Get ready for our student-only Fall Party on the morning of Friday, November 1st! This fun-filled event is just for students and will feature performances of songs and dances, field games, arts and crafts, and more! Students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to school on this day (please avoid wearing them on Halloween itself). Remember, no weapons or costumes that aren’t comfortable or appropriate for school. If you’d like to volunteer and help make this event a success, email Liz Newchurch at lnewchurch@ssesh.org. We can’t wait to celebrate together!

A reminder that First Trimester Conferences will be held on Friday, November 8th, and there will be NO school that day. Your child’s teacher will reach out to schedule your conference. Please note that students in Lower Elementary and above are expected to attend with their parents, while Orientation and Primary conferences are for parents and teachers only.

For families already enrolled in Extended Care, we are offering Conference Care. For questions about Conference Care, please email Chris Giles at cgiles@ssesh.org or Celia Hughes at chughes@ssesh.org.

Join us for our Open House on Saturday, November 2nd, from 9:00-11:00 am! This is a perfect opportunity for both prospective families and current families planning ahead for the next level. Whether you’re new to SSESH or thinking about your child’s next step in their Montessori journey, this event is for you!

Come meet our teachers, specialists, and support staff, and explore as many Montessori classrooms as you’d like. Learn more about each level, the academic approach, expectations, and how we support your child’s growth. We can’t wait to see you there!

We’re excited to share our Annual Fund participation statistics! As of this week, overall parent participation stands at 23%. Here’s a breakdown by division: Orientation has 24%, Primary and Lower Elementary are both at 27%, Upper Elementary is at 29%, and Middle Years is at 25%. We are also thrilled to report that both our faculty and staff, as well as our Board members, achieved a perfect participation rate of 100%. Let’s aim high and see where we land a week from now—together, we can achieve our goal of 100% participation!

• Donate Online: 2024 Annual Fund
• By Pledge: Annual Fund Pledge Form (Fulfill by June 30, 2025)
• By Check: Payable to “St. Stephen’s Episcopal School,” drop it at the front desk or mail to 1800 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77098
• By Stock: Contact the Development Department at development@ssesh.org or 713-821-9111
• Matching Gifts: Check if your company offers matching to double your impact

We are excited to introduce the St. Stephen’s Summer Travel Program, a unique opportunity designed to broaden students’ horizons by exploring some of the most adventurous and beautiful regions of the country. This optional program is open to rising 6th through graduating 8th-grade students and aims to foster both holistic learning and personal growth beyond the walls of the classroom through hands-on, immersive experiences.

By participating, students will develop a deeper connection to nature, history, and each other while building independence and confidence. Led by Ms. Meredith, the Summer Travel Coordinator and Middle Years Math and Science Teacher, this year’s program offers an exciting chance to travel to Acadia National Park in Maine. Students will have the opportunity to kayak with whales, hike summits to watch the sunset, and ride bikes along picturesque carriage trails.

For more information about this amazing program, please reach out to Meredith Guerrero at mguerrero@ssesh.org.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our SSESH Book Fair this year! It was fantastic to see so many students—from orientation through 8th grade—along with parents, faculty, staff, grandparents, and even some alumni joining in the celebration of reading. Your support has made a significant impact, and our teachers are thrilled to fill their classrooms with new books. Thank you for making this event such a wonderful success!

The PTO is still collecting new socks throughout October to support Grace Place, a local non-profit serving homeless teens in Montrose. Grace Place offers a safe and welcoming space for vulnerable youth, providing essentials like clothing, food, and skill-building opportunities.

Please drop off your sock donations in the collection box located in front of the church by Ms. Whitney’s desk. Donations will be blessed in chapel and delivered to Grace Place. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Mark your calendars for the joint Church and School Fall Retreat at Camp Allen, happening November 15-17. It’s a wonderful weekend of connection, reflection, and fun for all ages. Stay tuned—more details to come!

Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to the trees and buildings at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, resulting in costly repairs. While insurance covered part of the expenses, we are still left with a substantial balance. If you’re able, please consider supporting our Beryl Tree Damage Fund.