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

Important Dates & Action Items

December - STUCO's 12 Days of Christmas

Announcing the Student Council's 12 Days of Christmas reveal:

  • Day 1: Journalism; 12 Days of Christmas Musical Offering (December 1)
  • Day 2: Advisory Door Decorating (Planning/Buying Materials); Free Slipper Day (December 2)
  • Day 3: Christmas Accessories; Minsch on a Binch/Elf of a Shelf; Charlie Brown Christmas during Lunch (December 3)
  • Day 4: Christmas Character Dress Up Day; “Reindeer Games” (December 4)
  • Day 5: Advisory Door Decorating; Ugly Sweater Day (December 5)
  • Day 6: Winter Sports/Ski Dress Day; Chapel Sing-Along (December 8)
  • Day 7: Winter Wonderland Dress Day; Cookie Decorating (December 9)
  • Day 8: Lessons and Carols (December 10)
  • Day 9: Pajama Day; Hot Cocoa during Big Flex (December 11)
  • Day 10: Grade Color Day; Pep Rally (December 12)
    • Seniors: Blue
    • Juniors: Red
    • Sophomores: White
    • Freshmen: Green
  • Day 11: Optional Review Day; 4100 Roast Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (December 15)
  • Day 12: First Day of Exams; Taco Joint Breakfast (December 16)
December 1-12 - St. Philip's Angel Tree

The Community Service Council is sponsoring an Angel Tree this year! By participating, upper school students can earn up to three service hours (one hour per gift). See information below for gift details:

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December 8 - EXTENDED: Last Chance to Give to Happy Holiday! Gift Fund

The ESD Parents’ Association Happy Holidays! 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 a Holiday Gift — one easy click ensures that each teacher and staff member receives a gift at their annual holiday celebration next 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.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW

December 10 - Lessons and Carols

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. Students should wear their Formal Uniform.

Join us via livestream for the 45th Annual Lessons and Carols Christmas Service. The link will be activated at 10:00 a.m. when the service begins.

VIEW LESSONS AND CAROLS LIVESTREAM ON DECEMBER 10

December 11 - MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)

Parents are invited to join our Middle and Upper School Band students in the Bray Performance Hall for a concert from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

December 12 - MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)

Parents are invited to join our Middle and Upper School Orchestra students in the Bray Performance Hall for a concert from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

December 16 - *DEADLINE* to Sign-Up for Our Passport to New Years

We are thrilled to invite you to collaborate on an exciting project: Our Passport to New Year's! This special two-week exhibit will allow our students and teachers to explore the beautiful diversity of New Year celebrations observed across different countries, cultures, and religions throughout the entire year.

We are looking for enthusiastic families to team up and design a vibrant, educational table representing a specific New Year tradition. If you're interested in participating, please use the sign-up below:

SIGN-UP HERE LEARN MORE HERE

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED TABLE INSTRUCTIONS

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

January 20 - *DEADLINE* to Order Junior Rings (Class of 2027)

ESD Class Rings will be ordered directly through Jostens this year. All orders must be submitted by Tuesday, January 20, and rings will be delivered to ESD for the annual spring ring ceremony.

OriginalImage,,,Original CLICK HERE TO ORDER JUNIOR RINGS


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

Our eighth graders are using their baking skills to create tasty treats for their classmates. Prompted by student interest and a desire for students to explore the life skill of cooking and shine outside of the classroom, Ashley Heath and Christy O’Neal have organized multiple baking competitions this semester. These opportunities encourage students to develop their gifts and talents in ways that positively impact others.


Pause and Ponder: Blessing Others with Your Gifts and Talents
  • For younger students: Do you like to cook, bake, draw, or write stories? How can you use your creativity to bless others this holiday season?
  • For older children, teenagers, and adults: How can you share your gifts and talents with others to bless them? Consider creating something or giving the gift of time this holiday season.

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.

 

Upper School Division Rep Welcome

Hello Upper School Parents,

I’m excited to be your Upper 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! 

Ninth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Ninth Grade at this time.
Important Dates:
  • December 9: Community Service Pop-Up (12:00 - 2:00 p.m.) (Swann Atrium)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: Pep Rally (10:35 - 11:15 a.m.)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 16-18: US Final Exams - VIEW EXAM SCHEDULE HERE
  • December 19: US Make-Up Exams
Looking Ahead:
  • 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:

Tiffany Mooney
Alexa Spears

Tenth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Tenth Grade at this time.
Important Dates:
  • December 9: Community Service Pop-Up (12:00 - 2:00 p.m.) (Swann Atrium)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: Pep Rally (10:35 - 11:15 a.m.)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 16-18: US Final Exams - VIEW EXAM SCHEDULE HERE
  • December 19: US Make-Up Exams
Looking Ahead:
  • 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:

Tominko Musco
Melissa Chase

Eleventh Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • There are currently no grade-level dates for Eleventh Grade at this time.
Important Dates:
  • December 9: Community Service Pop-Up (12:00 - 2:00 p.m.) (Swann Atrium)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: Pep Rally (10:35 - 11:15 a.m.)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 16-18: US Final Exams - VIEW EXAM SCHEDULE HERE
  • December 19: US Make-Up Exams
Looking Ahead:
  • 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:

Shauna Ferguson
Amy Laws

Twelfth Grade
Grade-level Dates:
  • December 12: Senior Pre-Exam Breakfast (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.) (Senior Courtyard)
Important Dates:
  • December 9: Community Service Pop-Up (12:00 - 2:00 p.m.) (Swann Atrium)
  • December 10: Moms in Prayer (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
  • December 10: Lessons and Carols (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • December 11: MS/US Band Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 12: Pep Rally (10:35 - 11:15 a.m.)
  • December 12: MS/US Orchestra Concert (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) (Bray Performance Hall)
  • December 16-18: US Final Exams - VIEW EXAM SCHEDULE HERE
  • December 19: US Make-Up Exams
Looking Ahead:
  • 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:

Nicole Girata
Courtney Maddox


Dean's Letters

Ninth Grade - Heather Cernoch
Tenth Grade - Marc Salz
Eleventh Grade - Claire Mrozek
Twelfth Grade - Marcela Garcini

 


 

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