Hallway 12.19.2025

Dear Families,

As we come to the close of 2025, we want to pause and reflect on what makes St. Stephen’s such a special place. This year has been filled with growth, learning, creativity, and connection—and at the heart of it all is our extraordinary community.

Every day, our campus is shaped by the curiosity of our students, the dedication and care of our faculty and staff, and the partnership of our families. Together, you create an environment where children are known, supported, and encouraged to grow not only academically, but as thoughtful, confident, and compassionate individuals.

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with excitement and optimism. A new year brings fresh opportunities to deepen relationships, strengthen learning, and continue building a community rooted in integrity, grace, respect, optimism, and wisdom. We are eager for what’s to come and grateful to walk this journey alongside you.

Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to St. Stephen’s. We wish you a restful and joyful start to the new year and look forward to welcoming everyone back as we step into 2026 together.

We are so deeply grateful to the amazing parent volunteers who helped bring our annual Holiday Wrap Up to life. This beloved tradition is a true labor of love, and it would not be possible without the time, care, and generosity of our community.

From gathering first thing in the morning, to organizing, sorting, wrapping, and adding thoughtful finishing touches, your efforts ensured that every faculty and staff member felt seen, appreciated, and celebrated. The joy you helped create rippled throughout campus and carried into classrooms, offices, and hallways.

This event is a powerful reminder of what makes St. Stephen’s such a special place—families showing up for one another with warmth, gratitude, and heart. Thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your holiday spirit so freely.

A chilly snap in the air and sunshine coming off the lake through the fresh pines gave a beautiful setting for hayrides, hammocks, and s’mores in the fireplace.  Our 2025 St. Stephen’s Weekend in the Woods had space to run free toward adventure or just relax with shared laughter. Here’s what the happy campers had to say:

“Having been to Camp Allen numerous times when I was in middle school, I know the magic that emanates from those grounds.  What is even more special, though, is seeing my children and their friends experience that magic for themselves.” – Madison Woodward

“Camp Allen holds many memories for us: canoeing with our kids, walking around the lake, many trail rides, hayrides, and Eucharist by the lake. We value all those memories, and we always look forward to adding another layer each year.” – Susan Hawes, Church Member

“Our family – a toddler, a five-year-old boy, and two hopeful but tired parents – spent two days at Camp Allen, and it turned out to be exactly the peaceful reset we needed. It offered the perfect blend of nature, rest, and community. We left feeling refreshed, supported, and grateful – not just for the beauty of nature, but for the lovely companions who shared the weekend with us.

One of the biggest gifts of the weekend was how easy everything felt. The activities were already planned, meals were taken care of, and there was plenty of room for both kids to explore safely. Instead of juggling logistics, we were able to simply be together. We explored the trails, sat by the lake, watched the kids run around the open fields, soaked in the quiet rhythm of nature, and enjoyed precious moments of doing nothing.

The Sunday Chapel by the lake was so special. We enjoyed the service regardless of different ages and backgrounds. It was so peaceful and still, child-friendly. The gentle breeze, the soft sound of water, and tall trees framing the space created a sense of calm that even our little ones seemed to feel. Our toddler enjoyed the songs so much that she did not want the chapel to end.” – Jue Wang, School Parent

“I met a number of new people and had meaningful conversations on the deck and over delicious meals.  If you were unable to join us, don’t miss out next time!” – Frankie Kelly, Church Member

We are already looking forward to next year’s getaway and announcing 2026 dates soon!

We’re excited to announce the winning theme for the 2026 SSESH Gala: A Saturday Night at Studio 54! Thank you to everyone who voted and helped us choose this fun, festive night.

More details will be shared in 2026, but for now, please save the date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 🪩

We’re also looking for volunteers to help plan this special event. If you’d like to join a committee, click here to sign up!

A quick reminder to sign up for January Monty Meals! The link is live through Wednesday, January 7 at 9:00 am.

👉 Sign up here

All moving-up families (Orientation Year Two, Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Sixth Grade) are invited to our Winter Open House to spend time in the classrooms your children will be moving into and connect with our teachers.

We also welcome you to invite friends, family, or neighbors who may be searching for the just right school for their children.

Thursday, January 22 at 6:00 PM
RSVP: https://ssesh.org/open-house-registration/

Join us in the Church Nave on Thursday, January 22nd, at 5:00 pm for The State of SSESH. Dr. Troy will share an inspiring update on this year’s accomplishments and unveil exciting plans for Fall 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, reflect, and envision the future of St. Stephen’s together!

Parents are invited to observe classrooms in the level their child will be moving into in Fall 2026. These observations offer a chance to see the environment, routines, and learning in action as students prepare for the next stage of their Montessori journey.