Dear Parents of 9th graders,

The Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) is approaching quickly! Counselors and teachers have been busy making plans to take the entire freshman class camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Please note the following reminders:

• Hiking boots (not hiking shoes) are the only permissible footwear on land during the trip. Students who have new boots should wear them many times throughout the summer. By breaking the boots in, the students are less likely to get blisters on the trip. Each student will also need a pair of closed-toed water shoes for stream activities. 
• The mandatory Pre-Trip Freshman Meeting will be held in the Munnerlyn Center from 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, which is the day before we leave on the trip. Students must wear their hiking boots to this meeting.  This meeting is for students only. 
• Freshmen should arrive at school on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 a.m. to board the buses to Georgia.  There will be two locations for boarding the buses. During the orientation meeting on Tuesday, the students will get their boarding information.    
• If your child will be taking prescription medications during the trip, they will be collected at the start of the meeting by Tonya Carter. Please bring a 4 day supply of each medication in the original container. 
• Teachers will carry common over-the-counter medications that they can administer to students as needed. If there are other non-prescription medications or supplements that your student takes regularly, please include them.
• The packing list, itinerary, trip video trailer, and an informational podcast are all available on the 9GOA link under the “Important Now” section of your My ESJ Parent Portal. If you have questions or concerns you can reach Megan Wickenden via email: wickendenm@testing-phlexon.online

The first senior Application Kickoff is tomorrow, August 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Gooding Boardroom (library conference room). We look forward to kicking things off with the class of 2026!

All seniors must attend one of four sessions offered Aug 2, Aug 11, Aug 16, or Aug 23. Each session will take place in the library conference room from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Seniors who have not yet signed up for a session need to complete the Application Kickoff RSVP (available only through the student’s esj.org account) to reserve a seat. Students may change their date through the same link if their plans change.

About Application Kickoff

Episcopal College Counselors meet with all seniors to ensure a smooth start to the application season and senior year. 

We’ll revisit essential tools, including the Common Application and Scoir, ensuring each senior understands the necessary policies, procedures, and requirements.

In addition, seniors will complete important authorization forms, update their college lists, learn about required procedures, and set up individual meetings with their college counselor.

Throughout the year, we (college counselors) guide and support seniors with every aspect of the admissions process – from balancing the college list to brainstorming essay responses to reviewing applications and essays prior to submission.

Application Kickoff is one of many programs Episcopal College Counseling hosts each year to ensure that students are well-informed and well-supported.