🪩✨ Save the Date ✨🪩
We are officially two months away from St. Stephen’s 2026 Gala — Saturday Night at Studio 54 — and the countdown to the disco has begun! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, at 6:00 PM at the C. Baldwin Hotel and get ready for a night of boogie, sparkle, socializing, and some seriously exciting bidding.
This is your sign to start those costume vision boards, dust off the sequins, and book that babysitter now. The dance floor will be calling, the auction items will be amazing, and the energy will be pure Studio 54 magic. It’s going to be glamorous, vibrant, and unforgettable — and we cannot wait to celebrate together under the disco ball.
IGROW in Action
Today was a beautiful example of what community looks like in action. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families, we collected so many donations that we were able to assemble over 500 lunch bags for Kids’ Meals Houston — with plenty of extra applesauce, crackers, water, and snacks to donate beyond our goal.
Students carefully decorated each bag with colorful drawings and encouraging messages, then worked side-by-side assembling, counting, organizing, and even helping set up the event ahead of time. From the youngest hands placing items in bags to older students tallying totals and creating order, every child played a meaningful role.
At the end of a busy week, it felt especially meaningful to pause and serve together. What a gift to support families across Greater Houston in such a tangible way. We are deeply grateful for the donations, the time, and the joyful hearts that made today possible. Do what you can, for those who can’t, when you can. That’s how we grow a kinder, stronger community.
Help Us Build an Unforgettable Auction
Here’s a sneak peek at one of the incredible art pieces our students have created for the Silent Auction at the St. Stephen’s Gala — and we could not be more excited. Their creativity, collaboration, and heart are going to make this year’s auction extra special.
Speaking of the auction… we’re still collecting items! Do you have an experience to share, a vacation home or trip to offer, a service, tickets, lessons, artwork, or something tangible that others would love to bid on? We would be so grateful. Every donation helps make the night unforgettable and directly supports our school.
Please email Kate Booth at kbooth@ssesh.org with any questions or ideas. Let’s make this the most exciting auction yet!
Upcoming Events
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate Black voices, stories, joy, and contributions—past and present. One meaningful way to engage as a family is through reading together. Below are suggested read-alouds and at-home reads by grade level, along with their authors.
Orientation
• I Am Enough by Grace Byers
• Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
Primary
• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
• All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
Lower Elementary
• The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson
• We Are Here by Tami Charles
Upper Elementary
• Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Middle Years
• March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
• Stamped (For Kids) by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Re-Enrollment | 2026–2027
Today, families will receive a re-enrollment email from FACTS Management.
Key Dates:
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Jan 30–Feb 13: Priority re-enrollment with a $300 tuition discount per child
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Feb 14–28: Regular re-enrollment (no discount)
Remaining spots will be offered to new applicants beginning March 1. Due to high demand, we strongly encourage current families to re-enroll during the priority window to secure your child’s spot.
Questions? emoore@ssesh.org
A Journey Through Central & South America
Join us on Thursday, February 26, in Pecore Hall from 9:00–11:30 a.m. for the Upper Elementary Cultural Fair! This year, students have focused their studies on Central and South America and are excited to share what they’ve learned through student research, art, music, and more. Stop by to see the meaningful and creative work they’ve put together for this special project.
Saddle Up for Go Texan Day
Go Texan Day is Friday, February 27! Students are invited to come to school dressed in their best rodeo and Western gear—boots, denim, bandanas, and all—as we show off our Texas pride together. Go Texan Day is the unofficial kickoff to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, when communities across Houston celebrate Western heritage and the start of Rodeo season. Y’all ready?
Building Primary Connections
Current Primary families and rising Primary families are invited to join the Room Parents for a fun, off-campus playdate to connect, play, and start building relationships before next year! This is not an official SSESH-sponsored event, just a casual opportunity for families to gather and get to know one another.
Please RSVP and sign up for snacks/drinks: HERE.
Questions? Contact Kelsey Bowen at kelseymbowen@gmail.com
Picture Make-Up & Re-Take Day
Picture make-up and re-take day will take place on Thursday, March 5, in the morning. Any student who was absent on picture day will have their photo taken, and students who would like a re-take are also welcome. Please email lnewchurch@ssesh.org if you’d like your child to receive a picture make-up.
Spring Break Reminder
SSESH will be closed Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13, for Spring Break. We hope your family enjoys a restful, joy-filled week together—whether you are traveling or simply slowing down at home. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a strong finish to the spring semester!
Meet, Play, Belong
Current Elementary families and rising 1st grade families are invited to join the upcoming Kindergarten, Lower & Upper Elementary meet-up! This is not an official SSESH-sponsored event, just a fun, off-campus opportunity to build community and connect before next year.
Please RSVP and indicate pizza/snack participation: HERE.
Questions? Contact Allissa Ward at allissaward12@gmail.com
Iowa Assessments
Students in 2nd–8th grade will take the Iowa Assessments during the week of March 23. This nationally normed assessment provides a helpful snapshot of each student’s academic progress. At SSESH, we use this information thoughtfully—as one of many tools—to better understand student growth and guide instruction.
Please help your child come prepared each day with a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a calm, confident mindset. We are proud of the hard work our students do every day, and this is simply another opportunity for them to show what they know!
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!