New Family Guide: 2023-2024

to EPISCOPAL SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE

Important PHONE NUMBERS

Beaches Campus

904.246.2466

Beaches Campus Extended Day

904.631.0375

Beaches Campus Admission & Enrollment

904.246.2466, ext. 1156

Munnerlyn Campus

904.396.5751

Munnerlyn Campus Admission & Enrollment

904.396.7104, ext. 1225

St. Mark’s Campus

904.388.2632

St. Mark’s Campus Extended Day 904.305.7704

St. Mark’s Campus Admission & Enrollment

904.388.2632, ext. 410

Business Office/Student Accounts (all campuses)

904.396.5751, ext. 1310

Campus Store (Munnerlyn Campus)

904.396.5751, ext. 1830

What to do and when

Monitor the New Family Portal on My ESJ for information on summer learning, needed school supplies, a back-to-school checklist, upcoming events, and much more. Over the coming weeks, you will also receive additional email communication about back-to-school events.

Key Dates

Scan the QR code below or visit esj.org/key dates to access important dates. If you have children on multiple campuses, please be sure to check both calendars as dates can be campus-specific.

Now that you’re an EAGLE...

The Mission of EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

is to provide a superior college-preparatory education in an environment marked by high expectation, Christian nurture, and social diversity. Through a balanced program of academics, arts, and athletics, Episcopal’s faculty seeks to instill in each student intellectual growth, character development, responsible leadership and a commitment to community service.

EPISCOPAL IS BUILT ON FOUR PILLARS –Academics, Spiritual Life, Fine Arts, and Athletics –

which encourage personal development in every aspect of the lives of our students, helping each child reach his or her unique potential. The school seeks excellence across all Four Pillars, but the balance of the four makes our community unique.

PORTRAIT of a GRADUATE

SEEKS UNDERSTANDING

• Valuing curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion

• Engaging in the ever-evolving process of learning

DEVELOPS A SENSE OF SELF

• Cultivating self-awareness through experience and reflection

• Possessing confidence earned through challenge, tempered with humility

LIVES WITH HONOR AND PURPOSE

• Choosing to lead and do good

• Serving others as part of a larger community

PURSUES A LIFE OF FAITH

• Seeking a relationship with God and others

• Respecting the dignity of every human being

HONOR SYSTEM

A MEMBER OF THE EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY WILL UPHOLD OUR HONOR SYSTEM AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT EVERY MEMBER HAS THE RIGHT TO LEARN AND GROW IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS WELCOMING AND ACCEPTING. WE WILL STRIVE TO LIVE WITH HONOR AND OUR CHOICES WILL EMBODY KINDNESS, AWARENESS, INCLUSION, AND RESPECT FOR ALL.

The Honor Code states:

• A member of the Episcopal community will not lie.

• A member of the Episcopal community will not steal.

• A member of the Episcopal community will not cheat.

AN EDUCATION IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH TRADITION INTEGRATES SPIRITUAL FORMATION

into all aspects of the educational experience. Importantly, Episcopal schools are diverse ministries of educational and spiritual formation which welcome people of all religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

A distinguishing characteristic of Episcopal schools is the integration of religious and spiritual formation into every aspect of school life. We invite all to seek clarity about their own beliefs and religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives. As an Episcopal school, we exist not merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth of all human beings as creations of a loving God.

SCHOOL SEAL

The four quadrants of the school seal each have a picture that is unique to the school’s founding.

THE GOLD EAGLE in the upper left quadrant represents the eagle of Saint John and is the school mascot.

THE “C” within the keystone in the upper right quadrant represents Mary Packer Cummings, whose estate is part of Episcopal’s original campus.

THE LAMP of learning light is in the lower left quadrant. (Lamps of knowledge are also on pedestals in Parks and Lastinger Halls and were used during the buildings’ dedications.)

The lower right quadrant contains a picture of a PALM TREE, for Florida, and a river – the St. Johns River.

SCHOOL COLORS & MASCOT

The school colors are maroon and gold. The school’s Eagle mascot, Talon, represents the eagle of Saint John.

HEADS and DIVISION HEADS

Adam Greene Head of School

Keesy Goebertus Associate Head of School

Beville Anderson Head of Lower School, St. Mark’s Campus

Jennifer Ketchum Head of Lower School, Beaches Campus

Natalie Herford Head of Upper School

Paige McGee Head of Middle School

FOR EAGLE EYES ONLY, MY ESJ IS OUR PASSWORD-PROTECTED PORTAL ON THE EPISCOPAL WEBSITE (ESJ.ORG/MYESJ) WHERE WE STORE AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION INTENDED ONLY FOR EPISCOPAL PARENTS, STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF.

NEW FAMILY PORTAL IN MY ESJ

Access helpful information like forms and documents you’ll need as new members of the ESJ community in the “New Family Portal.”

Here’s what you’ll find on the “New Family Portal” now and in the coming weeks:

• New family to-do checklists

• Links to complete required forms in the Magnus Portal

• Handbooks

• Summer learning information and assignments

• Course registration information (grades 6-12)

• Book and supplies lists

• Uniform information

• Campus-specific tools and resources

• Online Directories

Episcopal’s online directories are located within the My ESJ portal and include contact information for all students and their families, faculty, staff, and administration. Contact admission@esj.org with any questions you may have.

Please note: ESJ online directories are for schooluse only and are not to be used for mail, email, or telephone solicitations.

EAGLE EYE VIEW INTO MY ESJ

When the school rolls to the current academic year over the summer, parents will receive access to the My ESJ parent portal. Here, you’ll get the full picture and gain access to the online directory. My ESJ portal login credentials for Middle and Upper School students will be posted in the parent portal prior to the start of school.

This is what you’ll see starting the first week of school:

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOLS

• Browse lunch menus

• View student schedules by period

• Read handbooks

• See student progress

• View directories and a digital calendar

• Pay invoices

LOWER SCHOOL

• Order lunches

• Register for after school activities

• Check out photos

• Read handbooks

• See report cards

• View directories and a digital calendar

• Pay invoices

STAY Up to date

EPISCOPAL INSIDER EMAIL

The Episcopal Insider email is sent weekly to current Episcopal parents. This email is the primary source for upcoming event information, important dates, reminders, and ways to get involved. It is very important families read the Insider each week to remain in the loop.

EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY E-NEWS

This weekly email is distributed on Wednesdays to the greater Episcopal community (current and former families, friends of ESJ, etc.). It includes photos and highlights from all campuses, celebrates student accomplishments, notes upcoming events, and recognizes supporters of ESJ.

DEAN’S DETAILS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL)

The Dean’s Details provides Middle and Upper School students with information related to the coming week on the Munnerlyn Campus by division, including rotation and schedule information, student group information, special dress days, and grade-level assembly information. It is emailed to students and parents over the weekend, prior to the coming week.

THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL

The Magazine of Episcopal includes feature stories, recaps of campus activities, sports round-ups, and alumni news. You’ll receive one via mail in the summer and winter.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

In the event of a weather-related closing, delayed opening, or other emergency, Episcopal utilizes an automated rapid alert system to send text and email notifications to our community. In order to receive text updates, please ensure your cell phone number is included in your My ESJ Profile (to view and update your profile, go to the My ESJ Parent Portal and select “Update My Profile”.)

ALL THINGS Social

OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM

esj.beachescampus

episcopalschooljax

esj.stmarkscampus

episcopaleagles

OFFICIAL FACEBOOK

Beaches Campus - Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Munnerlyn Campus - Episcopal School of Jacksonville

St. Mark’s Campus - Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Munnerlyn Athletics - Episcopal Eagles

Campuses

WITH FOUR CAMPUSES SERVING STUDENTS AND FAMILIES THROUGH EVERY PHASE OF THEIR ACADEMIC JOURNEY, WE ARE A COMMUNITY WHERE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING CURRICULUM, VIBRANT FINE ARTS OFFERINGS, OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, DIVERSE EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS, SMALL CLASS SIZES, AND EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY.

View maps

Munnerlyn Campus

Knight Campus

Beaches Campus St. Mark’s Campus

Episcopal is located in three areas of Jacksonville –the beaches (Pre-K 3 - grade 5), central/downtown (grades 6-12 and sports campus) and the westbank of the St. Johns River in Ortega (age 1 - grade 5). Episcopal is the only school in the city with a campus dedicated to sports. The Knight Campus is near the Munnerlyn Campus and includes a boathouse, lacrosse fields, tennis courts, lacrosse box, field house, a cross country trail, and beach volleyball courts.

About the SCHEDULE

LOWER SCHOOL

Early Morning Care: 7:15 - 7:50 a.m.

School Day (K - 5): 8:05 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. See Key Dates Calendars for early dismissal dates and times (reminders for these dates will also be included in the Insider).

School Day (Early Learning Program - Pre-K 4): 8:05 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Extended Day (Early Learning Program - Pre-K 4): 12:00 - 3:10 p.m., or 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Extended Day (K - 5): 3:10 - 6:00 p.m.

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL

Early Morning: The Buck Student Center and Bryan Library open at 7:30 a.m.

School Day: 8:05 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. The Munnerlyn Campus has late starts and early dismissals throughout the year to allow for faculty professional development and collaboration. These dates and times will be published over the summer.

After School: Extracurricular activities, such as athletics or fine arts, generally happen after school starting at 3:40 p.m.; each has different ending times. Specific hours are provided to each team or group from the coach or instructor.

The Bryan Library is open until 6:00 p.m. with adult supervision, except for early dismissal days.

DROPOFF AND PICKUP AT EPISCOPAL

Lower School carpool maps and additional details will be available at New Parent Orientation.

Middle & Upper School dropoff and pickup information will be covered during New Student Orientation.

BUS INFORMATION

ESJ provides bus transportation for grades 6 - 12 from the beach (multiple stops) and from the St. Mark’s Campus. For more information, including fees and route details, visit esj.org/bus.

FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions

When is the first day of school? Are there other important dates?

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Lower School: New Parent Orientation

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

Lower School: Meet Your Teacher Munnerlyn Campus: New Student Orientation

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

First day of school for all students, all campuses

Where do I find information online?

My ESJ is our password-protected portal on the Episcopal website (esj.org/myesj) where we store and communicate information intended only for current Episcopal parents, students, faculty, and staff.

When are student health forms due?

All student health data must be completed and submitted through Magnus Health System by August 1. Please schedule doctor appointments early to ensure forms are complete prior to this date. Parents can access Magnus via the New Parent Portal on My ESJ.

How does my child schedule their courses (Middle and Upper School)?

Middle and Upper School parents will receive a “next steps” email following enrollment detailing the course placement and selection process.

When will student schedules and advisory/homeroom assignments be available?

Lower School homeroom assignments will be posted on My ESJ just before the start of school. Parents will receive an email notification when homeroom assignments are posted.

Middle and Upper School advisory and schedules will also be posted on My ESJ just before the start of school.

Are there summer learning requirements for students?

Summer learning is recommended for rising ELP 1 - grade 2 students and required for students in grades 3 through 12. Grade-specific lists will be shared via My ESJ in early summer. Simply login and select the grade(s) pertaining to your child(ren).

Summer reading books are available from online retailers, and for Middle and Upper School students, at the Campus Store located on Episcopal’s Munnerlyn Campus.

What is the student dress code?

Dress code policies for each academic division are outlined in the respective handbooks located on My ESJ.

What options are there to participate in athletics?

Lower School students participate in competitive athletics beginning in the third grade as part of the North Florida Independent School Athletic Conference (NFISAC).

Middle and Upper School students are able to participate in any of the 19 sports offered on the Munnerlyn Campus. Middle School sports are no-cut while Upper School sports offer at least one no-cut sport each season. Prior to participating on a team, students must submit the required FHSAA forms through Magnus. Check the Episcopal Insider (weekly parent email on Fridays) and the Dean’s Details (weekly student email on weekends) for dates and times for team tryout information.

How do I register my Lower School child for after school activities?

Sign-ups for after school activities are offered three times a school year via email and in the Episcopal Insider email via a link to My ESJ.

How does my student get involved in clubs and activities on the Munnerlyn Campus?

The Munnerlyn Campus offers more than 100 on-campus student groups and organizations. Student groups are activity, interest, or community service based and allow Middle and Upper School students to develop personally while building relationships with others. Students should attend the student groups fair in the fall to find a good fit for their personal needs and interests.

Does my child need school supplies?

Early Learning Program and Pre-K supply lists are available in My ESJ.

Kindergarten - fifth grade school supplies are included in tuition.

Middle and Upper School students may purchase textbooks and supplies from the Campus Store.

An email about pre-ordering textbooks from the Campus Store will be sent in early summer. Supply lists for Middle School will be posted in My ESJ and available through the Campus Store.

Upper School teachers will communicate supply needs the first week of school.

Show your EAGLE PRIDE

Get your Episcopal spirit wear, school supplies, and gift items at the Campus Store located on the Munnerlyn Campus in the Buck Student Center. It’s a popular place for Middle and Upper School students to buy snacks, too! ESJ students may charge items. Please be sure to communicate any financial limits or budgets to your child. The Campus Store makes frequent visits to Lower School special events as well.

Campus Store Hours

SCHOOL YEAR

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

UNIFORMS

SUMMER

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Students in Pre-K 3 - Grade 12 are required to wear an ESJ uniform provided by Mills Uniforms. For additional information about dress code policies and how to purchase uniforms, visit esj.org/campus-store.

PE UNIFORMS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL)

PE uniforms are purchased from the Campus Store. Two or three uniforms per child are recommended.

UNIFORM FIT EVENTS

On July 10-11, 2023, Episcopal’s Munnerlyn Campus will offer a uniform fit event for all Episcopal families in the Bryan Library. This is a great opportunity to try on and view sample uniforms from Mills Uniform, the uniform supplier for all of Episcopal’s campuses.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Arts

Lower School students participate in performances, studio art, and music throughout the year. Information will be shared regarding grade level performances or presentations in Chapel.

Middle and Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in a multitude of theater, musical theater, dance, choral, instrumental performances, and photography, studio art and ceramics displays throughout the year. Show and gallery opening information is available in the Insider with ticket information. ESJ students receive entry to one performance of each production at no charge with their student ID. Lower School students verbally confirm their status at the door to receive entry at no cost.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Athletics

Lower School students are able to compete in five sports in grades 3 - 5. Clinics led by Varsity coaches and players, sports as part of after school activities, and opportunities to compete on the Munnerlyn Campus are all part of the athletic experience at the Lower School level.

Middle and Upper School students have the opportunity to play on multiple levels and teams throughout the school year. More than 60 teams across 19 sports are fielded each year. Students in Middle School benefit from our no cut policy, which ensures all experience the benefits of being part of a team. JV and Varsity sports include tryouts but there is at least one no-cut sport offered each season. Varsity teams travel throughout the state to compete in district, regional, and state competitions.

Upper School students may participate in more than 100 clubs and groups on the Munnerlyn Campus. Opportunities abound to fulfill the 100 required hours of service before Commencement.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Community

Episcopal’s strength as a community is unmatched. As part of our Episcopal identity and the vision of our Founders to be “leaders and doers of good,” the school provides multiple opportunities for students and parents to serve and become involved. Service opportunities abound, from drives for specific items to participation in community events. ESJ uses a customized smartphone app called HelperHelper which grades 9-12 use to track their hours and to view and commit to volunteer opportunities. Ninth grade students will learn the ins and outs of HelperHelper app during Celebrating Service Day and through their advisory. New students in grades 10-12 will also receive HelperHelper instruction through New Student Orientation and in advisory.

Parent INVOLVEMENT

The Parent Organizations

ARE A GREAT WAY TO GET INVOLVED AND MEET OTHER PARENTS. ON ALL THREE CAMPUSES, MEMBERSHIP IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME.

Parents’ Association (PA) - All three campuses have a Parents’ Association. The Parents’ Association supports faculty, staff and students on campus, contributing to the extras that really make the Episcopal experience unique.

Boosters (Munnerlyn Campus only) - The core mission of Boosters is to recognize and celebrate the athletic experiences and achievements of Episcopal students while promoting parent involvement in support of the entire athletic program and its coaches.

Fine Arts Nurturing Students (FANS) (Munnerlyn Campus only) - FANS is a parent organization that serves to enhance the fine arts experience for every Episcopal student and the entire ESJ community. FANS provides essential support to the Fine Arts’ students and faculty, hosts receptions and openings, and encourages all to attend performances and visual art shows.

Dads’ Club - Each campus has a Dads’ Club. Fathers unite in a casual environment for fellowship, service projects, and special events.

Chapels - At our Lower Schools, many parents attend weekly morning Chapel services and enjoy this special time with their children. Parents at the Middle School and Upper School level will be notified if their child has a role in an upcoming Chapel.

Special Events - From festive fall events to end of year parties, and campus-specific fundraising events, parents have lots of opportunities to volunteer during the week and on weekends and enjoy fellowship with one another.

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL CAMPUSES ARE COMMUNICATED IN THE Episcopal Insider weekly email.

Elements of ESJ

Throughout your time at Episcopal, you may hear words, acronyms, or phrases new to your family. Below are some common terms to know as you begin your journey at ESJ.

AIR - Our Awareness, Inclusion and Respect (AIR) effort is rooted in the principle of Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being. This language comes directly from the Episcopal Church’s Baptismal Covenant and has been one of our school’s core values since its founding. Our priority has always been to be responsive to our community as we implement our efforts. With that said, our role as educators is to teach our students how to think and not teach them what to think. Similarly, we seek to teach our students how to communicate, and working through difficult issues together is the best way to increase understanding and acceptance.

Campus Specific Fundraising Events:

A Vision for Art - St. Mark’s Campus five-day art showcase featuring artists from across the Southeast

BASH - Munnerlyn Campus themed celebration and silent auction

Beach Bash - Beaches Campus themed celebration and silent auction

Ortega River Run - St. Mark’s Campus community-wide one and five-mile run (Grand Prix Race)

ELP - Abbreviation of the Early Learning Program on the St. Mark’s Campus (ages 1-2).

Enrichments - Essential elements of Lower School curriculum to include visual art, music, dance, Innovation Lab, P.E., Spanish, and Christian education.

The Episcopal Fund - The foundation of philanthropy at Episcopal. It is the largest fundraiser each year, and it provides the school with the greatest flexibility to deliver a first-rate education. Tax deductible gifts to The Episcopal Fund go directly into the operating budget, where they are used in the current year.

HSW - Abbreviation of Health, Safety, and Well-Being. Episcopal is a leader among independent schools in programming related to HSW in Northeast Florida. The school’s Health, Safety, and Well-Being (HSW) program has been in place for several years, each year expanding on ways to ensure students learn self care, mental health best practices, coping skills, and how to make healthy choices. All content is delivered in an age-appropriate way in an environment that is open and caring so that all students may participate fully in discussions and associated activities.

Spirit Day - Designated day where students can show their school spirit by wearing their Eagle gear, maroon and gold, and athletic wear.

Stress Down Days (Munnerlyn Campus) - students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes on specifically designated days.

9GOA - During Ninth Grade Orientation Adventure (9GOA), Munnerlyn Campus ninth graders, along with their junior and senior counselors and faculty leaders, camp, hike, and go white-water rafting in North Georgia during the first week of school. The trip is designed for every freshman, both new and returning, to know that they belong to a community that will walk alongside them as they take risks on this adventure and throughout their time in high school.

SUMMER Programs

Episcopal offers summer programs on its Munnerlyn Campus for students in grades K-12. Summer programs include academic classes, day camp, activities, arts, and sports camps. Registration can be found at esj.org/summer. Camp Create for rising ELP 2 - K students is offered on the St. Mark’s Campus.

AN EAGLE, Always an Eagle!