Episcopal Upper School Newsletters

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 [email protected] 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 ([email protected]).

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
[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

Ms. Tracie Hiles
US Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
225-755-2711