Welcome Back! We hope that everyone had a fun and restful Spring Break! The push to the final days of school is on and that means the halls of ESK are full of activity!

Check out all the happenings in Lower School and Middle School in this week's edition of Headlines!

APRIL EVENTS AT ESK

4/1                  Preschool Story time - 8:15-8:45 a.m.

4/2                  Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist - 8/10:15 a.m.

4/3                  NO SCHOOL - Good Friday

4/6                  NO SCHOOL - Easter Monday

4/7                  PA Meeting - 2-3 p.m.

4/10                Middle School Musical, "Annie" - 1/6 p.m.

4/14-16           ERB Testing - Lower School - 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

4/15                NJHS Induction Ceremony - 10:20 a.m.

4/16                Portfolio Night - 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Faculty Changes for 2015-16

We are always looking for ways to give our faculty members new opportunities for growth much the way we offer choices for our students. We have several announcements for the upcoming school year!  

After being an excellent Fifth Grade teacher at ESK for 11 years, Cathy Stivers has decided to professionally challenge herself both as a teacher and as a learner. For the 2015-2016 school year Cathy will be making a lateral move to our ESK Middle School to teach math. Math has always been a love of hers, and she is looking forward to being able to dig deeper and share her passion. Cathy has many exciting and innovative ideas, and we know she will continue to keep students motivated to do their best.

Margaret Googe, our current Third Grade teaching assistant will be taking over as our new Fifth Grade teacher. Margaret earned her Elementary Education degree from Wake Forest University. She has taught second, third, and tutored fifth grade students before returning to her Alma Mater-ESK graduating class of 2005. Margaret has coached our girl's basketball team and our cross-country teams with great enthusiasm and talent. We welcome the chance to have Margaret join us as a full-time faculty member!

Jennifer Hackett will be the teacher of our youngest class, Junior Kindergarten 3's, beginning in August. Jenn received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and her Masters in Education from Lincoln Memorial University. She has taught kindergarten, first grade, and directed a preschool program at the University of the South, Sewanee. Jennifer is eager to foster a love for learning in our inaugural JK3 class. She is also fondly known at ESK as Bill, Tom, and Jim's mother.

Middle School Director Red Waller is saddened to announce the retirement of Tom Jones. Tom has taught Social Studies at ESK for the past five years. While Tom is an excellent classroom teacher, his greatest asset may well be his ability to interact and understand our students. His strong character, professionalism and engaging personality will be deeply missed. Tom's volunteer spirit and willingness to help our students with all their activities is an example to all of our staff. Tom coached basketball, golf, and volleyball. His dedication to ESK students and programs is a legacy of service. We are grateful for Mr. Jones and wish him a happy retirement!

We are also pleased to announce Mac Foss will be joining our Middle School Social Studies department next year. She will assume the duties of Tom Jones. Foss is completing her second year at ESK. She is an experienced Social Studies teacher. We are excited about the enthusiasm and knowledge. Foss will add to our outstanding Social Studies curriculum.

4th Grade Service Project

The Fourth Grade began their community service project, Hams for the Hungry, this week. The project provides Easter dinners through Second Harvest Food Bank for those who cannot afford it. Tomorrow is the final day of activities:

Friday, April 4 - Free Dress Day ($2 Tickets at carpool/fourth grade rooms)  

Thank you for your support and participation! This week has already featured a bake sale, wacky hat day and jazzy jars on sale. For more information, please contact Fourth Grade teachers Jeannie Hoover and Melissa Bornemann.

Below are Wednesday's Wacky Hat Day winners. Congratulations!

K-2: Eleanor Bookstaff, Bill Hackett

3-5: Wyatt Adair, Hayden Klappholz

6-8: Addie Dewhirst, Ben Ebel

Covenant Kids Run

The BIG DAY is almost here!! The Covenant Kids Run is this Saturday, March 28, at 6:00 p.m. Lower School PE teacher Pansie Evans is anticipating nearly 40 runners representing ESK! Specific instructions regarding race procedures, parking, etc. can be found at www.knoxvillemarathon.com. Packet pickup begins at 9 a.m. and continues until race time. Check it out and join your fellow Saints on Saturday! Don't forget to wear your PURPLE!

5:20 p.m. - Meet at the lower level of the Convention and Exhibition Center (facing World's Fair Park) for a group picture.

5:30 p.m.- Line up at the start line (Clinch Avenue Bridge).

6:00 p.m. - Run begins

ESK Folk Dancing Day

The Kline Gymnasium was full of music and dancing feet Thursday 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 tomorrow for video from the day. A big thanks to Music Director Deb Sousa for her work in preparing the students for this event!

Emory & Henry Performance

ESK Third through Eighth Grade students and faculty were treated to a performance from the Emory & Henry choir prior to Spring Break. The choir was on their spring tour, which included a stop at St. John's Cathedral in downtown Knoxville. Both the regular and chamber choirs performed pieces, which wowed the crowd. Even Father Josh, an Emory & Henry graduate, joined the group for the final song!.

Snacks from Flik

ESK Aftercare students enjoyed a special treat this week as Flik Dining Service provided fresh baked cheesy bread for their afternoon snack! Thank you to the Flik employees for baking these fresh treats for our students! YUM!  

Summer Camp News

Grace Point

Summer is the time to explore, learn and grow. Grace Point summer camp offers an exciting camping experience on 275 wooded acres surrounded by more than a mile of lakefront. Our well-rounded program encourages campers to build friendships, explore their individual spirituality and develop an appreciation for nature. Our action packed days help campers to develop their independence and self-confidence while having fun.

Camp dates and prices have now been posted on their website gracepointcamp.org.