Early Childhood Division News - The Episcopal School of Dallas

Important Dates & Action Items

March 31 - Buddy Family Sign-Ups Open

Please consider signing up as a Buddy Family and welcome our newest ESD Eagles, who will be starting this spring. As a Buddy Family, you will be paired with 1-2 new families coming into your grade level and will be asked to serve as a primary point of contact for them and to introduce them to our community.

This role is key in helping our new families feel welcome as they are starting out at ESD! We would love your support! Use the button below to sign up to serve as a Buddy Family, and email New Family Chair Elizabeth Crow at esdnewfamilies@gmail.com with any questions.

SIGN-UP TO BE A BUDDY FAMILY HERE

April 4 - Lower School Grandparents Day

Please join us on April 4, 2025, for our annual Lower School Grandparents Day for Beginners (age 3) through Grade 4. Please RSVP by March 28, 2025.

Session 1: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Grandchildren with Last Names Starting with L-Z
Session 2: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Grandchildren with Last Names Starting with A-K

Please see the Events page for frequently asked questions.

Please see the email from Tracey Shirey sent on 3/27/2025 with detailed day-of instructions.

April 7-11 - Environmental Science Club's Spring Cleaning Drive

OriginalImage,Original In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas, the Environmental Science Club is hosting a drive from April 7-11. Donations can be dropped off from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Frank parking lot. A representative from the organization will be available to collect donations. Please refer to the flyer for information about what can and cannot be donated.

April 12 - Extended Hours at the Eagles Nest (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

Stop by the Eagles Nest during extended hours to pick up the latest Eagle gear!

April 15 - Community Service Volunteer Fair (12:00 - 2:00 p.m.)

The annual Community Service Volunteer Fair in the Auxiliary Gym is on April 15 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. We will host over 30 nonprofit partners addressing several issue areas in the community, from homelessness to environmental sustainability. This event is open to the entire school community, including all parents who might be looking for service opportunities for their students and families. All upper school students who attend the event can earn one service hour. For questions, please reach out to Courtney Phelps.

April 15 - Extended Hours at the Eagles Nest (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.)

Stop by the Eagles Nest during extended hours to pick up the latest Eagle gear!

April 24 - Lower School Visual Arts Night (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.)

Please join us at the Lower School on April 24 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to enjoy our lower school students' art pieces at Visual Arts Night!

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All School News & Updates

Uniform Update: New Vendor Information (January 27, 2025)
We are pleased to announce our partnership with Flynn O’Hara Uniforms. Once again, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we have progressed through this challenging uniform saga. There are brighter days ahead! Below is key information to know. As more information becomes available and dates are confirmed, this webpage will be updated and re-shared through News You Can Use. Can my child wear his or her Dennis Uniform pieces next year? Yes! All currently worn uniform pieces (excluding the navy skirts and skirts worn by seniors this year) may be worn next year. That means all Dennis Uniform tops, shorts, pants, plaid skirts, and lower school jumpers will remain a part of our uniform. Lands’ End shorts and pants purchased this year for middle and upper school students may also be continued. If they still fit, keep them! Availability of Uniform Items The ESD store on Flynn O’Hara’s site is up and running with some items, mostly tops, available for purchase. Not all items are available yet, however. Our uniform bottoms are a special order, so those items are in production now. Also, remember the ESDPA Resale Shop, although the new uniform bottoms are limited, there are many items available for very reasonable prices throughout the year in the Resale Shop. Uniform pieces not yet available for purchase are listed below; these items are scheduled to be ready this spring: Lower School: Plaid Tie for Sailor Dress, Navy Dri Fit Shorts, Navy Dri Fit Pants Middle/Upper School: Plaid Skirts, Feminine Fit Blazers, Grey Dri Fit Shorts, Grey Dri Fit Pants We will keep you updated on arrival dates as they become available. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FLYNN O'HARA SHOP NOW Please note: Beginner families shop under the "PK" tab, and Primer families shop under the "K" tab. Flynn O’Hara offers ESD families free shipping on orders over $100. Sizing/On-Campus Pop-Up Shops: Flynn O’Hara will host two sizing pop-up shops on campus this spring, dates TBD soon. Local Store Information: North Dallas store location coming Spring 2025. Email Sign-Up Link: To stay in the loop on uniform-related promotions and updates, join Flynn O’Hara’s email list HERE (School Code: TX224). Educator Discount: Flynn O'Hara offers a year-round 15% discount to all teachers, faculty, and staff at The Episcopal School of Dallas. If this applies to you, follow the steps outlined HERE. For uniform policy questions and clarifications: Brenda Wilder, Lower School (LS policies) Allison Darnell, Assistant Head of Middle School (Middle School Uniform Policy, Pg 56-57) Max Augé, Assistant Head of Upper School (Upper School Uniform Policy) For uniform provider questions and interim uniform issues (i.e. The zipper just broke on my daughter’s last uniform skirt, my son has outgrown his pants; What do they wear until Flynn O’Hara bottoms are available?): Ruth Burke, ESDPA Associate Head of School
Summer Camp Registration for Lower School
Summer camp registration is open. We hope your lower school student will join us for a fun-filled summer! Lower school camp fan-favorites include Fancy Nancy, MakerSpace, Little Inventors, Basketball, Shake and Shout for Science, Mini-Cheer, Fun with Fine Motor, and so many more. Summer Camp Offerings

Uniform Update: New Vendor Information (January 27, 2025)

We are pleased to announce our partnership with Flynn O’Hara Uniforms. Once again, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we have progressed through this challenging uniform saga. There are brighter days ahead! Below is key information to know. As more information becomes available and dates are confirmed, this webpage will be updated and re-shared through News You Can Use.

Can my child wear his or her Dennis Uniform pieces next year?

Yes! All currently worn uniform pieces (excluding the navy skirts and skirts worn by seniors this year) may be worn next year. That means all Dennis Uniform tops, shorts, pants, plaid skirts, and lower school jumpers will remain a part of our uniform. Lands’ End shorts and pants purchased this year for middle and upper school students may also be continued. If they still fit, keep them!

Availability of Uniform Items

The ESD store on Flynn O’Hara’s site is up and running with some items, mostly tops, available for purchase. Not all items are available yet, however. Our uniform bottoms are a special order, so those items are in production now. Also, remember the ESDPA Resale Shop, although the new uniform bottoms are limited, there are many items available for very reasonable prices throughout the year in the Resale Shop.

Uniform pieces not yet available for purchase are listed below; these items are scheduled to be ready this spring:

Lower School: Plaid Tie for Sailor Dress, Navy Dri Fit Shorts, Navy Dri Fit Pants
Middle/Upper School: Plaid Skirts, Feminine Fit Blazers, Grey Dri Fit Shorts, Grey Dri Fit Pants

We will keep you updated on arrival dates as they become available.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FLYNN O'HARA SHOP NOW

Please note: Beginner families shop under the "PK" tab, and Primer families shop under the "K" tab. Flynn O’Hara offers ESD families free shipping on orders over $100.

Sizing/On-Campus Pop-Up Shops: Flynn O’Hara will host two sizing pop-up shops on campus this spring, dates TBD soon.
Local Store Information: North Dallas store location coming Spring 2025.
Email Sign-Up Link: To stay in the loop on uniform-related promotions and updates, join Flynn O’Hara’s email list HERE (School Code: TX224).
Educator Discount: Flynn O'Hara offers a year-round 15% discount to all teachers, faculty, and staff at The Episcopal School of Dallas. If this applies to you, follow the steps outlined HERE.

For uniform policy questions and clarifications:

Brenda Wilder, Lower School (LS policies)
Allison Darnell, Assistant Head of Middle School (Middle School Uniform Policy, Pg 56-57)
Max Augé, Assistant Head of Upper School (Upper School Uniform Policy)

For uniform provider questions and interim uniform issues (i.e. The zipper just broke on my daughter’s last uniform skirt, my son has outgrown his pants; What do they wear until Flynn O’Hara bottoms are available?):

Ruth Burke, ESDPA Associate Head of School

Summer Camp Registration for Lower School

Summer camp registration is open. We hope your lower school student will join us for a fun-filled summer! Lower school camp fan-favorites include Fancy Nancy, MakerSpace, Little Inventors, Basketball, Shake and Shout for Science, Mini-Cheer, Fun with Fine Motor, and so many more.

Summer Camp Offerings

OriginalImage,Original To volunteer, please visit esdallas.org/parents.

Early Childhood Division Rep Welcome
Hi EC families! It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the second semester, but here we are! There are many events like Grandparents Day, Spring Parent Parties, and Easter break that will all be important to note, so please look to your grade’s email below and mark your calendars! A reminder about the Staff Birthday Fund and information on End of Year gifts is below. Always know that these are optional ways to show thanks to our hard-working teachers! A handwritten card or picture from your student is also a beautiful way to show gratitude and celebrate their birthday or the end of a great school year! ESDPA Lower School Birthday Fund: To celebrate the birthdays of our lower school faculty and staff equally, we ask families to donate to the Lower School Birthday Fund. The donation levels are $10, $20, or $40 max if you have multiple children. CLICK TO DONATE For End of Year gifting, just be mindful that the school asks that your budget not exceed $100 per teacher per year if you choose to gift. Your room mom can provide you with a personalized sheet that your teacher has filled out with their favorite things if they haven’t done so already. Reach out to them if you need any extra help! Please know that NO question is too small or silly – feel free to reach out to me or your grade reps at any time. We are always here to help! Go Eagles! Makenzi Dauwe (Denver ‘35, Delta ‘37)
Beginner
Hi Beginner Parents, Please see below for upcoming important dates, and as always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Grade-level Dates: April 17: Beginner Musical (10:00 - 10:30 a.m.) May 2: Sneak Peek into Pre-K (8:05 - 8:35 a.m.) May 9: Garden Party (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.) May 20: End of Year Class Party (1:45 - 2:15 p.m.) Important Dates: April 4: Lower School Grandparents’ Day April 17: Beginner Musical (10:00 - 10:30 a.m.) April 18-21: Easter Break (No School) April 24: LS Visual Arts Night (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.) May 7: Lower School Conference Day (No School) May 7: Lower School Conference Day Sale at the Eagles Nest (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Grab your favorite Eagle gear without leaving the building! May 12-16: Lower School Book Fair May 20: Last Day of School (Grades Beginner - Sixth, Lower School Closing Service 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., End of Year Parties) May 21: Lower School Field Day (9:00 - 10:30 a.m.) Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal. View 2024-25 Academic Calendar View Full School Calendar Please let us know if you have any questions! Thanks, Katy Cosby* (Robert '33, Blake '35, Dean '39) Richelle Kerber (Sophia '37, Kate '39)
Pre-K
Hi Pre-K families! This time of year is busy, busy! Please see below for upcoming dates and let us know if you have any questions. Grade-level Dates: April 3: Pre-K Musical (10:00 - 10:30 a.m.) April 28: Lower School Sneak Peek into Kindergarten (8:05 - 8:35 a.m.) April 29: Pre-K Parent Party (6:00 - 8:00 p.m., hosted by the Plunkett family) Important Dates: April 3: Pre-K Musical (10:00 a.m.) April 4: Lower School Grandparents’ Day April 14-18: Holy Week April 18-21: Easter Break (No School) April 22: Classes Resume April 24: LS Visual Arts Night (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.) Looking Ahead: May 7: Lower School Conference Day (No School) May 7: Lower School Conference Day Sale at the Eagles Nest (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Grab your favorite Eagle gear without leaving the building! May 20: Last Day of School (Grades Beginner - Sixth) May 21: Lower School Field Day (9:00 - 10:30 a.m.) Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal. View 2024-25 Academic Calendar View Full School Calendar Thanks, Anna Cornwell* (Thomas ‘38) Sally Walker (Henry ‘36, Poppy '37, and Lottie ‘38)
Kindergarten
Hello Kindergarten Parents, It is crazy to think we are two-thirds of the way through this school year. As we enter the final trimester for 2024-25, important dates are listed below. The following two months are jam-packed with activities to close out the year, including holiday-related events, sports games, celebrations with special family members, appreciation for our amazing teachers, and preparation for the next school year. Please be sure to mark your calendars and visit our grade GroupMe for reminders as new events quickly approach. As always, please reach out to us with any questions. Grade-level Dates: April 10: Lower School Sneak Peek into First Grade (8:05 - 8:35 a.m.) April 11: Kinder/Fourth Buddy Easter Egg Hunt (9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) April 12: Kinder/Primer Parent Party (6:30 p.m., at the State Bank of Texas) April 30: Lower School Sneak Peek into Primer (8:05 - 8:35 a.m.) Important Dates: April 4: Lower School Grandparents’ Day April 14-18: Holy Week April 18-21: Easter Break (No School) April 22: Classes Resume April 24: LS Visual Arts Night (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.) Looking Ahead: May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week May 7: Lower School Conference Day (No School) May 7: Lower School Conference Day Sale at the Eagles Nest (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Grab your favorite Eagle gear without leaving the building! May 20: Last Day of School (Grades Beginner - Sixth, Lower School Closing Service 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., End of Year Parties) May 21: Lower School Field Day (9:00 - 10:30 a.m.) Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal. View 2024-25 Academic Calendar View Full School Calendar Welcome back, Jacquelyn Shensky* (Scotlyn '37) Audrey Defforey (Nico '37 and Odette '35)
Primer
Hello, Primer families! It is crazy to think we are two-thirds of the way through this school year. As we enter the final trimester for 2024-25, important dates are listed below. Please mark your calendars for any special dates below and reach out to me with any questions! Grade-level Dates: April 10: Lower School Sneak Peek into First Grade (8:05 - 8:35 a.m.) April 12: Kinder/Primer Parent Party (6:30 p.m., at the State Bank of Texas) Important Dates: April 4: Lower School Grandparents’ Day April 14-18: Holy Week April 18-21: Easter Break (No School) April 22: Classes Resume April 24: LS Visual Arts Night (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.) Looking Ahead: May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week May 7: Lower School Conference Day (No School) May 7: Lower School Conference Day Sale at the Eagles Nest (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Grab your favorite Eagle gear without leaving the building! May 20: Last Day of School (Grades Beginner - Sixth, Lower School Closing Service 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., End of Year Parties) May 21: Lower School Field Day (9:00 - 10:30 a.m.) Don’t forget that you can view your customized family calendar in your Veracross Parent Portal. View 2024-25 Academic Calendar View Full School Calendar Jessica Asaff* (Claire '34 and Ford '37)