Upper School News
Important Dates & Action Items
| November 17-19 - Winter Sports Team Stores Now Open |
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The winter sports team stores are now open through the Eagles Nest! The order deadline for custom apparel and spirit items (team hoodies, yard signs, locker signs, etc.) is Wednesday, November 19. Questions? Please contact April Cook at cooka@esdallas.org. |
| November 17-21 - Prism Health Thanksgiving Dinner Project |
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ESD students can support Prism Health’s Thanksgiving Dinner Project by providing Thanksgiving dinners to clients or writing encouraging notes to go inside of dinner bags. For more information, see the details below:
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| November 18 - Campus Master Planning Information Session (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.) |
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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!
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| November 20: Grandparents Day (Ninth and Twelfth Grade) (10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.) |
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Upper School (Grades 9 and 12) - Valet located on Merrell Road
* All students remain on campus for afternoon classes and a normal dismissal. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit www.esdallas.org/events. |
| November 24-28 - Thanksgiving Break (No School) |
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No School. Classes resume on December 1. |
| December 1-12 - St. Philip's Angel Tree |
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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 1 - *DEADLINE* to Apply for Tuition Assistance |
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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.) |
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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
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. |
| December 10 - Lessons and Carols |
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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 20 - Alumni Lessons and Carols |
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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. |
All School Information
| REMINDER: Parent Badges |
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As a reminder, all parents should wear their parent badges while on campus. |
| Our Time to Soar Campaign Updates |
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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. |
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?
To 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.
| Upper School Division Rep Welcome |
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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:
Important Dates:
Looking Ahead:
*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.
For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below: |
| Tenth Grade |
Grade-level Dates:
Important Dates:
Looking Ahead:
*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.
For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below: |
| Eleventh Grade |
Grade-level Dates:
Important Dates:
Looking Ahead:
*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.
For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below: |
| Twelfth Grade |
Grade-level Dates:
Important Dates:
Looking Ahead:
*Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal.
For any questions, please reach out to your grade-level representatives below: |
Dean's Letters
| Ninth Grade - Heather Cernoch |
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*Click to open. |
| Tenth Grade - Marc Salz |
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*Click to open. |
| Eleventh Grade - Claire Mrozek |
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*Click to open. |
| Twelfth Grade - Marcela Garcini |
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*Click to open. |
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LOWER SCHOOL NEWS: Beginner - Primer |
