Welcome, New Dunham Families!
We are thrilled to have you join Tiger Nation! It has been a joy getting to know your family and walk with you through the admissions process. Whether you are starting with us in Lower, Middle, or Upper School, we welcome you!
This is such an exciting time for your family, and our desire is to do everything we can to make your transition to Dunham as smooth as possible. We have put together this New Family Guide as a resource to help you answer some of the most frequently asked questions and point you in the right direction for anything you may need—from academics and athletics to carpool, volunteer opportunities, and everything in between.
All the information in this guide can be found on our website at dunhamschool.org. Throughout the guide, you will find QR codes that will take you directly to our website for more information. During the summer, you will hear from your child’s division head about grade-specific details, and, in June, you will start to receive The Daily Spirit, our school e-newsletter, which is sent out weekly during the summer and daily once school begins.
Please know that my office is always available to answer any questions you may have. We are delighted you are part of the Dunham community!
What’s
Enrollment Management is a feature of Blackbaud, which is one of our school administrative systems. Your login will give you access to Blackbaud Tuition Management (use the “Resources” tab to view and pay your bill) and to re-enroll for the following school year in December 2025.
What’s PowerSchool?
PowerSchool is our student information system that you will use to check grades and access other information, including student handbooks and schedules. Over the summer, you will receive information from your division office about your PowerSchool login.
SCHOOL HOURS
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER TWO-YEAR-OLDS
8:00 am–3:00 pm
AM Carpool: 7:15–8:00 am
PM Pick Up: 3:00–3:30 pm
Aftercare: until 6:00 pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL | 5th–8th
8:00 am–3:15 pm
AM Carpool: 7:30–8:00 am
PM Carpool: 3:15–3:35 pm
Aftercare: until 6:00 pm
Half-Day Dismissal: noon
LOWER SCHOOL | PK3–4th
8:00 am–3:15 pm
AM Carpool: 7:30–8:00 am
PM Carpool: 3:15–3:35 pm
Aftercare: until 6:00 pm
Half-Day Dismissal: noon
UPPER SCHOOL | 9th–12th
8:00 am–3:15 pm
AM Carpool: 7:30–8:00 am
PM Carpool: 3:15–3:35 pm
Half-Day Dismissal: noon
mapcampus
THE DUNHAM EARLY CHILDHOOD
CENTER AT SIEGEN
| PK2
Morgan Barkas
Director of Early Childhood morgan.barkas @dunhamschool.org | 225-767-7097 ext. 363
LOWER SCHOOL | PK3–GRADE 4
Deedra LaPlace
Head of Lower School and Dean of Faculty deedra.laplace@dunhamschool.org | 225-767-7097 ext. 316
MIDDLE SCHOOL | GRADES 5–8
Dr. Amos Lyso Head of Middle School amos.lyso@dunhamschool.org | 225-767-7097 ext. 370
UPPER SCHOOL | GRADES 9–12
Amanda McIlwain
Head of Upper School amanda.mcilwain@dunhamschool.org | 225-767-7097 ext. 319
M c KAY ACADEMIC CENTER
Ashley McIlwain
Director of the McKay Academic Center ashley.mcilwain@dunhamschool.org | 225-767-7097 ext. 380
Thank you for choosing Dunham!
As we partner with you to educate your child, we share your hopes and dreams for the future. We see every student entrusted to us as a unique individual, fearfully and wonderfully made, and it is our desire to maximize each child’s God-given potential.
We employ a personalized educational approach that extends beyond the classroom, allowing students to grow and flourish as we educate both their minds and their hearts. Our devoted Christian faculty and staff are dedicated to guiding and supporting your child every step of the way, fostering a passion for lifelong learning and a strong sense of Christian community.
We are excited to welcome you to the Dunham family, where every child is known, challenged to find their voice, and inspired to reach their dreams. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your division head if we can assist you in any way as you transition into your new school home.
God
Bless, Steve Eagleton Head of School
2025-2026 Important Dates
Back to School
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Jul 30 ..................................ECC Meet & Greet
Ju1 31 .................................First Day of School Aug 15 ................................ECC New Parent Coffee
GRADES PK3-12th
Aug 6 .............................New Student Orientation (1-12)
PK3/PK4/K Classroom Visits
Aug 7 .............................First Day of School (PK-12)*
*Half day for PK3/PK4; full day for K-12.
Aftercare is not available for PK3/PK4 on Aug. 7, but is available for K-8.
Holidays & breaks
Sept 1 Labor Day
Oct 20–21 ..........................Fall Break
Nov 24–28 Thanksgiving Break
Dec 22–Jan 6 Christmas Break
Jan 19 MLK Day
Feb 16–23 Winter Break April 3–10 Easter Break
End of school
May 1 Seniors’ Last Day
May 19 ........................Graduation
May 20 LS Last Day
May 21 ...............................MS/US Last Day
May 22 ECC Last Day (10-month)
July 29 ECC Last Day (12-month)
Be sure to check our web calendar for more dates!
Navigating the First Days of School
FIRST DAY: THURSDAY, JULY 31
• Morning Carpool: 7:15-8:00 am
• Afternoon Carpool: 3:00-3:30 pm
• Aftercare until 6:00 pm
• Send to School Each Day: backpack, water bottle, daily folder
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
All students Grades PK3-12 will start school on Aug.7 PK3/PK4 will have a later start and half day; K-12 will have a full day.
• Morning Carpool Grades K-12: 7:30-8:00 am*
• School Begins for K-12: 8:00 am
• MS Students: Report to MS Gym
• US Students: Report to Brown-Holt Chapel Arts Center
• Picture Day (MS and US Only)
• Morning Carpool for PK3/PK4: 8:30-9:00 am*
• School Begins for PK3/PK4: 9:00 am
• Half Day Dismissal for PK3/PK4: 12:00 pm
• Afternoon Carpool for Grades K-12: 3:15 pm
• Aftercare not available for PK3/PK4; available for K-12
• LS Send to School Each Day: backpack, water bottle, daily folder, two healthy snacks
• MS/US Send to School Each Day: backpack and fully charged computer
*Parents of students entering Grades PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten may park and walk their child in on the first day during morning carpool. Due to parking limitations, we kindly ask parents of students in Grades 1-12 to drop off in morning carpool on the first day of school.
SPARE CLOTHING
Please send a spare change of clothes for PK2-K students in case of spills or accidents. PK2 students who are still mastering bathroom skills may need to send multiple sets of clothing. Please label all clothing, water bottles, snack containers, and anything else you send to school with your child.
SAGE DINING
All of our meals are provided by Sage Dining. K-12 students each lunch in the Rollins Family Dining Hall; PK2PK4 students eat in their classrooms. PK3-1st Grade parents will receive a weekly email that allows them to select their child’s drink and hot lunch or sandwich choices for the upcoming week. PK3–1st selections must be made by 7:30 am each Monday morning. Weekly menu options for all divisions may be viewed on our website.
Aftercare & Enrichment
Aftercare/Study Hall is available for Lower and Middle School students from dismissal until 6:00 pm. We also offer a number of afterschool enrichment opportunities for students of all ages. For more information, visit our website.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
School supplies are provided for Lower and Middle School students. The Upper School supply list will be posted on the Parent Portal on our website prior to the start of school.
Let us hear you ROar in your dunham gear!
We invite you to stop by Tiger Roar, our school spirit store conveniently located in the Middle School Gym, to purchase Dunham spirit items for Tiger fans of all ages. Available products include sweatshirts, t-shirts, golf shirts, shorts, stadium seats, used uniforms, water bottles, hats, blankets, and other popular gift items.
Store Hours | Monday–Friday | 8:00-10:00 am* | 1:30-3:30 pm *closed Wednesday mornings for Chapel | 225-767-7097 ext. 318
visit our online spirit store!
Many of our spirit items can be purchased online and shipped directly to your front door or placed in the store for pick-up.
fun fact: During football season, our cheerleaders sell spirit ribbons on Fridays during morning carpool. The cost is $1, and students are encouraged to wear their spirit ribbons all day!
Required Health Forms
Thanks to a partnership with Ochsner Medical Center, we have a full-time nurse on staff who oversees our health and wellness program. All new students are required to submit their immunization records to their division office via email or in a sealed envelope prior to the start of school. Over the summer, you will be contacted by your division office to complete additional required health forms electronically through PowerSchool, our student information system.
Learn more about student health and wellness on our website.
Connie Jenkins, RN School Nurse
connie.jenkins@dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 348
Summer at Dunham includes a traditional day camp as well as enrichment camps in arts, academics, athletics, STEM, and more. Each year, we welcome enthusiastic campers to an experience that exceeds their expectations for fun, friendship, and adventure, making every summer the best one ever! Our camps are open to Dunham and non-Dunham students ages 3 and up. Full and half-day sessions are available.
Bekah Myers
Director of Summer and Extended Day Programs
bekah.myers@dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 364
summerassignments
Assignments for Lower, Middle, and Upper School will be posted on our website by the end of May.
Dunham Traditions
All School
Friday Spirit Days
See You at the Pole
Meet the Tiger Night & Blessing of the Athletes
Homecoming Week & Parade
Veteran’s Day Assembly
Grandparents Chapel
Dunham Carnival Passion Week
National Day of Prayer
Field Day
Lower School
Innovation Night
PK2 Noah’s Ark Parade
PK3 Fall Family Picnic
PK4 Moon Pie Party
Fall Harvest Parties
Kindergarten Chinese
New Year Celebration
1st Grade Thanksgiving Feast
1st Grade Las Posadas
1st Grade Young Author’s Night
2nd Grade Pumpkin Babies
2nd Grade Biography Day
2nd Grade Mother’s Day Tea
3rd Grade Cajun Night
3rd Grade Prairie Day
4th Grade Americans Alive
Middle School
House Reveal
MS Innovation Night
5th & 6th Grade Movie Night
7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance
7th Grade World Language Cook-Off
5th Grade Rocket Launch
8th Grade Retreat
House Cup Celebration
Upper School
Seniors First Day of School Breakfast
Lunch & Learns
Club Fair
Rally Day
Homecoming Dance
Sports Convocations
BETA Convention
11th & 12th Grade Job Shadow Day
Prefect Applications & Selections
Junior Ring Ceremony
Prom
Class Officer Elections
Senior Walk-Through & Send-Off
Senior Blessing Baccalaureate
Field Trips
PK4 : Louisiana Arts & Sciences Museum, LSU Ag Center
Kindergarten: Baton Rouge Zoo, Strawberry Farm
1st Grade: Manship Theatre
2nd Grade: Pumpkin Patch
3rd Grade: Old State Capitol/ Louisiana State Museum, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
4th Grade: Audubon Zoo, Old Jefferson Community Care Center
5th Grade: Stennis Space Center
6th Grade : Destrehan Plantation
7th Grade: Washington D.C.
8th Grade: LSU Coastal Roots
Junior Class Ring Retreat
Senior Beach Trip
Performances & Awards
LS/MS Musical
US Musical
Herald in the Holidays Concert
Lessons & Carols
Fine Arts Festival
Sports Convocations
PK3 & PK4 Son-shine Ceremony
K & 1st Grade Let It Shine Ceremony
LS Moving Up Ceremony
MS Honors Day
US Honors Convocation
lower school carpool early childhood
The Dunham School Main Campus/Lower School
Morning Carpool: 7:30–8:00 am | Afternoon Carpool: 3:15–3:35 pm
Note: PK3–K students have two carpool options:
Half-Day: 12:30–12:35 pm | All-School: 3:15–3:35 pm
• Enter campus via Lew Hoad Avenue and follow the road around to the Lower School Building.
• Parents should remain in their cars during morning and afternoon carpool.
• Parents arriving after morning carpool ends at 8:00 am, should park in the visitor lot, escort their child inside the Lower School building, and sign in.
• Please note that due to state law, teachers cannot buckle children into car seats or boosters during afternoon pick up; if you have a child who needs to
be buckled, please pull into one of our parking lots to securely fasten your child
lower school
• Pick up anytime after 3:35 pm is considered Aftercare
• To pick up a child from Aftercare, please park, walk in, and enter your four-digit aftercare code to check out your child.
• Lower School students may not be dropped off or picked up in the Middle and Upper School carpool area.
The Dunham Early Childhood Center at Siegen
Morning Carpool: 7:15–8:00 am Teachers will be outside to ensure that children are safely transported to their classrooms. If you arrive after morning carpool, please park, walk your child in, and check him or her in using the Brightwheel app.
Afternoon Pick-Up: There is no afternoon carpool for the Dunham Early Childhood Center. Parents should park and walk inside to sign their child out using the Brightwheel app.
middle & upper carpool
The Dunham School Main Campus
Middle and Upper School
Morning Carpool: 7:30–8:00 am | Afternoon Carpool: 3:15–3:35 pm
• Enter campus via Don Budge Avenue
• Turn into the circle drive on Roy Emerson Avenue
• Pull forward as directed by the teacher on duty
• Do not turn left when leaving the carpool area
• Exit campus via Don Budge Avenue
• Students may not be dropped off or picked up anywhere besides the covered carpool area on Roy Emerson.
uniforms school
Students in PK3–Grade 12 wear uniforms. Twoyear-olds are not required to wear uniforms but may purchase items to wear if they would like to do so.
Uniforms may be purchased through Global Schoolwear by Tommy Hilfiger. Additional uniform items, including cardinal sweaters, gray quarter-zip or full-zip fleeces, and the cardinal and gray tie for Middle and Upper School boys, may be purchased at our Tiger Roar Spirit Store.
Gently used items, including Lands’ End pieces that have been grandfathered in through May of 2026, may be purchased at Tiger Roar or at the Used Uniform Sale hosted by the Dunham Parents Association in June.
Save the Date!
Used Uniform Sale
Saturday, June 28 | 9:00–11:00 am
Middle School Gym
PE Uniforms
Middle and Upper School PE uniforms are required and are available for purchase in the Tiger Roar Spirit Store.
Dress Code Charts
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Dress Code Charts are posted on the Parent Portal page of our website.
Purchase New Uniforms!
Friday Spirit Days
On Fridays, spirit dress is encouraged! Students may wear a school spirit shirt or their athletic shirt with uniform bottoms. Lower School girls may wear the Dunham cheer outfits that are sold in the Tiger Roar Spirit Store.
Innovation & Technology
Welcome to Dunham! On behalf of our technology team, we are thrilled to have your family as part of our school community. Dunham offers a balanced education that blends traditional and innovative methods to support your child’s growth.
Our school is proud to be recognized as the only PK–12 Apple Distinguished School in Louisiana. This distinction reflects our commitment to integrating technology into the learning experience. From our pre-kindergarten to Upper School, our students have access to innovative tools and resources that enhance their educational experience and help them become confident, creative, and capable digital citizens.
What truly sets Dunham apart is our commitment to continuous learning—especially from our dedicated and passionate teachers. Our educators are constantly evolving their practices, embracing new technologies, and finding innovative ways to inspire and engage students.
Nikole Blanchard Director of Innovation & Technology
nikole.blanchard@dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 314
We invite you to stop by the Tiger Tech Center so we can meet you in person!
Your partner in education, Nikole Blanchard
Recognized by Apple as a distinguished school for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment.
new student tech training
New Middle and Upper School students must attend a technology training session prior to the start of school. A link to sign up for one of the dates listed below will be emailed to you in the summer.
July 22 | 9:00-10:00 am..................................................... Middle School
July 23 | 9:00-10:00 am...................................................... Upper School
July 29 | 9:00-10:00 am Upper School
July 30 | 9:00-10:00 am Middle School
August 6 | 9:00-10:00 am ............................... Middle &
School
athletics
Neil
Weiner
Athletic Director
neil.weiner@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 357
upper school athletics
Dunham Athletics is an extension of education, emphasizing discipline and competition at the highest level. We encourage multi-sport participation while maintaining academic excellence. All teams are LHSAA-sanctioned, and eligibility requirements apply.
FALL
Cross-Country
Swimming
Volleyball
Football
WINTER
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Powerlifting
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Wrestling
Matt Smith
Middle School
Athletic Director
matt.smith@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 326
SPRING
Baseball
Boys Golf
Girls Golf
Softball
Boys Tennis
Girls Tennis
Track & Field
formsrequired
Middle and Upper School students who plan to participate in team sports next year must turn in the required athletic forms. Upper School athletes must submit both the Upper School LHSAA Packet (first-time participants only) and the Annual Dunham Athletics Medical Packet (sports physical required). Middle School athletes are only required to turn in the completed Annual Dunham Athletics Medical Packet (sports physical required). 2025-2026 Athletic Forms will be posted to our Athletics web page as well as the Parent Portal this spring.
go tigers!
middle school athletics
Middle School teams prepare athletes for Upper School competition while promoting teamwork and discipline. We strive for the “double win”—being competitive while providing playing opportunities. However, playing time depends on practice attendance, effort, and academics. Most middle school competitions take place on weeknights.
FALL
Cross-Country
Swimming
Softball
Football
WINTER
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Wrestling
SPRING
Track & Field Volleyball
Can’t make it to the game? Many of our varsity home games are livestreamed on the Dunham Broadcast Network.
Development Staff
Welcome to Tiger Nation! My name is Kelly DeRossette, and I am the Director of Development at The Dunham School. Like you, I am a Dunham parent. I have two boys, Dalton, who will be in 7th grade next year, and Mason, who will be in the 5th grade.
The development office is here to assist you as you transition into a new school. From volunteer and fundraising efforts to community-wide events and alumni engagement, there are many ways to get plugged in and connected to the Dunham community.
Kelly DeRossette
Director of Development
kelly.derossette@dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 355
Nancy Little
Director of Alumni & Corporate Fundraising nancy.little@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 327
I invite you to use this new family guide as a resource and reach out with any questions you might have. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Go Tigers! Kelly DeRossette
Ashley Istre
Special Events Coordinator
ashley.istre@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 352
Ciara Martin
Director of Annual Giving ciara.martin@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 369
Christen Blanchard
Assistant to the Head of School & Database Manager christen.blanchard@ dunhamschool.org
225-767-7097 ext. 387
2025-2026 Community Events
June
get involved! fun ways to
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
A great way to get involved with the Dunham community is to join one or more of our volunteer organizations. Whether you’re interested in arts, athletics, fundraising, or event planning, there is an opportunity for you to get involved and support the school.
Alumni Council
Breakfast with Santa Committee
Dunham Cup Golf Classic Committee
Annual Giving Parent Cabinet
Carnival Committee
Dunham Men’s Club
Dunham Parents Association (DPA) Jubilee
New Family Liaisons
Partners in the Arts
Pawbackers
Room Moms
Parent Ambassadors
Paw Perks
Pray Dunham
For more information about any of our volunteer organizations, visit our website, or contact Special Events Coordinator Ashley Istre.
we love our grandparents!
Grandparents are important members of our school community. All Dunham grandparents are invited to join the Grandparents Association. To make sure your child’s grandparents receive notifications about volunteer opportunities and special events, please submit their contact information with your other back-to-school forms.
What is the tigers too Legacy Society?
The Tigers Too Legacy Society, administered by our alumni office, celebrates students whose parents are Dunham graduates. Tigers Too members receive a special back-to-school gift and have opportunities to participate in events and activities throughout the school year, including a pre-game tailgate and an on-field presentation during a home football game in the fall.
If you are an alumni family, please mark your calendar for the Tigers Too Presentation on September 12, 2025!
Fundraising Initiatives
THE DUNHAM FUND is our annual giving campaign. Gifts to this fund support the school in three key areas—faculty support, scholarships and financial assistance, and the area of greatest need. The Dunham Fund is the one campaign we ask everyone to support each year. Many families choose to make a gift or pledge during Annual Giving Commitment Week, which will be held September 29–October 3. We understand that as a new family, you may have questions about The Dunham Fund. Please feel free to contact Director of Annual Giving Ciara Martin.
FACULTY
The Dunham Fund assists the school in hiring and retaining outstanding teachers and in providing ongoing professional development for the individuals who have the greatest impact on our students’ lives.
SCHOLARSHIP
The Dunham Fund assists the school in providing nearly $2,000,000 annually in merit scholarships and need-based tuition assistance to students who might otherwise not have access to a Dunham education.
Learn more about the Dunham Fund
Corporate Sponsorships
OUR CORPORTATE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM gives local businesses the opportunity to partner with our school in a unique way that provides brand exposure across all major Dunham events while positively impacting the lives of our students as they pursue excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. Corporate sponsorships are valuable options for companies interested in reaching Dunham families, fans, and supporters throughout the school year. For more information about this program, please visit our website or contact Director of Alumni and Corporate Fundraising Nancy Little.
Learn more about Corporate Sponsorships
AREA OF GREATEST NEED
The Dunham Fund provides the general operating budget with unrestricted funds that are used to support the school’s highest priorities in areas such as academics, arts, technology, or campus improvements.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
THE 40 & FOREVER CAMPAIGN is a comprehensive $16 million capital campaign that aims to secure funding for capital building projects, faculty and program expansion, and longterm financial sustainability. To date, gifts and pledges to the campaign have surpassed $10.8 million, and we expect to close out the campaign by May of 2026. To learn more about the campaign and our current or proposed capital projects, please visit our website.
HONORING THE PAST.
SECURING THE FUTURE.
event Fundraisers
THE DUNHAM CUP GOLF CLASSIC is a favorite fall event that raises funds for alumni outreach and programming. The annual tournament is open to the community and follows an 18-hole, two-man scramble format.
THE DUNHAM JUBILEE is our community’s premier event fundraiser featuring live and silent auctions, great fun, food, and fellowship. Proceeds support the school’s academic, athletic, and fine arts programs.
THE DUNHAM CARNIVAL brings the entire community together for a day of games, food, and family fun! Proceeds benefit Dunham fine arts and athletics.
contact us!
LOWER SCHOOL OFFICE
Laura Hampton
Lower School Administrative Assistant laura.hampton@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 Ext. 310
MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE
Shannon Henry Middle School Administrative Assistant shannon.henry@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 Ext. 331
UPPER SCHOOL OFFICE
Stacie Boswell
Upper School Administrative Assistant stacie.boswell@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 Ext.311
MCKAY ACADEMIC CENTER
Lynn Hains
McKay Academic Center Administrative Assistant lynn.hains@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 Ext. 307
STUDENT BILLING
Sheila Crotwell
Student Accounts Manager sheila.crotwell@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 ext. 323
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
The best way to communicate with your child’s teachers is through email. Visit our Faculty/Staff Directory on the website.
STUDENT HEALTH
Connie Jenkins School Nurse connie.jenkins@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 ext. 348
COUNSELORS
Elizabeth Singletary Lower School Counselor elizabeth.singletary@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 ext. 342
Elizabeth Robin Middle and Upper School Counselor elizabeth.robin@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 ext. 385
Beau Dantin Middle and Upper School Counselor beau.dantin@dunhamschool.org 225-767-7097 ext. 315
Dunham, Dunham, dear alma mater, to your ideals we pledge to be true. As we strive to reach ever higher, Father inspire us and guide us through. Here our hearts will linger forever, wandering never far away from Dunham, Dunham, dear alma mater, our hearts stay true, for they belong to you.
Welcome to Tiger Nation!