Your weekly update with school news, upcoming events, and important reminders to keep our community connected.

Upcoming Events

Looking forward to it!

We’re looking forward to the St. Stephen’s Fall Retreat at Camp Allen from November 15-17! It’ll be a wonderful time to connect, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the piney woods together. See you there!

Save the Date: Grandparents and Special Friends Day – November 22nd!

SSESH will be closed

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday break from Monday, November 23 through Friday, November 27. We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends, find moments to relax, and celebrate the season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus refreshed and ready for the upcoming weeks on Monday, December 2. Have a wonderful break!

Save the Date: Middle Years Holiday Party!

Middle Years students, get ready for a festive evening with Dr. Troy and your teachers! Join us in CoHO on Thursday, December 12th, from 6:00-7:30 pm for games, holiday treats, and time together. More details coming soon—don’t miss it!

Help Spread Holiday Cheer: Gift Wrapping with the PTO!

Gather in the Pecore Hall after drop off to help give the gift of time to our teachers by wrapping their holiday gifts for their families. Wrapping paper, ribbon, notions, and tags provided by the PTO. Volunteers are needed and festive attire is highly encouraged!

Our Holiday Program is December 20th

Mark your calendars for Friday, December 20th! Join us as we celebrate the season with songs and stories honoring various winter holidays. Stay tuned for more details coming soon—we can’t wait to share this special day with you!

Annual Fund Update

Annual Fund Update: Exciting Progress!

We’re thrilled to share this week’s Annual Fund update, showcasing incredible momentum! As of today, total Annual Fund support has reached $129,356, with overall parent participation climbing to 51%. Here’s the latest breakdown by division:

  • Orientation: 51%
  • Primary: 49%
  • Lower Elementary: 60%
  • Upper Elementary: 59%
  • Middle Years: 67%

As you consider your tax-deductible gift, remember that while tuition covers basic costs, the Annual Fund provides the enriching experiences that our students deserve. Faculty/Staff and Board member participation remains at 100%—please join them in making a generous contribution today!

Donate Here!

The Excitement is Building for Grandparents and Special Friends Day!

There’s a joyful buzz around campus as we prepare for one of our favorite events of the year—Grandparents and Special Friends Day! Students have been pouring their creativity and energy into making this day unforgettable. In art and their classrooms, they’re crafting heartfelt gifts for their guests and preparing their spaces to showcase the work they’re most proud of.

The sound of music fills the air as students rehearse their songs, eager to share their performances with loved ones. Teachers are weaving in stories and lessons about grandparents, sparking meaningful discussions about family, love, and connection. Meanwhile, classrooms are being polished and prepped to welcome our special visitors with open arms.

We are counting down the days and cannot wait to welcome everyone to campus next Friday. This is a day for creating memories, celebrating our community, and showcasing the incredible work our students have been doing.

Be sure to check your email for important event details, including arrival times, parking, and schedules. We look forward to seeing you soon for this wonderful celebration!

Pies & Flowers Teacher Appreciation Announcement!

The PTO is preparing for our Pies and Flowers event on Thursday, November 21 at 8:15 AM to show appreciation for our teachers and staff. We are seeking donations to help make this special day possible. Your support, large or small, is greatly appreciated as we come together to express our gratitude for all that our educators do for our children. Thank you!
 

At-a-Glance

Key Dates

November 2024

  • 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!