Annual Fund Update
The Annual Fund is gaining speed—thank you to everyone who’s already jumped in!
We’re making great progress toward 100% family participation: Orientation 25%, Primary 24%, Lower Elementary 20%, Upper Elementary 26%, and Middle Years 13%!
Our amazing faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees are already at 100%, leading the way with their commitment and Bulldog spirit. Now it’s our turn to show that same energy and support!
Every gift helps fuel what makes St. Stephen’s shine: joyful classrooms, vibrant programs, and a community that believes in our mission. Let’s keep the momentum going and reach the finish line together.
When every family gives, every child benefits.
Stretch Your Gift
Monty’s working on his downward dog—can you stretch, too?
Feeling flexible? Stretch your Annual Fund gift a little further this year.
To make giving easier (and less of a burn!), divide your gift into multiple payments by making a Pledge, or choose to make your support a Monthly Recurring Gift.
And if your employer offers a matching gift, that’s the ultimate stretch—use our FEIN 74-1689397 when submitting your match.
Every little stretch adds up to a big impact.
Upcoming Events
Upper Elementary Parent Ed.
Join us on Friday, October 24th from 8:30–9:30 AM in Pecore Hall for a special session with Ms. Celia and Ms. Slayden. Discover how the Montessori Upper Elementary program (4th–6th grade) challenges students to take on greater responsibility, develop strong academic skills, and grow as leaders within their community. Lower Elementary families, especially parents of 3rd graders, are encouraged to attend to see what the next stage of the Montessori journey offers as children transition into Upper Elementary.
Parent Observations
Parents of students in Primary through Middle Years are invited to participate in classroom observations during the last week of October and first week of November, leading up to our first trimester conferences.
This is a valuable opportunity to quietly observe and see how the classroom functions day-to-day. Parents are encouraged to take notes and write down any questions they’d like to discuss with their child’s teacher during conferences.
Sign-up links and additional instructions will be sent directly by your child’s teacher.
All School Chapel
Join us for our All-School Chapel on Wednesday, October 29th from 8:30–9:30 AM in the Nave as we honor Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day. This special service is a time to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed, giving thanks for their lives and the ways they continue to shape us. Students and families are invited to join in this meaningful tradition of reflection, remembrance, and community.
Middle Years Parent Ed.
Join us on Friday, October 31st from 8:30–9:30 AM in CoHo for a special session with Ms. Meredith and Ms. Jen. Learn how the Montessori Middle Years program (7th–8th grade) supports students as they step into adolescence—building independence, academic confidence, and leadership while preparing them for high school and beyond. Upper Elementary families, especially parents of 6th graders, are encouraged to attend to see what the next stage of the Montessori journey has to offer.
Student Fall Party
On Friday, October 31st, students will celebrate Halloween and fall together with a fun-filled day of games, activities, and crafts during the school day. Students are encouraged to wear their costumes (please remember: school-appropriate, no weapons, and within dress code).
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help set up, run activities, and break down the event. If you’d like to join the fun, sign up here: Volunteer Form
Parent-Teacher Conferences – Friday, November 7
Parent-Teacher Conferences for the first trimester will be held on Friday, November 7. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers and discuss their growth during the first trimester—socially, emotionally, and academically.
Students in 1st grade and up are expected to attend the conference alongside their parents. Please note that no classes will be held that day.
Conference Care will be available from 7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children who are registered for Extended Care.
Questions about Conference Care can be directed to chughes@ssesh.org
Welcoming Our Grandparents & Special Friends to Campus
We’re excited to welcome your child’s grandparents or special adults to one of our most beloved traditions—Grandparents & Special Friends Day! This special morning celebrates gratitude, learning, and love, honoring the people who help shape who our children are.
The day begins with a welcome breakfast, followed by classroom visits and student performances in the Nave. Guests will rotate between activities so everyone can enjoy both the classroom experience and the showcase our students have prepared. Activities will be grouped by Purple and Teal Houses so siblings can stay together.
Orientation guests will enjoy the breakfast, visit classrooms, and conclude their morning at 10:30 a.m.
Please note that this is an early dismissal day and aftercare will not be available. Students may leave with their visiting guests only with written consent.
If you already know who will be attending, please RSVP here!
Valet parking will be available for guest convenience.
We can’t wait to celebrate this meaningful day with our community! 💜🩵
Serve Together: Family Service Day with CCSC
St. Stephen’s Church invites families to take part in Family Service Day with the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC)—a meaningful opportunity to serve together and give back to our greater Houston community.
Through hands-on projects designed for children and adults alike, families can share in the joy of helping others while teaching the importance of compassion, service, and gratitude.
Spots fill up quickly, so if this sounds like something you’d like to do with your family, be sure to sign up soon!
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!