December 18, 2014

The mission of The Episcopal School of Knoxville is to prepare students for higher education and a lifetime of learning within the context of a loving, inclusive and family-centered community. We enrich our students' intellectual, physical, cultural and spiritual growth so that they may realize their potential as children of God and citizens of the world.
As the year comes to a close, ESK would like to extend a special holiday greeting to all of our students, families, friends, faculty, staff and supporters. It is the people of ESK that make it such a special place and create a feeling of community that is hard to match.
 
We hope that each and everyone of you enjoy a wonderful holiday season with your families and friends and return to school in January rested and ready to go for another exciting and wonderful semester at ESK!
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

DECEMBER/JANUARY EVENTS AT ESK
12/19        Holy Eucharist - 10:30 a.m.
                 Christmas Break Begins - Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
12/22-1/2  Christmas Break
1/5            School Resumes
1/6            PA Meeting - 2-3 p.m.
1/7            Preschool Story Time - 8:15-8:45 a.m.
1/8            Geography Bee - 1:20 p.m. - Kline Gymnasium
1/9            Knoxville Opera Performance - 10-11 a.m. - Kline Gymnasium
Middle School Christmas Program "Lessons & Carols"
The Middle School Christmas Program "Lessons & Carols" was held Tuesday at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Northshore Drive. Students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Chorus presented an evening of Christmas music accompanied by Ashley Parham on flute and Inna Karsheva on violin. Thanks to these musicians for your contribution to the evening.
 
The concert began with a beautiful rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?" by the Eighth Grade chorus. The singing followed with "O Come All Ye Faithful" and several other hymns, including "Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory", "Let My Prayers Rise Up" and "Canticle of the Turning". The following students had solos during the performance: Anna Spates, Hannah Nye, Audrey Moran, Lindsey Webb, McLean Stooksberry, Lauren Lorenz, Paige Gleason and Alden Haun. The Saintly Singers joined the fun this year with their rendition of "Carol of the Bells." The evening closed with "Angels We Have Heard on High", which included the audience joining in. ESK gives special thanks to Dr. Deborah Sousa and Ms. Meagan Langford for directing such a wonderful performance. A reception of cookies and beverages followed the concert.
 
Christmas Break Around The Corner
Just a reminder that Christmas Break begins tomorrow (Friday, Dec., 21) with Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. ESK will celebrate Holy Communion in Honor of St. Thomas in an all-school chapel at 10:30 a.m. Chapel will be in the gym, and it is a formal uniform day. Parents are invited to attend this service. School will resume on Monday, January 5 at 8 a.m.
 
There will NOT be Carpool Café or AfterCare on Friday, Dec. 21, due to Early Dismissal. Both will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
 
Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten Christmas Program
 The Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten classes closed out the second week of December with their own Christmas Program. The students from Mrs. Noland's, Mrs. Saliba's, and Ms. Riley's classes put on a wonderful show for their families and friends. The children opened the program with "Get Ready" and "Will You Be Ready for the Light" and wowed the crowd with such holiday favorites as "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Other highlights included "Away in a Manger" and "Must be Santa". The students shared cookies and hot chocolate with their guests following the performance.
 
Lower School Begins Quest to Walk across Tennessee
 With the new LS addition, ESK now has a complete sidewalk around the lower school. Lower School PE teacher Pansie Evans challenged her students to walk across the state in a recent Chapel announcement. Students will walk laps around the building with their class and record their numbers. Collective mileage will be posted on the Tennessee bulletin board located across from the LS library. All grade levels have stepped up to the challenge and are already logging laps.
 
The stats:
6 laps around the LS equals 1 mile
440 miles across the state of TN
2,640 TOTAL LAPS
Would you walk across the state of TN?

ESK Announces Expansion of Junior Kindergarten Program
 ESK is proud to announce that the Board of Trustees has voted to approve an expansion to include three-year-old students in August of 2015! We will be using the same innovative model of a Reggio inspired approach in our new classroom. A Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday class or a Monday through Friday class will be offered.  JK-3 will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m.  Extended care will be available until 6:00 p.m. Lunch and snacks will be served, and the class size will be limited to 16 students. Please tell your friends and family and learn more by coming for a tour or contacting the Admissions Office at 865-777-9032.
All School News
 
Support ESK Through Amazon
While you are doing your holiday shopping, please remember that if you click on the Amazon.com link on the ESK home page, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the school. It's as easy as clicking the link- visit esknoxville.org today!
 
Admissions Open House
ESK will host an Admissions Open House on Sunday, January 25, from 2-4 p.m. If you have questions (or for more information), please contact Admissions Director Susan Denton via email at denton@esknoxville.org.
 
Headmaster's Dinner & Auction
The planning of 11th Annual Saints' Gala, "Headmaster's Dinner & Auction" is underway. This year's event will be held April 18, 2015, on The Episcopal School of Knoxville's campus. The evening will honor retiring Headmaster, Jay Secor. The event will include a Silent Auction, Student Art Auction, Live Auction, and entertainment by the Vibraslaps. Be on the lookout for more information.
 
We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor Rusty Wallace Honda, Rusty Wallace Kia, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville, Rusty Wallace Toyota, Ray and Jane Huffaker, and Lee and Brandi Henson.
 
There are Corporate Sponsorships available. If you are interested in supporting this event through a sponsorship, please contact Alice Smith, Director of Special Events (smith@esknoxville.org).
Lower School News
It was another busy week in the halls of the Brewington Family Lower School. Click here to see it all!
Middle School News
Googe Hall was full of activity this week with Middle School students having fun! Follow this link to see all the hard work!
Athletics News

For all the latest on all ESK sports, be sure to check out this athletics update section of Headlines. Click here to read all the important info as basketball season and bowling are now in season.
World Language News

Felix Navidad
Students in Maestra Rojas' Spanish classes celebrated Christmas this week by each getting to break a piñata. It was great fun for all the students!
 
Music News

  

Middle School Musical
Auditions for our MS Spring musical will be Jan. 8 & 9, 2015.  ALL Middle School students are invited to audition. The musical this year will be "ANNIE, Jr., " and the program will be Friday, April 10, 2015. Please stay tuned to Headlines for more information to come.

Summer Camp Info
FROZEN Summer Theatre Camp at ESK
June 8-12, 2015 with Dr. Sousa and Ms. Langford

Enjoy the music, characters and excitement of FROZEN this June.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $250.  Extended morning and afternoon care will be offered for an additional fee.  Reservations are taken beginning Jan. 1, 2015, through the Business Office with FULL payment.  Full refunds are made up until May 1st.  For more information, please contact Dr. Sousa at sousa@esknoxville.org. Dr. Sousa is SO excited to bring this wonderful show to ESK Summer Theatre Camp!!
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Best wishes,

Melissa Callahan
Communications Director
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Episcopal School of Knoxville
950 Episcopal School Way
Knoxville, TN 37932
865.777.9032