« Back

Summer Connections/Building Community by Ros Won

October 24th, 2025



With the Koyama family (Akari and Emiri), me, my mom and Milo

At the first back-to-school meeting on Tuesday, August 5th, I sat among all the faculty and staff, listening as Dr. Steakley shared updates for the coming school year. I was excited to meet my new students soon but have to admit—I was already missing summer vacation. Since I'm not originally from Baton Rouge, summers are a chance for me to do two things I love: travel and spend time with family and friends.

One of Dr. Steakley’s announcements was this year’s theme: “Building Community: Every student. Every journey. One community.” As I reflected on my summer vacation, I realized just how strong and special our community is—for every student.

I spent part of my summer traveling to Tokyo, Japan, with my mom and my son Milo (currently in 8th grade).  During our five days in Tokyo, we had two occasions to meet up with seven current and former Episcopal students.  While I always enjoy running into students here in Baton Rouge–at the grocery store, seeing them play basketball on the courts, or performing on stage at Episcopal–it was very cool to see so many familiar faces halfway around the world.  

Many of the Japanese students were visiting family over the summer, and it was incredible that our paths crossed in another country.  One of the families had moved back to Japan last year, so reconnecting with them was particularly meaningful. We all enjoyed sharing our summer stories and spending time together—it was a truly unforgettable part of our trip.


Akiyama, Ogihara, and Shiba families, me, my mom and Milo at a restaurant


Akiyama, Ogihara, and Shiba moms with children

When I think about what makes Episcopal special, it's the sense of community we foster at school. Our small class sizes allow teachers to really get to know their students. Being part of a PreK3–12 school gives us the unique opportunity to watch our students grow, develop, and shine over the years. We genuinely get to witness every student’s personal journey at Episcopal.

I’d like to say arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) to the Akiyama, Koyama, Ogihara, and Shiba families for meeting me and my family in Tokyo this summer. You made our journey through Japan even more memorable. I love our community!


 

Rosalyn Won began her teaching career in 2001.  Prior to coming to Episcopal in 2013, she taught at independent schools in New York City and Los Angeles.  She is currently a fourth grade science teacher and previously taught second grade. Rosalyn earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Whitman College and her master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education at New York University.  She loves teaching science and finding ways to integrate technology and other subjects into the curriculum. ​

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.

Posted in the categories All, Lower School, The Teachers' Lounge.