The Glance

For all the planning and preparation that goes into a new school year, nothing compares to the moment our students return and the Hilltop feels whole again. From the excitement of the first morning to the energy in our classrooms, hallways, chapel, playgrounds, and athletic spaces, this week has been a wonderful reminder that the heart of St. Luke’s has always been its people and the relationships that bring our mission to life.

We enter this year with tremendous momentum. We welcomed 291 students to the Hilltop, including 74 students who are new to St. Luke’s, along with 57 faculty and staff. Our enrollment has grown from 241 students just two years ago, and our faculty and staff has grown from 49 to 57. But the numbers are only one part of our story. What matters most is what that growth allows us to do: invest more deeply in our students, strengthen an already exceptional faculty, expand opportunities, and continue building an academic and student experience that is challenging, joyful, relational, and grounded in our mission.

One of the most meaningful ways we began this year was through our Parent Partnership Meetings. These conversations reflect something we believe deeply at St. Luke’s: parents are essential partners in the education and formation of their children. Beginning the year by bringing parents and teachers together to share insights, hopes, and important information about each child allows us to build relationships before we need them and creates a strong foundation for the year ahead. Our goal is that by the time we reach our first parent-teacher conferences in October, a positive and productive partnership is already firmly established. Thank you to our parents and teachers for investing the time to begin the year together in such an intentional way.

After this first week, I am incredibly encouraged by what I see. Our teachers have created classrooms where students already feel welcomed and known. Our students are reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, settling into new routines, and beginning another year of learning and growth. Our families have brought an unmistakable spirit of enthusiasm and partnership back to campus. This is what it means to be a community where people matter.

Thank you for an outstanding beginning to the 2026–27 school year and for the many ways each of you contributes to this community. There is much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us.

For those who were unable to join us for the Opening State of the School Parent Coffee, our focus this year is on Mission, Mattering, and Meaningful Growth. We will be producing a podcast of the presentation and sharing it with our community within the next couple of weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend, Tigers. We Are St. Luke’s!

Mike Jenkins, Head of School

We’re excited to celebrate our Tigers throughout the school year! On the designated dates each month, we’ll recognize that month’s birthday celebrants with an extra-special dessert.

Families, please do not send a sugary treat to school for your child’s birthday. St. Luke’s will take care of the celebration with a slightly more special dessert for all of our monthly birthday celebrants.

We look forward to celebrating our students and making their birthdays a little sweeter!

Stay connected to all things St. Luke’s! Our St. Luke’s App is a user-friendly, one-stop resource for school news, calendars, grade-level and division groups, resources, and more—all in one place.

All parents are encouraged to register and download the app before Tiger Tracks so you’re ready to stay connected from day one. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time!

Last chance! Preorder your St. Luke’s Poncho Outdoors shirt by end of day on Tuesday, August 25th. Once the preorder closes we will not be able to get additional shirts. Navy Poncho Outdoors original style shirt with SLES seal embroidered. All shirts delivered to students or available for pick up at the front desk once they arrive in the next few weeks.

Get ready to show your Tiger spirit and start your Fridays with a warm welcome! Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to participate in Spirit Days, when they can trade their regular uniform for a St. Luke’s T-shirt paired with jeans or uniform bottoms. On special event days, students may also wear the designated event T-shirt.

And dads, we’d love to see you at Door Dads! This is a fun and easy way to get involved in our school community while helping welcome students to campus on Friday's . Door Dads greet our Tigers during morning carpool from 7:30–8:00 a.m. in the North Loop on their designated Friday.

Daily chapel is a beloved St. Luke’s tradition, bringing our 1st–8th grade students together each morning for prayer, reflection, music, Scripture, and community. Four days a week, students participate in a brief service based on the Episcopal tradition of Morning Prayer, featuring music, a Scripture reading, a reflection from the Chaplain or another member of our community, prayers, and school announcements.

Wednesdays are Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, led by clergy from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Students wear their dress uniforms for this special weekly service. While St. Luke’s is an Episcopal school, we deeply value the diverse faith traditions represented in our community. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion, while students who do not wish to receive may come forward for a prayer of blessing instead.

Through daily chapel, we hope to help every student grow in faith and in their understanding of themselves as beloved children of God, while honoring and respecting the faith traditions of each St. Luke’s family. For more information about chapel and Holy Communion, please refer to the full email sent to families.

We are so excited to invite you to Grandparents and Special Friends Lunch at St. Luke's Episcopal School! This is a wonderful way to experience your student's day and see our vibrant school community firsthand.

To make sure everyone has a great time, please review these quick details:

• Sign-up required: Space is limited for each grade.
• Limit one visit: Please sign up only once per student this fall semester so every family gets a turn.
• No outside food: Due to severe food allergies, please do not bring outside food or drinks.

We look forward to sharing a wonderful lunch with you!

The Tiger Terrace, at the entrance of St. Luke's, is the home of our Legacy Bricks. This is a permanent way to recognize students for significant achievements and families who want to always be remembered at SLES. This lasting legacy can celebrate graduation, honor a loved one, pay tribute to a favorite teacher, colleague or a project / program that impacted your life!

The fall sports season is officially here! We’re excited to welcome our student-athletes back to the fields, courts, and trails this week.

This fall, St. Luke’s will be competing in Cross Country, Elementary Soccer, and Volleyball. We’re looking forward to a great season filled with teamwork, competition, growth, and plenty of Tiger pride!

Cross Country 🏃

Our runners are ready to hit the trails and begin building toward a successful season.

Elementary Soccer ⚽️

Our elementary soccer teams are ready to get on the field and compete in SACAL play.

Volleyball 🏐

Our volleyball teams are ready to get the season underway and put their skills to the test.

Flag Football 🏈

Our middle school flag football team is ready to take the field and kick off another exciting season of competition.

Parents: Please continue to monitor the Tiger Athletics Newsletter and the St. Luke's Episcopal School app for practice schedules, game information, transportation details, and other important updates.

Best of luck to all of our fall athletes and coaches! Go Tigers!