Episcopal Insider - BEACHES CAMPUS
August 1, 2025
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St. Mark's Campus - December 12, 2025
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Schools are not just bricks and mortar structures – they are centers of life-long learning filled with dedicated educators!
Each year, ESJ faculty and staff participate in professional development to expand their knowledge in the ever-changing world of education. By remaining on the cutting-edge of their field, they serve as a cornerstone to student achievement in the classroom.
Your gift to The Episcopal Fund helps the school to continue to hire, retain, and invest in professional development for exemplary teachers who share their lifelong love of learning and empower students every day. There is no greater return on an investment than the education of our children.
We invite you to make your gift online today.
Double the Impact of Your Gift
Would you like the opportunity to multiply your giving and increase the impact of your generosity?
Many employers offer matching gift programs that can increase the value of your contribution to Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Contact your employer to find out if they offer a matching gift program and what steps you need to take to initiate a matching gift.
When completing your matching gift request, please select:
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
4455 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
EIN: 59-1147278
For more information or assistance with the matching gift process, please contact Lisa Allen at allenl@esj.org.
ESJ’s financial aid application for the 2027–2028 school year is open for students in Pre-K 3 through Grade 12. Families must apply annually to be considered. We evaluate financial aid awards using Clarity, a secure third-party platform. We keep all application information strictly confidential.
- November 13 – Application Deadline
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee until early April, after awards have been offered to new families. Please be aware that financial aid may no longer be available at that time.
- January 15 – Award Notification & Re-enrollment
Required Documents:
- 2025 1040 and W2 (auto-imported from IRS)
- Recent paystub(s) or earning statement(s)
Clarity application webinars that will include open Q&A with families.
Dates and Registration Links:
Tuesday September 30, 2026 6 pm ET
Wednesday October 28, 2026 6 pm ET
Questions?
- Email support at support@clarityapp.com
- Clarity phone support at 206-210-3752
- M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
- “HELP” button on the Clarity website
- Application and support available in English and Spanish
- Refer to ESJ’s Financial Aid FAQ for additional information
- Contact the Financial Aid Committee at financialaid@esj.org
For information on the financial aid process and to apply, click here.
As a thank-you for your patience and continued partnership, Lands’ End is offering our school community 40% off with code OURTREAT40. The offer ends October 13.
Use the code when shopping through Lands’ End School Outfitters to take advantage of this special offer.
New This Week
Please return all birthday books given out in August, September, or October before Christmas Break (December 19).
Kindergarten students presented “The First Thanksgiving” on Wednesday, November 19, on stage in the Lori Schiavone Commons. Dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, and Indians, students recited poems and performed adorable and hilarious songs, including the much-loved song “Strut Mr. Turkey”!
VIEW PHOTOS
First through third grade students did a fantastic job bringing “Toys! The Night They Came Alive!” to the stage last week! In this festive musical, Christmas Eve took a magical turn as the toys under the tree woke up for a celebration of their own, complete with a visit from Santa, who shared the true meaning of Christmas. Students delighted audiences during both the morning and evening performances, filling the Lori Schiavone Commons with joy, music, and holiday spirit.
VIEW PHOTOS
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Reminders
- October 9 – Parent – Teacher Conferences (All Grades) | School and Extended Day Programs Closed
- October 13 – Fall Festival (4:00-6:00 p.m.) *Afternoon Eagles Closes at 5:00 p.m.*
- October 14 – Early Dismissal *Afternoon Eagles Closed | Holiday Care Open*
- October 15-18 – Fall Break *Holiday Care Open*
- October 19 – Faculty Professional Development | School and Extended Day Programs Closed
- October 21 – Fruit of Joy Gathering (Grades 1-5 | 2:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- October 23 – Chapel in the Park ((Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m.)
- October 26 – October Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- October 28 – October Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and K | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- October 30 – Costume Parade (ELP 1 – Kindergarten | 9:00 a.m., Berg Field)
- October 30 – Fall Class Parties
- November 2 – Eucharist Chapel Wear Maroon (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- November 3 – Yearbook Photo Retake Day
- November 6 – Grandparents’ & Special Friends Day
- November 6 – Early Dismissal *Afternoon Eagles Open*
- November 10 – Book Fair (9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Commons)
- November 10 – Parent Education Event with Dr. Elise Fallucco | Raising Resilient, Capable Kids: When to Step In and When to Step Back (8:15 – 9:15 a.m., Steve Williams Library)
- November 11 – Veterans’ Day Chapel (Grades K-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- November 11 – Book Fair (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Commons)
- November 11 – NO GATHERING
- November 12 – Book Character Parade (Grades 1-5 | 9:00 a.m.)
- November 12 – Dads’ Club Social
- November 13 – Mom’s Night Out
- November 16 – November Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and K | 8:25 a.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- November 16 – November Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- November 18 – Fruit of Peace Gathering (Grades 1-5 | 2:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- November 20 – Kindergarten Thanksgiving Performance (9:00 a.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- November 23-24 – Thanksgiving Break *Holiday Care Open*
- November 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break *School & Extended Day Programs Closed*
- December 3 – Christmas Musical (Grades 2-3 | 8:25 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- December 7 – Eucharist Chapel Wear Maroon (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- December 9 – December Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and K | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- December 9 – Fruit of Patience Gathering (Grades 1-5 | 2:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- December 14 – December Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- December 16 – Pre-K 4 Nativity Program (9:00 a.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- December 17 – Polar Express Day (Grade 1) & Fifth Grade Spelling Bee (1:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- December 18 – Lessons & Carols (Grades 4-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- December 18 – Christmas Class Parties
- December 18 – Early Dismissal *Afternoon Eagles Closed | Holiday Care Open*
- December 21-25 – Christmas Break | School & Extended Day Programs Closed
- December 28-31 – Christmas Break *Holiday Care Open*
- January 1 – Christmas Break | School & Extended Day Programs Closed
- January 4 – Faculty Professional Development | School and Extended Day Programs Closed
- January 5 – Classes Resume
Enjoy many opportunities to experience the magic of Christmas on the St. Mark’s Campus!
Lessons & Carols Service (December 12)
- Grades 4 & 5
- 8:25 a.m.
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Nativity Program (December 17)
- Pre-K 4
- 9:00 a.m.
- Lori Schiavone Commons
All students are invited to wear Christmas PJs and accessories the day before break (December 19). Homeroom parents will contact parents in their class regarding specifics for class parties taking place on this day.
Merry Merry!
Friday, December 19, is early dismissal (noon). Afternoon Eagles is closed. Holiday Care is open for students who registered in advance.
Early Dismissal instructions:
- Families with Pre-Kindergarten and K-5 grade siblings:
- K–5 siblings will be walked over to the Little Loop, where you can pick up all of your children together.
- Remain in your car and go through the Little Loop carpool circle for pick-up.
- Families with children in ELP 1–grade 5:
- K–5 siblings will be walked over to the Deck Gate (by Little Loop), so you can pick up all of your children together.
- ELP 1 and ELP 2 students will be ready for pick up at 11:50am. Please park and walk up to Dempsey Chapel to pick up ELP students.
- Your older children will be at the Deck Gate.
- Families with multiple children in K–5 only:
Pick up will take place at the Main Carpool area.
December 19
- Early Dismissal (Noon)
- Afternoon Eagles Closed
- Holiday Care Open
December 22 – 26
- School and Extended Day Programs Closed
December 29 – 31
- School Closed
- Holiday Care Open for Pre-Registered Students
January 1 & 2
- School and Extended Day Programs Closed
January 5
- Faculty Professional Development (School Closed)
January 6
- School Resumes
Parents are invited to join the St. Mark’s Campus Parent Book Club to read and discuss The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey (Amazon link to purchase).
In The Gift of Failure, Lahey explores how allowing children to face challenges and setbacks helps them develop resilience, confidence, and independence. With relatable examples from school, home, sports, and friendships, the book offers a hopeful guide for raising capable children.
Meeting Details
- Date: Thursday, April 9
- Time: 8:15–9:15 a.m.
- April 9, 2026: Chapters 11, 12 & Conclusion
Registration for the W.W. Gay Ortega River Run, held on the St. Mark’s Campus on February 21, is now open! This run is one of the largest fundraisers for the St. Mark’s Campus, attracting thousands to campus each year.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE RUN
Interested in sponsoring this year’s race? Click here.
Looking for a fresh way to promote your business? Becoming a sponsor of the W.W. Gay Ortega River Run on Saturday, February 20 offers unparalleled visibility within the community. From having your business featured on over 1,900 race t-shirts to prominent placement on the Ortega River Run website, the exposure is endless. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with attendees in person and distribute promotional materials at the community street fair on race morning. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your brand to a wide and engaged audience—don’t miss out!
To secure your sponsorship, view the sponsorship brochure, complete the sponsorship commitment form and submit the online payment.
For more information, contact Lauren Griffith at griffithl@esj.org or 904-388-2632 x 1226.
Race registration will open up in November.
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