Lower School News: First - Fourth - The Episcopal School of Dallas | Best Private Schools in Dallas

Important Dates & Action Items

December 1 - *DEADLINE* to Apply for Tuition Assistance

Announcing a NEW Tuition Assistance Platform, Clarity, for the 2026-2027 school year!

The Episcopal School of Dallas is committed to making an ESD education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. To make the process easier for you, we are proud to introduce the Clarity Application as our new tuition assistance system.

Clarity offers a streamlined, mobile-friendly platform that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Additionally, Clarity eliminates the need for families to upload their personal tax return(s) and W-2(s), as they are transferred directly from the IRS.

Family Information Sessions (Webinars)

All parents are invited to a family information session to learn more about completing the Clarity application. Please click on the link below to review a recording of a 2025 Financial Aid Family Info Night Webinar.

Recordings of previous 2025 Family Webinars:

The tuition assistance deadline for ESD returning families is December 1, 2025. Please contact Shelle Montgomery, Director of Data Processing Systems and Tuition Assistance, with any questions.

December 1 - Winter Holiday Camp Registration Opens

Christmas Futsal Camp

  • December 22-23, 2025 
  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 
  • Pre-K - Grade 8, Co-Ed 
  • $210 per student
  • Camp Director: Johnny Cisneros

Give your player the gift of playing futsal for Christmas! Get more touches on the ball and have tons of fun! Open to ESD students and non-student siblings. Registration closes December 23.

Holiday Basketball Camp

  • December 22-23, 2025 
  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
  • Pre-K - Grade 8, Co-Ed 
  • $210 per student
  • Camp Director: Corey Henderson 

Join Coach Henderson, 23-year Basketball Program Director, four-time Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABBC) Coach of the Year, three-time ESD SPC State Champion Coach, former Texas A&M star, and Perth Australia Pro.

Let’s make basketball fun while experiencing and working on the fundamentals and skills of the game through backyard games, kickball basketball, 3-on-3, 5-on-5, and lots of shooting, passing, and dribbling go-drills! Open to ESD students and non-student siblings. Registration closes December 23.

Registration is through your MyESD Parent Portal

At 5:00 p.m., a Winter Camps button will appear in your portal.

Register Here

December 5 - *DEADLINE* to Donate to Faculty and Staff Holiday Gift Fund

The ESD Parents’ Association Happy Holiday! Gift Fund is the simplest and most equitable way to celebrate every member of our faculty and staff. Rather than individual gifts, we encourage families to contribute to this fund, which will serve as your Holiday Gift — one easy click ensures that each teacher and staff member receives a gift at their annual holiday celebration this month.

Participation is completely voluntary, and any amount is greatly appreciated. There’s no minimum or maximum contribution, and every dollar goes directly to the faculty and staff. Donate now through Friday, December 5.

DONATE TO THE HAPPY HOLIDAY GIFT FUND HERE

December 7 - ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

Do you know a family that would be a great addition to our community?

Invite them to our Explore ESD Open House on December 7, 2025. Prospective families come on campus for a deep dive into what it means to be an Eagle. They will hear from leadership, learn about our extensive curriculum and signature programs unique to ESD, and participate in interactive sessions led by Faculty for a truly hands-on experience. 

December 7, 2025

  • 12:15 p.m. | Chapel Service (optional)
  • 1:00 p.m. | Welcome from Head of School, David L. Baad
  • 1:30 p.m. | Division-specific Overview and Curriculum Sessions featuring Student Panels
  • 2:15 p.m. | Open Sessions: Athletics Fair, Arts Fair, Academics Fair, Science Experiments, Lower School Tour, Student Ambassador Genius Bar

Applicant parents and middle and upper school student applicants are invited to attend. The program’s format is not age-appropriate for lower school applicants, and we kindly request that they not attend. 

RSVP TO ATTEND

December 11-12 - First-Grade Nativity Musical (10:30 - 11:15 a.m.)

Parents are invited to join our first-grade students for their annual Nativity Musical from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Lower School ROCS.

December 12 - *DEADLINE* to Register for the Eagles Lacrosse Club Team

The Eagles Lacrosse club team organization is a parent-run, non-profit developmental program. After a great fall 2025 season, we are preparing quickly for the 2026 spring season. Registration is now open until December 12, 2025. We have this deadline for league registration and to place uniform orders. Here are a few important details:

First - Sixth Grade (Spring Season) will start practice on January 24 and will have practice/games on Saturday and Sunday until the last weekend of April. Our Pockets program (PK, K, Primer) will start after winter break and run for about 10 weeks.

Since we are ordering new uniforms for everyone, here are the registration details you need to complete. Each group has at least two to complete. Reminder, you must be a student of The Episcopal School of Dallas to participate in Eagles Lacrosse, as this is part of the ESD Fellowship Program.

  • Girls' First through Sixth Grades will participate in the Texas Girls Youth Lacrosse League. You need to fill out two registrations: the Eagles Lacrosse 2026 Spring Registration and the 2026 Spring Uniform Registration. The link for uniform registration will be sent in the confirmation email for the Spring Registration.
  • Boys' First through Fourth Grades will participate in the Deuces Lacrosse House League at Jesuit. You need to fill out three registrations: the Eagles Lacrosse 2026 Spring Registration, the Deuces Lacrosse Registration, and the 2026 Spring Uniform Registration. The links for Deuces and uniform registrations will be sent in the confirmation email for the Spring Registration.
  • Boys' Fifth and Sixth Grades will participate in the DFW Lacrosse League. You need to fill out two registrations: the Eagles Lacrosse 2026 Spring Registration and the 2026 Spring Uniform Registration. The link for uniform registration will be sent in the confirmation email for the Spring Registration.
  • Boys and Girls Pre-K, Kinder, and Primer will participate in the Eagles Lacrosse Pockets Program. You need to fill out two registrations: the Eagles Lacrosse 2026 Spring Registration and the 2026 Spring Uniform Registration. The link for uniform registration will be sent in the confirmation email for the Spring Registration.

COMPLETE YOUR SPRING 2026 REGISTRATION HERE

For any questions, please contact Sports Fellowship Coordinator Jane DeGrenier.

December 15 - ESD+ and Kids on Campus Registration Opens 

Spring semester ESD+ Before and After School Programming Registration, including Kids on Campus, opens on December 15 at 5:00 p.m. in your MyESD Parent Portal. Registration closes January 4, 2026.

December 16 - Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.)

Parents are invited to join our Lower School Singers from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. for a concert in All Saints Chapel.

December 18 - Elementary Christmas Service (10:00 - 10:45 a.m.)

Our Lower School students will have their annual Christmas service in All Saints Chapel on Thursday, December 18, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Students will be dismissed for the day following the service.

December 20 - Alumni Lessons and Carols

Ring in the holidays with the Alumni Association’s annual presentation of the treasured Lessons and Carols tradition on Saturday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in All Saints Chapel. Following the service, the celebration continues with a holiday reception. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and connect with the community.

Don't miss this special tradition! This event is open to the entire community; current parents are welcome to attend. Suggested attire is business casual.

RSVP HERE TO ALUMNI LESSONS AND CAROLS


All School Information

REMINDER: Parent Badges

As a reminder, all parents should wear their parent badges while on campus.

Our Time to Soar Campaign Updates

Our Time to Soar: A Campaign for The Episcopal School of Dallas has some exciting updates as we kick off the second phase of the campaign! Using the button below, visit the campaign page to read the most recent updates from the campaign's co-chairs.

READ THE LATEST MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS


Pondering Purpose and Impact

To spark thinking about finding our purpose and making an impact, we have added a new book collection to the Study Commons outside of Father Nate’s office. The Compass Collection encourages students in fifth grade and above, faculty, and staff to borrow a book and return it when they finish reading. Our lower school curriculum is already filled with books encouraging younger students to explore and embrace their interests and strengths; this new collection is designed to continue these conversations.


Pause and Ponder: Inspiring Stories
  • For younger students: What books have you read or stories have you heard that tell the story of someone figuring out how to use their strengths and interests to help others? When have you figured out how to use your strengths to help someone?
  • For older children, teenagers, and adults: What fiction or nonfiction books have you read that have sparked a new interest and/or inspired you to use your strengths in a new way to impact others positively?

OriginalImage,OriginalTo volunteer, please visit esdallas.org/parents.
 

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOVEMBER PARENTS' NEWSLETTER


**Please note that Parent Party details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check your grade-level dates.

 

Elementary School Division Rep Welcome

Hello Elementary Parents,

I’m excited to be your Elementary Division Representative for the 2025-2026 school year! Throughout the year, you can look forward to important dates and event details in each edition of News You Can Use.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to me or your grade reps at any time. 

Go Eagles! 

Courtney Goss

First Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • December 11: Boyce/Chein First-Grade Nativity Musical (10:30 - 11:15 a.m.) (Lower School ROCS) 
  • December 12: Carlino/Coffee First-Grade Nativity Musical (10:30 - 11:15 a.m.) (Lower School ROCS) 
Important Dates:
  • December 5: Lower School Spirit Dress Day
  • December 5: Deadline to Donate to the Happy Holiday! Gift Fund - GIVE HERE
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 12: Last Day for Birthday Blessings until January
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day / PJ Day
    • Students should wear PJs or Green
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (10:00 - 10:45 a.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 19: No School for Lower School
  • December 22-January 6: Christmas Break (No School)
  • January 7: Classes Resume

*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.

  • CLICK HERE to view the 2025-26 Academic Calendar Overview.

For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below:


Liza Olympitis
Elizabeth Putnam

Second Grade
Grade-level Dates:
Important Dates:
  • December 5: Lower School Spirit Dress Day
  • December 5: Deadline to Donate to the Happy Holiday! Gift Fund - GIVE HERE
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 12: Last Day for Birthday Blessings until January
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day / PJ Day
    • Students should wear PJs or Green
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (10:00 - 10:45 a.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 19: No School for Lower School
  • December 22-January 6: Christmas Break (No School)
  • January 7: Classes Resume

*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.

  • CLICK HERE to view the 2025-26 Academic Calendar Overview.

For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below:

Lauren Mestre
Amy Brillhart

Third Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Third Grade at this time.
Important Dates:
  • December 5: Lower School Spirit Dress Day
  • December 5: Deadline to Donate to the Happy Holiday! Gift Fund - GIVE HERE
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 12: Last Day for Birthday Blessings until January
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day / PJ Day
    • Students should wear PJs or Green
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (10:00 - 10:45 a.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 19: No School for Lower School
  • December 22-January 6: Christmas Break (No School)
  • January 7: Classes Resume

*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.

  • CLICK HERE to view the 2025-26 Academic Calendar Overview.

For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below:

Lillian Greene
Katy Cosby

Fourth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • December 4: Lower School Singers Field Trip to Edgemere and Biblical Arts Museum 
Important Dates:
  • December 5: Lower School Spirit Dress Day
  • December 5: Deadline to Donate to the Happy Holiday! Gift Fund - GIVE HERE
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 12: Last Day for Birthday Blessings until January
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day / PJ Day
    • Students should wear PJs or Green
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (10:00 - 10:45 a.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 19: No School for Lower School
  • December 22-January 6: Christmas Break (No School)
  • January 7: Classes Resume

*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.

  • CLICK HERE to view the 2025-26 Academic Calendar Overview.

For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below:

Jessica Asaff
Hayley Crowell


 

Lower School CAST Updates

First Grade

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Second Grade

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Third Grade

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Fourth Grade

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