Please note that The Hallway will go out every other week during the summer.
Happy July, Bulldogs!
We hope you’re soaking up these summer days and finding time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with friends and family. Whether you’re traveling, exploring Houston, or just taking it slow, this is the season for connection and joy.
It’s hard to believe, but we’re just a little more than a month away from the first day of school—and we’re already looking forward to the energy and excitement that a new year brings.
Be sure to read through the updates below to stay informed and make sure you’re all set for the start of school. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus soon!
Upcoming Events
Back-to-School Meet and Greets & Conferences
On Friday, August 8th, families are invited to campus for meet-and-greets and conferences with their child’s teacher. These meetings are optional for returning students. Teachers will email time slot sign-ups and details about what to expect as the date approaches.
Primary through Middle Years families—please remember to bring your student and parent goals/inquiries to your conference.
St. Stephen's Church: Blessing of the Backpacks
Join St. Stephen’s Church for their Sunday worship service on August, 10th at 10:30 AM as they offer a special Blessing of the Backpacks.
Students and parents are invited to bring any bag that represents the start of the new school year—backpacks, lunchboxes, briefcases, or totes.
Come receive a blessing for the year ahead and start the school season grounded in love and community.
Back-to School Rally
Mark your calendars for the Back to School Rally on Sunday, August 10th from 2:00–4:30 PM! This is a great opportunity to kick off the school year, visit classrooms, meet families in your level, hear from the Head of School, and more.
Orientation and Primary families should arrive at 2:00 PM and begin in Pecore Hall for a brief welcome from school administrators and a chance to meet specialists and support staff. Classroom visits will follow from 2:30–3:00 PM.
Elementary and Middle Years families should arrive at 3:00 PM, beginning in Pecore Hall for the same welcome and introductions, followed by classroom visits from 3:30–4:00 PM.
Questions? Email lnewchurch@ssesh.org.
New Student Orientation
We’re excited to welcome all new students to campus on Monday, August 11! This includes both students who are new to St. Stephen’s and those who are new to their level (e.g., moving from Primary to Lower Elementary).
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Orientation Students: 8:00–9:30 AM
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Primary through Middle Years Students: 8:00–11:00 AM
This special morning gives students the chance to meet their teachers, explore their classrooms, and get comfortable before the first official day of school.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Orientation Families: Tea & Tisssues
Orientation families are invited to join us for Tea & Tissues on Monday, August 11th from 8:15–9:15 AM in the Havens Center.
This casual gathering offers a warm welcome (and maybe a few tissues!) for parents on the first day of school. It’s a chance to connect with other Orientation families, meet school leadership, and share in the excitement of this new beginning.
Please check in at the front desk upon arrival.
Popsicles on the Playground
Stick around after our 11:00 AM dismissal on Monday, August 11th for Popsicles on the Playground from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM!
This relaxed gathering is for Primary through Middle Years students and their families. After picking up your child, park and head to the playground pavilion to enjoy a popsicle while your child plays, reconnects with old friends, or meets new ones. It’s a fun and casual way to kick off the school year together!
Back-to-School Checklist
Please take a moment to review the Back-to-School Checklist —https://ssesh.org/welcome-bulldogs-25-26/— including the following important information.
- Complete Magnus Health Registration
- Review the Dress Code Before you Shop
- Take Note of our At-a-Glance Calendar for the School Year
- Sign Up for Extended Care
- Attend the Back-to-School Rally
- Attend the Teacher Meet-and-Greet
- Review Carpool Information
Welcome to Team SSESH
Linda Campbell (School Counselor)
We’re delighted to welcome Linda Campbell as our new School Counselor beginning this August. Linda is an alum of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School and was once a student in Ms. Nahla’s Lower Elementary class—making her return to campus especially meaningful. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Linda brings a strong background in advocacy and student support, most recently serving as an advocate at Disability Rights Texas, where she supported foster care youth and their legal teams through complex systems. With her compassionate approach, clinical training, and deep understanding of the needs of young people, Linda is a wonderful addition to our community. We are thrilled to welcome her back to SSESH, this time as a guide and support for the next generation of Bulldogs.
Ms. Serena (Art Teacher)
We’re thrilled to welcome Serena Gaylor as our new Art Teacher beginning this August. Serena brings a rich blend of artistic talent, classroom experience, and curriculum design expertise to our team. She holds a BA in Art with an emphasis in Illustration and is completing her EC–12 Art teaching certification. Serena has experience creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that integrate multiple art mediums, digital tools, and inquiry-based instruction. She most recently taught middle school ELAR at The Westview School, where she was recognized for her innovative curriculum work and inclusive teaching strategies. Serena is passionate about nurturing creativity, supporting diverse learners, and building meaningful connections with students through the arts. We’re excited for the color, creativity, and thoughtfulness she’ll bring to our campus.
Ms. Jenny (O2 Associate Teacher)
We’re excited to welcome Jenny Coronado as the Assistant Teacher in Orientation 2 beginning this August. Jenny brings over a decade of experience working with young children in preschool, infant, and caregiver roles across Houston. She is highly skilled in classroom organization, social-emotional development, and creating nurturing, engaging environments for early learners. Fully bilingual in Spanish, Jenny is known for her compassionate, respectful approach and her ability to build strong connections with children and families. We’re so glad to have her joining the Orientation team!
Ms. Andrea (UE1 Associate Teacher)
We’re pleased to welcome Andrea Seider as the Assistant Teacher in Upper Elementary 1 beginning this August. Andrea brings a wealth of experience in both traditional and Montessori education, having taught across grade levels in public, private, and Montessori schools. She is currently completing her Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori training and recently implemented the Montessori curriculum in a combined Upper Elementary and Junior High classroom. Andrea holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and is certified in multiple states, with a strong foundation in inquiry-based learning, inclusive practices, and bilingual education. With a background in the arts, movement, and outdoor education, Andrea brings creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to student growth to the Upper Elementary team.
2025-2026 Magnus Health
Magnus Health requirements will be open for the 2025-2026 school year, beginning June 1st. Do not update anything in Magnus before that date, as it will be lost when we move the year forward.
Please make note of the following:
- All Magnus requirements must be completed by August 1st.
- Texas law requires all students to be vaccine compliant to attend school.
- For age/grade-specific vaccine requirements and exemption details, visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Physicals will only be due once upon enrollment and will no longer be required annually for returning students.
- Magnus is now accessible through the SSESH Parent Portal and no longer requires additional login credentials.
I hope everyone has a great summer!
Nurse Christie
2025/2026 At-A-Glance Calendar
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!