Hallway 10.9.2025

Want to maximize your Annual Fund gift? Follow Montius Maximus’ lead—see if your employer will MATCH your tax-deductible donation to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Houston (FEIN: 74-1689397).

1. Give to the Annual Fund.

2. Search your HR/benefits portal for “matching gifts.”

3. Submit your match request using our FEIN and donation receipt.

Many companies use platforms like Benevity, YourCause, or CyberGrants—one quick form can multiply your support for our students and teachers.

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.

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.

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.

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

Our Annual Book Fair at Barnes & Noble was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible enthusiasm and support of our St. Stephen’s families! The children’s faces lit up as they browsed the tables and rediscovered the joy of choosing their very own books. Many students were spotted finding cozy corners to dive right in—proof that the love of reading is alive and well at SSESH.

Thanks to your generosity, dozens of new books were purchased for our classroom libraries, helping to fill the shelves across every level with fresh stories, inspiring characters, and new adventures. Teachers were thrilled to receive titles that will enrich their lessons and spark meaningful conversations in the months ahead.

We’re also deeply grateful to our volunteer team and to Barnes & Noble for their continued partnership. Events like these strengthen our community and remind us of the power of reading to connect, inspire, and nurture curiosity in every child. Together, we’re building a community of readers and lifelong learners—one book at a time.

Last week, third grader Clara stepped into a very important role—Head of School for the Day! Dressed for success in a suit and carrying her briefcase and list of questions, Clara took her responsibilities seriously from the moment she arrived. This special experience was one of the most coveted live auction items at last spring’s Gala, and Clara made the most of her big day.

She began by greeting families at the Primary Parent Education session, warmly welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending. Throughout the day, Clara met with members of the administrative team to learn about their roles, joined Dr. Troy for a walk around campus, and visited classrooms to check in with teachers and students. Her curiosity, confidence, and kindness were on full display—true leadership qualities that made her an outstanding “Head of School.”