Your weekly update with school news, upcoming events, and important reminders to keep our community connected.
Upcoming Events
Attention Families!
Please note that regular classes will be suspended on Friday, October 8th, for conferences. Conference care will be available for students already enrolled in extended care. If you have any questions about childcare, please direct them to chughes@ssesh.org and cgiles@ssesh.org. Thank you!
SSESH Open House – Explore What’s Next!
Join us for our Open House on Saturday, November 2nd, from 9:00-11:00 am! This is the 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!
Discover more about each level, our academic approach, expectations, and how we support your child’s growth. To register, click here: Open House Registration. We can’t wait to see you there!
First Trimester Conferences
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 has already sent out sign-up links for scheduling 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.
Parent Education: Language and Culture in the Montessori Classroom
Join us on Thursday, November 14th, from 5:00-6:30 pm for an insightful Parent Education session on Language and Culture in the Montessori Classrooms from Orientation to Middle Years. In Montessori, “culture” includes history, geography, botany, and zoology, offering a holistic learning experience. Discover how language development is woven into cultural studies, as children build vocabulary and explore the natural world. Learn how these subjects nurture curiosity, global awareness, and a deep understanding of the world. Whether you’re new to Montessori or familiar with its methods, this session will provide valuable insights into your child’s educational journey.
Please RSVP to Liz Newchurch at lnewchurch@ssesh.org.
Looking forward to it!
Join us for the St. Stephen’s Fall Retreat at Camp Allen from November 15th to 17th! This is a wonderful opportunity for school and church families to connect, relax, and grow together in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy engaging activities, inspiring discussions, and fellowship with fellow families. Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date: Grandparents and Special Friends Day – November 22nd!
Mark your calendars for Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Friday, November 22nd! For more details, scroll down.
Annual Fund Update
We’re thrilled to share this week’s Annual Fund update, showing incredible growth! As of today, total Annual Fund support has reached $97,841, with overall parent participation rising to 45%. Here’s the breakdown by division: Orientation is at 49%, Primary is at 42%, Lower Elementary leads at 55%, Upper Elementary is at 52%, and Middle Years is at 58%.
As you consider your tax-deductible gift, remember that tuition covers basic costs, while the Annual Fund helps provide the enriching experiences our students deserve. Faculty/Staff and Board member participation remains at 100%—please join them by giving generously today!
A Note from the School Nurse
Thank you to those of you who have completed the updated Over-the-Counter Medication Form in Magnus. If you have not yet done so, please do. This electronic signature form is quick and easy to complete. If you are having trouble logging in to Magnus, please contact me as soon as possible and I will assist you in this process.
Christina Heinroth BSN, RN
713-821-9100 x118
Grandparent and Special Friend’s Day – November 22nd!
We are excited to invite your child’s grandparents or special adults to our annual Grandparent and Special Friend’s Day on Friday, November 22nd, from 8:45 to 11:30 am! This special event celebrates gratitude, learning, and love, highlighting the important figures in our children’s lives who contribute to who they are.
The morning will kick off with a delightful breakfast for all adult guests, followed by a fun-filled time in the classrooms and a special performance in the nave. Half of the guests will start with classroom activities while the other half enjoys the performance, and then they will switch. This rotation will ensure that everyone gets to experience both the engaging classroom projects and the wonderful showcase our students have prepared. Activities will be separated by Purple and Teal Houses, allowing siblings to enjoy the day together.
Please remember, this is an early dismissal day, and there will be no aftercare available. We will need written consent for children to leave with their guests. If you already know who will accompany your child, please RSVP at ssesh.org/grandparentsday2024. Note that this event is designed for grandparents and special friends only; parents may attend only as the special guest due to limited space.
To help make the invitations extra special, we will be sending home stamped postcards for children to send to their invitees. Additionally, valet parking will be available to ensure a smooth arrival.
We can’t wait to celebrate with our wonderful community!
Your Feedback Matters: Help Us Continue to Grow and Improve
We kindly ask you to take a few minutes to complete our confidential parent survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping our teachers and administrators understand how we can continue to offer the best education and community for your children and families. As a valued member of our community, your insights will guide us in making improvements and ensuring that we meet your needs.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing the parent survey here: Parent Survey. Thank you for your time and input!
At-a-Glance
Key Dates
November 2024
- 11/7 – PTO Meeting
- 11/8 – No School; All School Conferences
- 11/15 – 11/17 – St. Stephen’s Fall Retreat
- 11/22 – Grandparents and Special Friends Day; Early Dismissal; No Extended Care
- 11/25 – 11/29 – Thanksgiving Break
December 2024
- 12/20 – All-School Chapel; Early Dismissal; No Extended Care
- 12/23 – 1/3 – Winter Break
January 2025
- 12/23 – 1/3 – Winter Break
- 1/6 – No School; Teacher In-Service
- 1/20 – No School; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 2025
- 2/21 – No School; All School Conferences
March 2025
- 3/10 – 3/14 – Spring Break
April 2025
- 4/18 – 4/21 – No School; Good Friday and Easter Monday
May 2025
- 5/23 – Last Day of School; Early Dismissal; No Extended Care
- 5/26 – Memorial Day
- 5/27 – 5/30 – Teacher In-Service and Conferences; Summer Camp Prep
Bulldog Compliments
At St. Stephen’s, we have an easy way for anyone in the St. Stephen’s community to show their appreciation for a faculty, staff, or leadership team member. We call it sending a “Bulldog Compliment.”
Here is how it works. Click the Send A Bulldog Compliment image and follow the prompts. It only takes a few clicks, and you are done.
All compliments are anonymous and will be sent to the person (or persons) you choose to recognize. There is no limit to how many you can send, so be as generous as you wish!