Episcopal Upper School Newsletters

Dear Upper School Families,

Happy New Year!  I hope the Christmas break provided your families with time for rest, celebration, and connection.

As I walked the campus this week welcoming your students back, it struck me that the second semester is often where the "heavy lifting" of the academic year occurs.  It is a time when the excitement of August has faded, and the real work of resilience, character, and intellectual growth takes center stage. This is important work, to be sure, and it’s not easy.  It is also the time when, for our seniors, every event quickly becomes a ‘last’ – last winter dance, last basketball game, last Cane’s Day, etc..  Emotions can be overwhelming, and feelings of exhaustion are always nearby.

In my first semester here, I have seen firsthand that our faculty are not merely experts in their class content; they are experts in relationship-based education, and they are experts in supporting students.  My ask of you this semester is to continue partnering with them.  When we align our support at home and at school, we create the coherence and the security our students need to take intellectual risks and grow into the "purposeful lives" our mission promises.  And, as Dr. Steakley often reminds us, we are charged with the work of nurturing the whole child -- spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, and artistically.  As we continue into 2026, let us all commit to modeling that balance for our students.

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Our winter dance, originally scheduled for February 7th, will now take place on Saturday, January 24th, on the Field House veranda. (Rain location is the Phillips Gym).  We will expect students to arrive by 8:30 and remain at the dance until 10, and, in keeping with past practice, all students will undergo an alcohol meter test at the door.  Students who intend to have guests from other schools should complete the Dance Guest Registration form.  Forms are due by Wednesday, Jan. 21.  Please reach out to Mr. Engholm ([email protected]) if you have questions.  The attire is expected to be semi-formal.

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For the parents of the Class of 2026, this final semester is a poignant mix of celebration and anticipation.  Please join Mr. Binder and Mr. Engholm for a dedicated coffee hour at 8AM on Thursday, January 29th, in the Alumni House.  We will discuss upcoming senior milestones, end-of-year logistics, and how to support your child as they navigate the transition from Episcopal student to Episcopal alum.  All necessary information will also be shared with all senior parents digitally.

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As we approach the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, I invite you to consider joining many of our students and faculty in service to our neighbors in Baton Rouge.  Please see this video about a remarkable opportunity with the Walls Project, and click here to learn more and sign up.

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.

Dan Binder
US Division Head
[email protected]
225-755-2708

Scott Engholm
US Dean of Student Life
[email protected]
225-963-9894

Kristen Wilcox
US Counselor
[email protected]
225-755-2709

Shelly McDonald
US Assistant (interim)
[email protected]
225-755-2711