signing the Honor Code, you are officially a Knight. By this point, you should start to get a better feel for what it is going to be like on campus from here on out. Now I know that just because you have had one week down, you are by no means an expert and I also know that transitioning in can take some time.  As someone who had his last first day of high school last week (I know, it still hasn’t set in) after six years at this school, I have some tips to help you navigate that will take you beyond the first week.

#2 Don’t be afraid to try new things
Part of what makes Episcopal so special is all of the diverse extracurricular options that are available. As you walk around campus, you will see this universal enthusiasm that seems to have touched all of the students and everything that they do. In the spirit of transitioning into the community, allow yourself to get swept away by the excitement of trying out some extracurriculars that you may not have had the chance to do elsewhere. Maybe that means joining the Cross Country team, or auditioning for the play, dabbling in slam poetry or crafting with the Pinterest Club. Don’t limit yourself to just one activity, take advantage of being able to try them all and see what sticks. You may not end up loving everything that you try, but don’t sweat it because no one makes you do something you aren’t into. But I promise, that something will stick and it may be the most unlikely thing. Before I came to Episcopal, I never would have dreamed of being on a stage in a play and I didn’t even know what the Student Vestry was, but by trying new things, I felt that passion and made some of my best friends.

The Episcopal community was busy all summer long. Here are highlights from the break:

Academic Points
Head of School Hugh McIntosh shared Episcopal success stories and stats with his Academic Points series. Highlights of the series include:

• Class of 2018 graduate Emily Knight’s perfect ACT composite score and how it represents Episcopal academics. Read more here. 
• The ESTAAR program and the impact it had on Episcopal graduates Connor Pellerin ʼ17 and Scott Wicker, Jr. ʼ18. Learn more about ESTAAR here. 
• A look at how graduate Jacob DeWitt ʼ17 found success at Episcopal thanks to quiet determination and hard work. Read more here.  

To read the entire series click here.

According to the 2019 Best Schools in America rankings released by Niche, Episcopal is the top ranked private high school in the Baton Rouge area. The annual rankings are based on public data and student and parent reviews.

Four seniors spent two weeks at pre-college musical theater intensives at three of the nation’s top musical theater schools. Maggie Ewing and Ethan Wax trained at the University of Hartford and Ethan Massengale attended an intensive at Florida State University. In addition, Kate Oliver received a scholarship to attend an intensive at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Read the Advocate article here.

Senior Cruz Crawford was one of 1,000 attendees selected to the West Point Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) in June. More than 5,000 students nationwide applied to the SLE, which offers outstanding high school students the opportunity to experience life at West Point. The one-week seminars are designed to help juniors with their college selection process, while giving them an idea of the importance of leadership and sound decision-making in their education, careers and lives. Read the Advocate article here.

Senior Wilson Russ was one of two Louisiana Boys State attendees selected to represent the state at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Last school year, he also had the opportunity to serve as a Senate Page in the United States Senate. Read the Advocate article here.

This spring, sixth grader Sophia Macias, who is an avid golfer, launched her own non-profit - No Worries Just Birdies. Her goal is to raise funds to support local schools. This summer she successfully organized her first charity golf tournament and plans to host a basketball tournament next year. Read the Livingston Parish News article here.

Episcopal alumni are making a difference and taking on new adventures.

Class of 2016 graduate Emory Ellis spent her summer in the Harvard Forest through Harvard University as a part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates. Emory, who is the daughter of Episcopal graduate Randi Simoneaux Ellis ʼ90, led an independent study on forest nutrients. Read more about Emory's experience here. 

Teachers and staff were busy with professional development. To prepare for a new school year, teachers participated in everything from responsive classroom training to AP Institute for Statistics training. School librarians Tiffany Whitehead and Catherine Word presented at the American Library Association conference and a contingent of staff went to Boston to learn more about NuVu.

Educator Ros Won was highlighted in Nat Damon’s book Time to Teach Time to Reach. In the book, Damon explores the impact of the teacher/student connection. He interviewed educators from across the country, including Ros who shared insights gained from her 17 years of teaching. You can read more about relational teaching and watch Ros’ student handshake video here. 

Upper School students were on campus prepping for their future. Seniors participated in college admissions essay writing workshops. This year’s LAUNCH participants worked on first drafts as they gear up for February presentations. Look for more on LAUNCH throughout the year as we follow students through this exciting process.

Congratulations to Episcopal Cross Country Coach Claney Duplechin! Coach Dupe was named the 2018 National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Coach of the Year! Coach Dupe has had tremendous success as the Knights Cross Country Coach, leading his teams to 22 consecutive state titles. Throughout his career he has earned additional honors including Cross Country Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Gill Athletics National Boys Track & Field Coach of the Year award. Read the Advocate article here.

The Knights participated in summer league play as they geared up for a new season of high school athletics. Despite the break, teams took part in camps and strength and conditioning workouts. You can read more here. 

Summer camps kept students active, entertained and learning throughout the break. From sports camps to Lower School theme camps and Middle School study skills sessions, there was something for everyone.