The Race Is On for the Annual Fund! 🏁
The competition is heating up as each level races toward 100% family participation—and we’re seeing some exciting movement!
Orientation: 25% · Primary: 27% · Lower Elementary: 39% 🎉 · Upper Elementary: 33% · Middle Years: 27%
Lower Elementary is charging ahead this week—what a jump! But it’s still anyone’s race to win. Every level is getting closer to that 100% goal, and Monty’s cheering for all of you to keep the momentum going!
Our incredible faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees are already at 100%, leading the way with their commitment and Bulldog spirit.
Every gift makes a difference—fueling joyful classrooms, vibrant programs, and a community that believes in our mission.
Let’s cross the finish line together!
When every family gives, every child benefits.
Give a Little Bite More
Monty’s sinking his teeth into the Annual Fund—and he’s thirsty for stretch gifts!
This Halloween, don’t be scared to give a little bite more.
Stretch your Annual Fund gift beyond what you planned and help keep our programs alive and thriving.
Want to make your impact even more fang-tastic? Check if your employer offers a matching gift and double the treat (FEIN 74-1689397).
No tricks. Just treats—for our students, teachers, and community.
Upcoming Events
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.
Fall Open House – Saturday, November 8
Our Fall Open House is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to experience St. Stephen’s! Guests will meet our faculty and staff, tour the campus, and get a true sense of what makes SSESH such a special place to learn and grow.
Do you have friends or neighbors looking for a school for their child? Invite them to join us!
Click here to RSVP.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
We’re excited to welcome your child’s grandparents and special adults to one of our most beloved traditions—Grandparents & Special Friends Day! This special morning celebrates gratitude, learning, and love, honoring those who help shape who our children are.
The morning begins with a welcome breakfast, followed by classroom visits and student performances in the Nave. Guests will rotate between activities to experience both the classroom and the showcase. Activities will be grouped by Purple and Teal Houses so siblings can stay together.
Orientation guests will attend the breakfast, visit classrooms, and conclude their morning at 10:30 a.m.
This is an early dismissal day, and aftercare will not be available. Students may leave with their guests only with written consent.
If you already know who will be attending, please RSVP here. Valet parking will be available for guest convenience.
St. Stephen’s Weekend in the Woods – December 5–7
Looking for time to unwind under the trees and stars? Join us for a weekend at Camp Allen in Navasota with the St. Stephen’s church and school community. It’s a relaxed and playful retreat with options for everyone—stay one night, two nights, or come just for Saturday.
Choose from camp activities or simply enjoy quiet time on the porch, a walk through the woods, or an afternoon nap. Activities include free options like fishing and field games, plus a few with small fees ($15–$30 per person).
Housing is shared, with families and households arranging rooms on a first-come basis. Registration is open through Friday, November 21.
Click here to register.
If the cost would prevent you from attending, please reach out to Rev. Ashley at adellagiacoma@ststephenshouston.org for assistance.
Thanksgiving Break
St. Stephen’s will be closed November 24-28 for Thanksgiving Break. Enjoy your time with your family!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: CCSC Food Drive
When our neighbors worry about food and bills, we can help keep pantries stocked. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host a drop-off site for long-time partners, Christian Community Service Center (CCSC), and their most-needed items.
Here’s how you can help:
- DROP-OFF – Thurs, Nov 13 – Tues. Nov 18. – We’ll have donation bins in 2 locations across our campus. Bring items with you to school, work, or Sunday worship.
- DRIVE-THRU – Sat., Nov 15, 9 AM- Noon – Volunteers will receive donations from your car via the Sul Ross (carpool) parking lot.
- VOLUNTEER – Sat., Nov 15, 9 AM- Noon – help transfer donations to bins for pick up. Contact Susan Hawes at seghawes@gmail.com
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of giving, but the current SNAP benefits stall makes the need especially urgent.
MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
- Dry beans (1- or 2-pound bags)
- Hearty soups
- Dry rice (1- or 2-pound bags)
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Peanut butter
- Boxed dry cereal
- Pasta sauce
OTHER REQUESTED ITEMS:
- Baby food or formula
- Toilet paper
- Canned fruit (all types)
- Canned vegetables (all types)
- Dry pasta/mac and cheese
- Bar soap
- Diapers (sizes 5 and 6)
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!