Lower School News: Beginner - Primer - The Episcopal School of Dallas | Best Private Schools in Dallas

Important Dates & Action Items

November 17-December 12 - Eagles Lacrosse Club Team Registration is Open

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.

November 18 - Campus Master Planning Information Session (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)

If you were not able to attend the October Community Meeting and are interested in learning more about ESD's master planning work, please join Ruth Burke, ESDPA Associate Head of School, on Tuesday, November 18, at 8:30 a.m., in the North Dining Room. Ruth will share background on the evolution of ESD's campus and the objectives and timeline of the current master planning process. We are envisioning our campus for the future, and it is exciting work!

  • November 18
  • 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
  • North Dining Room

RSVP HERE

November 24-28 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)

No School. Classes resume on December 1.

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 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. - What does it mean to be an Episcopal School? Join us for an optional chapel service to learn about our Episcopal Identity.
  • 1:00 p.m. - Formal Program Begins

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 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 ANNUAL 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

Several of the fifth-grade English classes participated in an activity to sort and identify their personal values. Using this list, students created slips of paper and divided them into two piles: one representing values with a strong connection, and the other representing values with a lower resonance. From the first pile (strong connection values), students repeatedly divided the slips of paper in half until they identified the top three values most important to them.


Pause and Ponder: How Our Values Impact Our Actions
  • For younger children: To help you find your values, fill in the following statements. I want friends who are __________.  The world would be a better place if more people practiced ___________. I hope that when people think about me, they think of _____________.
  • For older children, teenagers, and adults: We have integrity when our words and actions align with our values and beliefs. Brainstorm your top three values using this list and/or the questions above. Then, think about how your words and actions reflect these values. Are you consistent, or is there a disconnect?

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

CLICK HERE FOR THE OCTOBER PARENTS' NEWSLETTER


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

 

Early Childhood Division Rep Welcome

Hello Early Childhood Parents,

I’m excited to be your Early Childhood 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! 

Shaley Espinosa

Beginner
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Beginner at this time.
Important Dates:
  • November 18: Campus Master Planning Information Sessions (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) - RSVP HERE
  • November 19: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  • December 1: Classes Resume
  • 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.)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (9:00 - 9:35 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:

Chezzarae Jensvold (P'39 and '40)

Pre-K
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Pre-K at this time.
Important Dates:
  • November 18: Campus Master Planning Information Sessions (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) - RSVP HERE
  • November 19: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  • December 1: Classes Resume 
  • 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.)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (9:00 - 9:35 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:

Emma Thomas
Mary Kathryn Kontoulis

Kindergarten
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Kinder at this time.
Important Dates:
  • November 18: Campus Master Planning Information Sessions (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) - RSVP HERE
  • November 19: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  • December 1: Classes Resume
  • 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.)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (9:00 - 9:35 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:

Noelle Russo-Faulk
Victoria Short

Primer
Grade-level Dates:
  • December 9: Primer Musical (10:00 a.m.)
Important Dates:
  • November 18: Campus Master Planning Information Sessions (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) - RSVP HERE
  • November 19: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  • December 1: Classes Resume
  • 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.)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 16: Lower School Singers Concert (5:30 - 6:00 p.m.) (All Saints Chapel)
  • December 17: Lower School Grinch Day
  • December 18: LS Early Dismissal Immediately following Christmas Services
  • December 18: Elementary Christmas Service (9:00 - 9:35 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:

Adelaide Erickson


 

Lower School CAST Updates

Beginner

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Pre-K

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Kinder

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Primer

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