The Glance

As we prepare to close another meaningful year on the Hilltop, we invite all families to join us on Wednesday, May 20 for our Closing Convocation and 8th Grade Graduation.

These gatherings are among the most important traditions of the school year and are intended to be a meaningful celebration for our entire community. We strongly encourage all students and parents to attend as we come together to honor the growth, accomplishments, and milestones of our students, from our youngest learners to our graduating 8th graders.

• Early Childhood Convocation (PK3–K): 9:00 a.m.
• Closing Convocation & 8th Grade Graduation (1st–8th): 10:30 a.m.

This year’s Closing Convocation and Graduation will be especially meaningful as we celebrate our graduates surrounded by the full St. Luke’s community. Your presence helps make this tradition so special for our students and families.🐯

Please note that Wednesday, May 20 is an early release day, with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. as we officially conclude the school year.

Even though we only have 3 days left of school we are busy planning for the 2026-27 school year.

What are Partnership Kickoff Meetings?

Parent partnerships and the relationships with our families form the fabric of our community and the foundation for a successful school year. Therefore, we have decided to start off the year allowing each family to have a 10-15 meeting with their homeroom teacher (EC/EL) or advisor (MS).

The Partnership Kickoff Meetings will center around two questions -

1. What are your hopes and dreams for your child for the year?

2. What else do you want us to know about your child?

These meetings will also help frame the rest of the beginning of the year’s events to set a strong starting point for a successful year.

• Tiger Tracks - The goal of Tiger Tracks is for everyone to reconnect with the school and their friends after a long summer. (Monday, August 17)

• Partnership Kickoff Meetings fill in the gap for that one-on-one time that is so vital to getting to know each other.

• Parent Night of Classes - Time is set aside to get to know the different teachers and what students will be learning and other important logistical items. (Wednesday, August 26 for EC/EL and Wednesday, September 2 for MS)

By the time the first parent/teacher conferences happen in early October, a positive and productive relationship will already be established.

To provide as much flexibility for parents, time will be set aside on 3 separate days:

• Friday, August 14 (7:30 - 3:30)
• Monday, August 17 (afternoon after Tiger Tracks)
• Tuesday, August 18 (7:30 - 3:30; day before school starts)

Once homeroom teachers or advisors are assigned and communicated, a follow up email will be sent with meeting slots so that every family will have the opportunity to begin our all important parent partnership.

We are pleased to announced the hiring of Dr. Chad Knesek as our new Chief Academic Officer, at St. Luke's. After a thorough and comprehensive process Chad joined the Hilltop this past week to end the year strong with us.

Dr. Chad Knesek, holds a Master’s degree from Texas A&M University in Curriculum & Instruction as well as a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University. Dr. K has taught and been a leader in both public and independent schools including St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston and most recently at St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio. He believes students learn best when they are known, challenged, and supported within a structured and consistent environment. Strong learning depends on relationships, clear expectations, communication, and classrooms where students feel welcome, accountable, and confident to take intellectual risks. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with teachers on instructional approaches, classroom management, and learning strategies that strengthen engagement and support student growth. These experiences shape how he thinks about alignment across divisions and disciplines as a way to strengthen engagement and continuity in learning. In addition, his work in both lower and middle school settings has assisted in developing a keen awareness as to where students should be academically, socially, and emotionally as they matriculate.

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as the senior academic leader of the school and works in close partnership with the Head of School and division leaders to craft, steward, and communicate a cohesive PK–8 academic vision. Rooted in the mission and Episcopal identity of the school, the CAO ensures that curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional growth are thoughtfully aligned across divisions while honoring the developmental needs of each child.

We are excited to welcome Dr. K to the Hilltop and look forward to the level of excellence he will bring to St. Luke's Episcopal School.

As we head into summer, The Glance will transition to a monthly publication. After this weekend, you’ll hear from us again at the end of May with a quick summer guide, followed by editions in June and July before we welcome everyone back to school in August. ☀️🐯

At Summer on the Hilltop, no two weeks are the same! From outdoor adventures and creative projects to themed activities, games, friendships, and hands-on learning, each day is designed to keep students active, engaged, and excited to come back for more.

Whether your child joins us for one session or all four, Summer on the Hilltop is the perfect mix of fun, exploration, and community in a safe and familiar environment.

📅 June 1–26, 2026
🌴 Four unique themed sessions
✨ Summer enrichment opportunities available

The 5th graders wrote persuasive essays in English class urging all those that feel moved to donate to The Good Samaritan Center to help send children to Camp Capers this summer and to help the center pay for all the items needed to go to an overnight camp. Click the slide to read quotes from their persuasive essays and a recording of Amy Small's essay. Their reasons will help move you to donate!

So Fun Games at the Pool! Mahjong, Rummikub and more!

Dive into a splash of fun at our Parent Party: So Fun Games Gathering! Join fellow parents and friends for a delightful afternoon filled with engaging games like Mahjong and Rummikub, accompanied by delicious light bites, all while soaking up the sun by the pool.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, June 18
• Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
• Cost: $50
• Location: Heights Pool

Don’t miss this chance to unwind, connect with others, and enjoy a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for a great cause! All proceeds will support St. Luke's Episcopal School. Grab your spot today and let the games begin!

Hosted by: Katherine Trimble, Amanda Cavender, Blakely Kneisley and Sarah Bodner

On Tuesday, May 19, St. Luke’s will recognize our spring student-athletes during Chapel on the South Lawn.

Students who participated in Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, Spring Volleyball, 3v3 Basketball, and Elementary Track will be recognized for their hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment throughout the season. Athletes will also receive Spirit Ribbons and Tiger Stripes.

We are proud of our Tiger athletes and grateful for the way they represented St. Luke’s this spring season.

Celebrate Pentecost with us at St. Luke’s Church! Wear red and join us after the 11 a.m. service on May 24 to celebrate with your St. Luke’s family in the Parish Hall. Members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, our church men’s group, will grill burgers and hot dogs. Bring a side to share if you can.

VBS is available to all Rising PK4 - Rising 5th. Volunteer opportunities for youth 6th and up!

Nursery Care with parallel program is available for parent volunteers who have children ages 1 – 3.

Click here to register your child or learn more, including afternoon options run by St. Luke’s School.

Click here to sign up as a volunteer (youth and adults).

Questions? Contact Bryan Gonzalez at bryang@slecsa.org.