Episcopal Insider - BEACHES CAMPUS
August 1, 2025
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St. Mark's Campus - October 10, 2025
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STATEMENTS and TUITION PAYMENTS
- Student accounts must be current in order to start school in August.
- AutoPay is the easiest and best way to make your tuition payments. AutoPay is invoice year specific and must be set up each year. Make sure you have set up AND “Enabled” AutoPay for 2026-27.
SCHOOL CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP
- If you received a School Choice Scholarship, have submitted the Award ID and have approved your student’s registration in the EMA portal, you should see a credit reflected on your statement. If you do not see a credit AND you have completed all of the required steps, email financialaid@esj.org.
As the new school year begins, we want to remind our community to purchase Episcopal apparel and spirit wear only from approved vendors. From time to time, unauthorized websites and unofficial vendors may claim to offer “Episcopal gear” for sale. However, only school-approved vendors are authorized to produce and sell apparel featuring Episcopal’s name, logos, or branding.
Purchasing from approved vendors helps ensure that products meet our brand standards and that your personal and payment information remains secure.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s approved vendors are:
- ESJ Campus Store (located on the Munnerlyn Campus)
- Lands’ End
- Baker’s Sports
Additional approved vendors (such as Crowley Printing, Custom Ink, and others) may be used for specific school group or club apparel with prior approval from Episcopal’s Marketing Communications Office.
If you are ever unsure whether a vendor is authorized, please contact the Marketing Communications Office at info@esj.org before placing an order.
New This Week
Due to a forecast of rain, high winds, and potential thunderstorms, we must unfortunately cancel the Fall Festival for the safety and comfort of our families.
We are grateful to Sara West and Sammy Devlin for their wonderful behind-the-scenes work, and to all the volunteers who generously offered their time and support to make this event possible. Your efforts are truly appreciated!
With the cancellation, please note the following updates:
- The Book Fair will remain open until 4:30 p.m. in the Steve Williams Library & Learning Center.
- Extended Day will close at 5:00 p.m., as planned.
- The Campus Store Pop-Up will be rescheduled for another date.
Friday, October 10
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Steve Williams Library
Additional Book Fair Information
If your child was absent on October 7 or needs a retake photo, Leonard’s Photography will return to campus on Tuesday, November 4, in Dempsey Chapel. Photos will occur in the morning.
Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like them to have a retake photo.
We look forward to celebrating Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day at the St. Mark’s Campus on Thursday, November 6. Grandparents are invited to attend special Chapel services at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, followed by refreshments and classroom visits. The full schedule by grade is located below.
If parents are interested in experiencing Grandparents Day, please sign up to volunteer online. Because so many of our grandparents are unfamiliar with campus, we rely heavily on volunteers to help greet guests, guide them to classrooms, and create a welcoming, memorable experience! This is such a wonderful tradition on campus and your presence makes a huge difference in the event.
We ask that all guests please RSVP online or contact Lauren Griffith at (904) 388-2632 ext.1226 or griffithl@esj.org with any questions or to RSVP by phone.
Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and Kindergarten Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Schedule
- 8:15 a.m. – Check-in in front of the school.
- Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 grandparents will retrieve students from their homeroom. Student ambassadors will be present to assist guests in locating classrooms. Knowing your students’ homeroom teacher will expedite the check-in process.
- Kindergarten grandparents will meet students outside the church and enter Chapel together. Grandparents do not need to retrieve kindergarteners from their classroom.
- 8:25 a.m. – Chapel service in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. – Refreshments in the Lori Schiavone Commons
- 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. – Visit homeroom classroom(s)
First – Fifth Grade Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Schedule
- 9:45 a.m. – Meet grandchildren or special friends outside St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for Chapel
- 10:00 a.m. – Chapel in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Refreshments in the Lori Schiavone Commons
- 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Campus tours. Students will help tour guests to their homeroom and enrichment classrooms.
Parking is available in the public parking spaces located around St. Mark’s Campus and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Additional parking is located across the street at Stockton Park. Golf carts will be available to transport guests to the school campus.
View past event photos from Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ day online.
Early Dismissal is at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7.
Afternoon Eagles will be open until 6:00 p.m. for pre-registered students.
Along with a special Veterans Day Chapel on Tuesday, November 11, St. Mark’s Campus will prominently display photos and information about veterans and active military special to the St. Mark’s Campus community.
Faculty, staff, and families are encouraged to submit information about loved ones before Thursday, November 6.
If you submitted information during the past two school years, ESJ has it on file already. Families do not need to resubmit.
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
Thursday, November 13
6:00 p.m.
Lillian’s Sports Grill (5393 Roosevelt Blvd # 6)
Take a load off and enjoy the company of ESJ dads! This social takes place the day before Moms’ Night Out, so dads have a chance to get out before staying in!
Friday, November 14
6:00 p.m.
Home of Chloe Wood
Moms’ Night Out is a chance to connect and unwind with fellow St. Mark’s Campus moms. Thank you to ESJ mom Chloe Wood for hosting Moms’ Night Out this year in her beautiful home on Venetia Blvd (address provided with RSVP).
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail will be provided. Please bring wine or your beverage of choice to share.
Kindly RSVP for planning purposes
RSVP
Reminders
- August 10 – New Parent Orientation (Parents Only | 5:30-6:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- August 12 – 5th Grade Orientation (Parents & Students | 8:00 a.m., Steve Williams Library)
- August 12 – Meet Your Teacher (8:30-9:30 a.m.)
- August 13 – First Day of School/Sip, Sip Hurray Parent Coffee (8:05-9:00 a.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- August 14 – Welcome Back Chapel (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- August 20 – Back to School Open House & Parents’ Night Out (Parents Only | 5:30-7:30 p.m.) *Afternoon Eagles Closes at 5:30 p.m.*
- August 24 – June/July Birthday Book Blessing Chapel (Grades 1-5 | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- September 1 – Parents’ Association Meeting and Q&A with School Leadership (8:15 a.m., Steve Williams Library)
- September 2 – Fruit of Love Gathering (Grades 1-5 | 2:30 p.m., Lori Schiavone Commons)
- September 4 – Early Dismissal *Afternoon Eagles Open*
- September 7 – School and Extended Day Closed
- September 9 – Pre-Primary Chapel begins (Pre-K 3. through kindergarten | 8:25 a.m., Church)
- September 11 – 3rd Grade Bible Presentation (8:25 a.m., Church)
Friday, October 10
Grades 1-5
9:00 a.m.
The Quad
Students are invited to dress as their favorite book characters to celebrate this year’s Book Fair. Grades 1 – 5 will parade around the Quad in the grassy area by the music and art classrooms. Younger students will enjoy being spectators, and parents are welcome to attend!
Students should wear their costumes to school either over their school dress code attire or bring a change of clothes with them to school.
Parents are welcome to shop with their children during the below class shopping times. Credit card, check, cash, and electronic gift cards are accepted (these can be printed at home or emailed to trumplerm@esj.org, and Mrs. Trumpler will print them off at school). If sending funds to school with your child, please account for 7% sales tax.
Pre-K 3 & Pre-K 4: 8:30-9:00 a.m.
- An adult must be present for the child to shop at the Book Fair
Kindergarten:
- Gregory 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Ellis 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
First Grade:
- Michaud 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Pulignano 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Second Grade:
- Middlekauff 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
- Roberts 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Third Grade:
- Haramis 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Pullen 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Fourth Grade:
- Lankford 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Harralson 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fifth Grade: 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
On Monday, October 13, award-winning author Wendi Silvano will visit the St. Mark’s Campus to share stories and read with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. If you would like your child to have a book signed by Ms. Silvano, please follow these steps:
- Choose a title from the book list below.
- Order the book from www.amazon.com.
- Send the book to school with a sticky note attached that includes your child’s first and last name, as well as their homeroom teacher’s name.
- Remind your child to give the book to their homeroom teacher by October 13. Mrs. Trumpler, Media Specialist, will collect books to prepare them for the author visit.
Books by Wendi Silvano – Bring to School by October 13 for Author Signature
Wednesday, October 15 is early dismissal for all students. The school will close at noon, and there is no Afternoon Eagles. Holiday Care is open for pre-registered students.
To ensure dismissal for our student body runs smoothly, please note the following instructions:
ELP 1 & 2
- Retrieve students from classrooms.
- ELP 1 – 11:30 a.m. dismissal. Please note the earlier start time to help alleviate traffic congestion.
- ELP 2 – 11:45 a.m. dismissal.
- Please do not park within the Little Loop carpool area.
Pre-K 3 & 4
- Pre-K families without older siblings must use the Little Loop carpool area.
- Do not park and exit your vehicle.
Families with Children in Multiple Grades
- If you have a child in ELP and Pre-K, park and pick up your Pre-K child from the ELP deck by the Dempsey Chapel door, and then pick up your ELP children from their classroom.
- If you have a child in ELP and K-5, park and pick up ELP children from their classroom first, and then proceed to Main Carpool.
- If you have a child in Pre-K and K-5, proceed to Main Carpool.
- October 16 & 17 – School Closed. Holiday Care is open for preregistered students
- October 20 – School and Holiday Care closed (faculty professional development)
- October 21 – School resumes
Friday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m.
ELP 1 – Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will lead students in a costume parade around Berg Field to showcase their costumes with parents and older students.
- ELP Parents: Please send your child to school in costume and plan to walk with your child in the parade. Afterwards, please come to the classroom to help your child change back into school clothes and attend your child’s class party.
- Pre-K Parents: Please send your child to school in costume. Head to Berg Field and enjoy the show! After the parade, meet at your child’s classroom for a special snack.
- K Parents: Please send your child to school in costume. Parents are invited to watch the parade from Berg Field while the kindergarten students lead the parade. The kindergarten class party will take place from 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend!
Scary costumes or props are not permitted.
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