Hallway 6.12.2026

As families begin preparing for the 2026–2027 school year, here are a few important notes:

• Class assignments, teacher letters, and class-specific information will be shared on July 1.
• In the meantime, our Back-to-School Checklist below is the best place to begin preparing for a smooth return in August. We encourage families to work through the checklist over the summer.
• Please note that the updated Student & Family Handbook will be shared later this summer.
• A more detailed calendar of school events and important dates will also be shared later this summer to help families plan for the year ahead.

Questions? Here’s who to contact:

• Head of School: Dr. Troy Roddy – troddy@ssesh.org
• Finance: Rey Figueroa – rfigueroa@ssesh.org
• Orientation & Primary Academics: Nahla Nasser – nnasser@ssesh.org
• Elementary & Middle Years Academics: Celia Hughes – chughes@ssesh.org
• Events & Calendar: Liz Newchurch – lnewchurch@ssesh.org
• Health Forms & Immunizations: Christie Heinroth – cheinroth@ssesh.org
• Learning Support: Amber Alaniz Vela – aalanizvela@ssesh.org
• Enrollment Questions: Elise Moore – emoore@ssesh.org

As we prepare for another exciting school year, we are thrilled to welcome several talented educators and staff members to the St. Stephen’s community. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to supporting students and families.

We invite you to get to know the newest members of our team!

Many of our students already know Haley Leonard from her work in St. Stephen’s aftercare program during the 2025–2026 school year. As she transitions into her new role as Associate Teacher in Primary 1, Haley brings several years of experience working with young children in educational and childcare settings. She is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology at the University of Houston and has a strong interest in supporting children’s social, emotional, and academic development.

Shana Steinhardt joins St. Stephen’s as the Lead Teacher in Lower Elementary 2, bringing more than two decades of Montessori experience to the role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oberlin College, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, and an Elementary I Montessori credential from the American Montessori Society. An award-winning educator, Shana has served as a Montessori Lower Elementary Guide since 2001 and is known for her work in inquiry-based science, outdoor education, and highly differentiated instruction. She has also mentored fellow educators, presented at conferences, and volunteered extensively with the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

We are excited to introduce an enhanced approach to Spanish instruction for the 2026–2027 school year. While Spanish will continue to be a dedicated part of the curriculum, instruction will now take place within students’ classroom environments, allowing language learning to be more closely connected to the Montessori experience.

Spanish lessons will be taught in small groups within familiar classroom spaces and tailored to the needs of each level. This approach allows learning to happen through a Montessori lens—meeting students where they are, encouraging active participation, and supporting individualized growth. Follow-up work and extensions will be incorporated into the classroom environment, providing opportunities for students to revisit, practice, and apply new language skills beyond their scheduled lessons.

Another exciting aspect of this model is that Spanish instruction will be led by members of our own Montessori faculty who are fluent Spanish speakers and have strong, established relationships with our students. Learning a language is most effective when students feel comfortable, connected, and confident, and we are fortunate to have educators who bring both language expertise and a deep understanding of our Montessori philosophy.

Spanish instruction will be led by:

• Ms. Jenny Coronado – Primary
• Ms. Suanny Vasquez Gutierrez – Lower Elementary
• Ms. Indigo Ghonima – Upper Elementary
• Ms. Meredith Guerrero – Middle Years

By integrating Spanish instruction within the classroom setting, students will experience language learning in a way that feels connected, purposeful, and relevant. We believe this model will foster deeper engagement, stronger retention, and meaningful opportunities for students to develop their Spanish language skills within the context of the relationships and learning environment they know and love.

Monday, August 10

Our New Student Orientation helps students feel comfortable, confident, and excited before the first day of school. Students will have the opportunity to meet teachers, become familiar with their classrooms, and begin building connections as they start the year ahead.

This orientation is for students who are new to SSESH, rising Primary students entering their first year of Primary, rising 1st graders, rising 4th graders, and all Middle Years students.

Orientation Level: 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Primary, Elementary, and Middle Years: 8:00–11:00 a.m.

We look forward to welcoming our newest Bulldogs and helping them begin their journey in their new classroom!

Monday, August 10 | 8:15 a.m.

Our New Parent Orientation is designed to help families feel informed, prepared, and connected before the school year begins. Parents will learn about school procedures, communication tools, important dates, volunteer opportunities, and the many ways to get involved in the SSESH community. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet school leaders and fellow new families as we prepare for a successful year ahead.

This event is highly encouraged for all new families.

Monday, August 10 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

After New Student Orientation, join us on the playground for popsicles, playtime, and connection! This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun together while parents meet other families and begin building connections within the SSESH community. We hope you’ll join us for this sweet start to the school year!