Good News - 2026 Volume I

2026 VOLUME I

T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D E P I S C O PA L S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E

GOOD NEWS MAGAZINE 2026 Volume I

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WHERE TRADITION MEETS TOMORROW

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THE A(RT) OF I(NNOVATION)

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SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

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FIT FOR OUR FUTURE

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THE PEOPLE WHO BRING OUR MISSION TO LIFE

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BEHIND THE SCENES

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CELEBRATING & CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

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CLASSROOM OF THE EARTH

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AROUND CAMPUS

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LEADERSHIP

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PAVING THE WAY TO THE FINISH LINE

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WHERE TRADITION MEETS TOMORROW

By Dr. Julie McLeod Head of School

At Good Shepherd, we are preparing children to learn with

updated Classroom of the Earth (COE) space, or campus

confidence, serve with compassion, and lead with courage,

security; it is a bold expression of our values in action. The

today and for generations to come.

new facility will stand as a symbol of wellness, teamwork, courage, gathering, and belonging, and it will be a space

This moment finds us in a season of growth, transformation,

where our students can grow in mind, body, and spirit. By

and shared purpose. With one foot rooted in our Episcopal

investing in this future, we prepare our entire community for

tradition and the other stepping boldly into the future, we

the world to come.

honor what has been and envision what might yet be. Our mission invites us to equip our students not only for the

This matters now because our children’s future won’t wait.

world as it is, but for the world as it will be.

As the world accelerates, we must provide spaces and experiences that match their potential: a gymnasium that

This delicate balance, between honoring tradition and

also offers a Category 5 storm shelter for safety and peace

embracing innovation, asks us to consider how we remain

of mind; a facility large enough to re-imagine how PE,

true to our Episcopal identity while preparing children for

collaboration, movement, and learning happen; a dedicated

change. We do so by cultivating an environment where

home for our outdoor-education legacy. These are not

faith, intellect, and imagination meet, where our students

ancillary — they are essential.

learn to ask big questions, serve others without hesitation,

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and lead with heart and integrity. Our six core values guide

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community,

this work: intellectual curiosity, compassionate service,

alumni, current families, faculty and staff, friends, students

common prayer, stewardship of resources, welcoming

(even young donors who emptied their piggy banks!), we

community, and respect for the dignity of others.

have raised 85% of the campaign goal.

The Fit For Our Future campaign embodies these values in

It is inspiring to witness the way commitment across

a tangible form. It is not simply about a new gymnasium, an

generations is lifting this project forward. And yet, there is

Then and now photos of Good Shepherd students and campus.

still meaningful work to be done if we are to cross the finish

To all alumni, past and present parents, faculty, staff, friends,

line.

and supporters: Thank you for being vital to this journey.

As we invite you to join us in finishing the race together, let

This issue of “Good News” invites you into stories of

us remember that the future of Good Shepherd is bright

how we are already preparing students for what’s next:

because we are building it together.

our curiosity meeting innovation through explorations of artificial intelligence; students embodying service through

One word for this moment: Momentum.

meaningful partnerships in Dallas Parks; faculty going the extra mile to prepare for COE expeditions, and more. These

May you close this magazine feeling proud, inspired, and

narratives remind us that our work is not about buildings or

ready to engage. We walk forward together — for our

programs alone — it is about forming children who will step

children today, and for all who will follow in their footsteps. 

forward with courage, wisdom, and love.

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THE A(RT) OF I(NNOVATION)

How Good Shepherd is Evolving Learning with AI

By Amy Melle & Catherine Scott Director of Academic Technology & Director of Innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live,

Exploring AI Across Divisions

work, and think — much like the printing press and

Our youngest learners in Early Childhood experience AI

the internet once did. At Good Shepherd, we see this

through guided, whole-group activities designed to ignite

moment not as a challenge to traditional learning but as

curiosity and imagination. Teachers use approved tools to

an opportunity to evolve it. By thoughtfully integrating AI

introduce new concepts, enhance language development,

into classrooms, we’re helping students build the skills and

and inspire wonder. These early experiences help students

habits of mind they’ll need to learn, serve, and lead in a

understand the difference between toys and tools while

rapidly changing world.

nurturing their creativity and confidence.

We know relationships have always been at the heart

For example, our Primer class prepared digital scenes

of learning. While technology can never replace the

for fairy tale puppet shows using AI. To create images,

warmth of a caring teacher or the spark of curiosity shared

teachers used Google Gemini's image-generation

between students, it can amplify them. Our approach

capabilities, guided entirely by the students' language.

to AI is grounded in our mission and guides how we

Initially, students offered simple descriptions, such as "a

explore age-appropriate, intentional ways to honor both

dirt path" or "a tall beanstalk with a house." Once the first

innovation and humanity.

digital backgrounds were generated, the critical learning began. Students observed the images and provided

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AI is not a shortcut to learning; it’s a tool for deeper

immediate, specific feedback. “I like the flowers, but the

discovery. By using AI responsibly, students learn to

path needs to be in the woods," or "the house needs

question, analyze, and discern. They learn that being

to be in the clouds." The teacher then guided them to

inquisitive fuels creativity, that technology demands

adjust their descriptive language accordingly, refining

empathy, and that discernment is an essential part of

their input to "a dirt path through a sunny forest filled

wisdom.

with wildflowers," or "a beanstalk in the sky with a house

sitting in lots of clouds." This iterative process transformed

and communication skills while reinforcing that AI supports,

the activity from simple creation into a dynamic, practical

yet never replaces, their own thinking and effort.

exercise in developing precise, expressive descriptive language skills, clearly demonstrating that AI is a powerful

This growth in independence was demonstrated by our

tool for learning.

second-graders, who tackled their Christmas Market project focused on marketing. After deciding on their products,

In Lower School, students begin to use AI with increasing

students used AI tools to help brainstorm effective slogans.

independence. Guided by teachers, they brainstorm ideas

They input keywords about their products and target

for writing, generate simple visuals, and explore new

audiences, generating a variety of slogan options. The most

vocabulary. These activities help strengthen comprehension

exciting phase of learning took place as students evaluated

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By Middle School, students engage with AI in thoughtful and structured ways that deepen critical thinking and ethical reasoning. They explore how AI systems can reflect bias or misinformation, evaluate credibility, and use technology transparently and responsibly. These experiences prepare them not only to use emerging tools but also to lead with integrity in a digital world.

the results, discussing which suggestions were most persuasive, catchy, or relevant, and why certain phrases might appeal to customers. By using AI as a starting point for brainstorming and critical analysis, students were not letting the tool create the answer for them; instead, it provided them the opportunity to practice the core marketing skills of evaluation and communication.

This focus on digital integrity is central to the research projects in their subject area. This past trimester, eighthgrade students used AI tools during the early stages of information gathering in several classes, including Faith Studies and Design Thinking. Crucially, this work is structured to prevent uncritical reliance on AI-generated output. Students are required to verify information using high-quality, teacher-vetted sources and school-subscribed databases. They cross-check facts, evaluate sources for bias, and analyze credibility. By positioning AI as a starting point rather than an authority, students practice the critical thinking and digital integrity skills needed to navigate a complex, information-rich world.

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Across every division, students are cultivating essential

At GSES, we believe the future of learning blends human

habits of mind — critical thinking, curiosity, self-regulation,

insight with technological innovation. Our students aren’t

and empathy — that will serve them far beyond their time

just preparing for what’s next; they’re ready to shape it.

at Good Shepherd.

To learn more about Good Shepherd’s AI policy, visit Faculty and Staff Leading the Way

gsesdallas.org/AI or scan the QR code below. 

Our faculty and staff are learning alongside our students.

AI is already helping educators save time and refine their practices by generating outlines, supporting lesson design, and helping draft communications, all while maintaining confidentiality and authenticity. Our faculty model responsible use by verifying information, keeping confidential information private, citing sources, and using AI as a starting point for human creativity, rather than a replacement for it.

AI Position Statement Learn with Confidence.

Serve with Compassion.

Lead with Courage.

AI connects naturally to the heart of our mission: Learn with Confidence by experimenting with approved tools, asking deep questions about the accuracy of output, thinking critically to make informed decisions, and solving problems with clarity and conviction.

Serve with Compassion by engaging with AI tools to practice identifying bias, which develops the ethical awareness required to foster inclusion, respect, and empathy.

Lead with Courage by acting ethically, safeguarding personal information, and modeling

By approaching AI with a spirit of discovery and

transparency and integrity in a digital age.

discernment, our teachers are demonstrating lifelong learning in action and showing students what it means to explore new frontiers with both courage and care.

Preparing for Tomorrow As AI continues to evolve, so will our practices. We remain flexible, thoughtful, and mission-driven, always prioritizing the human element in education. Our goal is not just to prepare students to use technology but also to help them understand its power and purpose in shaping a better world.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

Ryan Ma and the Love Your Block Program

Compassionate Service at Good Shepherd is more than

good to help not only people but also the park.” While the

a value; it’s a way of life. It’s a call for students to care

retreat lasted only a few hours, its impact was long-lasting.

for others with intention and respect. We encourage our

What began as a single service day sparked a deeper

students to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences

commitment as Ryan returned to volunteer multiple times.

that help them grow as empathetic and responsible members of their community. This commitment comes to life in countless ways across campus, but sometimes a single experience sparks something deeper, shaping a student’s understanding of what it truly means to serve.

For eighth-grader Ryan Ma, that spark happened during a grade-level retreat in September 2024, when he visited William Blair Jr. Park as part of the City of Dallas’ Love Your Block program, a community initiative

“The first day, there were supposed to be other people

designed to empower

coming, but I was the only one there,” he said. “I saw that

residents to improve their

not many people were doing this…but it changed my mood

neighborhoods through projects such as park cleanups,

for the day, so I actually went back to do it again.”

public art, and gardening.

Through these experiences, Ryan developed a greater awareness of community needs. “We take stuff for

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Ryan remembers the day vividly. “We painted planters first,

granted,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to help out others

then picked up trash around the park,” he recalled. “It felt

and do something good for your community.”

Ryan’s volunteer efforts also reshaped how he sees his city. “There are opportunities to help and a lot of organizations to choose from,” he said. His advice to others is simple: start small, look around, and stay open. Service opportunities are everywhere.

Whether through a project such as Love Your Block, hosting summer lemonade stands with his sister, secondgrader Olivia, to raise money for the Hope for Children Foundation, or other school service opportunities, Ryan and fellow Cougar students are embodying GSES’s commitment to Compassionate Service and learning that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on a community.

“If you haven’t done any service, try it at least once,” Ryan said. “Just do it one time, and if you like it, keep going. The biggest takeaway is that helping others is just a great thing.

Even just saying ‘hi’ to someone or having a conversation can change someone’s day.”

This reflection

Good Shepherd’s culture of service played a key role

serves as a

in nurturing Ryan’s compassion. “We do a lot of service

powerful reminder

activities,” he explained. “We went to Blair Park, and in

of the spirit

fifth grade, we visited To Be Like Me, which gave me a

found across our

newfound respect for serving and interacting with people

campus, where

with disabilities. My dad always reminds me to help others

students continue

when I have a chance — you never know what someone is

to look for ways

going through.”

to influence their world, both within and beyond the Good Shepherd community. 

Compassionate Service

Ryan’s dad, Mark Ma, shared that service has always been an important part of their family, as he believes small acts of kindness can create big change. Seeing his son uplift others through service has been one of the most rewarding parts of parenting. “I’ve always told Ryan that true success is

Compassionate service supports and nurtures the physical, mental, and emotional health of all.

Good Shepherd values lifting others up through empathy and action, understanding we are God’s hands, feet, and heart for the world.

measured by how you treat people and the difference you make in someone’s day,” Mark said. “Watching him choose to serve others on his own has been one of the proudest moments of my life.”

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FIT FOR OUR FUTURE

Building the Next Chapter at Good Shepherd

By Mary Duncan & Andy Blount Director & Assistant Director of Development

When Good Shepherd first announced the Fit For Our

all united by a shared belief in the mission of Good

Future campaign on August 25, 2023, the excitement was

Shepherd and the bright future ahead.

palpable. The vision was bold: to build a new gymnasium, create a dedicated space for our Classroom of the Earth

By October 2024, just over a year after the public launch,

(COE) program, and enhance security across campus.

Fit For Our Future reached a major milestone, meeting 70% of its $11.4 million fundraising goal. This achievement,

From that day forward, our community rallied together

made possible by the generous commitments of so many,

families, alumni, faculty, staff, grandparents, and friends —

allowed the project to officially begin!

FEB 2025

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JUNE 2025

JULY 2025

SEP 20

DEMOLITION

COE SPACE

FOUNDATION

STE

Old gym cleared for new

Classroom of the Earth space ready

Concrete foundation

Steel beams

construction.

for hands-on outdoor learning.

poured and set.

frame the

With momentum building, our community gathered on

“With your continued support, we know that we can

campus in December 2024 to celebrate the groundbreaking

make this vision a reality and provide our students with

of the new gym, a moment filled with joy, gratitude, and

the resources they need to succeed,” Fit For Our Future

anticipation.

Campaign Co-Chair Ben Appleby said.

“This new gymnasium, storm shelter, and educational

Every gift, no matter the size, plays a role in shaping the

space are vital for the students of Good Shepherd,” Dallas

future of Good Shepherd. Together, we are building more

City Councilmember District 13 Gay Donnell Willis said at

than a gym; we are building a legacy of faith, fellowship,

the time. “The investment in education and safety sends

and community that reflects our mission to help each

a powerful message: that we care about our children, our

student learn with confidence, serve with compassion,

future, and the well-being of everyone who walks through

and lead with courage. To make an online donation, visit

these doors.”

gsesdallas.org/fitforourfuture. 

As we move into 2026, we are thrilled to see the vision becoming a reality! Construction on the new gym, which began a year ago, is progressing smoothly, with both

Other Ways to Support

exterior and interior work well underway. We remain on track

Every gift to our capital campaign matters,

for the anticipated grand opening in the spring — a truly

and there are many ways to give. Whether

transformative milestone in Good Shepherd’s history.

you choose to make a one-time donation or explore giving through assets, we’re

To date, we have raised $9.8 million toward our $11.4

here to work with you. Please reach out to

million goal — and with just $1.6 million left to raise, we

development@gsesdallas.org for more

are closer than ever to crossing the finish line. Our goal is to

information about:

complete the campaign by the end of the current 2025–26 school year, ensuring this incredible space is fully funded and ready to serve students and families for decades to come.

•

Stock or Appreciated Securities

•

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Gifts

•

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA

•

PT 025

DEC 2025

EEL

FEB 2026

Corporate Matching Gifts

APRIL 2026

EXTERIOR FINISHES

POWER

OCCUPANCY

s placed to

Walls, windows, and exterior

Building connected to full

Space approved and ready

building.

features installed.

electrical power supply.

for school use!

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THE PEOPLE WHO BRING OUR MISSION TO LIFE

By Kristin Jarrett Employee Recruitment & Retention Manager

At Good Shepherd, our mission is clear: to inspire children

We also show candidates that Good Shepherd is more than

to learn with confidence, serve with compassion, and

a job; it is a place to grow and pursue one’s calling. Growth

lead with courage. Bringing this mission to life would not

opportunities, collaborative teaching, and leadership

be possible without our remarkable faculty and staff —

pathways make it clear that here, educators can innovate

dedicated, talented individuals whose commitment to our

and inspire.

values shines in every classroom, hallway, and interaction.

Attracting and retaining extraordinary employees is not just

Our leadership recruitment also reflects this philosophy.

a goal; it is essential to our students' success and growth.

For instance, when hiring Moira Burgy, the Director of Teaching and Learning, the role was purposefully retitled to

Attracting Talent Through Mission and Purpose Recruitment at Good Shepherd begins with purpose.

Exceptional faculty and staff are drawn to schools where their work truly matters. Every candidate conversation, interview, and campus visit reflects our professional, warm, and faith-centered culture.

We seek candidates through professional associations, educational networks, employee recommendations, and community connections. Each year, we host our own Career Fair and participate in others, giving prospective employees a chance to experience what makes Good Shepherd special and to meet the people who make our community thrive.

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emphasize both curriculum and pedagogical practice.

New Faces, Shared Purpose “What stood out to me throughout the process was the

Creative Connections

school’s commitment to thoughtful, mission-aligned

Fourth-grade teacher Kali Meekins uses

teaching,” Burgy said. “In this role, I’m focused on

social media to collaborate with colleagues

supporting teachers as they design meaningful, engaging

and generate community. She models

learning experiences so students benefit from cohesive

writing by crafting her own poetry and stories — including a

instruction, innovative practices, and a strong sense of

children’s book awaiting publication — and creates narratives

purpose across every grade level.”

that inspire student creativity while leading by example.

Retaining Talent Through Support, Growth, and

Confidence Coach

Community

Learning Lab Facilitator Henry Medaris is

Recruitment is just the first step. At Good Shepherd,

dedicated to helping every child grow in

keeping faculty and staff inspired requires ongoing support,

confidence and discover their strengths.

meaningful connections, and opportunities to grow.

His encouragement, positivity, and belief in perseverance

Professional development is encouraged both within the

empower students to work hard, take risks, and celebrate

school and through external conferences, workshops, and

their progress.

specialized training.

Joyful First Steps Retention goes beyond professional growth. Community-

First-grade teacher Dawn Capp brings

building events and activities, from service days to

decades of experience and a heart for

monthly breakfasts, foster connection, collaboration, and

nurturing young learners. Her gentle, joyful

camaraderie. Recognition through our Shoutouts program

approach ensures students feel safe, supported, and excited

highlights achievements and reinforces the idea that every

to learn, laying strong foundations for their academic and

contribution matters.

social growth.

“The supportive, collaborative spirit here allows us to

Talk, Think, Inspire

focus on students, mentor them, and design engaging

Middle School English teacher Trinajoy

experiences,” Middle School math teacher Ed Mendez

Karanja brings a love for storytelling,

said.“Opportunities like Classroom of the Earth,

curiosity, and community into her classroom.

professional development, and coaching help us grow as

She creates space for meaningful conversations and inspires

teachers while making a direct impact on our students’

students to wrestle with big ideas, helping them stretch their

lives.”

thinking and grow into confident, thoughtful learners.

Living Our Mission Every Day

Building Bright Beginnings

Our faculty and staff are the heart of our mission. Whether

First-grade teacher Alexandra Haught

integrating new technologies, designing innovative

centers her practice on connection and care,

interdisciplinary lessons, or connecting with students

creating a warm and welcoming environment

through creative platforms, our educators ensure that

where young learners feel known and supported. Her

students are engaged, confident, and equipped to learn,

relationship-focused approach helps students build

serve, and lead with compassion and courage.

confidence as they take on new challenges.

Through thoughtful recruitment and retention practices

Curriculum Catalyst

centered on purpose, professional growth, and community,

Director of Teaching and Learning Moira

Good Shepherd’s people remain our greatest strength. 

Burgy supports teachers in designing innovative, meaningful learning experiences.

Her guidance and expertise help faculty connect curriculum and teaching practice, empowering students to think critically, collaborate, and engage with purpose.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

The Making of Classroom of the Earth

By Cindy Barnes Director of Classroom of the Earth

For more than 30 years, the Good Shepherd Classroom of the Earth (COE) program has grown into one of the hallmarks of who we are, inviting students to step beyond the classroom and into the wonder, challenge, and joy of the world around us. While other schools offer field trips, class travel, or occasional time outdoors, our distinctive COE program shines as an unparalleled outdoor learning experience. Since its inception in 1991, the program has offered every grade level thoughtfully planned, developmentally appropriate trips, carefully scaffolded to build skills, confidence, and deep connections with the natural world, year after year. Led by two full-time educators, the program provides students with rich experiential learning that grows with them from prekindergarten through eighth grade.

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As the COE Director, I am often asked, “What do you

After each trip, the work shifts as gear must be inventoried

do when you’re not on a trip?!” For those unfamiliar with

and repaired, food stored, donated, or discarded, and

planning multi-grade outdoor experiences, it can be hard

sleeping bags washed; a process that takes between four

to imagine the work that goes on behind the scenes. Here’s

and five hours for 70 sleeping bags alone. We also spend

a glimpse of what makes COE run smoothly, from early

time selecting, printing, and adding photos to student COE

preparation to after-trip reflection.

journals. These journals, filled with pictures and student reflections year to year, help students remember their trips long after they’ve returned home. In fact, our students receive these journals just before graduation. What begins as a simple reflection becomes a treasured record of the experience from their first trip through eighth grade, a tangible reflection of how far they’ve come, one adventure at a time.

Curriculum Support COE is more than trips; it’s integrated into the school’s classroom curriculum. Before and after each adventure, we visit classrooms to prepare students, review expectations, and reinforce the Leave No Trace principles. For example, before a trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park, fourth-graders sketched their vision of the perfect campsite. Then, they received “Campsite Oh No!” cards showing examples of

Trip Prep Each trip is its own carefully choreographed experience, with countless logistical details woven together to ensure students can explore safely, confidently, and joyfully. We make reservations, finalize packing lists, obtain required permits, and coordinate teachers and trip staff. Spreadsheets are filled with details on class rosters, medical information, reservation numbers, meal plans — and yes, the Texas State Parks Group Reservation desk is on speed dial!

how failing to follow Leave No Trace (such as littering, picking wildflowers, or dirtying water sources) can ruin a great campsite. These lessons help students understand that outdoor learning comes with real responsibility, not just to themselves, but to the land, plants, and wildlife they encounter.

We also offer a Leadership workshop for seventh-graders as part of their social studies curriculum. Over four class periods, students explore definitions of leadership, practice problemsolving scenarios, and assess their own leadership skills and strengths. These lessons support the school’s mission to Lead with Courage, preparing them to serve as eighth-grade House leaders, COE mentors, and Community Buddy role models. By the time they step into more advanced leadership roles on campus, they do so with confidence rooted in both self-reflection and shared experience.

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THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE

PRINCIPLE 1 PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE

Safety First Families can feel confident knowing that every COE experience is supported by professionals trained to anticipate, assess, and address challenges with care and expertise. Safety is a top priority, and we are proud to

PRINCIPLE 2 TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES

maintain an excellent track record. Seth Hogan, Assistant Director of COE, and I, along with select faculty, are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The WFR certification equips us with the experience and practical skills needed to stay calm and responsive in disaster relief

PRINCIPLE 3 DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

and medical emergency scenarios. This 80-hour training ensures trip leaders are ready to tackle medical issues that can arise when exploring the outdoors.

Additionally, we attend the NOLS Wilderness Risk Management Conference every two years, where we learn best practices for assessing and mitigating risk, explore

PRINCIPLE 4 LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

new gear and communication tools, and connect with professional guides who assist with our advanced seventh and eighth-grade trips.

PRINCIPLE 5 RESPECT WILDLIFE

While the most exciting part of our job is undoubtedly the trips themselves, much of the success comes

PRINCIPLE 6 MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

from the hours of preparation, reflection, and teaching that happens behind the scenes. These efforts ensure each adventure is safe, seamless, and

PRINCIPLE 7 BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

provides students with transformative opportunities to grow in confidence, independence, and their connection with the natural world. With the earth as their classroom, our students discover not only new

Leave No Trace is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the outdoors through science‑based education and stewardship, empowering everyone to

landscapes but new courage, curiosity, and capability within themselves. Lessons that stay with them long after the backpacks are stored and the trails fade behind them. 

enjoy nature responsibly and minimize their impact.

Learn more about them at lnt.org.

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CELEBRATING & CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization

By The 2025-26 GSPO Executive Board

The Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization (GSPO) is a

families gather in the courtyard to share a meal, enjoy a

vibrant and dedicated group of parents, faculty, and staff

performance from our Cougar cheerleaders, and catch up

who play a vital role in supporting fundraising efforts at our

with friends old and new while celebrating the start of a

school. Yet even more than fundraising, the organization’s

new school year.

work connects the entire school community through celebrations large and small throughout the year.

As we start 2026, we want to highlight the many events sponsored, planned, and orchestrated by our incredible parent volunteers.

Faculty and Staff Welcome Back Social Hour GSPO loves to welcome our faculty and staff back to school by kicking off the academic year with a little fun. This year’s celebration, “Gratitude and Guacamole,” treated the faculty and staff to light bites and fun drinks after a long day of in-service meetings.

Back to School Fiesta Every August, at the end of the first week of school, GSPO plans and sponsors a free back-to-school party for the entire GSES community. Students, faculty, staff, and their

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Class Parties Our GSES students are always excited about their class Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties. All the fun is thanks to the hard-working GSPO Room Parents who plan and orchestrate the events.

Super Dads Hot Dog Lunches

charity or child in need. This year, GSPO partnered with

On Halloween, our Super Dads grill hundreds of hot dogs

The Salvation Army and Family Gateway. Students and their

for all of our GSES students, faculty, and staff. Everyone

families, along with faculty and staff, donated thousands of

looks forward to the lunch each fall, and the dads come

Christmas gifts and gift cards, then came together for the

back to do it again in the spring!

annual Celebration of Giving, where they learned how their efforts helped support the broader Dallas community.

Auction This year, the annual GSPO Auction moved to the fall.

Themed “Friday Night Lights,” the event was a laid-back, tailgate-inspired evening at SMU’s Armstrong Fieldhouse.

Parents, faculty, and staff bid on fabulous auction items, sipped signature cocktails, played fun field games, and attended a concert by the Diamond West Band. Every dollar raised supported the GSPO’s contribution to the Fit For Our Future campaign. The night was a celebration of our community and the campus's growth and development.

Breakfast with Santa This December, our youngest students and their families gathered in Kincaid Pavilion for a magical Saturday morning Breakfast with Santa. Families enjoyed a catered breakfast, and every guest had the opportunity to spend time with the big man in red while having their pictures taken by a professional photographer.

GSPO’s Angel Tree In late November, the GSES community shows up big when hundreds of students line up to “adopt” an ornament from GSPO’s Angel Tree, with each ornament representing a

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Birthday Table

Mother Son Dance

We want to make sure all students, faculty, and staff feel

Not to be outdone by the girls, our first through fourth

celebrated on their special day, so every month we set up

grade boys love to dress up and take their moms out

the Birthday Table in Kincaid Pavilion during lunch. Parent

for a date at GSPO’s Lower School Mother Son Dance in

volunteers pass out cupcakes and small gifts to anyone with

February. This year’s “Midnight in Manhattan” dance is sure

a birthday (or half-birthday) that month!

to be a night to remember.

Carnival GSPO’s Carnival is a cherished tradition that every GSES family looks forward to each year. The school campus is transformed into a fairground, featuring authentic carnival rides, midway games with fantastic prizes, and vibrant community spirit. It’s an event not to be missed. We hope you’ll join us at “Midway in Bloom” in April!

Daddy Daughter Dance Every little girl in first through fourth grade looks forward to dressing up for a night out at GSPO’s Lower School Daddy Daughter Dance, where our super dads and their daughters dance the night away. This year’s “Winter Wonderland” dance is sure to create lasting memories.

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Faculty and Staff Appreciation

Read-A-Thon

We love to celebrate our faculty and staff! Each trimester,

GSPO celebrates and encourages our Cougar readers! Our

volunteers plan and set up a table of treats for all

annual Read-A-Thon promotes the love of reading among

faculty and staff to enjoy. Additionally, GSPO plans two

all of our students.

appreciation luncheons each year, treating all employees to a catered meal and time to bond with colleagues while volunteers cover their classes.

Festival of Arts In partnership with the school’s Fine Arts department, GSPO hosts a biennial Festival of the Arts, showcasing artwork from our students of all ages. The entire Cougar community comes out for an evening of creativity, Super Dads Events

performances, and celebration. Mark your calendar for April

Our Super Dads really are super! With three annual

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fundraising and community-building events — Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament, Super Dads Golf Tournament, and Super Dads Car Show — there’s always something to celebrate. Along with these signature events, our dads strengthen the community through monthly happy hours and Lower School carpool duty every Friday, which often features several dads in costume.

These community-building celebrations, both new and old, are just a small piece of the magic that makes the Good Shepherd experience so special for our students and families. The dedication, joy, and generosity of our parent volunteers strengthen the bonds that make our community so unique. As the school year unfolds, we remain grateful for the spirit of service that makes GSES what it is today, and warmly invite all parents to share in the experience of helping make this year unforgettable for our students. 

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CLASSROOM OF THE EARTH Fall 2025 Adventures

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AROUND CAMPUS

A Look Back at Fall 2025

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GOOD SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP

2025-26 School Year Board of Trustees

Leadership Team

Paula Hart President

Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Head of School

Tara Flume Vice President Ken Moore Secretary Laura Kelsoe Vestry Representative The Rev. Michael Mills Rector Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Ex-Officio Member

Jessica Allen Vince Bratton Kim Cocotos Jodie Elder Tom Garrison Julie Harvey Becky Hopkins Justin Kimble Andrew Lauck Ben Mimmack Sawako Miyama Wyn Smith Claire Strange Erin Tate Jason Winford

Krista Volkman Chief Financial & Operating Officer Moira Burgy Director of Teaching & Learning Mary Duncan Director of Development Candie Esch Director of Marketing & Communications Liz Fleskes Head of Early Childhood Jessica Grant Assistant Head of Middle School Casey Martin Head of Lower School M. May, Ph.D. Director of Community & Belonging Amy Melle Director of Academic Technology Jennifer Meyers Director of Admission Lori Rolke Head of Middle School Catherine Scott Director of Innovation

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PAVING THE WAY TO THE FINISH LINE

Support the Fit For Our Future Campaign

As we enter the new year, our community remains focused

Each brick can be inscribed with your family name, a short

and energized around a goal that brings us all together:

personal message, or a dedication. It’s a unique opportunity

completing the Fit For Our Future campaign. Thanks to

to leave a visible and permanent mark on our campus,

the generosity of our community, we’ve made significant

celebrating your connection to the school.

progress, but we’re not at the finish line yet.

Whether you're a current parent, proud grandparent, With the theme “Together, We Will Cross the Finish Line,”

or alum looking to give back, we invite you to join us.

we aim to complete our fundraising efforts by the end of

Together, we can cross the finish line and create a space

this academic year. Every gift brings us closer to realizing

for community, learning, and celebration for generations to

our new gym, a dynamic facility that will benefit students for

come.

generations to come.

To purchase a brick or learn more about the campaign, One meaningful way to contribute is by purchasing a personalized brick, which will be installed in the pathway leading to the new gym. These bricks will create a lasting legacy and a tribute to those who helped make this dream a reality.

Single Brick (4”x 8”)

$1,000

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Super Brick (8”x 8”) $3,000

please visit gsesdallas.org/bricks. 

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Good Shepherd Episcopal School 11110 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75229-4118 gsesdallas.org

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