Your weekly update with school news, upcoming events, and important reminders to keep our community connected.
Upcoming Events
Parent Education: Language and Culture in the Montessori Classroom
Join us on Thursday, November 14th, from 5:00-6:30 pm for a Parent Education session on Language and Culture in Montessori classrooms from Orientation to Middle Years. Discover how language development is integrated with cultural studies, fostering curiosity, global awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world. RSVP to Liz Newchurch at lnewchurch@ssesh.org.
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!
Mark your calendars for Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Friday, November 22nd! For more details, scroll down.
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!
Annual Fund Update
We’re excited to share this week’s Annual Fund update, showing remarkable progress! As of today, total Annual Fund support has reached $106,656, with parent participation increasing to 49%. Here’s the breakdown by division: Orientation is at 51%, Primary is at 45%, Lower Elementary leads at 58%, Upper Elementary is at 59%, and Middle Years is at 58%.
As you consider your tax-deductible gift, remember that tuition covers basic costs, while the Annual Fund supports 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!
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
nurse@SSESH.org
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!