St. Stephen’s Welcomes the Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis
Dear St. Stephen’s Families,
We are happy to share the good news that the Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis has been called to serve as the next Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, beginning in December. We look forward to welcoming her and her family into our community and are grateful for the continued partnership between the church and school.
Please see the letter from the Vestry below for more details.
Sincerely,
Dr. Troy Roddy
Dear Good People of St. Stephen’s,
It is with pleasure that we announce our new Rector, the Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis of Northside Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. Carissa planted the bilingual congregation in the Near Northside of Houston (English and Spanish) in 2019 and led various iterations of COVID intergenerational worship simultaneously creating an online contemplative community for the season of quarantine. She subsequently developed a research-based community ministry, Community Café, that strengthens and increases resilience among church members and the church’s neighbors.
Carissa impressed our search committee with her confidence, leadership by example, a wide range of relevant experiences & responsiveness to situations with grace and humor. When she was presented to the Vestry, we were heartened by her example of being the hands & feet of God in the community and tenacity in planting and growing ministries that move people closer together in faith and shared values.
An Episcopal priest, Carissa’s vocation was born from her work in the fields of human rights and faith-based community organizing. She began her career with the International Human Rights Internship Program in Washington, D.C., in 1995 and went on to grassroots community organizing with the Industrial Areas Foundation in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Since her ordination in 2007, Carissa has engaged members of faith-based communities in outreach and the pursuit of peace and justice in Houston and Los Angeles. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Anthropology from Wellesley College and her Master’s of Divinity from the Seminary of the Southwest. She and her wife, Pam, are the proud parents of two school-aged children and a now adult former foster daughter.
We look forward to introducing Carissa to you in person at the beginning of December to allow for a smooth transition for both parishes. Until then, please continue to remember both congregations, as well Carissa & her family in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
The Vestry of St. Stephen’s
Lucy Cockrum, Senior Warden
Upcoming Events
No School – Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
School will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. 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
Invite a Friend to Our First Orientation & Primary School Tour!
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. You’ve already chosen St. Stephen’s for your child, and you know the difference a nurturing, joyful, and inspiring environment can make. Do you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who is still searching for that kind of place? Invite them to experience our community at our first Orientation & Primary School Tour on Tuesday, September 9.
They can sign up here: Tour Registration!
All School Chapel: A Celebration of Peace
Join us for our next All School Chapel on Wednesday, September 17th at 8:30 am as we celebrate International Peace Day with a theme of peace and unity. Students have been working on pinwheels that reflect their thoughts and feelings about the world around them. At the conclusion of the service, the pinwheels will be placed in the Church Garden, creating a meaningful display for our community.
Started in 2005 by teachers Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, Pinwheels for Peace invites students everywhere to reflect on the world and their own experiences. We look forward to seeing our students’ expressions of peace!
Walk in a Student’s Shoes: Montessori at SSESH
Embark on a hands-on journey of discovery as we delve into the Montessori program at SSESH. From Orientation to Middle Years, step into each classroom as an incoming student and gain a profound understanding of our unique approach to learning. You’ll begin by observing the carefully curated environments, taking in the array of materials available at each level. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with these materials, exploring how they contribute to the holistic educational experience we offer. After completing your journey, we’ll gather to debrief, share reflections, and discuss insights.
Childcare will be provided for currently enrolled St. Stephen’s students, so you can fully immerse yourself in this enlightening experience. To ensure childcare, please RSVP to lnewchurch@ssesh.org by September 12th.
Middle Years Trip: Connection & Community
Our Middle Years students are off to Camp Allen September 22–24! This three-day trip is all about building friendships, strengthening teamwork, and enjoying time together in nature. We can’t wait to see the connections and memories they bring back!
Invite a Friend to Our First Elementary & Middle Years Tour!
Choosing the right school for the Elementary and Middle Years sets the stage for a child’s future. At St. Stephen’s, you’ve seen how a supportive, vigorous, and engaging environment helps students build confidence, curiosity, and a true sense of belonging. Do you have a friend, neighbor, or family member still searching for that kind of school for their child? Invite them to join us for our Elementary & Middle Years School Tour on Tuesday, September 23.
They can sign up here: Tour Registration!
Orientation Parent Education Morning
Orientation parents, join us from 8:30–9:30 am in Pecore Hall to learn more about the curriculum and philosophy of our Orientation program at SSESH. You’ll hear from our lead Orientation teachers and our Principal, Ms. Nahla, as they share insights into the learning journey your child is beginning.
Did You Know?
St. Stephen’s has its very own school app designed to give families quick and easy access to all things SSESH! 📲 From school calendars and announcements to lunch menus and quick links, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips.
Our IT team recently added a new feature that allows you to view your child’s attendance directly in the app. This information is also available in the Family Portal, but now you have another convenient way to check in.
Download the app today by searching “St. Stephen’s Episcopal School” or “SSESH” in your app store and stay connected wherever you are!
St. Stephen’s Allergy Policy
As noted in the 2025–2026 Student and Family Handbook, St. Stephen’s is not an allergy-free school; however, we are an allergy-sensitive school. Students are taught not to share food and to wash their hands before and after eating. We encourage parents to reinforce this at home.
When sending in shared items (e.g., birthday treats), please consider the classroom-specific allergies communicated at the start of the year. Non-food items, such as pencils or stickers, are encouraged as alternatives.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe.
Questions? Contact Nurse Christie: cheinroth@ssesh.org
Two Easy Ways to Give Back to SSESH
Milk & Honey Fundraising Program
We’re partnering with milk + honey to raise funds for SSESH through their Gift Well, Give Back program!
Now through September, purchase a milk + honey gift card using our school’s custom code STSTEPHENS in the ‘message’ field at gift certificate checkout, and 10% of the total goes directly back to our school.
Gift cards never expire and can be used on any spa, medSPA, or product. It’s an easy, feel-good way to support our community!
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!
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!