Welcome Back, Bulldogs!
It has been an incredible first week back at St. Stephen’s, and the energy on campus is nothing short of inspiring. From our youngest Orientation students to our seasoned Middle Years leaders, the joy of reconnecting with friends and welcoming new faces has been felt in every hallway, classroom, and playground.
Thank you to all who joined us for the Back-to-School Rally. With strong attendance and plenty of school spirit, it was the perfect way to kick off the year together as a community.
Our faculty and staff returned last week for two full days of professional development at our first annual Bulldog University. During this time, we came together to learn, collaborate, and explore new ways to make St. Stephen’s an even better place to learn and work. Guided by our IGROW principles—Integrity, Growth, Respect, Optimism, and Wisdom—we are committed to making this a year where both students and staff thrive.
We are also delighted to welcome our newest team members to the St. Stephen’s family. Their passion, expertise, and fresh ideas are already enriching our school in meaningful ways.
As we begin this year, our mission remains clear: to provide a safe, engaging, and joyful learning environment for every student. Thank you for your trust, your enthusiasm, and your partnership. Together, we are building a year full of growth, connection, and Bulldog pride.
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Upcoming Events
First All-School Chapel – Wednesday, August 20 at 8:30
Next Wednesday, August 20, we will gather for our first All-School Chapel of the year at 8:30 AM in the Nave. Students from Orientation through Middle Years come together about once a month for this special school-wide service. In the Episcopal tradition, this gathering is often called a Convocation, which means “a calling together” of the community for worship, reflection, and connection.
All are welcome—whether you are Episcopalian, practice another faith, or have no faith tradition. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the start of our chapel year.
Parent Coffees with the Head of School
Join Dr. Troy Roddy for coffee and conversation in the Haven’s Center as we kick off the school year. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, ask questions, and share your thoughts while enjoying coffee, muffins, and fruit.
Parents of Orientation and Primary students: Friday, August 22, at 8:30 AM
Parents of Elementary and Middle Years students: Friday, August 29, at 8:30 AM
No School – Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
School will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Looking for a book to help spark a conversation about the meaning and history of Labor Day with your child? Here are some age-appropriate suggestions:
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Orientation: Whose Hands Are These? A Community Helpers Guessing Book — Miranda Paul
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Primary: Busy, Busy Town — Richard Scarry
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Lower Elementary: Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 — Michelle Markel
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Upper Elementary: Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez — Kathleen Krull
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Middle Years: Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States — J. Albert Mann
Enjoy the long weekend!
Church & School Block Party – Sunday, September 7 from 11:00 – 1:00
Mark your calendars for our annual Block Party in the Sul Ross parking lot! Join us on Sunday, September 7, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM for an afternoon of food, fun, and community. There will be food trucks, games, music, and free snow cones for those who register.
Invite your friends and neighbors—everyone is welcome!
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252226012275043
SSESH Commuity Council
The St. Stephen’s Community Council (SCC) is our parent volunteer program, dedicated to building community, supporting our students and faculty, and helping make school events and initiatives a success.
This year’s SCC Chairs are:
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Luis Rivera – Parent of a 4th grader
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Tammy Thigpen – Parent of a 4th grader
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Allissa Ward – Parent of a 2nd grader
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Kelsey Bowen – Parent of a kindergartener
Liz Newchurch, Director of Community Engagement, is also part of the SCC leadership team.
A big thank you to everyone who signed up for volunteer opportunities at the Back-to-School Rally—we’ll be reaching out soon! If you’d like to get involved but didn’t have a chance to visit the SCC table, email Liz at lnewchurch@ssesh.org.
We’ll be sharing meeting times soon, and all are welcome to join!
Minted Fundraising Program
We’re excited to share that St. Stephen’s is part of Minted’s Fundraising Program! When you shop Minted’s beautiful cards, gifts, and art, you’ll enjoy 20% off your order—and Minted will donate 10% back to our school, all year long.
How to participate:
- Visit Minted.com
- Use promo code FUNDRAISESTEPHENS at checkout
It’s a great way to save on unique, high-quality products while supporting SSESH at the same time!
Adventure is Waiting. Join Cub Scouts.
Cub Scout adventures build lasting memories for the whole family! Come join fellow families at our introductory meeting. This year’s pack activities include: fishiung, archery, camping, and much much more!
St. Stephen’s Pack 167 Introductory Meeting
When: Sunday, August 17th 4-5 pm
Where: St. Stephen’s Playground (Rain Location: Havens)
Please contact Leslie Delcid with any questions. lydelcid@gmail.com
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!