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

Why Attend the Gala?

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Gala on Saturday, April 26th, from 6:00–10:00 PM at the elegant C. Baldwin Hotel in downtown Houston.

The Gala isn’t just a night of celebration—it’s a chance to directly support the heart of our school community. Every table purchased and every auction item bought helps fund vital initiatives like:

  • Student Financial Assistance – ensuring more families can access the gift of a St. Stephen’s education

  • Teacher Training and Faculty Development – investing in the people who inspire and guide our students every day

  • Programmatic and Physical Enhancements – enriching the student experience with improved environments and opportunities

Your presence at the Gala makes a difference. Come for the fun, stay for the impact!

🎟️ Buy your table, tickets, or sponsorship today: https://onecau.se/sseshgala2025

Upcoming Events

🌟 All-School Playground Meetup – Saturday, April 12th! 🌟

Join us on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00-11:00 AM for a fun and welcoming All-School Playground Meetup! This is a special opportunity for our entire school community to come together to play, connect, and meet new friends—including our newest students joining us next year!

Let’s make this a warm and inviting event for all—wear your SSESH spirit t-shirts and help us show our new families what makes our community so special. We can’t wait to see you there! 💜

Easter Weekend Reminder

There will be no school on Friday, April 18 or Monday, April 21 as we celebrate Easter weekend. Enjoy the time with your family—and don’t forget to stop and admire the bluebonnets!

A Journey to Camp Allen

Our Lower Elementary students are off on their annual adventure to Camp Allen! As part of the Discovery Program, students will engage in hands-on educational experiences that bring classroom learning to life. From exploring nature to diving into real-world science and history, this immersive program fosters a deeper understanding of environmental respect, human relationships, and our place in the world. It’s always a highlight of the year—and a meaningful step in their journey as lifelong learners!

The Outdoor School Experience

Our Upper Elementary students are headed to The Outdoor School, where learning comes alive in the great outdoors! This immersive experience offers students the chance to see, hear, touch, and explore the natural world while bonding with friends and growing in confidence. Through hands-on activities, team challenges, and unforgettable adventures, students learn about the environment—and themselves. From overcoming fears to discovering new strengths, this trip is all about growth, connection, and the joy of learning beyond the classroom.

You’re invited to A Speakeasy Soirée — St. Stephen’s Annual Gala!

You’re invited to St. Stephen’s Annual Gala: A Speakeasy Soirée—an unforgettable evening of jazz, celebration, and community! Enjoy live jazz, an open bar, exciting silent and live auctions, and more as we come together in support of our school.

Get your tickets today: onecau.se/sseshgala2025

Don’t miss this dazzling night inspired by the spirit and sparkle of the Roaring Twenties!

Young Authors Take the Spotlight

Join us for a beloved St. Stephen’s tradition — Author’s Night — on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:00 PM! Families of students in 1st–8th grade are invited to gather in their children’s classrooms to hear students read aloud the original stories they’ve been working on throughout the year.

Need a Second Look?

Missed the original clothing swap? You’re in luck! Our incredible PTO has made it possible for families to have a second chance to browse through the gently used children’s clothing that was donated. There are plenty of great finds still available, all neatly organized by size and ready for new homes. Whether you’re looking to stock up on essentials or just want to see what’s there, this is a great opportunity to refresh your child’s wardrobe without spending a dime.

While you’re at the Playground Meet-Up this Saturday, April 12 from 9:00–11:00 AM, we encourage you to swing by Pecore Hall to take a look. It’s a casual, come-and-go setup, and all families are welcome. Thank you again to our amazing PTO for organizing the swap and helping build a culture of sharing and sustainability in our school community!

Campus Pride in Action

Although Campus Beautification Day was canceled due to weather, that didn’t stop our community from showing up in small but meaningful ways. Throughout the week, students and staff pitched in to help clean, sweep, plant, and brighten up areas around campus. Their efforts, big and small, helped restore some of the sparkle we had planned—and reminded us that a little teamwork goes a long way in caring for the place we all call home.

Welcome Home, Explorers!

Our Middle Years students recently returned from an unforgettable adventure to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Over the course of several days, they hiked stunning trails, explored breathtaking landscapes, and deepened their understanding of geology, ecology, and the natural world. This immersive experience brought classroom learning to life and fostered independence, resilience, and a deep sense of connection—to nature and to one another. We’re so proud of their curiosity, courage, and sense of adventure!

The Home Stretch: Mark Your Calendars!

In the education community, we often say that the weeks between Spring Break and the end of the school year feel like floating down a river—fast-moving, full of excitement, and packed with unforgettable experiences. As we head into this final stretch, we have an incredible lineup of events and activities planned for you and your students.

More details will be shared as each event approaches, but for now, please mark your calendars and get ready for an amazing end to the school year!

🌸 April Events

📌 Week of April 1 – Middle Years Trip to the Grand Canyon
📌 Saturday, April 5 – Campus Beautification Day/Clothing Swap
📌 Saturday, April 12 – SSESH Playground Meet-Up
📌 April 18-21 – Easter Break (No School)
📌 April 23-25 – LE to Camp Allen, UE to Outdoor School
📌 Saturday, April 26St. Stephen’s Gala 2025: A Speakeasy Soirée 🎭✨
📌 Tuesday, April 29 – Author’s Night (1st-8th Grade)

🎉 May: A Month of Celebration!

🌟 Week of May 5 – Teacher Appreciation Week
🌟 Week of May 12Spirit Week!

  • May 12 – Dress Like a Teacher
  • May 13 – Superhero Day
  • May 14 – Dapper Day (Graduation Attire)
  • May 15 – Pajama Day

📌 Tuesday, May 13 – Middle Years Science Expo
🎓 Wednesday, May 14Baccalaureate (8:30 AM) & 8th Grade Graduation (6:00 PM)
📌 Friday, May 16 – 3rd Trimester Conferences (No School)

🎶 South by St. Stephen’s: May 20-23

🎭 May 20 – Music & Spanish Performance + Art Show (4:00-6:00 PM)
💡 May 21 – Lower Elementary Invention Fair (9:00-10:30 AM)
🚀 May 21 – Upper Elementary LAUNCH (12:30-2:00 PM)
🎤 May 22 – SSESH Coffee House (4:00-6:00 PM)
🎾 May 23 – Field Day (8:30-11:00 AM)
📌 May 23Last Day of School! (Early Dismissal)

2025/2026 At-A-Glance Calendar

Get a head start on planning for next school year! The 2025–2026 At-a-Glance Calendar is now available and includes key dates such as school holidays, conferences, early dismissals, and important events happening before the school year officially begins.

Please note: Dates are subject to change, and a more detailed calendar will be shared closer to the start of the year.

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!