Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Upper School Newsletters

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 09-18-26

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

This week, campus has been flooded with Knight Spirit as we build up to this evening's big Homecoming football game against Catholic Point Coupee. And in that spirit, Squires would like to invite everyone to join the Episcopal community for our Knights Football Tailgates this season, kicking off tonight at 5:00pm in Lot 18 behind the Graves Family Field House. Enjoy great food, friends, and school spirit as we rally behind our Knights under the Friday night lights. Best of all, the tailgates are free and open to everyone, so bring your family, friends, and Knight spirit! Tonight's game promises a packed lineup of special programming as we celebrate our Homecoming Court and crown our Queen. We will also host a Teacher Appreciation Ceremony and honor last year’s State Championship teams (Boys Cross Country, Boys Powerlifting, Girls Track, and Boys Track) as well as three coaches named State Coach of the Year. It should be an extraordinary evening filled with great energy, and we look forward to seeing you there.

This week, our juniors and seniors received printed ordering materials from Balfour regarding class rings, graduation gear, and related items. Senior parents, you can find information on graduation announcements here, here, and here. Junior parents, you can access information about class rings here and here. Please note that Junior Ring Day has been rescheduled for Friday April 9th, 2027. Class rings are encouraged, but certainly not required.

Finally, as we enter into the heart of the fall season, weekend gatherings and celebrations naturally increase across our community. These moments can be central to the high school experience, and we deeply value working alongside you to keep our students safe, healthy, and supported both on and off campus. Our primary commitment is always the well-being of your children, which relies on transparent communication and shared expectations between home and school. To support these ongoing conversations at home, we ask that you take a few moments to review the School’s policies regarding drugs and alcohol. You will find these on pages 45-46 of our Parent Student Handbook. Please also see the section on “Self Referral” on pages 58-59. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we guide our young people toward thoughtful, responsible choices.

Please keep reading for important reminders and information. As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Dan Binder
Head of Upper School

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BUST BREAST CANCER:
On Wednesday, October 7th, students are invited to donate $1 and wear PINK free dress in support of Woman’s Hospital’s BUST Breast Cancer initiative. We hope our Upper School students will join us in wearing pink and helping BUST breast cancer! Please refer to the Student Handbook for free dress guidelines.

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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. For more information, please click here.

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
castillem@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
newmand@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Ms. Tracie Hiles
US Administrative Assistant
hilest@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 28th: All School Coffee: Security & Safety at Episcopal in the Alumni House (8AM)

Wednesday, October 7th: End of 1st Quarter.

Thursday, October 8th & Friday, October 9th: Fall Holiday -- no school.

Wednesday, October 14th: PSAT Testing for 9-11. Seniors should plan to remain off-campus to work on college applications.

Friday, October 23rd: Faculty & Staff Development. Students will have asynchronous virtual assignments.

SAIS/ISACS Parent Series

(Register by clicking here)

September 29

School Readiness: Executive Function Needed to “Do School” with Sarah Ward

December 1

The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success & A Better Life with Shawn Achor

January 13

The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance: What to Do About Tech & Kids with Catherine Price

February 9

Protecting Your Child in the Age of Deepfakes with Evan Harris

April 8

How Temperament Shapes Who We Become: Why Some Children Need More than Others to Flourish with Aliza Pressman

May 4

The Power of One with John O’Leary

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 09-04-26

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

With the passing of writer Wendell Berry this week, his insights on the true purpose of education may carry a deep resonance for our community:

A proper education enables young people to put their lives in order, which means knowing what things are more important than other things; it means putting first things first.

In a fast-paced culture that constantly bombards our children with competing noise, anxiety, and distraction, Berry’s reflection echoes a timeless spiritual truth that underlies our school's mission. Our goal at Episcopal is not merely to prepare students for academic success, but to partner with families in guiding young people toward wisdom, discernment, and a moral commitment to the common good - a purposeful life. We want our students to understand that character, integrity, and the dignity with which we treat one another far outweigh any letter grade or test score.

Every day in our classrooms, our advisory spaces, our rehearsal rooms and athletic fields, our faculty and staff work to help your students tune out the noise, order their lives well, and focus on what lasts. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for allowing us to do this essential work.

Please keep reading for important reminders and information. As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Dan Binder
Head of Upper School

__________________________________
HOMECOMING KICKOFF DANCE:
This year's Homecoming Kickoff Dance will be September 12th from 8PM to 10PM. Doors will be locked at 8:30PM and will open again at 9:45PM. Student Council will be selling tickets to the dance during lunch/office hours all week; a single ticket is $15 and a couple ticket is $25. Students may use either cash or card as payment.

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The All4One eFund Campaign kicks off September 8. We are proud to share that our faculty and staff have reached 100% participation, and we are hopeful our parent community will help us reach that milestone as well. Your support, no matter how large or small, truly makes a difference.

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KARNIVAL KNIGHT:
Get ready to tee off for Karnival Knight 2026: The Masters! Order now through September 8th at the school store. The Karnival Knight store is officially LIVE! Sponsorships, T-shirts, hats, wristbands, and tickets are all available for purchase.

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
castillem@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
newmand@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Ms. Tracie Hiles
US Administrative Assistant
hilest@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 7th: Labor Day. No School.

Saturday, September 12th: Homecoming Week Kickoff Dance

Friday, September 18th: Homecoming Football Game vs. Catholic Point Coupee

Monday, September 28th: All School Coffee: Security & Safety at Episcopal in the Alumni House (8AM)

Wednesday, October 7th: End of 1st Quarter.

Thursday, October 8th & Friday, October 9th: Fall Holiday -- no school.

Wednesday, October 14th: PSAT Testing for 9-11. Seniors should plan to remain off-campus to work on college applications.

Friday, October 23rd: Faculty & Staff Development. Students will have asynchronous virtual assignments.

SAIS/ISACS Parent Series

September 29

School Readiness: Executive Function Needed to “Do School” with Sarah Ward

December 1

The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success & A Better Life with Shawn Achor

January 13

The Family Guide to Screen/Life Balance: What to Do About Tech & Kids with Catherine Price

February 9

Protecting Your Child in the Age of Deepfakes with Evan Harris

April 8

How Temperament Shapes Who We Become: Why Some Children Need More than Others to Flourish with Aliza Pressman

May 4

The Power of One with John O’Leary

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 08-21-26

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

With last week's successful grade-level retreats and two full weeks of classes under our belts, we are well on our way to establishing and re-establishing the rhythms and cadences of our life in the Upper School. The next big event in our calendar is Wednesday's Upper School Parents Knight (8/26). Please join us at 6:00pm, when the event kicks off with a reception in the VPAC Lobby followed by a welcome from Dr. Steakley in the Theatre at 6:25. After this welcome, parents will have the opportunity to visit their student's advisor and teachers. Please see here for a full schedule of the evening. We will have Student Ambassadors ready to help you navigate, and we look forward to seeing you there.

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ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER:
Upper School students are encouraged to utilize the Academic Resource Center! ARC is a free-of-charge, Upper school-student-run operation that offers peer-to-peer tutoring and studying. It is located upstairs in Aldrich Library and is staffed by 10th-12th grade Fellows (peer tutors) throughout the school day.
Fellows specialize in all subject-areas and can help students with a number of tasks, including writing, revising, studying for an upcoming assessment, working a tricky math problem, or even speaking a foreign language. The Fellows are here to lend a helping hand to any student who comes to visit us.
Upper School students can access ARC during their study hall or free study (appointments and walk ins welcome). ARC is also open by appointment-only during Office Hours. If students ever have questions about utilizing ARC or are having trouble booking an appointment, they can simply email Mrs. Sutcliffe at sutcliffek@ehsbr.org. The booking page can be found on the ARC Canvas Page, as well as here: https://calendly.com/episcopalpeertutoring

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BUST BREAST CANCER:

On Wednesday, October 7th, students are invited to donate $1 and wear PINK free dress in support of Woman’s Hospital’s BUST Breast Cancer initiative. Students should bring their $1 donation to their homeroom teacher, who will collect and record donations that morning. We hope our Upper School students will join us in wearing pink and helping BUST breast cancer! Please refer to the Student Handbook for free dress guidelines.

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MAGNUS & HEALTH INFORMATION:

Please remember to complete all required forms and health information in Magnus.

Please remember to complete all required forms and health information in Magnus before Labor Day. This includes uploading any required documents and completing all questions in the system. Students with incomplete Magnus requirements will not be permitted to attend school beginning August 24th.

If you have questions or need assistance with Magnus, please contact MS/US Nurse Amy Johns.

You may access Magnus by clicking here.

__________________________________

As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Dan Binder
Head of Upper School

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
castillem@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
newmand@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Ms. Tracie Hiles
US Administrative Assistant
hilest@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 26th: Upper School Parents Knight, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 7th: Labor Day. No School.

Saturday, September 12th: Homecoming Week Kickoff Dance

Friday, September 18th: Homecoming Football Game vs. Catholic Point Coupee

Wednesday, October 7th: End of 1st Quarter.

Thursday, October 8th & Friday, October 9th: Fall Holiday -- no school.

Wednesday, October 14th: PSAT Testing for 9-11. Seniors should plan to remain off-campus to work on college applications.

Friday, October 23rd: Faculty & Staff Development. Students will have asynchronous virtual assignments.

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 08-01-26

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

We look forward to welcoming our new and returning students to campus later this week. Please see below for some important updates and reminders.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Dan Binder
Head of Upper School

Staffing Updates

We are delighted to welcome Ms. Tracie Hiles into the office as our new Administrative Assistant. Many of our families already know Tracie through her years of dedicated service and leadership within the Episcopal Parents' Guild. Prior to her extensive volunteer work on campus, Tracie built a distinguished corporate career in human resources and talent acquisition with major corporations, where she managed complex operations, confidential data, and high-level communications. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Lewis University, graduating summa cum laude. Tracie brings to our division office a profound commitment to our school mission, a deep understanding of our community culture, and a gracious spirit of helpfulness. She looks forward to supporting our faculty, assisting our students, and welcoming our parents throughout the academic year. Ms. Hiles can be reached at HilesT@ehsbr.org or at (225) 755-2711.

Reminders

Before school begins, all families must complete a host of forms and questionnaires via the Magnus Health Portal. This information helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students. Without completion of these forms, students will not be permitted to attend classes or participate in school activities. If you have questions, please reach out to the Middle & Upper School nurse, Ms. Amy Johns (johnsa@ehsbr.org).

Students who are driving to school may apply for a parking permit here. Parking tags will be available during Orientation at the US Office.

For all 12th graders, senior portraits will be taken on Wednesday August 5th between 8AM and 4PM, according to the schedule here. Seniors should arrive dressed with hair and makeup complete. Boys should arrive wearing a white undershirt with no logos or patterns. Girls should arrive wearing a strapless or spaghetti-strap tank. Pearl necklace is optional, so wear any jewelry you'd like. Jewelry and hairbrushes will not be provided, so please pack accordingly.

For all 9th - 12th graders, standard school photos will be taken on Orientation Day, Thursday August 6th. Students should be in uniform. Information on ordering prints or downloads is available here.

Orientation Day, Thursday, August 6th, 2026 Upper School Orientation Day for all students will be Thursday, August 6th. Please click here for a full schedule.

First Day of School, Friday, August 7th, 2026 Students should report to the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd at 7:50AM. See here for a detailed schedule of our Opening Day. Students will only need a backpack, a laptop, a notebook and a pen/pencil on the first day of school.

Retreat Day, Friday, August 14, 2026 A key priority in the first week of school is to establish the bonds and purpose of our communities in the Upper School. On Retreat Day, each grade level spends time devoted to creating those bonds through a combination of service and celebration. This is an important day for all students to establish the norms and connections that will carry us through a positive school year, and we expect that all Upper School students attend.

Directory Opt-Out

The School provides a directory of Episcopal families to facilitate communication. Parents who do not want their family's information included must complete the School Directory Opt-Out Form by Monday, August 17.

Policy Reminders

Absences - Parents should complete the Report New Absence form found through PowerSchool for each absence, including checking in late or checking out early. Please be sure to include the time for an early check-out. Here is a quick tutorial.

In compliance with Louisiana state guidance, students who miss more than four sessions of any course in one semester for any reason may be expected to attend an afterschool study hall to ensure that credit is earned for the course. Please reach out to the US Office if you have any questions about our attendance policy.

Early Pick-Up/Checkout - If you are picking up your child and have submitted the PowerSchool form, please call the Upper School office at (225) 755-2711. when you have arrived. For students who do not drive themselves, we need a parent or guardian to call the office and confirm that they are on campus before we can release the student. When we receive that call, your student will be called out of class to sign out in the office and then dismissed to where you are parked on campus. Students who drive themselves are also expected to sign out in the US office before being dismissed to the parking lot. There are no student check outs after 2:30 p.m. The PowerSchool form MUST be completed before a student will be released.

Parking & Visitor Check-in - If you are visiting campus for any reason, you must check in at the Alumni House and receive a visitor badge. A driver’s license or state-issued ID is required for check in. When leaving campus, please check out at the Alumni House. Visitor parking is available in the lot in front of the Alumni House; Parking on Woodland Ridge Boulevard is available only between 8:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
castillem@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
newmand@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Ms. Tracie Hiles
US Administrative Assistant
hilest@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 26th: Upper School Parents Knight, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 7th: Labor Day. No School.

Saturday, September 12th: Homecoming Week Kickoff Dance

Friday, September 18th: Homecoming Football Game vs. Catholic Point Coupee

Wednesday, October 7th: End of 1st Quarter.

Thursday, October 8th & Friday, October 9th: Fall Holiday -- no school.

Wednesday, October 14th: PSAT Testing for 9-11. Seniors should plan to remain off-campus to work on college applications.

Friday, October 23rd: Faculty & Staff Development. Students will have asynchronous virtual assignments.

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 07-01-26

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

I hope your summer break is going well and offering plenty of time to rest and recharge. As we turn the calendar to July, our campus is buzzing with preparation for an exceptional 2026-2027 school year.

I want to extend a warm welcome to our rising 9th-grade families, as well as the new-to-Episcopal students and families joining our sophomore and junior classes. We are thrilled to have you enter our Upper School community, and we look forward to partnering with you in the years ahead.

To help all families - both new and returning - prepare for the fall, this newsletter outlines key updates, schedules, and policy reminders. While the entire message is worth a look, I ask that you pay close attention to the "Summer To-Do Tasks" section below. Tending to these time-sensitive items by their respective deadlines will ensure a seamless, stress-free start for your student when we return in August.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and please enjoy the rest of your summer!

Thanks,
Dan Binder
Head of Upper School

Staffing Updates

While summer is a time for rest, it is also a season of exciting transition as we prepare to welcome new talent to our campus. Episcopal remains deeply committed to attracting and retaining exceptional faculty and staff members who embody our mission. Please join me in welcoming these outstanding professionals to the Upper School community for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Dr. Juan Acevedo joins our World Languages department as a Spanish instructor. He comes to Episcopal after serving most recently as a Spanish instructor at both LSU and Southern University. A lifelong language educator, Dr. Acevedo began his career teaching English in his native country of Colombia before moving to the United States to complete his graduate studies at Illinois State University. He has successfully taught world languages to learners of all age groups, from young children to adults. Outside the classroom, Dr. Acevedo is an avid photography and soccer enthusiast, and we look forward to his unique contributions to our campus life.
Ms. Christine Broussard joins our Mathematics faculty from Woodlawn High School, bringing more than a decade of secondary teaching experience. During her tenure at Woodlawn, she served as the Mathematics Department Chair and was a vital member of the school's Instructional Leadership Team. A former Woodlawn Teacher of the Year and a past member of the East Baton Rouge Teacher Advisory Council, Ms. Broussard has taught a comprehensive range of secondary math courses. This year, she will teach Algebra I and Algebra II, adding significant depth and leadership to our robust mathematics program.
The Rev. Audra Ryes joins our faculty as a Religion instructor while continuing to serve as the Rector of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Zachary. The Rev. Ryes is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of classroom experience; her background includes seven years as a middle school instructor at Trinity Episcopal School in New Orleans and twelve years at Eleanor McMain Secondary School, where she served as the Science Department Chair. She holds a Master of Divinity from Sewanee and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana. With this exceptional blend of academic leadership and pastoral experience, she is beautifully prepared to enrich our students' spiritual and academic growth.
Ms. Hannah Knoff will join Episcopal as our dance teacher. She brings a strong background in dance performance, choreography, and education. A graduate of Northwestern State University with a BFA in Dance, she performed with Of Moving Colors and served as Associate Director, where she choreographed and produced community performances. Ms. Knoff has taught a wide range of dance styles to students ages 3 through 18 and most recently served as a physical education teacher and coach at BASIS Materra. Her experience in movement, classroom instruction, and student support will be a wonderful addition to our program.
Ms. Dakota Newman will join the school as our new Upper School counselor. Ms. Newman attended Episcopal for eight years as a child, and she returns to us as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), holding a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. Her work has been rooted in school settings in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, where she has specialized in crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and coordinating holistic student support. Specializing in crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and coordinating holistic student support, Ms. Newman's collaborative approach and deep insight into the social and emotional landscape of high school students make her a wonderful asset to our community.
Ms. Marian Castille steps into divisional leadership as our new Dean of Student Life. Ms. Castille holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. Before transitioning into K-12 education, she had a distinguished 14-year tenure at LSU, serving as the Director of Employee Relations and later as an Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Management. She then brought her talents to independent schools, teaching mathematics at St. James Episcopal Day School and right here at Episcopal. Most recently serving as our Coordinator of Episcopal Identity, she is currently completing a doctoral program in Educational Leadership at the Virginia Theological Seminary. We are confident that her rare blend of high-level administrative expertise, deep institutional knowledge, and profound commitment to our community values will beautifully enrich our Upper School student culture.

Summer To-Do Tasks

*Complete Magnus Health Forms*

Before school begins, all families must complete a host of forms and questionnaires via the Magnus Health Portal. This information helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students. Without completion of these forms, students will not be permitted to attend classes or participate in school activities. Some of these forms may require a visit to a doctor, so please act promptly.

Familiarity with Magnus is also vital for families. For example, each time a student visits the infirmary, Magnus alerts families, providing information including the reason for the student’s visit, an explanation of symptoms, and an overview of the treatment provided. Of course, in the case of an emergency, parents will be contacted immediately by phone.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Middle & Upper School nurse, Ms. Amy Johns (johnsa@ehsbr.org).

*Technology*

All Upper School students are required to purchase & maintain a laptop or other device of their choice that meets minimum requirements. This device will be used daily in the Upper School. Student familiarity with, as well as maintenance of, the device is therefore necessary for the student’s success. This includes keeping the device’s software updated. Students are also expected to adhere to a Responsible Use Policy (RUP) for the device. Violations of the RUP can result in disciplinary consequences.

If you have questions or concerns about technology, please reach out to the Help Desk (helpdesk@ehsbr.org).

*Student Parking Permits*

Students who are driving to school may apply for a parking permit here. Parking tags will be available during Orientation at the US Office.

*Complete Summer Reading and Assignments*

All Upper School students have required Summer Reading to complete. The goal of summer reading is to encourage students to read for pleasure, to appreciate quality literature, to develop and maintain good reading habits, and to allow students to find literature that is personally engaging and challenging.

If you have questions about Summer Reading, please reach out to our English Department Chair, Ms. Kealy Duke (dukek@ehsbr.org). The reading guidelines and assignments can be found here.

Note that students enrolled in some courses, including Advanced Placement courses, may have additional summer assignments, which are available to the students through Canvas. For questions about any summer work in particular classes, please reach out directly to the teacher.

*School Uniform & Dress*

Episcopal Upper School students are expected to dress in accordance with our Dress & Uniform Standards. Please note that dress code will be an area of focus this coming year. Uniform apparel can be purchased from the online School Store as well as from several vendors online or in-store locally, including School Time, Inka’s, and Young Fashions. They can be purchased from Land’s End online, as well. Any student enrolled in PE will also need a PE uniform, which can be purchased from the School Store. Additionally, there are several planned used uniform sales that the Parent’s Guild manages throughout the year. If there are questions about the Dress & Uniform Standards, please reach out to the US Office.

*Purchase Optional Pizza & Cane’s Lunches*

On designated Fridays through the year, students who have pre-purchased either or both Pizza & Cane’s will be able to enjoy those lunches. These purchases are optional; regular lunch will still be served.

*Summer Camps*

Tennis Camp is still available for any interested student entering grades 7-12, July 13-16 from 9:00-12:00. You can also give your child a head start by enrolling your incoming 9th grader in Typing Knights in the afternoons from 12:30-3:30. Typing Knights is focused on having students complete their typing requirement prior to the start of the school year.

*Senior College Counseling Events*

Our College Counselors are offering an Essay Workshop in July and a College Application Clinic in early August. Both programs are valuable opportunities for seniors to get a jump on the college process. The Essay Workshop is strongly recommended; all seniors are expected to attend the Application Clinic.

*School Photos and Yearbook Ads*

For all 12th graders, senior portraits will be taken on Wednesday August 5th between 8AM and 4PM. All seniors must complete this form by July 30th to reserve a time. If desired, families may also use that form to purchase a yearbook ad. Seniors should also begin thinking about their Senior Quote submission.

For all 9th - 11th graders, standard school photos will be taken on Orientation Day. Students should be in uniform. Information on ordering prints or downloads is available here.

Back to School

Orientation Day, Thursday, August 6th, 2026 Upper School Orientation Day for all students will be Thursday, August 6th. Please click here for a full schedule. Students will take their school picture - please make sure your student is in proper uniform. Please refer to the order form here for ordering details. The deadline to place orders is Friday, August 23rd. Additionally, our on-campus store in Perkins Hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Orientation Day. Available items include PE uniforms, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and various accessories. Payment via checks or credit cards only.
First Day of School, Friday, August 7th, 2026 Students should report to the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd at 7:50AM. See here for a detailed schedule of our Opening Day. Textbooks for classes are provided by the school and issued as needed after classes begin. There is no summer supply list for Upper School students. Teachers will notify the student on the first day of class what supplies are needed for their specific class. Students will only need a backpack, a laptop, a notebook and a pen/pencil on the first day of school.
Retreat Day, Friday, August 14, 2026 A key priority in the first week of school is to establish the bonds and purpose of our communities in the Upper School. On Retreat Day, each grade level spends time devoted to creating those bonds through a combination of service and celebration. This is an important day for all students to establish the norms and connections that will carry us through a positive school year, and we expect that all Upper School students attend.

Be Involved

Parent Organizations

There are several ways for parents to remain engaged and supportive of their child’s success at Episcopal, and one of the most impactful ways is to join and participate in the work of our parent organizations. Each is dedicated to supporting the work of the school through volunteer and fundraising efforts, which start even before the school year begins.

*Parents’ Guild*

The largest parent organization, Parents’ Guild, supports the work of the school throughout every division, contributing volunteer hours, resources, and spirit to the life of the school. Every parent is automatically a member of the Parents’ Guild.

PG volunteers are a vital presence at many school events, helping with Parents’ Knights, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more. There are also many fundraising opportunities over the summer, all accessible through the School Store. There, you can purchase Pizza & Cane’s lunches for your child on designated Fridays throughout the year. (They will also still have access to the cafeteria’s options on this day of course.) Also at the School Store, you can find E-Gear items that students can wear, including hoodies and sweatshirts, which are uniform-approved.

You can always reach out to the Parents’ Guild presidents (episcopalpgpresidents@gmail.com) at any time for questions, ideas, or other ways to get involved.

*Squires Club*

The Squires Club is a service organization that supports the school’s athletic program and individual teams. It aims to make participation in Knights athletics an even more rewarding and proud experience for all student athletes.

Squires volunteers often help out selling fan gear at sporting events or help fun ticket booths, and the opportunities are shared with members throughout the year. On top of that, Squires Fan Gear sold through the School Store as well as the Squires Club Game Day Pass help Squires fulfill its mission of cheering the Knights. Please email the Squires presidents (Squires@ehsbr.org) to get involved!

*Arts Krewe*

Arts Krewe members provide volunteer support including backstage assistance, concession staffing, coordinating events and fundraisers, providing snacks, and more. Every parent with a child engaged in an Episcopal arts program is automatically members of the Arts Krewe. But each parent has the opportunity to become a Supporting Member who receives additional perks because of their enhanced support of the arts.

Get involved today by visiting Arts Krewe online or emailing us (artskrewe@gmail.com).

Looking Ahead

*Upcoming Dates*

Wednesday, August 26th: Upper School Parents Knight, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 7th: Labor Day. No School.
Wednesday, October 7th: End of 1st Quarter.
Thursday, October 8th & Friday, October 9th: Fall Holiday. No School.
Wednesday, October 14th: PSAT Testing
Friday, October 23rd: Faculty & Staff Development. Asynchronous virtual classes for students.

Policy Reminders

Absences - Parents should complete the Report New Absence form found through PowerSchool for each absence, including checking in late or checking out early. Completing the form as soon as an absence is anticipated is most helpful. Please note that email or telephone calls are no longer accepted as a form of reporting attendance. Here is a quick tutorial. In compliance with Louisiana state guidance, students who miss more than four sessions of any course in one semester for any reason may be expected to attend an afterschool study hall to ensure that credit is earned for the course. Please reach out to the US Office if you have any questions about our attendance policy.

Early Pick-Up/Checkout - If you are picking up your child and have submitted the PowerSchool form, please call the Upper School office at 225-753-3180 when you have arrived. Your student will then be called out of class to sign out in the office and then dismissed to where you are parked on campus. Students who drive themselves are also expected to sign out in the US office before being dismissed to the parking lot. There are no student check outs after 2:30 p.m. The PowerSchool form MUST be completed before a student will be released.

Carpool - Upper School carpool drop off and pick up is on the Front Lawn. Afternoon Carpool begins at 3:15 p.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.

Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up - The Aldrich Library will be available to Upper School students, at no charge, as early as 7:00 am and as late as 5:30 pm. There will always be a staff member present. Food is not allowed.

Additional Resources

Resources - This webpage contains many additional downloads and links that can help students and families stay informed and connected to policies, procedures, and support services.

Calendar - This schoolwide calendar shares all events that are happening on campus throughout the year.

Academic Calendar - In addition to the calendar above, this provides students and families a quick reference of key dates, including school breaks and quarter & semester ends.

Curriculum Guide - This resource is key to understanding our overall academic program. Please refer to it for information about courses and graduation requirements.

New Family Resources - For further information that is helpful to those new to our community, this website is a strong resource.

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
castillem@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
newmand@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Mr. Justin Fenske
Director of College Counseling
fenskej@ehsbr.org
225-755-2737

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 05-18-26

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

As the campus fills with the energy of the final week of the spring semester, I want to take a moment to look back on a spectacular academic year and look forward to a restful, productive summer.

This past weekend, we celebrated the Commencement of the Class of 2026. It was a beautiful, memorable milestone. The graduates of 2026 have left an indelible mark on the Episcopal community through their leadership, creativity, athleticism, and scholarship. We are incredibly proud of who they are and where they are headed.

To our senior parents, especially those who are transitioning out of being Episcopal parents after many years: thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your children, for your countless hours of volunteer service, and for partnering with us to help shape these remarkable young adults. You will always have a home on Woodland Ridge, and we wish your families nothing but the very best in this next chapter.

The celebration continued this morning as we gathered for our annual Upper School Awards. Watching our underclassmen be recognized for their academic curiosity and leadership affirms that the standard of excellence on our campus remains in good hands. Congratulations to all of our award recipients for their hard work and dedication this year.

For our freshman, sophomore, and junior families, our focus now turns completely toward a successful final push. Upper School exams begin tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19th.

Exams can naturally bring a healthy amount of pressure, but we want to encourage our students to keep things in perspective. Our faculty has spent the last week preparing them well. The best recipe for success over the next few days contains a few simple ingredients:

Dedicated, distraction-free study time blocks.
Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule.
Eating a good breakfast before arriving on campus and staying hydrated.

We are rooting for every single one of our students this week. They’ve worked hard all year and they should be crossing the finish line with confidence.

Once the last exam is turned in on Friday, a well-deserved break begins. We want to encourage all of our returning students to use their summer months intentionally and well. A great summer balances two things:

True Rest: Disconnecting from the daily school-year grind, spending time outside, and prioritizing mental and physical wellness.
Productive Growth: Finding a great book to read, working a summer job, volunteering in the Baton Rouge community, or diving deep into a personal hobby or project.

While daily campus life slows down in June and July, our administrative team will remain busy preparing for a fantastic 2026-2027 school year. To help your family stay organized, please keep an eye out for summertime digital communications from my office.

Thank you all for a truly wonderful school year. It has been a privilege and an honor to partner with your families. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and joyful start to the summer season.

Thanks,

Dan Binder

Head of Upper School

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Mr. Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
engholms@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
wilcoxk@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Dr. Jen Godfrey
US Student Services Coordinator
godfreyj@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Tuesday May 19th
Semester Exams begin

Friday May 22nd
Semester Exams end

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 05-01-26

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

May is a time of tension in schools like ours. Tension here refers to the commingling of opposites, not just the kind of ordinary stress that often goes along with exams and assessments. We find ourselves very much in a liminal space; we're at the end of one thing but not yet the beginning of another. Whether we're talking about the end of an academic year and the beginning of summer, or the end of high school and the beginning of college, or the end of having a young child at home and the beginning of having an adult child in the world, it's a hard place to be.

As we navigate these final weeks of the semester, my hope is that we can all embrace this tension by staying present in the "now" while honoring the "not yet." For our seniors, that means cherishing the final walks through our campus; for our underclassmen, it means finishing their courses with integrity; and for our parents, it means holding space for both the child you have and the adult they are becoming.

A few practical items to keep in mind:

AP Exams begin on Monday, May 4th, and continue through Friday, May 15th.
The last day of classes for seniors is Thursday, May 7th.
Senior exams (as needed) will take place on Friday, May 8th, and Monday, May 11th. If your senior is taking an exam, please expect their teacher to reach out to them with details.
Exams for non-seniors will begin on Tuesday, May 19th. You may find the exam schedule here.
To aid in planning ahead, please find here our calendar for the '26-'27 academic year.

Let's finish this year strong, together. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything you need.

Thanks,

Dan Binder

Head of Upper School

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Mr. Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
engholms@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
wilcoxk@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Dr. Jen Godfrey
US Student Services Coordinator
godfreyj@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Thursday May 7th
Senior Walkout

Wednesday May 13th
Graduation Rehearsal (10:00AM)

Friday May 15th
Senior Awards (4:30PM) and Baccalaureate (6:00PM)

Saturday May 16th
Commencement (7:00PM, seniors arrive by 4:30PM)

Monday May 18th
Upper School Awards (7:50AM)

ISACS Parent Series

(Register Here)

May 6, 2026
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 04-17-26

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

On Tuesday of this week, we were honored to host international opera superstar (and former Episcopal student) Lisette Oropesa for our Lindley Spaht Dodson Speaker Series. She offered us a message that resonated with me deeply. Lisette shared how her life was shaped not just by her talents for memorization, for languages, and for singing, but by the way one of her teachers here at Episcopal responded to her during a moment of vulnerability in Middle School. Even as we enter a stretch of the year when things can feel very high-stakes, let us keep in mind that it is often the little things and the everyday ways we treat one another that matter most in the long run.

We are in the midst of a very busy season, and I am mindful of what a privilege it is to work with your children every day. Thank you for your continued partnership as we help our students finish this year strong.

Thanks,

Dan Binder

Head of Upper School

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Mr. Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
engholms@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
wilcoxk@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Dr. Jen Godfrey
US Student Services Coordinator
godfreyj@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Saturday April 25th
Junior/Senior Prom

Thursday May 7th
Senior Walkout

Wednesday May 13th
Graduation Rehearsal

Friday May 15th
Senior Awards and Baccalaureate

Saturday May 16th
Commencement

ISACS Parent Series

(Register Here)

May 6, 2026
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 03-27-26

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, I hope this update finds you well. With Easter break around the corner, it is a perfect time for our students (and their families!) to rest and reset before we begin the final push toward the finish line.

Please be reminded to always check in at the Alumni House immediately upon your arrival on campus. Likewise, please remember to check out and return your badge and lanyard before leaving. If you happen to have a spare lanyard or two at home from a previous visit, please drop them off at your convenience - we’d love to have them back.

Please also note that student parking is officially sold out for this semester. We wanted to share this update early to save our newly licensed sophomores the disappointment of a trip to the office.

Families of Seniors: Show your support for our seniors and the yearbook program by purchasing a yearbook ad here. The deadline for submission is April 1st. For the families of our senior girls, please remember to email a photo of graduation dresses to Dr. Jen Godfrey for review. Currently, we have received and approved 17 out of 43, and we would love to get the rest of these checked off the list soon. Finally, please keep in mind that Senior 'Skip' Day is Thursday, April 2nd. Any seniors who have completed their service requirements will not be expected to attend classes that day and are welcome to remain at home. There will be no expectation of remote work. Seniors who have not yet completed their service requirements should report to the Upper School office for the day, where they will have an opportunity to complete their on-campus service requirements. If you have questions about our service requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I am continually grateful for your partnership and support of the school. I hope you and your families have a wonderful and restorative Easter break. We look forward to seeing everyone recharged and ready for the home stretch following the holiday.

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Mr. Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
engholms@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
wilcoxk@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Dr. Jen Godfrey
US Student Services Coordinator
godfreyj@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Thursday April 2nd
Senior "Skip" Day / LS Grandparents' Day

Friday April 3rd
Easter Beak begins

Saturday April 25th
Junior/Senior Prom

Thursday May 7th
Senior Walkout

Wednesday May 13th
Graduation Rehearsal

Friday May 15th
Senior Awards and Baccalaureate

Saturday May 16th
Commencement

ISACS Parent Series (Register Here)

Apr 15, 2026
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness (Laurie Santos)

May 6, 2026
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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

Upper School Parent Newsletter | 03-13-26

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Upper School Families,

It was a pleasure to see so many of you at our Knights Under the Stars Gala this past Saturday. Thank you for the incredible support you show our school; the energy in the room was a testament to the strength and vitality of this community, and I am looking forward to working with the winners of our Upper School auction items. Today, we are busy on campus with LAUNCH -- I encourage you to ask your students what they learned from our presenters!

We've got a few noteworthy days coming up:

Sunday, March 15: College Fair (Sophomores and Juniors)

Monday, March 16: No Classes (Faculty/Staff Professional Development Day)

Wednesday, March 18: Quarter 3 Grades published in PowerSchool

Wednesday, March 25: Upper School Testing Day & Senior Symposium

9th and 10th Grades: Students will take the PSAT in the morning. Upon completion, they will return to their regular class rotations.
11th and 12th Grades: Students will participate in the Senior Symposium, led by our English Department, before returning to their regular rotations for the afternoon.

I will be sending two additional emails later today:

Junior parents: Look for an email containing links to photos from our recent Ring Day celebration.
Senior parents: Look for an email regarding important reminders for our upcoming end-of-year events for our soon-to-be graduates.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

- Dan Binder, Head of Upper School

CONTACTS:

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

Mr. Dan Binder
US Division Head
binderd@ehsbr.org
225-755-2708

Mr. Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
engholms@ehsbr.org
225-963-9894

Ms. Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
wilcoxk@ehsbr.org
225-755-2709

Dr. Jen Godfrey
US Student Services Coordinator
godfreyj@ehsbr.org
225-755-2711

Upcoming Events

Thursday April 2nd
Senior "Skip" Day / LS Grandparents' Day

Friday April 3rd
Easter Beak begins

Saturday April 25th
Junior/Senior Prom

Thursday May 7th
Senior Walkout

Wednesday May 13th
Graduation Rehearsal

Friday May 15th
Senior Awards and Baccalaureate

Saturday May 16th
Commencement

ISACS Parent Series (Register Here)

Apr 15, 2026
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness (Laurie Santos)

May 6, 2026
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

US Resources

Find Upper School forms, tech information, curriculum guides, and more—all in one place.

All School Calendar

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

Lunch Menu

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