Lower School Newsletter

November 14, 2025

Lower School Families,

We had a terrific week in the Lower School celebrating many important people and special events! Students celebrated French culture throughout French Week. On Tuesday, we celebrated our veterans with the annual Veterans Day Parade. A very special thank you to Dr. Meredith Warner for serving as our guest Veterans Day speaker during Morning Meeting! Wednesday was a busy day! During our chapel service, we celebrated our Episcopal Staff, who keep us safe, fill our bellies, and keep our school clean. We enjoyed your company in a Parent Coffee hosted by 2nd & 3rd Grade parents; and 2nd graders celebrated the beautiful story of Charlotte's Web with a county fair. Thursday we celebrated World Kindness Day, and Thursday night, we celebrated STEAM Night, with a wide array of activities that celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Thanks to all who joined us for this exciting evening of curiosity and discovery!

I am pleased to share with you that Mrs. Alli Lyso (Lee-so) joined our school family today as our Lower School music teacher. Alli is certified in music education, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education. Alli is also Orff certified, trained in Responsive Classroom practices, and recently attended the Elementary Music Summit. Alli has extensive teaching experience, both abroad and locally. She taught at international schools throughout Asia, leading choir classes and groups. She’s a former Visual & Performing Arts Department Head too. Most recently, she served as the music teacher at St. Luke’s here in Baton Rouge. Alli also has substantial experience leading music during chapel and large group gatherings. Welcome Mrs. Lyso!

Important Information & Reminders

• Reporting an Absence, Late Arrival, or Early Check-out - All absences, late arrivals, and early checkouts must be reported through PowerSchool.  

• Theme - Our theme this week was kindness! 
• In the QUEST Center this week, Early Childhood students observed and built with leaves, corn, acorn and squash and will use their imagination during dramatic play and tinkering. 2nd graders participated in a STEM Challenge to see if they could design and build a spider web out of a limited selection of materials.  The webs were tested to see how many “spiders” it can hold. 5th graders continued coding video games in Scratch using block coding.
• 11/17-11/21 Shepard’s Market Thanksgiving Food Drive - Please consider giving to the food drive! Lower School students are invited to bring in any boxed potato products - such as mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes. All families are also invited to make a donation for turkeys through this link. This takes you to Episcopal’s PayPal account where you can specify the amount you would like to contribute and gives you the option to pay by PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Credit/Debit card.
• 11/20 Author Visit - Author Ashley Simoneaux will visit Lower School students! Click here if you’d like to order a copy of her picture book.
• 12/13 Reverend Casey’s Ordination - All are welcome to join this joyous event, held at the St. James Episcopal Church at 5:00 PM. Here are more details.
• Campus School Store – The Campus School Store is open on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 AM and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 PM. Payment types accepted: cash, credit cards, and checks. Items for sale: All sizes of white and navy crewneck sweatshirts and hoodies, navy sweatshirts, PE uniforms, everyday tee shirts, and other miscellaneous items. Please check in at the Alumni House before shopping. Come see us!
• Team Talyn - Donations for the family may be made through our School Store. Lower School students are invited to wear Team Talyn t-shirts, paired with uniform bottoms, on each Tuesday, designated as Team Talyn Tuesdays, and lift her in prayer as a community. On behalf of her family, thank you for your prayers and support.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help with anything.

Lower School Division Head
[email protected]