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In our weekly newsletter, Paw Prints, you will find:
- Wildcats in the News
- Important All-School Announcements, Japonica Announcements and University Announcements
- Links to calendars
- Wildcat Cafe information & links
- Online Campus Store information & link
- Church Information
- Ways that you can support SLES
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As we look forward to an exciting new school year, we invite you to be part of supporting the mission of
St. Luke's. Whether you're interested in volunteering, participating in fundraising events, or making a gift, there are many meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference.
Visit our website to learn more about our development initiatives and opportunities to support our school community. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mr. Chip Menton at cmenton@slesmobile.org. We look forward to partnering with you for another outstanding year!
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COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE: LEARNING NEVER STOPS AT ST. LUKE'S
While students have been enjoying their summer break, many of our St. Luke's faculty and staff have been hard at work investing in professional learning and growth. Throughout the summer, employees have participated in conferences, workshops, certification programs, webinars, and specialized training to strengthen their skills, explore innovative teaching strategies, and stay current with best
practices in education.
This ongoing commitment to professional development reflects our dedication to providing the very best educational experience for every student. We are proud of our faculty and staff for investing their time and talents to ensure St. Luke's continues to be a place where students thrive.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact of what they've learned as we begin another
outstanding school year!
Mrs. Champagne and Mrs. Miniard attended the Get Your Teach On Conference in Orlando, one of the nation's premier professional development events for educators. The conference featured the latest research-based instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and innovative ideas designed to make learning more engaging and meaningful for students.
Throughout the conference, they participated in sessions led by nationally recognized educators, gaining practical resources, fresh inspiration, and creative activities they are excited to bring back to St. Luke's classrooms. They look forward to putting these new ideas into practice as they continue to create engaging learning experiences and provide the very best for our students.
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St. Luke's Band Director Mr. Daniel Driskell recently participated in the Florida Bandmasters Summer Conference in Orlando, Florida. The annual conference brings together music educators from across the Southeast for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and musical excellence.
Throughout the conference, Mr. Driskell attended interactive workshops led by respected music professors and directors from Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. One of the highlights of the event was a keynote presentation by internationally acclaimed jazz trombonist and educator Wycliffe Gordon, whose passion for music and education inspired attendees.
In addition to participating in educational sessions, Mr. Driskell had the opportunity to perform in both the Director Masterworks Session and the Disney Imagination Campus Workshop for Music Teachers, collaborating with fellow music educators from across the region.
He also attended honor band rehearsals and concerts, gaining valuable insight into advanced rehearsal techniques and performance practices, and enjoyed a special performance by the Southern Winds Community Orchestra.
Professional development opportunities like the Florida Bandmasters Summer Conference allow educators to stay current with innovative teaching strategies while continuing to grow as musicians themselves. We are excited to see Mr. Driskell bring new ideas, inspiration, and experiences back to the St. Luke's Band program as he prepares for another outstanding year with our student musicians.
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Several members of the St. Luke's faculty recently attended the Mega Conference for Educators in Mobile, joining educators from across the region for a week of professional learning and collaboration.
The week-long, in-person conference offered opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in in-depth training sessions, and learn from leading experts representing a wide range of educational fields. Attendees explored innovative teaching strategies, classroom best practices, instructional technology, leadership development, and new ideas designed to enhance student learning.
Professional development is an important part of our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every St. Luke's student. By investing in continuous learning, our teachers return to the classroom with fresh ideas, practical resources, and renewed inspiration that directly benefit our school community.
We are grateful for our dedicated educators who continually seek opportunities to grow professionally and bring the very best to our students each day.
Not pictured: Alicia Matthews.
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FROM HOME KITCHEN TO FOOD NETWORK: ST. LUKE'S PARENT, HOLLEY FRANCIS INSPIRES OUR CAMPERS
When Holley Francis started sharing recipes through Holley in the Kitchen in January 2025, she never imagined it would lead to competing on national television. After receiving what she initially thought was a scam message on Instagram from a casting director, Holley took a chance, submitted a casting video, and was eventually selected to compete on the Food Network's hit series 100 Cooks.
The competition featured 100 home cooks from across the country—people without professional culinary training who simply love cooking for their families and communities. Just weeks after learning she had been cast, Holley was on a plane to Los Angeles, stepping into the adventure of a lifetime.
Filmed inside a former IKEA building transformed into an impressive television set, the competition challenged contestants with surprise cooking challenges, long filming days, and high-pressure decisions. Holley proudly competed as Contestant #95, building friendships with fellow home cooks while proving that passion, creativity, and determination can take you farther than you ever imagined.
One of the show's most memorable moments came after Holley won the "One-of-a-Kind Burger" challenge with her Smashburger Tacos. She earned the opportunity to spin for a $10,000 Money Ball, but faced a difficult choice: take the money and leave the competition or return it to continue competing. Without hesitation, Holley chose to keep cooking, saying the once-in-a-lifetime experience meant more to her than the prize money. That decision paid off as she advanced all the way to the Top 3 out of 100 home cooks—an accomplishment she describes as one of the proudest moments of her life.
This summer, Holley brought that same enthusiasm to St. Luke's Summer Camp, where she spent time cooking with our campers. She encouraged students to think creatively in the kitchen, showing them how presentation can make even something as simple as chicken nuggets feel special. She also shared one of her favorite cookie recipes so campers could recreate it at home with their families.
Perhaps the greatest compliment came at the end of the day when several campers told Holley they wanted to become cooks just like her. Moments like those remind us that inspiration often begins with someone willing to share their passion.
Holley's journey is a wonderful reminder that taking a leap of faith can lead to extraordinary opportunities. We are grateful she shared her story and her love of cooking. We look forward to cheering her on in all that comes next.
Follow Holley's cooking adventures on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen, on Facebook at Holley in the Kitchen, or visit holleyinthekitchen.com for recipes and more.
Click here for a Q&A with Holley
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TWO WILDCATS NAMED AMONG ALABAMA'S TOP
VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
Congratulations to St. Luke’s Emma Kate Frazier and Millie Wilson on being recognized by AL.com as two of the Top State Volleyball Players in Alabama's Single-A Private Schools!
We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish this season!
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COACH BEATTY RECOGNIZED WITH
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP COACH'S AWARD
Congratulations to Coach Beatty! Coach Beatty was recognized at the Alabama High School Athletic Association Coaches Awards Banquet, where he received his State Championship Coach's Award in honor of leading the Wildcats to the 2025-2026 AHSAA Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship!
This well-deserved recognition reflects Coach Beatty's outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to developing student-athletes.. We are incredibly proud of Coach Beatty and our championship-winning team for an unforgettable season.
Congratulations, Coach! Your St. Luke's family is proud of you!
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VOLLEYBALL TEAM EARNS NATIONAL ACADEMIC HONORS
Congratulations to our Volleyball Team for earning the 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)!
This national recognition honors volleyball teams that have demonstrated excellence in the classroom by maintaining outstanding academic achievement throughout the school year.
In addition to receiving the Team Academic Award, the Wildcats also earned the prestigious distinction of being named to the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, recognizing them among the top 20% of team GPAs nationally within their division.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and commitment these
student-athletes demonstrate both on the court and in the classroom.
Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
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WILDCATS REPRESENT ALABAMA'S BEST AT THE
2026 AHSAA ALL-STAR GAMES
Congratulations to our outstanding rising senior student-athletes who were selected to participate in the 2026 AHSAA South All-Star Games, an honor reserved for some of the top athletes in the state.
- Cross Country - Zachary Robinson
- Tennis - Lauren Watson
- Soccer - Michael Reedy, Ashlyn Turner, Sofia Maghupoy
Selection to the AHSAA South All-Star Games is a testament to each athlete’s dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence in their sport. We are incredibly proud of these Wildcats for representing
St. Luke's and competing among Alabama's finest student-athletes.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and best of luck during your senior year!
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REMINDER: OFFICE HOURS & SUMMER SCHEDULE
Regular office hours will resume on Monday, August 3.
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UPCOMING PAW PRINTS SCHEDULE
Starting on August 21st, Paw Prints will return to its regular schedule,
publishing every Friday during full school weeks.
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2026-2027 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE
As we look ahead to another exciting school year, we are pleased to share the 2026–2027 Back-to-School Guide. This guide contains important information to help your family prepare for the upcoming school year and serves as a valuable resource throughout the summer.
Please be sure to review the guide carefully, as it includes:
- K5–12th Grade: Summer assignment links
- 6th–8th Grade: Middle School supply lists and textbook information
- 9th–12th Grade: Upper School textbook lists
- Important dates, procedures, and back-to-school information for all grade levels
We encourage you to save this guide for easy reference as you prepare for the first day of school.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to
welcoming our students back to campus soon!
Click here for the Back to School Guide 2026-2027
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JAPONICA CAMPUS WORK DAY (AUGUST 1)
Join us for our Japonica Campus Work Day on Saturday, August 1, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
We have a variety of projects to complete, and we'd love to have your help.
Upper School students can also earn service hours by volunteering during the workday.
If you have any questions, please contact Dawn McLaughlin at dawnpmclaughlin@gmail.com.
Thank you for helping us prepare our campus for another wonderful year at St. Luke's!
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UNIVERSITY CAMPUS WILDCAT WELCOME (AUGUST 5)
New Wildcats, this one’s for YOU!
The countdown is on for our University Campus Wildcat Welcome! Join us on WEDNESDAY, August 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium as we officially welcome all new 6th-grade students and new students in grades 7–12, along with their parents/guardians.
Come meet fellow Wildcats, learn what to expect for the school year, and get ready for an
amazing year ahead!
Feel free to bring your laptop for setup assistance.
Questions? Contact cmenton@slesmobile.org.
We can't wait to meet our newest Wildcats and help you start the year off strong.
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JAPONICA CAMPUS PARENT PREVIEW (AUGUST 10)
Parents, this one is for you!
Before our Wildcats head back to class, join us for our K2–5th Grade Parent Preview on
Monday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m.
This parents-only event is your opportunity to get important information, learn about the year ahead, and make sure you're ready for a fantastic start to the school year. Parents/Guardians Only.
Have questions? Please contact cmenton@slesmobile.org.
We look forward to partnering with you for another amazing year of learning, growth,
and Wildcat memories!
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JAPONICA CAMPUS MEET & GREET (AUGUST 11)
Get ready to get WILD about learning!
Calling all K2–5th-grade Wildcats! Join us for our Japonica Campus Meet & Greet and meet your teacher before the first day of school!
August 11 - Drop in anytime between 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Take a peek at your classroom, meet your teacher, and start getting excited for an amazing year ahead. Whether you're a brand-new Wildcat or a returning one, we can't wait to see you!
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PRINTABLE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGNS
We've got you covered with the 2026-2027 First Day of School signs for ALL grades, K2-12th!
Print your signs as a photo prop for your back-to-school pictures.
Please tag us on social media!
Click here for your printable Back to School Sign
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JOIN THE WILDCAT ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Support Wildcat athletics by becoming a member of the 2026–2027 St. Luke's Athletic Booster Club! Whether you're a current family, alumni, grandparent, or community supporter, your membership helps provide valuable resources that enhance the experience of our student-athletes and athletic programs.
Booster Club members play an important role in supporting our teams throughout the year, and we would love to have you join us. If you're interested in becoming a member for the 2026–2027 school year, please complete the Athletic Booster Club Membership Form.
Thank you for helping us continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our Wildcat athletes!
Click here for Booster Club Membership Information
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Stay connected and up to date with the latest news and announcements for your campus.
Click the links below to find important information, upcoming events, and campus updates. Be sure to check back weekly so you don't miss important information.
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ST. LUKE'S WILDCAT WAREHOUSE
Show your Wildcat pride! The Spirit Store's storefront is in Room 305 on the University Campus.
We will be adding merchandise, so please fill out this suggestion form
to let us know what you would like to see for sale in the future.
All proceeds of the Online Campus Store go to school programs and supplies.
We will deliver purchases to your student unless you request to pick-up.
Click here to shop!
Please don't forget to leave your student's name and grade level during the checkout process so that we know which campus to deliver to. Thank you for having Wildcat Spirit and supporting SLES!
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ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH WEEKLY NEWS
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services – 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Adult Education Class – 8:45 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School (k4-5th grade) – 10:00 a.m.
Youth Sunday School (6th-12th grade) – 10:00 a.m.
Youth Outing every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (bowling, laser tag, mini golf, exploring downtown, and more!)
Weekly Services:
Mondays: Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m.
First Wednesday of every Month: Healing Service at 12:00 p.m.
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