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Middle School Parent Newsletter | October 30th, 2026

October 29th, 2026

I am currently reading The Correspondent, a novel told through letters. At one point, the main character reflects on what a remarkable story those letters would tell if they were all gathered together. I haven't stopped thinking about that.

As we enter AllHallowtide, the three days encompassing All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day, I find myself thinking about the people who have shaped our lives. The grandparents, parents, teachers, friends, and loved ones whose stories are woven into our own.

We spend so much time trying to preserve memories, but I wonder how often we remember to make them, or to ask the questions whose answers we will one day wish we knew.

So, here is my invitation to your family this weekend. Ask your children a question you've never asked. Share a story with them you've never shared. Encourage them to call a grandparent or another loved one and ask about their childhood. Listen to a story you've heard a hundred times as though you're hearing it for the first time. Better yet, record it. Capture the voice, the laughter, the little details.

Our children are still writing the stories of their lives, and we have the privilege of being part of them.

One day, they will look back on these moments and remember the stories you shared about your family.
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AI COFFEE:
The AI All School Coffee has been postponed until spring. A new date will be shared in the coming weeks.
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BOOTS BUCKLES. BBQ...AND KNIGHTS!
Dust off your boots and grab your cowboy hat because the first annual Smokey Knights BBQ Tailgate Cook-Off is coming to Lot 18 on November 6th! Join us for an unforgettable evening of mouthwatering BBQ, live country music, Senior Knight festivities, and plenty of Western fun. Support the event by becoming a Team Sponsor, Event Sponsor, or purchasing your Pitmaster Voting Tickets and help crown the Smokey Knights BBQ Champion! Best of all, the food is free, so come hungry and ready to cast your vote for your favorite pitmaster.  We can't wait to see y'all there! 

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HALLOWEEN FRIDAY:
Spooky season is almost here! Students are welcome to wear their best school-appropriate Halloween costumes, Friday, October 30th. Keep it festive, keep it fun, and review Dr. Wharton’s email for specific costume guidelines. All handbook uniform guidelines still apply.
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CARPOOL REMINDERS:
A quick reminder for afternoon carpool pickup:

Please help us keep the carpool line safe and moving smoothly. Drivers should keep pets off their laps, put cell phones away, and minimize distractions, including drinks and other items in hand.

Students should always enter the vehicle from the passenger side. This keeps them away from moving traffic and helps us load cars safely and efficiently.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe during pickup!
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PARENT SERIES WEBINARS:

Episcopal families have access to the 2026–27 SAIS/ISACS Parent Series, featuring respected speakers and experts on topics designed to support parents and families throughout the school year. Parents may choose to participate live or watch the recordings, but you must sign up individually in advance.  Once registered, parents will receive a Zoom link to the live webinar and a follow-up link to the recording.  

Upcoming programs include:

December 1, 2026
The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success and a Better Life
Shawn Achor

January 13, 2027
The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance: What to Do About Tech & Kids
Catherine Price

February 9, 2027
Protecting Your Child in the Age of Deepfakes
Evan Harris

April 8, 2027
How Temperament Shapes Who We Become: Why Some Children Need More Than Others to Flourish
Aliza Pressman

May 4, 2027
The Power of One
John O’Leary

All sessions are held virtually from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Central and will be recorded for families unable to attend live.

Please see the Parent Series information HERE & HERE for additional details and register using the Episcopal community link:

isacs.ws/PS26-27SAISPlease note: This registration link is exclusively for members of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge community. Please do not forward or share it outside our school community.
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LEARNING LAB:

Learning Lab provides homework support and executive function coaching to small groups of middle school students.  It's available on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:15 - 4:15 pm. Families will be charged by quarter at a rate of $25 per session. For more information or questions, please contact Ms. Stickle. To sign up, please do so here. This opportunity is open to all Middle School students.
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BADGES:

Badges were handed out this week. Please help your student remember to wear their badge to school each day. Badges are an important security measure and also provide students access to badge-protected buildings across campus. Please help your student remember to bring their badge to school each day. If a badge is left at home, a replacement will need to be printed, and a $15 replacement fee will apply each time.
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ATTENDANCE:

To ensure consistency across divisions, please remember that all absences must be reported through PowerSchool. Please note, this must be done through a browser not the app. Students being picked up or released during the school day will not be released until the absence has been submitted through PowerSchool.
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CONTACTS:

Feel free to reach out to any of us - we're here to help and support you. If we're not the right contact, we’ll connect you with someone who can assist you best.

Anne Dalton
MS Division Head
[email protected]
225-755-2724

Taylor Wharton
MS Dean of Student Life 
[email protected]
225-753-3655

Katie Carpenter
MS Counselor
[email protected]
225-755-2735

Dana Heuvel
MS Assistant 
[email protected]
225-755-2725

 

 

Upcoming Dates

*Friday, October 30th. Halloween Costumes. See guidelines in Dr. Wharton's weekly email.

*Monday, November 2nd. (Update. Moved to Spring. Stay tuned for new date.) Navigating the AI World. All Divisions. 

*Friday, November 6th. Tailgate Cook-Off. More information in newsletter. 

*Wednesday, November 11th. Wear Red, White, and Blue for Veterans Day! Uniform bottoms or jeans.

*Friday, November 13th. Wear Red, White & Blue in recognition of French Week. Uniform bottoms or jeans.

*Monday, November 23rd - Friday, November 27th. Thanksgiving Holiday.

*Fridays. Spirit Dress. Uniform bottoms. Episcopal spirit shirt. 

 

 

 

All School Calendar

Keep track of school holidays, major events, and important dates across all divisions—updated year-round for your planning needs.

MS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, and more—all in one place.

Lunch Menu

See what’s being served in Webster's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

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