Episcopal Upper School Newsletters

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 ([email protected]).

*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 ([email protected]).

*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 ([email protected]).  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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]). 

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.

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.

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
[email protected]
225-755-2708

Ms. Marian Castille
US Dean of Student Life
[email protected]
225-963-9894

Ms. Dakota Newman
US Counselor
[email protected]
225-755-2709

Mr. Justin Fenske
Director of College Counseling
[email protected]
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