Middle School News - The Episcopal School of Dallas | Best Private Schools in Dallas

Important Dates & Action Items

December - STUCO's MS Christmas Celebration

Announcing the Student Council’s Christmas Celebration for Middle School:
**Please note that a regular uniform is always acceptable as well.

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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 21: Middle School Grandparents Day (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Middle School (Grades 5–8) - Valet located on Eagle Family Way. For GPS directions, please use 4100 Montwood Lane.

  • 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.| Connect with Grandchild in the Atrium of the Stephen B. Swann Athletic and Wellness Center
    • Visit the Photography Station
    • Begin Scavenger Hunt
    • Visit the Gill Library
  • 10:45 - 11:10 a.m. | Welcome and Worship Service in All Saints Chapel
  • 11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Classroom Visits and Photography Station
  • 12:00 p.m. | Program Concludes; Middle School Dismissal

For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit www.esdallas.org/events.

RSVP TO GRANDPARENTS DAY 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. | 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 10 - Lessons and Carols (10:00 a.m.)

Lessons and Carols, a beloved ESD tradition since 1980, is an Episcopal Christmas service that weaves together scripture readings (lessons) and choral/congregational music (carols) that tell the story leading up to Christ’s birth. The accompanying carols deepen the message of each lesson, creating a warm, reflective way for our community to prepare for Christmas through storytelling and song.

The service takes place on December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in the Competition Gym with middle and upper school students and faculty in attendance.

December 10 - Middle School Social: Dinner and a Movie

Sign up for a middle school social using the button below. We will gather at ESD for Chick-fil-A, leave from school, drive to Cinemark 17 in ESD vehicles (minibuses and/or suburbans), and watch a 5:20 p.m. showing of WICKED: For Good!  It is a 2.5-hour movie, so parents will pick up students at ESD around 8:15 p.m. Students are welcome to bring a change of clothes.

The cost of the event ($35 charged to your Eagles Nest account) includes Chick-fil-A nuggets and chips, the movie ticket, popcorn, candy, and water. Space is limited!

SIGN UP FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL HERE

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.

 

Middle School Division Rep Welcome

Hello Middle School Parents,

I’m excited to be your Middle School 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! 

Lauren Stewart

Fifth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • November 18: Fifth-Twelfth-Grade Buddy Event (12:40 - 1:50 p.m.)
  • December 5: Fifth/Twelfth-Grade Buddy Event (8:00 - 8:55 a.m.) (Study Commons)
  • December 16: Fifth-Grade Field Trip to Kimball Art Museum (9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
  • December 17: Fifth-Grade Winter Shadow Theatre (Black Box Theatre)
  • December 18: Fifth/Sixth-Grade Service Day (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
    • Middle School dismissal for holiday break at noon.
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 21: MS Grandparents Day (Noon Dismissal) (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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 5: Middle School Visiting Author
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 10: GEARS Gingerbread House (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: MS Social: Chick-fil-A and Wicked: For Good - SIGN UP HERE
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 18: MS Noon Dismissal
  • 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:

Jennifer Carter
Reena Patel

Sixth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • November 18: Sixth-Grade Food Desert Simulation (12:45 - 1:45 p.m.)
  • December 17: Sixth Grade at Wolf Run
  • December 18: Fifth/Sixth-Grade Service Day (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
    • Middle School dismissal for holiday break at noon.
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 21: MS Grandparents Day (Noon Dismissal) (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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 5: Middle School Visiting Author
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 10: GEARS Gingerbread House (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: MS Social: Chick-fil-A and Wicked: For Good - SIGN UP HERE
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 18: MS Noon Dismissal
  • 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:

Shelby Fetouh
Courtney Stakem

Seventh Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • December 5: Seventh-Grade Winter Improv. Showcase (12:55 - 1:40 p.m.) (Black Box Theater)
  • December 17-18: Seventh/Eighth-Grade Exams
    • Middle School dismissal for holiday break at noon on December 18.
  • December 19: Seventh/Eighth-Grade Make-Up Exams
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 21: MS Grandparents Day (Noon Dismissal) (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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 5: Middle School Visiting Author
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 10: GEARS Gingerbread House (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: MS Social: Chick-fil-A and Wicked: For Good - SIGN UP HERE
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 18: MS Noon Dismissal
  • 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:

Erin Hinze
Nicolette Lamont

Eighth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • November 19: Eighth-Grade Fall Show in the Black Box Theater (1:50 - 2:50 p.m.)
  • December 17-18: Seventh/Eighth-Grade Exams
    • Middle School dismissal for holiday break at noon on December 18.
  • December 19: Seventh/Eighth-Grade Make-Up Exams
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 21: MS Grandparents Day (Noon Dismissal) (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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 5: Middle School Visiting Author
  • December 7: ExploreESD Open House (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 10: GEARS Gingerbread House (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
  • December 10: MS Social: Chick-fil-A and Wicked: For Good - SIGN UP HERE
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
Looking Ahead:
  • December 18: MS Noon Dismissal
  • 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:

Jomita Fleming
Dawn Perkins


 

Dean's Letters

Fifth Grade - Susan Wiles

 *Click to open.

Sixth Grade - Jane DeGrenier

*Click to open.

Seventh Grade - Elizabeth Pool

*Click to open.

Eighth Grade - Scott Goetsch

*Click to open.

 


 

Lower School NEWS: Beginner - Primer

Lower School NEWS: First - Fourth

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS