Launching the 2025 Annual Fund
We are excited to announce the launch of this year’s Annual Fund campaign—an essential part of what makes St. Stephen’s the vibrant, nurturing community we all cherish. Tuition covers only a portion of the true cost of a St. Stephen’s education, and the Annual Fund bridges that gap, allowing us to enrich programs, maintain and improve our campus, and provide the very best experiences for our students.
Last year, your generosity made so much possible: from upgrading playgrounds and security systems to renovating learning spaces, repairing critical infrastructure, and creating a new School Nurse’s Office. Each of these projects has had a direct impact on the daily life of our students, ensuring they learn and grow in a safe, inspiring environment.
This year, we are once again aiming for 100% participation from our community. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference and sends a powerful message of support for our children, our teachers, and our school. Together, we can continue to invest in the growth of our students and the future of St. Stephen’s.
Thank you for being part of this tradition of generosity, and for helping us make St. Stephen’s stronger for every child.
Ready to make your gift or pledge today?
Upcoming Events
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.
All School Chapel
Join us for our All-School Chapel on Wednesday, October 8th from 8:30–9:30 AM in the Nave as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Students, families, and staff are invited to bring a photo of their beloved pet to be blessed. This special tradition honors the bond we share with animals and reminds us of our responsibility to care for all of God’s creation.
Campus Closed for Fall Break
School will be closed Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14. Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a safe and restful long weekend!
Lower Elementary Parent Ed.
Join us on Friday, October 17th, from 8:30–9:30 AM in Pecore Hall for a special session with Ms. Jaquel and Mr. Myke. Together, they will share how the Montessori Lower Elementary program (1st–3rd grade) helps children grow into confident, capable, and curious learners by building independence, deepening academic exploration, and nurturing social and emotional development. Primary families are also encouraged to attend—this is a wonderful opportunity to see how the Montessori journey continues beyond Kindergarten and what the next stage of your child’s education has to offer.
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.
Campus Beautification
Join us on Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM as we come together to refresh and care for our campus. We’re looking for volunteers to help plan and serve as section captains—sign up here: Volunteer Form.
After the event, enjoy lunch from YumaHTX, a parent-owned pop-up restaurant, and stay to celebrate our hard work as a community.
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
Alumni Spotlight: Meike Vigil-Thompson
We were delighted to welcome back alumna Meike Vigil-Thompson for a visit with her former teachers and administrators. Meike, now a junior at Eastwood High, began her journey at St. Stephen’s when she was just 3 years old, attending alongside her brother, Joseph.
Today, Meike maintains a 4.5 GPA while taking all AP courses, works as a designer and media manager for several small companies in Houston, and has already launched a nonprofit organization: the Alzheimer’s School Project for Diverse Communities. This program educates middle and high school students in under-served communities to become caregivers—providing training, peer support, and guidance on financial and future planning as they navigate the challenges of caring for aging loved ones.
Meike credits St. Stephen’s with helping her develop the skills she relies on every day: the ability to speak confidently and listen intently, manage her time effectively, know who she is, and recognize that the world is bigger than herself. Most importantly, she says St. Stephen’s instilled in her a deep love of community that continues to guide her work and passions.
We are so proud of Meike and the impact she is already making in the world!
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!