Dear Parents,

As I write this letter, our fifth graders are at the University of Georgia 4-H Center in Jekyll Island for two nights and the sixth graders at Earthshine Discovery Center in Lake Toxaway, NC for the week. Most of the children who have been at BES for many years have looked forward to these overnight trips for quite some time. It’s a testament to the learning process as it relates to encouraging independence and providing well rounded learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for trusting us with their education.

We need your help in a couple of areas, so we can properly keep your children safe and at optimum learning.

· Please do everything possible to have your children here and in their classroom by 8am. When your children arrive after 8am they are at a disadvantage because they have missed important announcements or instructions for classwork. We understand that from time to time there is unexpected traffic or a delay to getting out the door. But as a rule, children need to be here no later than 8:00 a.m.

· Carpool is still very inconsistent and not as safe as it can and should be. Once again, please do not make a left-hand turn into the driveway from 11th Avenue during carpool hours. It blocks the flow of traffic when there is a stream of cars turning to the right and causes an unsafe traffic pattern. Also, stay in your car and someone will help you unload back backs and your children. Please do not try to pass when cars are stopped. Just give it a minute or two and the lane will pick right back up. There are just too many moving parts right now, and the kids are the ones at risk.

· Finally, when you are walking your children across the street from the parking area, please use the crosswalks.

Thank you for your support and the good example you set for your children.

Fondly,
Martha Milton

Save the date for the first-ever BES "Around the World" Christmas Camp on December 18-22, 2017! Every day that week, BES PreK4 through sixth grade students will experience the unique Christmas customs from five different countries across the globe. Students will have a blast with cooking, music, games, arts, and crafts related to the "Around the World" theme. Program details and costs will be released soon, so stay tuned!

Join us for the 2017 BES Boo Bash on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.!

Enjoy carnival and inflatable games, dunk tank, face painting, airbrush tattoos, and more!

General Admission Wristband includes:

• Games
• Activities
• 2 slices of pizza, chips, dessert, and bottled water.

Order early and avoid long lines at check in on the day of the event!

Admission wristbands only need to be purchased for children.

WANT TO TURN MS. TRIPP INTO A HUMAN ICE CREAM SUNDAE? Consider a $150 Family Sponsorship for the 2017 BES Boo Bash, and your ice cream dream will come true!

Family Sponsorship includes:

• Admission to the Boo Bash for your child/children
• Boo Bash T-shirts for your child/children
• Family name on goody bags and other signage
• Lunch for your family AND
• The opportunity for your child/children to lather ice cream and all the fixin’s on Ms. Tripp as we turn her into the most amazing ice cream sundae the school has ever seen!

All children MUST have an adult present to participate in the event.

Extended Day is available for those families not able to participate.

Volunteers Needed for Boo Bash
For this event to be successful, we need volunteers! Be on the lookout for a Sign-up Genius email that will be sent out soon so that you can help out at the Boo Bash.  We can't do it without you!

Order Tickets or Become a Family Sponsor for the 2017 BES Boo Bash

Ever wonder why Beaches Episcopal School has an annual fund?

Click the video button below to learn more about how your gifts to the Starfish Fund make a significant impact on our school community.

STARFISH FUND VIDEO

By making a gift every year, in any amount, you build upon our legacy of academic excellence and set our students on a trajectory towards success and significance.

DONATE AND PLEDGE NOW TO THE STARFISH FUND ONLINE!

Donate or pledge your gifts by December 31, 2017.
Pledge payments are accepted until June 30, 2018.

For questions about the Starfish Fund, please contact Stacy Nash, Director of Development at Snash@BeachesEpiscopalschool.org or 246-2466 ext 112.

Upcoming Admissions Open House
If you know of a neighbor or family member that is looking for an independent school with over 60 years of academic excellence and a loving, Christian environment, please let them know that we would enjoy getting to meet them at an Admissions Open House on Tuesday, November 7th at 9:00 a.m.

During the Open House, BES will provide refreshments, a guided campus tour, a question and answer session with our administration, faculty, and parents, and a packet of information to take home.

Interested parents may contact the school's Director of Admissions, Ashley Davis, at 246-2466 ext. 137 or by email for more information or to RSVP for the Admissions Open House. If they prefer, parents may schedule a private school tour at a time more convenient to their schedule.

As always, remember to share your BES story with neighbors and friends. Thank you for letting others know about the incredible ways your students are learning with ambition, loving with purpose, and leading with courage!

Sibling Applications Being Accepted
We hope you're already considering registering other members of your family for the 2018-2019 school year. It's never too early to start the application process. Contact Ashley Davis for more details.
 

Vision Screening
Monday, Oct. 16th

Picture Day (Individual Portraits)
Wednesday, Oct. 18th

Fall Holiday – No School (Extended Day Closed)
Friday, Oct. 20th

Coffee and Conversation with Martha (after morning chapel)
Wednesday, Oct. 25th

School Store (McCormick Hall)
Thursday, Oct. 26th

Costume Parade at 8:10 a.m. at lawn in front of SPBTS/Noon Dismissal/Fall Festival (Boo Bash) from 12-3 p.m. on Hixon Field
Friday, Oct. 27th

50th Day of School
Tuesday, Oct. 31st

Dear Parents,

In the coming weeks, you are going to hear more about a teamwork challenge event for our students hosted by GORUCK (founded by parents Jason and Emily McCarthy). It is designed to create a team building experience centered on the shared values of Beaches Episcopal School and the U.S. Special Forces.

This event will be held on Friday, November 3rd and be led by an experienced combat veteran of Special Operations. The children will complete light physical and mental challenges as teams. These challenges will reinforce the BES Honor Code, which is to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and responsibility.

We look forward to sharing more about this event in the near future.

Basketball News
Basketball season is in full swing. Our students have been practicing and putting in hard work. The JV boys are currently 3-1 on the season! The boys are playing well as a team and putting in tremendous effort.

Varsity boys are fighting hard for a win. Our girls’ team is made up of six players who are new to basketball. These girls have the best attitude on the court. They are so excited to be playing and learning the sport. Last week, they played extremely well against San Jose Episcopal. This was a close battle, and our team never gave up.

Basketball Schedule for Next Week:

• JV off
• Varsity 10/17 at St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m.
• Girls 10/19 at St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m.

Running Club News
Last Saturday, one of our awesome third grade students, Andrew, ran a sub 30 minute 5K at the Avondale Race. He placed 2nd in the 10 and under age group. Congrats on a great race, Andrew!

Go Rays!

Tricia Novak
Athletics Director

Episcopal School of Jacksonville Fine Arts Department presents...

The Wiz

A beloved Broadway gem, The Wiz infuses L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz is a fun, family-friendly and modern musical.

November 2 & 3 at 7:00 p.m.
November 4 at 2:00 p.m.

• $15 Adults
• $10 Students
• $10 Senior Citizens

Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts on the Golden Pearl Foundation Stage

Adapted from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum

Buy Tickets Onlne!

Luau:
On October 15th, we invite you to join us for a Luau! Put on your Hawaiian shirts and beach attire and join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new year! Enjoy the steel drum band, play some games and enjoy some delicious Barbeque. This event will be from 11:30pm-2pm after services have concluded for the day. 

Sandals, Shorts and Steel Drum Service:
Join us every week at 11:30 for our new service! Come dressed in your tropical attire to enjoy this fun and casual service. We’ll celebrate the Eucharist, and enjoy beautiful Steel Drum Music.

Yoga:
Join us for yoga every Wednesday at 11:30am! Bring your mat if you have one to enjoy a relaxing yoga class for all skill levels and ages.