Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Lower School Newsletter

Lower School Parent Newsletter | August 7

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Lower School Parents,

Our students in 1st–5th grade had a wonderful first day back to school! Teachers spent the day getting to know their students, discussing classroom expectations and routines, and sharing exciting plans for the year ahead. We hope your children are just as excited about the year to come as we are!

Arrival and dismissal procedures can be found on the Lower School Resources page of our school website. As we begin the school year, we ask for your patience as our faculty, staff, and students settle into our daily arrival and dismissal routines.

We look forward to welcoming our Early Childhood students on Monday, August 10. Students should arrive on campus between 8:00–8:15 a.m. for our Let Go Ceremony. Parents may park in the carpool circle after 8:00 a.m., in any visitor parking space on campus, or in the rear parking lot near the Frazer playground. The Let Go Ceremony will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. Immediately following the ceremony, parents are invited to join us for Tears and Cheers.

Morning Meeting is a special time for students in PK4 through 5th grade. We begin Morning Meeting promptly at 7:50 a.m. each day, except on Wednesdays when students attend Chapel. Please help your child arrive before 7:50 a.m. so they are ready to participate in these meaningful daily gatherings. Our first morning meeting will begin on Thursday, August 13th.

Student birthdays are celebrated during Morning Meeting. Our birthday celebration calendar will be posted so families know when their child's birthday will be recognized at school.

Chef Pat and his team prepare delicious meals for our students each day, and we are grateful for the volunteers who help make lunchtime a success! We are looking for Tray Helpers to assist our students in PreK-4 through Kindergarten during lunch. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up here. I also encourage you to join me for our Tray Helper Training on Tuesday, August 11, at 8:00 a.m. in the Webster Refectory. We have a few new procedures this year that will help streamline our lunch period, and we'll review those during the training. For volunteers that are unable to attend, I will also post the training slides so you can review them at your convenience.

Wednesdays will be our Lower School Communications Day!

Our weekly Lower School newsletter, Knightline, will be emailed to families.
Teachers will send home Wednesday Folders.
Teachers will post or email their grade-level newsletters.

The first edition of Knightline will be sent on Wednesday, August 12.

Lower School Parent's Night is next Thursday, August 13 from 6:00-7:30 PM. This parent only night is a chance for you to meet your child's homeroom teachers and the specialists that teach your child.

Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another wonderful school year. We are looking forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and many memorable moments.

Go Knights!

Michelle Grantham-Caston, PhD
Head of Lower School
granthamm@ehsbr.org
www.episcopalbr.org

Upcoming Events

August 10

PreK-3 through Kindergarten - First Day of School
PreK-3 through Kindergarten - Let Go Ceremony at 8:15 AM Frazer Playground
Tears & Cheers - QUEST

August 11

8:00 - 8:45 Tray Helper Training - QUEST
Lower School Picture Day

August 13

Morning Meetings Begin
6:00-7:30 PM Lower School Parents’ Knight

Upcoming Events in Lower School

August 17

Private Music Lesson, Homework Helper & Learning Support Services begin

August 21

1:00 PM 5th Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony - Chapel - Parents Attend

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter | July 31

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

July 31, 2026

Lower School Families,

We are excited to welcome you back to campus next week! As we prepare for a fantastic start to the school year, here are a few important Orientation and First Day of School details to remember.

Please complete the Authorized Adults form by Thursday, August 6th. This informs us who may (or may not) pick up your child from school. The link is on our website under Lower School Resources.

If you have not completed all Magnus forms, please make sure those are completed by Thursday, August 6th.

Registration for Quarter 1 clubs is open. Club registration for the quarter will close on Friday, August 7th at 5:00 pm. Please review the club brochure to sign up for clubs. Quarter 1 clubs will begin on Monday, August 17th.

Lower School Picture Day is Tuesday, August 11. You may complete this order form and return it to your child's homeroom teacher or order online by clicking here.

5th Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony is Friday, August 21st at 1:00 pm in the Chapel. This special chapel service is for 5th grade parents and your 5th grade student. In this service, students will receive their “Class of 2034” sweatshirt and begin to understand the significance of being a member of a Class. A reception will be held following the service. If you haven't already done so, please complete this form so we can order the correct size sweatshirt for your child.

We look forward to seeing everyone and beginning another wonderful year of learning, growth, and community together.

See you soon!

Michelle Grantham-Caston, PhD
Head of Lower School
granthamm@ehsbr.org
www.episcopalbr.org

Upcoming Events

August 4

Authorized Adults Form Due

August 6-7

PreK-3 through Kindergarten Orientation

August 6

8:00 - 10:00 1st-5th Orientation
8:00 - 10:00 Lower School Family Social
9:00-9:15 Backpack Blessing Ceremony - Patio Park
Magnus Forms

August 7

1st - 5th First Day of School
8:00 - 8:45 Tray Helper Training
PreK-4 Class Lists Posted
Quarter 1 After-School Club Registration Deadline

Upcoming Events in Lower School

August 10

PreK-3 through Kindergarten - First Day of School
PreK-3 through Kindergarten - Let Go Ceremony at 8:15 AM Frazer Playground
Tears & Cheers - QUEST

August 11

8:00 - 8:45 Tray Helper Training - QUEST
Lower School Picture Day

August 13

Morning Meetings Begin
6:00-7:30 PM Lower School Parents’ Knight

August 21

1:00 PM 5th Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony - Chapel - Parents Attend

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter | July 15

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

July 15, 2026

Lower School Families,

The school year begins in just a few weeks, and we can’t wait to have your family on campus with us soon!

July Reminders

July 15 - All Magnus Health Forms must be uploaded for your child to start school in the fall.

After-School Clubs

We are very excited about our club offerings for the fall! Starting this school year, there will be a slight change to the timing of after-school clubs. Please review the changes below and click here to register for a Quarter 1 club.

Clubs will be held after school, from 3:30-4:30. We do have a few clubs that require more time for their activities that finish at 5:30.
Clubs will be billed at a rate of $30/hour. Club billing is done through the Business Office and will be added to your child's student account. Clubs are billed quarterly, after the first week of clubs for each quarter.
Once you find a club that your child is interested in, please complete the form for that club located on the club's description.
Registration for first quarter clubs will close on Friday, August 7 at 5:00 pm.
Clubs for Quarter 1 will begin the week of Monday, August 17.
Students will transition with teachers from the end of the school day to the club meeting pickup location in the VPAC Lobby.
We will have the school snack cart available for club students from 3:15-3:25. You are welcome to send a nut-free snack for your child in their backpack on club days.
Students will be picked up by the club sponsor in the VPAC Lobby at 3:25.
Dismissal for clubs will be in the carpool circle at the club's end time (4:30 for most clubs).

August Back-to-School Days

The Authorized Adults form must be completed by August 4. This informs us who may (or may not) pick up your child from school. The link is on our website under Lower School Resources.
PreK-3 through Kindergarten Orientation Day is by appointment on August 6 or 7. Sign-up information was sent via email on July 14. Please check your inbox to schedule your appointment.
1st-5th grade Orientation Day is an open-house style event on August 6 from 8:00-10:00.
The Family Social & Backpack Blessing Ceremony is for all PreK-3 through 5th grade students and families on August 6. The Family Social is from 8:00-10:00 on Patio Park. The Backpack Blessing Ceremony begins promptly at 9:00, also on Patio Park.

Our next parent newsletter will be shared on Friday, July 31. Until then, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help!

Michelle Grantham-Caston, PhD
Head of Lower School
granthamm@ehsbr.org
www.episcopalbr.org

Upcoming Events

July 25

Presale Order Deadline for Pizza and Cane's
- costs increases $10/child

Upcoming Events in Lower School

August 4

Authorized Adults Form Due

August 6-7

PreK-3 through Kindergarten Orientation

August 6

8:00 - 10:00 1st-5th Orientation
8:00 - 10:00 Lower School Family Social
9:00-9:15 Backpack Blessing Ceremony - Patio Park

August 7

1st - 5th First Day of School
8:00 - 8:45 Tray Helper Training
PreK-4 Class Lists Posted
Quarter 1 After-School Club Registration Deadline

August 10

PreK-3 through Kindergarten - First Day of School
PreK-3 through Kindergarten - Let Go Ceremony at 8:15 AM Frazer Playground
Tears & Cheers - QUEST

August 11

8:00 - 8:45 Tray Helper Training - QUEST
Lower School Picture Day

August 13

Morning Meetings Begin
6:00-7:30 PM Lower School Parents’ Knight

August 21

1:00 PM 5th Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony - Chapel - Parents Attend

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter | June 2026

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

June 11, 2026

Lower School Families,

Happy summer! We are eagerly anticipating new and returning students in August!

This newsletter includes information to help you prepare for the beginning of a new school year.

Upcoming Lower School Events
Step Up Packets & School Supply List
Directory Opt Out (optional)
Magnus Health forms & Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Lower School Contacts

It’s great to be a Knight!

Michelle Grantham-Caston, PhD
Head of Lower School
granthamm@ehsbr.org
www.episcopalbr.org

Upcoming Events

June 17

Episcopal Discount Days at Inkas

June 20

Used Uniform Sale VPAC Lobby

June 24 & 25

Episcopal Discount Days at School Time

June 28

Last Day to Order E-Gear

Upcoming Events in Lower School

July 6

Last Day to Order School Supplies

July 8

Episcopal Discount Days at Inkas

July 15

Magnus Health Forms Due

July 13-16

Prek-4 - 5th Grade Step Up Camps

July 25

Last Day to Order Pizza & Canes

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter |5-15-26

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

May 15, 2026

Lower School Families,

Today wraps up our final, full week of school together. We celebrated Nurse Katie for School Nurse Day this week. The Lower School Musical Theater Club performed, and students enjoyed a cultural fashion show in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander month. And we celebrated the Dog Days of Summer today, sharing treats with a few of our favorite Episcopal pups during arrival.

Our theme this week was achievement. Mrs. Lofland’s Toolbox Tuesday lesson is here.

We continue to lift Talyn in prayer as a community. Thank you for your ongoing prayers, love, and support. #teamtalyn

Reminders

Lost & Found - Please encourage your child or stop in yourself to explore the Lost & Found! Any items remaining on the last day of school will be donated to the Used Uniform Sale.
5/19-5/21 Summer Smash Camp - The last day for Extended Care is Monday, May 18th. We are excited to offer Summer Smash Camp for the early dismissal days.
- Summer Smash Camp will be offered from 11:30-3:30 Tuesday, May 19 - Thursday, May 21. You may purchase camp at a daily rate or for all three days.
- Please make sure to complete all steps of the registration process so that your child is registered for camp.
- Register for camp here: Summer Smash Camp
- Please make sure to complete your camp purchase after completing the registration form. Your child will not be registered for camp if you do not complete this step.

Summer Camps - Enrollment is open! For more information, please visit our website.
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. Please check in at the Alumni House before shopping.

Today’s newsletter is the last one for the 25-26 school year. It has been an honor to serve the Lower School. Thank you for sharing your children with me; I love them all dearly. Watching your students grow, learn, play, and thrive within such a caring community has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, memories, and shared commitment to our children that have made these years so meaningful. I will miss you all!

Best,

Lower School Division Head
gardnerb@ehsbr.org

Upcoming Week

May 18

Field Day
Last Day of Extended Care

May 19

5th Grade Eucharist Celebration
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 20

5th Grade vs Teachers Kickball Game
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 21

Last Day of School for Lower School Students
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

Upcoming Events in Lower School

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter |5-08-26

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

May 8, 2026

Lower School Families,

It’s hard to believe the school year will soon be a wrap. Despite the rising energy levels, eagerly anticipating summer, students continue to grow and learn, working toward the goal of finishing strong!

Our theme this week was integrity. Mrs. Lofland’s Toolbox Tuesday lesson is here.

In the QUEST Center next week, early childhood students will investigate wind using a wind tunnel and various objects. They will also have the opportunity to make something to test from coffee filters. 5th grade students are researching topics of their choice and will film a news broadcast focusing on how to communicate the four W’s and tell a complete story. Mrs. Hoapili’s homeroom will explore building and coding various modes of transportation, including a cable car, a taxi, and more!

We continue to lift 5th grader Talyn in prayer as a community. Thank you for your ongoing prayers, love, and support. #teamtalyn

Reminders

5/15 Dog Days of Summer - If you have a pup - or several - please load them up for arrival on Friday, May 15th! We’ll have special doggy treats to share as you drive through the carpool circle!
5/19-5/21 Summer Smash Camp - The last day for Extended Care is Monday, May 18th. We are excited to offer Summer Smash Camp for the early dismissal days.
- Summer Smash Camp will be offered from 11:30-3:30 Tuesday, May 19 - Thursday, May 21. You may purchase camp at a daily rate or for all three days.
- Please make sure to complete all steps of the registration process so that your child is registered for camp.
- Register for camp here: Summer Smash Camp
- Please make sure to complete your camp purchase after completing the registration form. Your child will not be registered for camp if you do not complete this step.
Summer Camps - Enrollment is open! For more information, please visit our website.
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. Please check in at the Alumni House before shopping.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can assist you with anything.

Lower School Division Head
gardnerb@ehsbr.org

Upcoming Week

May 15

Dog Days of Summer during Morning Carpool
American Pacific Islander Fashion Show during Morning Meeting
Baccalaureate

May 16

Commencement

Upcoming Events in Lower School

May 18

Field Day
Last Day of Extended Care

May 19

5th Grade Eucharist Celebration
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 20

5th Grade vs Teachers Kickball Game
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 21

Last Day of School for Lower School Students
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options

Lower School Parent Newsletter |5-01-26

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

May 1, 2026

Lower School Families,

Hello May! The month of May typically flies by, and we will be soaking up every single second with your children!

This week, kindergarten and senior buddies celebrated the annual Kite Fly, 2nd graders opened the Poetry Cafe to share their impressive poems, and 4th graders visited the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Today, we gathered for an end-of-year all-school Eucharist service.

Our theme this week was positivity. Mrs. Lofland’s Toolbox Tuesday lesson is here.

In the QUEST Center next week, early childhood students will make butterflies, caterpillars, snails, and more using loose parts on the light table. Students in 1st-3rd grades will participate in a variety of STEAM stations exploring numbers, building, creating, and more. 4th graders will cook food from various regions of the world as part of their Empty Bowls service project. 5th graders are continuing to build with Legos and code them to move in various ways in the Robotics Enrichment class.

Reminders

5/6 ISACS Parent Series - Last One! Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children. Please see the details below.
5/15 Asian American Pacific Islander Fashion Show - We are hosting a cultural clothing fashion show for Asian American Pacific Islander Month on Friday, May 15, during Lower School Morning Meeting. Students interested in participating in this event should wear clothing from their family's Asian/Pacific Islander background. Parents may participate with their child(ren). Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating. Thank you!
5/15 Dog Days of Summer - If you have a pup - or several - please load them up for arrival on Friday, May 15th! We’ll have special doggy treats to share as you drive through the carpool circle!
5/19-5/21 Summer Smash Camp - The last day for Extended Care is Monday, May 18th. We are excited to offer Summer Smash Camp for the early dismissal days. Summer Smash Camp will be offered from 11:30-3:30 Tuesday, May 19 - Thursday, May 21. You may purchase camp at a daily rate or for all three days. Please make sure to complete all steps of the registration process so that your child is registered for camp. Register for camp here: Summer Smash Camp. Please make sure to complete your camp purchase after completing the registration form. Your child will not be registered for camp if you do not complete this step. We look forward to kicking off summer with your child!
Summer Camps - Enrollment is open! For more information, please visit our website.
26-27 Class Placement - As the end of the year approaches, know that teachers are working hard to create class lists that support the whole child, for every child. Parents often ask how we determine class lists, and it’s important to us that you understand how these are created. Teachers reflect on the year (and even previous years) and how each child has grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and then place students in classes to balance between gender, academic strengths and areas for growth, and social-emotional strengths and areas for growth. Teachers also consider peer relationships and learning environments that best support each child’s growth. Placing students with a teacher who has had a sibling in the past is not a priority, but it is taken into consideration if this seems significant. The creation of class lists is an important, thoughtful, and detailed process, and I want to thank you for trusting our process and ask that you refrain from requesting specific teacher placement. Placement with any Lower School teacher will serve your child well as a learner and friend. If you have any questions or would like to visit more about your child’s future class placement, I ask that you contact Dr. Grantham or me directly. Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support and partnership.
Team Talyn Tuesday - We continue to lift 5th grader Talyn in prayer as a community each Tuesday. As a reminder, all Lower School students are invited to wear Team Talyn t-shirts in support of her brave battle against cancer. #teamtalyn
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. Please check in at the Alumni House before shopping.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can assist you with anything.

Lower School Division Head
gardnerb@ehsbr.org

Upcoming Week

May 6

Last Chapel Service
ISACS Parent Series
- Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

Upcoming Events in Lower School

May 15

Dog Days of Summer during Morning Carpool
American Pacific Islander Fashion Show during Morning Meeting
Field Day
Baccalaureate

May 16

Commencement

May 19

5th Grade Eucharist Celebration
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 20

5th Grade vs Teachers Kickball Game
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

May 21

Last Day of School for Lower School Students
Early Dismissals
- 11:30 PreK-3
- 11:45 PreK-4 & K
- 12:00 1st-5th
11:30-3:30 Smash Camp

ISACS Parent Series

We’re excited to invite you to participate in the ISACS Parent Series, an engaging lineup of virtual webinars designed to support and inspire parents in independent schools like ours. Through this series, you’ll hear from nationally recognized experts on topics relevant to parenting, education and student well-being. The complete lineup is below. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow alongside other Episcopal parents.

May 6

Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)

LS Resources

Find supply lists, summer reading logs, orientation info, required forms, club sign-ups, 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's Refectory. Updated every Friday with daily options