Pinwheels for Peace
This week, our entire school community came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace with our annual Pinwheels for Peace project. Students created colorful pinwheels decorated with their hopes, dreams, and messages of peace, then placed them in the Church Garden after our all-school chapel.
The garden is now filled with a joyful, moving display that reminds us all of the power of peace, kindness, and unity. Thank you to our students, teachers, and families for helping us share this message with our campus and community.
Upcoming Events
Middle Years Trip: Connection & Community
Our Middle Years students head to Camp Allen September 22–24! This three-day trip is all about building friendships, growing leadership skills, and enjoying the outdoors. From team challenges to time in nature, it’s a chance to unplug, explore, and create lasting memories together. We can’t wait to see the confidence and connections 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!
First SCC Meeting – Next Friday!
We are excited to kick off the year with our very first SSESH Community Council (SCC) meeting next Friday, September 26 at 8:15 am in Havens Center. This is our chance to come together as a full team of parent volunteers, room parents, and community partners to connect, share updates, and begin planning for the year ahead.
We’ll cover upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can make a meaningful impact in our school community. Whether you signed up to help with events, admissions, development, or classroom support, your involvement is what makes the SCC such a vital part of SSESH.
Can’t join us in person? No problem—join virtually through Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting.
Thank you to everyone who has already committed to serving this year. Your time and energy help our community thrive—we can’t wait to see you on Friday!
Orientation Parent Education Morning
Orientation parents, join us from 8:30–9:30 am in Pecore Hall to learn about our Orientation program at SSESH. You’ll hear directly from our lead teachers and our Principal, Ms. Nahla, as they share how your child’s learning journey begins.
This session offers a clear look at how young children explore, grow, and thrive in a Montessori environment. We’ll highlight how the program fosters independence, builds social-emotional skills, and sparks a love of learning. The event is open to the public—please invite friends or family with young children who may be curious about Montessori.
Upper Elementary Trip: Exploration & Teamwork
Our Upper Elementary students are off to Nature’s Classroom Institute October 1–3! This three-day experience gives them the chance to explore the outdoors, take part in hands-on learning, and strengthen their bonds as a community. From environmental activities to team-building challenges, it’s a time to discover, grow, and create memories that will carry back into the classroom.
Primary Parent Education Morning
Primary parents, join us on Friday, October 3, from 8:30–9:30 AM in Pecore Hall for a special session designed to give you a deeper look into our Primary program at SSESH. You’ll hear directly from Ms. Elvi, Ms. Kayla, and Ms. India as they share how the Primary environment supports children’s growing independence, confidence, and curiosity while nurturing essential academic and social-emotional skills.
This interactive morning in Pecore Hall will also showcase the materials and lessons that guide this important stage of your child’s Montessori journey. All Primary parents are welcome, and families with children in their second year of Orientation are especially encouraged to attend to get a clear picture of what’s ahead.
Fall Spirit Week: October 6–9
Show your Bulldog pride and join in the fun of Spirit Week! Each day is a chance to celebrate our school spirit and community with a different theme:
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Monday, Oct. 6 – Purple Day: Purple House, this is your day! Wear your spirit shirt or anything purple to show your house pride.
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Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Book Character Day: Step into a story and dress as your favorite character. Don’t forget to bring the book that inspired your look!
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Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Teal Day: Teal House takes the spotlight—wear your spirit shirt or as much teal as you can find.
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Thursday, Oct. 9 – Pajama Day: End the week in comfort by wearing your coziest pajamas to school.
Annual SSESH Bookfair at Barnes & Noble
Join us for our annual Bookfair on Tuesday, October 7th, from 3-7 pm at Barnes & Noble and help grow classroom libraries at SSESH! Our teachers and specialists have curated wish lists of books and other educational items they’d love to add to their classrooms—stop by and purchase one to make a direct impact.
While you’re there, shop for yourself too! From books to educational games to treats from the in-store Starbucks, a portion of every purchase made that day will be given back to SSESH. Just be sure to tell the cashier you’re with St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. It’s a wonderful way to support our school, discover new reads, and enjoy an afternoon of community fun.
🍕 Monty Meals Continue Through October! 🍕
Because of the great response to Monty Meals, we’re excited to continue the Friday lunch program through October! Please note: all October orders must be placed in advance by Monday, September 29 at 5:00 PM.
👉 Order here: October Monty Meals
And if you haven’t yet signed up for next Friday’s Monty Meals on September 26, there’s still time! Orders are due by Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 AM.
👉 Order here: September 26 Monty Meals
Menu: Pizza (cheese or pepperoni), mandarin orange, and a yogurt tube
Cost: 1 slice $7 · 2 slices $8 · 3 slices $9
Where: Delivered right to your child’s classroom at lunchtime
Why: Kids get a Friday treat, parents get one less lunch to pack, and proceeds benefit our playgrounds and outdoor areas!
⚠️ Please note: Since SSESH is closed for Fall Break on Friday, October 10, that week’s Monty Meal will be served on Thursday, October 9.
Thank you for supporting Monty Meals! Questions? Contact Kate Booth at development@ssesh.org.
Join Girl Scouts at St. Stephen’s!
St. Stephen’s Troop 123012 is welcoming new Girl Scouts for the upcoming scouting year beginning in October! This multi-level troop currently includes girls from 1st–7th grade (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette levels).
The troop typically meets on Sundays from 3:00–5:00 PM in Pecore Hall and has three optional campouts planned for the year. Girls explore life skills, STEM, the arts, entrepreneurship, leadership, and what it means to be a sister to all Girl Scouts.
💻 Parent Information Zoom Meeting
Sunday, September 21, 2025
3:00–3:45 PM
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
For more details, contact jeanclaredaly@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!