Monday was a special day for the ESK Middle School as 25 students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, the first class of its kind for ESK. NJHS represents excellence in five qualities: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Citizenship, and Character. 7th and 8th graders with a 93% cumulative average in their academic classes through middle school were invited to complete an application packet. The application asked candidates to demonstrate their Leadership, Service, Citizenship, and Character through a list of activities, a personal essay, and references. The newly inducted members will meet soon to organize a project to serve the community. A new group of candidates will be chosen during the 2014-15 school year.

The following students were inducted during Monday's ceremony: Eighth Graders Zack Gilbert, Elizabeth Hethmon, Jamie Hickling, Ethan Johnson, Addison Jones, Zan Killeffer, Hallie Longest, Casey Majors, Alexandra Musrock, Tori Schrubb, Witt Spiller, Ansley Turley and Blair Turley along with Seventh Graders Ben Aikens, Alex Carter, Caroline Gheen, Paige Gleason, Alden Haun, Allie Hull, Miela Hurst, Bryce Parker, Sarah Perez, Hutch Peter, Anna Spates and Buchanan Underwood.

Celebrating Ash Wednesday

ESK students and faculty marked the arrival of Lent with Ash Wednesday services on March 5. The service included both the imposition of ashes and the celebration of Holy Communion.The Reverand Cannon Pat Grace, Diocesan Cannon to the Ordinary, and The Reverend Michelle Warriner-Bolt, from St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, assisted Father Josh Hill, Headmaster Jay Secor, Lower School Director Nancy Laurence, Fifth Grade assistant Cameron Basden, Second Grade assistant Lynn Wise and Middle School teacher Stephanie McIntosh with the service. Thanks to all the families who joined us for this special service!

ESK Folk Dancing Day

The Kline Gymnasium was full of music and dancing feet on Tuesday as all Lower School students participated in ESK's annual Folk Dancing Day. The event opened with Kindergarten students, along with First and Second Grade sharing some circle dances, including Bluebird. Then, Second through Fifth Grade students performed several square and line dances from several backgrounds. The students closed out the day with "I Love a Rainy Night" and "The Cha Cha Slide." Parents and friends joined in on the final two songs. Check out the ESK Facebook page for video from the day. A big thanks to Music Director Deb Sousa for her work in preparing the students for this event!

Facebook Fridays

Hey ESK parents! Have a fun picture or story about your child's day at ESK that you'd love to share? Join us for Facebook Fridays! In an effort to spread the word about our wonderful school to the rest of the Knoxville community, we need your help. All you have to do is follow two simple steps: 1. On Fridays, post a picture or a special story about your child's day at ESK on your personal Facebook page. 2. Tag The Episcopal School of Knoxville in your post. That's it. We will share our favorite stories and pictures in an upcoming edition of Headlines! Join in the fun of Facebook Fridays! Please contact Director of Communications Melissa Callahan ( callahan@esknoxville.org) with any questions!

Love and Logic

On Thursday, March 27, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., please join ESK for a presentation by Ms. Karla Schroeder about the Love and Logic book written by Jim Fay. Ms. Schroeder is a Behavior Interventionist and working on her Principal's License through Colorado State University. She is a certified Love and Logic trainer who will be visiting ESK as part of an internship. Childcare will be available through Aftercare at no charge by contacting Sarah Dew at dew@esknoxville.org, or calling the LS or MS office.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Tuesday's pancake breakfast in the Bishop Center Dining Hall. It was a great success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ever find yourself sitting at a soccer game, attending church or grocery shopping when you strike up a conversation about ESK with the person next to you? Do they ever ask you a question that makes you think and you're not sure how to answer? The ESK Communications and Marketing Committee has a solution for you. Answers to several of ESK's most frequently asked questions are now available on the ESK homepage. Check them out and be ready to spread the good word about our wonderful school!

Kindergarten Camp

ESK will hold its annual Kindergarten Camp for rising (or new) Kindergarten students June 2-5, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Theatre Camp -- "Cantamos Americanos: A Salute to the music of Latin America"

Students in rising grades first through sixth are invited to participate in this camp June 9-13, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Singing, dancing, acting, improv, costumes and set design are part of activities for this exciting week. The final performance will be on Friday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m., with a potluck luncheon to follow. Registration began Monday, March 3, by emailing Dr. Sousa at sousa@esknoxville.org.

Minecraft Camps

This summer's camps will be held at ESK the week of June 9-13. A morning session, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will be held for beginning players, and an afternoon session 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. for intermediate/advanced skills. Campers are welcome to sign up for both sessions, but afternoon attendees will want to have basic game skills already mastered. For more information, or to register, please go to www.techtutortime.com.