Annual Fund Update
The race is on for the Annual Fund—and the competition is heating up!
We’re making great progress toward 100% family participation:
Orientation: 25% · Primary: 25% · Lower Elementary: 28% · Upper Elementary: 26% · Middle Years: 27%
Things are neck and neck right now—every level is racing toward the finish line! 🏁
Who can help Monty win the race and move their level closer to 100%?
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 fuels 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 cross the finish line together.
When every family gives, every child benefits.
Step Up to the Plate
Monty’s swinging for the fences—are you ready to stretch your gift?
Give what you planned—and add a little extra power to your swing with a stretch gift.
Want to bring it all the way home? Check if your employer offers a matching gift and double your impact (FEIN 74-1689397).
Upcoming Events
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.
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).
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
Parent Education: Positive Discipline
Join Ms. Nahla and Ms. Linda for a special Parent Education session on Positive Discipline, designed for parents of children 15 months through Kindergarten.
To prepare, we encourage you to read Positive Discipline, A–Z.
Have questions or specific scenarios you’d like discussed?
Submit them here.
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! 💜🩵
Dress Code Reminder
As we move through the school year, we’d like to gently remind our community of the dress code expectations outlined in our Student and Family Handbook. Please take a moment to review the guidelines below, taken directly from the handbook:
● Attire should include shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, and sweatshirts as applicable and seasonally appropriate.
● Unless provided for during a special event or Spirit Week, pajamas and costumes are not appropriate for school.
● Student clothing shall not bear references to alcohol, drugs, sexually explicit, vulgar, offensive, or violent remarks. Clothing should make no reference to weaponry.
● No visible undergarments or crop tops. Shorts must be worn underneath skirts or dresses. Shorts and skirts must be as long as the middle finger when both arms descend straight beside the body.
● No cleavage or breast tissue should be visible outside or through student clothing at any time.
● Jewelry is expected to be safe, preventing harm to the wearer and to all other students.
● Athletic shoes are required; no light-up shoes. No Crocs, flip-flops, or sandals should be worn.
● Hair must be pulled back with a hair tie or athletic headband during movement or PE.
● Hats, caps, and sunglasses are worn out of doors only. Exceptions shall be made for religious or cultural affiliation.
● Children’s clothing should allow for a child’s freedom of movement.
Children who are developing independence and are toilet learning should be dressed in clothing they can put on and take off easily.
Students who do not adhere to these guidelines may not be allowed to attend class. Parents will be called if appropriate clothing is not available or the student refuses dress-code-appropriate clothing.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping our students represent St. Stephen’s with pride and respect.
Your Favorite Friday Lunch Is Sticking Around!
Kick off your weekends with a Friday (or sometimes Thursday!) lunch your kids will love. Each Monty Meal comes with a slice of fresh Domino’s pizza—cheese or pepperoni—plus a creamy yogurt and a juicy mandarin orange.
Choose 1, 2, or 3 slices—whatever fits your student’s appetite!
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1 slice: $7
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2 slices: $8
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3 slices: $9
Order Windows:
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November: Oct 24–Nov 3
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December: Nov 21–Dec 1
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January: Dec 19–Jan 5 (2026)
🍕 Note: Monty Meals move to Thursday on Nov 6, Nov 20, and Dec 18 due to early dismissals.
💳 Order here: PayIt Form
📧 Questions? development@ssesh.org
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!