View Jumpstart - St. Thomas` Episcopal School

Jumpstart
2016 – 2017
• Message from the
Headmaster
• Event and fundraising
information
• Volunteer opportunities
• One-stop shopping for
the school year
• Quick facts and more
1
Dear STE Parents,
On behalf of the entire administrative team, I hope that summer provides
some much needed rest and relaxation. The team will be working to ensure
a smooth start to the 2016-2017 school year.
This packet is meant to let you get a “jumpstart” on planning for the
upcoming school year. We hope this packet will help you feel prepared and
informed when you step onto campus August 17.
Please note the two items below when going through your packet:
• School Forms – We realize the beginning of the school year can be
overwhelming with numerous forms to complete and return. Many school
forms are included in this packet, but more are posted under “Jumpstart
2016-2017” on stes.org.
• Event & Volunteer Forms – Event registration and volunteer signup
forms are included in this packet to give you the opportunity to do
some one-stop shopping for the school year. To pay for all events with
one check, please complete the one-stop shopping form and return it
to the Advancement Office. We hope that one form and one payment
will give you less to worry about during the first few months of school.
If you’d rather not take advantage of the one-stop shopping option,
you’re welcome to submit the forms throughout the year by each event’s
deadline. Event registration forms may be found on our website at stes.org
under “Jumpstart 2016-2017.” Please consider signing up to volunteer
for at least one event. Our event staff is small, and parent volunteers are
instrumental. Volunteering is also a great way to meet other parents, and
children are excited to see parents on campus.
Please also take a moment to read the Communication at STE and
Fundraising at STE sections. Both are meant to provide a clear explanation
of how we communicate with school families and why fundraising is a
necessary part of our school’s future growth and success.
Our entire faculty and staff want every family to feel connected and engaged
in life here at STE. We’ve included the contact information for members
of our faculty and staff in this packet. They’re available to answer any
questions you might have. Please feel free to contact any of us with your
questions or concerns.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing
you in August!
Sincerely,
Michael F. Cusack, Jr. ‘79
Headmaster
2
ADMINISTRATIVE
CONTACTS
Rector and School Board President
(The Rev’d) David O. Browder
browder.david@stes.org
Headmaster
Mike Cusack
cusack.mike@stes.org
Assistant to the Headmaster
Carroll Rhoads
rhoads.carroll@stes.org
Director of Advancement
Emily Smart
smart.emily@stes.org
Advancement Associate
Alex Franklin
franklin.alex@stes.org
Director of Admissions
Danny Kahalley
kahalley.danny@stes.org
Assistant Director of Admissions
Gretchen Hesse
hesse.gretchen@stes.org
Director of Communications
Donna Cropper
cropper.donna@stes.org
Controller
Brittany Gibson
gibson.brittany@stes.org
School Nurse
Anne Sexton
nurse@stes.org
Director of Athletics
Clayton Harrell
harrell.clayton@stes.org
Head of Lower School
Melissa Vogeley
vogeley.melissa@stes.org
Head of Middle School
(Appointment Pending)
mshead@stes.org
Head of Upper School
Dale King
king.dale@stes.org
QUICK FACTS
HANDBOOK/DIRECTORY
STE’s 2016-2017 STE Handbook/Directory will be distributed on the first
day of school. The youngest child in the family will receive one copy to bring
home. If you would like extra copies, please complete the order form in the
back of this booklet, or it can be found at stes.org under “Jumpstart 20162017.” We ask that each family read the book thoroughly. The Handbook/
Directory explains all school policies and procedures. An online version of it
will be posted on the school website.
UNIFORMS
STE’s uniform policy may be found in the online Handbook/Directory.
School uniforms are available through Parker School Uniforms, with the
exception of the optional weskit for girls in grades 6-12. Weskits may be
purchased at the on-campus Spirit Store beginning in late July. Girls in
these grades wear either a sweater vest or weskit as part of the uniform.
Please visit parkersu.com for information and store locations. If you
have questions, please email communications@stes.org.
HEALTH FORMS
The Health Forms for the 2016-2017 school year were mailed in April.
Please be aware that some of the forms require a parent and physician
signature. The Certificate of Participation Medical Form (physical) is required
for all students. A student may not participate in PE and/or join an athletic
team until this signed form is on file with the school nurse. If you have not
received a packet or have any questions or concerns about your packet,
please do not hesitate to contact Anne Sexton in the nurse’s office at
nurse@stes.org. The deadline for all health forms is August 1, 2016.
More complete health information will be detailed in section five of the
Handbook/Directory that will be distributed on the first day of school.
HEALTHY LUNCH BOX
STE contracts with the Healthy Lunch Box to provide students with
a hot lunch. If you would like to order your lunches, please log on to
thehealthylunchbox.com to set up your account and to browse menus.
The Healthy Lunch Box offers vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
We do not offer milk and juice service. We ask that students bringing their
lunches from home also bring a drink in their lunchbox. Students in K-Bridge
through fifth grade may not bring carbonated drinks. Glass containers are
not allowed.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
For a full list of supplies needed for the school year, please visit stes.org
under “Jumpstart 2016-2017.”
SHOPPING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
STE partners with AmazonSmile, Kroger, Randalls and Target to take part
in their community programs. For each purchase you make at one of these
stores, a portion of your purchase is donated to the school. These donations
help support and improve school programming. For instructions on how
to link your account to STE, please refer to Section 11 in the Handbook/
Directory after you receive it. Please take a moment to get connected —
every effort helps.
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COMING
TO SCHOOL
Safety for our students is always
our number one concern.
The complete list of rules and
regulations is located in our
handbook that will be distributed
to the youngest child in each
family on the first day of school.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL TIMES
The first bell rings at 7:40 a.m., and the tardy bell rings
at 7:45 a.m. Students may arrive on campus beginning at
7:15 a.m. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. must check in
with the front office. If your child is going to be late or
absent, please email office@stes.org and the homeroom
teacher, or call the front desk at 713.666.3111 by 8 a.m.
No student may be on campus prior to 7:15 a.m., unless
participating in an organized school function.
EARLY DISMISSALS
On days when classes are dismissed early, we will not offer
after school care or bus service. The dismissal schedule
remains the same, but with adjusted hours.
4
STUDENTS DRIVING TO SCHOOL
•
All student drivers must register their vehicles with
the office.
•
Students may not park in the alley at any time, including
after school.
•
Students who drive recklessly or endanger themselves,
or another person, will forfeit the privilege of driving
to school.
•
Students who need DPS Verification of Enrollment forms
must request the form by giving their full name to the
office. Note: There is a 24-hour turnaround time for
the form.
STUDENTS BIKING TO SCHOOL
• Students must wear a helmet, per the city ordinance.
•
One person per bike.
•
Bikes may not be ridden on campus.
•
Bikes are to be parked and locked in the bike rack that
is located in the alley.
•
Students should follow a planned, direct route to and
from school. Parent should know their child’s route(s).
COURTESY AND STE RULES OF THE ROAD
• Cell phone usage is not permitted during carpool or
in designated school zones.
•
Please do not park and leave your car unattended
on Jackwood or Endicott during morning drop-off,
7:15-7:40 a.m., or after 2:30 p.m.
•
Do not “make a space” in the Jackwood parking lot,
or park behind/block another car.
•
Do not park in spaces indicated for Visitors to Admissions
or in other spaces not applicable to you.
•
U-turns are illegal on Jackwood and Endicott in the
school zone areas. Signs are posted by the city, and you
may be ticketed.
•
Always use the designated crosswalks.
•
Do not double-park on Endicott or Jackwood.
•
Be aware of students crossing the street and
entering and exiting vehicles.
MORNING DROP OFF:
• K-Bridge and Kindergarten: No alley drop-off for the first week only. Parents must walk child to the classroom.
Beginning August 22, the alley* is open for these grades.
•
Grades 1-5: For the first week, students in grades 1 – 3 may be dropped off in the alley, or parents may walk the child to the
classroom. Older students may also be dropped off in the alley if accompanying a younger student. Beginning August 22,
parents of children in grades 1-3 may use the alley, or bring students on campus, and take them to the front of the lower school
hallway to send them off to their homerooms. Please do not take your child to the classroom. Beginning August 22, students
in grades 4 and 5, may also be dropped off in the alley, only if they have a younger sibling being dropped off in the alley. You
may also drop them off on Endicott or Jackwood Street or in the Jackwood parking lot for them to use the guard-assisted
crosswalk.
•
Grades 6-12: Students may be dropped off on the school side of Endicott or they may use the Jackwood parking lot (students
may be dropped off in the alley IF they have a younger sibling who is being dropped off in the alley).
*Alley traffic flows one way – north to south – entering from Indigo Street and exiting to Jackwood Street with a right turn
only. Drive forward to a drop-off point, stop, and allow child(ren) to exit on the driver’s side of the car. Multiple stops are not
permitted because it interferes with the flow of traffic. At no time may drivers get out of their cars. For the safety of everyone, the
alley is a cell phone-free zone. The alley is open from 7:15-7:40 a.m. and from 3:05-3:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON PICKUP:
K-Bridge and Kindergarten Dismissal – 3 p.m.
Grades 1-12 Dismissal – 3:15 p.m.
•
K-Bridge and Kindergarten:
No carpool for the first week only.
Parents must retrieve child from the
classroom. Beginning August 22,
the alley is open for these grades,
and parents will then be able to walk
to the classroom to pick up their
children anytime between 2:55 and
3:05 p.m. After 3:05 p.m., the
“E” hallway will be cleared of all
parents, and the hallway gate will
be closed. Parents arriving after
3:05 p.m. must wait in the main
hallway at the end of the “E” hallway
to receive their children. Parents
choosing to use the alley carpool line
will drive through the alley, entering
from Indigo. The boarding process
will begin at 3:05 p.m., and end at
3:30 p.m. Please have your
identification tag prominently
displayed in your vehicle. This tag
will be distributed to families of
students in K-Bridge through third
grade during the first week of school.
All drivers designated to pick up
students in the alley must display an
identification tag on the driver’s side
dashboard. Children will board the
car from the left side.
•
Grades 1-3: Beginning on the first
day of school, parents may use the
alley. The boarding process begins
at 3:15 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Please prominently display your
identification tag in your vehicle.
All drivers designated to pick up
students in the alley must display an
identification tag on the driver’s side
dashboard. This tag will be provided
during the first week of school.
Children board the car from the
left side.
Parents may also retrieve children
on campus beginning at 3:20 p.m.
after the A/B hallway has been
cleared of students going to after
school activities. Parents will line the
hallway leading to the Bell Tower in
groups corresponding to their child’s
grade (signs along the walkway will
designate where to gather). Present
the “student’s name card” to the
teacher when prompted so that your
child may be gathered. The cards will
be distributed during the first week
of school. Parents who are picking
up more than one child may stand in
the group of the youngest child. If an
adult is also picking up a child who is
not his or her own, that child will be
picked up last, and the adult must sign
for the child. If you know in advance
that someone other than you will
pick up your child, please notify the
teacher or the office. Advance noticed
is appreciated.
•
Grades 4-5: Jackwood Street
Pick up only on the school side of the
street. Students must enter vehicles
on the passenger side of the car.
Drivers must not park and leave car
unattended, double park, park on the
opposite side of the street, or make
illegal U-turns.
•
Grades 6-12: Endicott Street or
Jackwood Parking Lot
Endicott Street
Pick up on the school side of the
street only. Students must enter their
vehicles on the passenger side of the
car. Drivers must not park and leave
car unattended, double park, park on
the opposite side of the street, or make
illegal U-turns.
Jackwood Parking Lot
Driver parks in designated space in
the Jackwood parking lot. Students
walk to car.
5
EVENTS
AT A GLANCE
STE is proud to host a variety of events
throughout the year. They’re a fun way for
us all to get to know one another and build
a strong community. Most of the events are
focused on community building, and proceeds
go toward supporting the school. Take a
moment to read the event descriptions, and
consider volunteering for one or more of
our events. We’re always in need of a few
helping hands.
WELCOME BACK COFFEE
August 19 | 7:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Murray Center
The Welcome Back Coffee is a casual gathering designed
for all school parents. Please join us as we gather in the
Murray Center for conversation, coffee, and bagels.
Mr. Cusack and other faculty will be there to say hello and
answer questions. The Welcome Back Coffee is a great time
to learn more about the numerous volunteer opportunities
available. There is no formal presentation, so please drop
by as your schedule permits.
PARENTS’ NIGHTS IN THE THEATRE
K-Bridge – 1st Grade
August 22 | 6:30 p.m.
Senior College Night
August 31 | 6:30 p.m.
2nd – 3rd Grade
August 23 | 6:30 p.m.
Junior College Night
September 7 | 6:30 p.m.
4th – 5th Grade
August 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Sophomore College Night
September 14 | 6:30 p.m.
Middle School
August 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Freshmen College Night
September 21 | 6:30 p.m.
At our Parents’ Nights, you have the opportunity to not only
meet teachers and staff, but to also learn more about STE and
our approach to curriculum. Parents are strongly encouraged
to take advantage of this time to become more acquainted
with teachers and to get to know room parents. Parents’
Nights are held on five separate nights so families with more
than one child are able to visit the different classrooms and
teachers. We hope that all parents will attend the opening
presentation in the church. Details on Veracross, our new
school information system, will be presented at these times.
6
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPAGHETTI SUPPER
& FAMILY NIGHT
September 16 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Murray Center
Every fall, STE holds a Back-to-School Spaghetti Supper
& Family Night. This event has quickly become one
of the most popular events on campus. Last year,
more than 900 people attended. The purpose of the
Back-to-School Spaghetti Supper & Family Night is
to welcome new families to our community and to
reconnect with each other. This casual setting includes
an Italian spaghetti dinner for the entire family,
a balloon artist, face painting, and music.
FALL FAIR
October 29 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
STE Campus
Fall Fair has been a tradition since STE’s beginning.
Each year, Fall Fair takes place on the last Saturday
in October. It’s a day full of fun for the entire family.
All grade levels are encouraged to attend. This all-day
event includes carnival rides, games, raffles, costume
contests, and, of course, food. Enjoy a performance by
the STE Pipe Band as well as conversation with fellow
STE families. This year’s Fall Fair is sure to be full of
fun for the entire family. We hope that you consider
volunteering for this fun-filled event.
BOOK FAIR
November 14 – 18
STE Library
The Book Fair takes place each year in the Robinson
Memorial Library, just in time for holiday shopping.
During the Book Fair, students, parents, grandparents,
faculty, and friends of STE are invited to purchase
books from the library’s extensive collection. Attendees
are also asked to consider donating a book to the
library or a classroom. These donations help the school
grow its collection of books. Proceeds from this event
benefit the school library and library programming.
GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY
K-Bridge – 5th Grade
November 18 | 7:45 – 11:00 a.m.
STE Campus
Each year we invite grandparents and special friends of
our K-Bridge through fifth grade students to join us on
campus for a special morning. Grandparents and special
friends participate in activities with their grandchildren,
visit classrooms, and join us for a chapel service. This
is a memorable morning for students and grandparents.
Be sure grandparents and special friends have their
calendars marked for November 18.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
December 8 | 7:00 p.m.
6th – 12th Grade, Strings & Choir
STE Church
December 13 | 6:30 p.m.
Kindergarten – 1st Grade
STE Church
December 14 | 6:30 p.m.
2nd – 3rd Grade
STE Church
December 15 | 6:30 p.m.
4th – 5th Grade
STE Church
Prior to the Christmas holiday, our students wow us with
their musical talents. The Christmas Concerts take place in
the STE Church and are open to all parents, grandparents,
faculty, and friends of STE. We are blessed to have such
talented student musicians and a superior music program.
Nothing spreads the joy of Christmas like our Christmas
Concerts. The performances are sure to amaze you.
GALA & AUCTION
February 11, 2017 | Time TBD
Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston
The biennial Gala & Auction is a major fundraising
event for STE, where current parents, alumni parents,
grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends come together
to support the school. While this biennial event is organized
by an energetic committee of volunteers, it takes the support
of the entire STE community to make this event come to life.
Additional details will be posted on stes.org under
“Giving” as they become available.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION RECEPTION
April 14 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
STE Courtyard
STE would not be the same without our parent volunteers.
We are truly grateful for their time and efforts throughout
the school year. Many of these school events would not be
possible without parents who generously donate their time,
so each spring we host a Volunteer Appreciation Reception
as a small way to show our gratitude to our volunteers.
Attendees will enjoy breakfast and coffee, followed by a
special chapel service.
PARENTS’ DAY
May 3 | Time TBD
STE Church Apron
Parents’ Day parents and families gather on the church
apron to watch kindergarten through fourth grade students
showcase their Highland dance skills. Members of the
STE Pipe Band also perform during this entertaining evening.
SPLASH BASH
May 5 | 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
STE Field
Splash Bash is an annual wet-n-wild adventure for our
K-Bridge through fifth grade students. Splash Bash features a
variety of water activities including water slides, slip-n-slides,
water balloons, games, foam pits, pizza, and more. Your
lower school student will have a splashing good time!
SOUNDS OF SCOTLAND
Date TBD
Jones Hall
With the only Scottish Arts program in all of Houston, it’s
only fitting that we hold a one-of-a-kind event to showcase
our students’ unparalleled talent on one of Houston’s most
prestigious stages. We hope you join us for an unforgettable
night of world-renowned student bagpipers, drummers and
dancers. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled all the way to the
majestic Highlands.
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COMMUNICATION AT STE
At STE, we strive to keep an open door of communication between faculty, staff, and parents.
Each year, we work to develop communication strategies that will keep parents educated and
informed of everything going on in our community. Please know that our doors are always open,
and we always welcome feedback from parents who have any questions or concerns.
FROM THE SCHOOL
ONLINE COMMUNICATION TOOLS
WEEKLY COMMUNICATION: Every Monday
during the school year, a weekly email is sent to all
parents. It contains important announcements, dates,
and activities for the upcoming week. If you want to
know all of the happenings each week, please read
the weekly email.
WEBSITE | stes.org
The school website has information about our academics,
student life, athletics, band, admissions process, and school
events. Parents may access our parent portal, Veracross,
through the website.
MONTHLY COMMUNICATION: On a monthly
basis, we mail the Headmaster’s Headlines to every
household. Headmaster’s Headlines includes updates
on student achievements, reports on ongoing projects,
and important dates.
BI-ANNUAL COMMUNICATION: The Tartan is
our school magazine and is published twice a year.
It’s mailed to our entire community and includes
information on new school initiatives, school news,
student achievements, alumni news, faculty and staff
updates, and more.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION: At the conclusion
of our fiscal year, which ends on August 31, we
produce the Annual Report. The report provides
an update from the School Board President and the
Headmaster, an overview of the school’s financials,
fundraising accomplishments, and recognition of
everyone who donated to STE during the previous year.
FROM THE TEACHER
Every faculty member checks his or her STE email
account regularly. If you have questions for your child’s
teacher or need to speak with the division head, please
feel free to email him or her, and you will receive a
timely response. We encourage open communication
and want all parents to openly ask questions and
express any concerns.
8
VERACROSS — SCHOOL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Veracross is a school information management vendor that
specializes in private school data management solutions.
This web-based system helps manage the school’s data
more effectively and let us communicate more efficiently
to our community.
ATHLETICS WEBSITE | steathletics.org
If you are looking for athletics information, calendars, or
contact information, please access the athletic website.
FACEBOOK | facebook.com/StThomasEpiscopalSchool
The STE Facebook page is updated regularly with school news
and happenings. Please take a moment to
“Like” us on Facebook.
FUNDRAISING AT STE
While the school is sixty years old, our Advancement Office is relatively new. As is the case
with the majority of independent schools, STE solicits tax-deductible gifts to help maintain and
enhance our school’s excellence and to provide each student with an impactful experience.
Our first priority when creating an Advancement Office was to have a strong Annual Giving
program, so we created The Saint Thomas’ Fund as the fundraising priority of the school.
STE’s other major fundraiser is our biennial Gala & Auction. Please take a moment to read
below and become more acquainted with our two major fundraisers.
THE SAINT THOMAS’ FUND
As the fundraising priority of the school, the funds raised
from the Saint Thomas’ Fund allow us to update campus
facilities, provide necessary equipment for our arts and
athletic programs, offer our faculty numerous professional
development opportunities, and implement new technology in
the classroom. It’s through the actions mentioned above that
we’re able to offer every STE student the best opportunity for
growth and success. The goal of the Saint Thomas’ Fund is to
provide our students, faculty, and staff with everything they
need to ensure their continued success, and, unfortunately,
tuition dollars alone do not fund these additional projects.
Each fall, we have a five-week parent drive where we ask all
school families to make a gift to the Saint Thomas’ Fund.
We’ve received amazing support from our entire community.
Last year, 86% of our parent population participated, 100%
of our school board participated, and 90% of our faculty
and staff participated. This kind of community support is
invaluable.
This year’s five-week parent drive will begin on Monday,
September 26 and conclude on Friday, October 28. We hope
that we can count on the participation of the entire STE
community. Every dollar raised in a school year is spent
during that school
year, so the impact
the fund makes is
immediate.
STE GALA & AUCTION – An Enchanted Evening
The Gala & Auction at STE takes place every other year. Our next gala, An Enchanted Evening, will occur on Saturday,
February 11, 2017 and will be co-chaired by STE parents Elizabeth Brewer and Kirsten Herrscher. Our gala is one of the
biggest and most exciting nights for STE where current parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends come
together to support the school.
Formal invitations will be mailed later this year, but please save the date!
It takes an entire community to execute an event of this size. Please consider participating in the planning and support
of this magical night. If you are interested in volunteering as a part of our Gala & Auction Committee, please contact
Alex Franklin at franklin.alex@stes.org.
9
PARENT
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
ALEX FRANKLIN
Advancement Associate
franklin.alex@stes.org
If you are interested in joining a committee
and aren’t sure which committee to
join, please don’t hesitate to contact the
Advancement Office at 713.666.3111.
Each year our parent volunteers make
a huge difference in the lives of STE
students. There are plenty of ways
to get involved, and we encourage
parents to join a committee or
two. Browse through the available
opportunities below, and indicate your
interest on the volunteer signup sheet
found at the end of this packet.
FUNDRAISING
THE SAINT THOMAS’ FUND COMMITTEE
The Saint Thomas’ Fund is the fundraising priority for the school.
The Saint Thomas’ Fund Committee is made up of a committee chair and
class representatives from each grade. Class representatives encourage
participation by each family in their class. Having a strong volunteer
committee that understands and believes in the importance of fundraising
and the positive impact the Saint Thomas’ Fund makes is vital to the
fund’s success. Please consider volunteering on the Saint Thomas’ Fund
Committee.
EVENTS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPAGHETTI
SUPPER & FAMILY NIGHT
September 16 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Murray Center
Volunteers are needed to help with
setup, decorations, and break-down.
FALL FAIR
October 29 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
STE Campus
Volunteers are needed to assist with
food sales and preparation and to help
with ticket sales, setup, and break-down
of games, booths, and Candy Lane.
BOOK FAIR
November 14-18
STE Library
Volunteers are needed to help the library
staff prepare and run the Book Fair.
THE SOUNDS OF SCOTLAND
Date TBD
Jones Hall
The Sounds of Scotland is an
unforgettable night of bagpiping,
drumming, and Highland dancing, and
the show does not go on without parent
volunteers!
10
GALA & AUCTION
February 11 | Time TBD
Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston
The biennial Gala & Auction is a
major fundraising event for the school.
Volunteers are needed to help plan and
prepare for the next gala, which will
take place in February 2017. There are
many different volunteer opportunities,
and we need a big group of great
volunteers to ensure another
successful event.
SPLASH BASH
May 5 | 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
STE Field
Volunteers are needed to help with our
annual wet-n-wild adventure for our
K-Bridge through fifth grade students.
If your child is attending, please
consider volunteering.
NON-EVENT VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
ROOM PARENTS
Each class typically has two parents
that coordinate with the homeroom
teacher and assist with class celebrations
and activities.
STE SPIRIT STORE
The Spirit store is open every Tuesday
from 7:20 to 8:00 a.m. and every
Thursday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Whether you’d like to volunteer one
Tuesday a month or every Thursday
afternoon, it’s up to you, but we could
use some help spreading the STE spirit.
MOMS IN PRAYER
This group of Christian moms believes in the power of prayer. They meet in the
Ingram Room every Friday morning to pray for the school and its students.
Visit momsinprayer.org for more information.
DEPARTMENT SUPPORT
Every department on campus has a need for helping hands. The athletics
department needs volunteers at home games, the library needs help shelving
books, the theatre department needs help painting sets, the music department
needs help setting up for performances, and the band and dance programs
need help with the multiple performances they have each year. We ask that you
consider volunteering and helping these departments.
•
Athletics
•
Band
•
Dance
•
Music
•
Theatre
•
Library
11
SIGNIFICANT DATES
2016-2017
AUGUST
DECEMBER
APRIL
17 Welcome! First Day of School
8
14 Good Friday
19 Welcome Back Coffee
7:45 a.m.
13 K-1st Christmas Concert
14 Easter Holiday, 14-17
14 2nd-3rd Christmas Concert
28 School-wide Choral Concert
22 KBr-1st Grade Parent Night
6:30 p.m.
15 4th-5th Christmas Concert
23 2nd-3rd Grade Parent Night
6:30 p.m.
24 4th-5th Grade Parent Night
6:30 p.m.
25 6th-8th Grade Parent Night
6:30 p.m.
31 Senior College Night
6:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
5
Labor Day Holiday
7
Junior College Night
6:30 p.m.
14 Sophomore College Night
6:30 p.m.
16 Back-to-School Spaghetti Supper
21 Freshmen College Night
6:30 p.m.
6th-12th String & Choir Concert
15 End of Second Quarter
Marking Period
MAY
1
AP Exams, 1-12
16 Christmas Holiday, Dec. 16- Jan. 3
3
K-4th Grade Parents’ Day
Dance Celebration
JANUARY
5
KBr-5th Grade Splash Bash
4
School Resumes
17 8th Grade Celebration
6
Report Cards
9
Dean’s List/Honor Roll
18 End of Fourth Quarter
Marking Period
13 Nine Lessons and Carols
18Graduation
16 MLK Day Chapel Speaker
18 School Dismissed for Summer
FEBRUARY
* Dismissed for Christmas after concert
1Re-enrollment, 1-14
Please note: All dates and times are
subject to change. Not all events appear
on this list. Please refer to the master
calendar for the most accurate listings
of dates, times, and locations.
11 Gala & Auction
MARCH
1
Ash Wednesday
26 The Saint Thomas’ Fund Begins
2
School Holiday, 2-3
OCTOBER
10 End of Third Quarter
Marking Period
7
Fall Holiday, 7-10
13 Spring Holiday, 13-17
14 End of First Quarter Marking Period
24 Report Cards
21 Report Cards
27 Dean’s List/Honor Roll
24 Dean’s List/Honor Roll
31 Founder’s Day
29 Fall Fair
TBASounds of Scotland
31 Parent-Teacher Conferences
LS & MS
31 Lower and Middle School only
Holiday
NOVEMBER
14 Book Fair, 14-18
18 Grandparents and
Special Friends’ Day
21 Thanksgiving Holiday, 21-25
ATHLETICS
AT STE
All athletics information, like game days,
tournaments and rosters, can be found on our
athletics website, steatheltics.org.
Director of Athletics
Clayton Harrell
harrell.clayton@stes.org
Associate Director of Athletics
Head Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach
Chris Twine
twine.chris@stes.org
Director of Soccer
Varsity Men’s Soccer Coach
Chris White
white.chris@stes.org
VARSITY HEAD COACHES
Volleyball
Kayle Ray
ray.kale@stes.org
Season Starts: August 1st HS
August 8th MS
Women’s Basketball
Orin Bailey
bailey.orin@stes.org
Season Starts: October 17th HS
October 24th MS
Baseball
Shawn Ina
ina.shawn@stes.org
Season Starts: January 16th HS
Golf
Skip Westfall
westfall.skip@gmail.com
Season Starts: January 23rd HS
Tennis
Amanda Jackson
coach11jackson@gmail.com
Season Starts: January 23rd HS
January 30th MS
Track and Field
Ezra Richards
ezra@ezocoaching.com
Season Starts: January 23rd HS
January 30th MS
Sailing
Maya Houston
coba97@yahoo.com
Season: All Year
Cross Country
Bret Ramsey
ramsey.bret@stes.org
Season Starts: August 1st HS & MS
Women’s Soccer
Rachel Neese
raneese1@gmail.com
Season Starts: Nov. 7th HS
Swimming
David Farfan
hsswimming@stes.org
Season Starts: October 3rd HS
& MS
13
ONE-STOP
SHOPPING
ITEMS
EXPLAINED
STE offers one-stop
shopping so families may
pay for events and other
miscellaneous items at
one time.
If you would like to take advantage of our one-stop shop,
please follow the steps below.
1.Determine the events you’d like to participate in.
2.Pre-register for events by completing the one-stop registration form
and all required forms included in the back of this packet.
3.Cut the form on the dotted line, and return the registration form with
the other required forms and total payment to the Advancement Office
by August 30. Registrations will only be processed with
complete payment.
PLEASE NOTE: If you do not want to take advantage of our one-stop
shopping option, you can return each forms separately by the registration due
date listed on the particular form. Additional forms can be found
on the website under “Jumpstart 2016-2017.”
Take a look below for full details
on our one-stop shopping items.
BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB
FALL FAIR
In honor of your child’s birthday, please consider
participating in our Birthday Book Club. For $25, a new
book will be placed in the library in your child’s honor.
Each child will have the opportunity to visit the library and
make his/her book choice from pre-selected, appropriate
fiction and non-fiction hardcover books. Your child’s
book selection will be marked with a Birthday Book Club
bookplate acknowledging your child. If your child has a
summer birthday, he or she can still participate, and we will
celebrate on his or her half birthday.
Fall Fair is one of the most popular events at STE.
This year, it takes place on Oct. 29. If you order your
tickets early, you will receive a 20% discount. T-shirts are
$15, and students will be permitted to wear them to school
on the Friday, Oct. 28. Please fill out the “Fall Fair Order
Form” included in this packet. Full price tickets will be
available at the door on the day of the event.
SPAGHETTI SUPPER
Join the STE community for a delicious Italian meal
and an evening of family fun at the 8th Annual
Back-to-School Spaghetti Supper & Family Night. Activities
include a performance by the STE Pipe Band, a balloon
artist, a DJ and more. Please complete the “Spaghetti
Supper Reservation Form” included in this packet. Tickets
are $12 each, but we offer free admission for children
under three years old. We look forward to seeing you on
September 16 for a night of family, fun and spaghetti.
SPLASH BASH
All lower school students are invited to this annual
after-school wet-n-wild adventure. The afternoon will
include water games, rides, water balloons and pizza.
Admission is $35 per student. (Must be an STE student
to attend.)
EXTRA DIRECTORIES
Each family will receive one directory per family during
the first week of school. If you would like to order
additional directories, you may do so on page 23.
The cost is $25 per additional directory.
BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB
REGISTRATION FORM
Celebrate your child’s birthday, and help the Robinson Memorial Library
grow its collection of books at the same time!
Make a $25 donation to the STE Birthday Book Club (BBC), and a new book will be placed in the school library
in your child’s honor. Each child will have the opportunity to visit the library and make his/her book choice from
pre-selected, appropriate fiction and non-fiction hardcover books. Each book will be marked with a BBC bookplate
acknowledging your child. BBC kids will receive a birthday card and a bookmark during the week of their birthday
or half-birthday for summer birthdays (for example, if your child’s birthday is in August when we are not in school,
then we can celebrate the birthday in February).
DON’T MISS THE FUN!
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH THE BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB!
Child’s Name Teacher Grade Date of Birth Date of Half-Birthday (for Summer Birthdays) Donated By How Would You Like Your Name to Be Listed on the Bookplate? (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Sue, etc.)
Child’s Name Teacher Grade Date of Birth Date of Half-Birthday (for Summer Birthdays) Donated By How Would You Like Your Name to Be Listed on the Bookplate? (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Sue, etc.)
Child’s Name Teacher Grade Date of Birth Date of Half-Birthday (for Summer Birthdays) Donated By How Would You Like Your Name to Be Listed on the Bookplate? (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Sue, etc.)
Please return completed form and payment to the school office at least one week prior
to your child’s birthday. Make your check payable to STE with Birthday Book Club
and your child’s name in the memo. Questions? Please contact Alex Franklin at 713.666.3111
or franklin.alex@stes.org.
4900 Jackwood | Houston, Texas 77096 | 713.666.3111 | stes.org
15
FALL FAIR
REGISTRATION FORM
Saturday, October 29 • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fall Fair at STE is a long-standing, annual tradition that provides a full day of fun for the entire family! Enjoy games,
rides, delicious food, drinks, treats, Candy Lane*, a costume contest, and a popular hula-hoop contest.
*Trick-or-treat early at Candy Lane, which features a collection of candy booths sponsored by our family and friends
and created/staffed by our students. Trick-or-treaters travel from booth-to-booth collecting goodies to satisfy their
sweet tooth. Candy Lane will be open from 12 – 12:30 p.m. and again from 3 – 3:30 p.m.
And, for the first time, STE will offer a Fall Fair T-shirt! Students may wear their T-shirt to school on
Friday, October 28. Order one for each member of your family!
SAVE 20%
PRICING INFORMATION
200 tickets = $160
100 tickets = $80
50 tickets = $40
T-shirt = $15
(Best Value) Big S Package: 250 tickets and two T-shirts = $200
How many tickets do I need? Here are examples of prices:
8 tickets = hamburger meal (hamburger, chips, & soda/water)
5 tickets = beer or wine
3 tickets = Candy Lane or Photo Booth
1-4 tickets = one game or ride
WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR
EARLY BIRD TICKETS & T-SHIRT
BEFORE OCTOBER 14.
Full-price tickets will be available at Fall Fair for
$1 each. Purchase before October 14, and save
20%. Pre-sale tickets will be available for pickup
beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the day of Fall Fair.
TICKET ITEMS
QTY
TOTAL
QTY
TOTAL
Individual Tickets $0.80 each
Big S Packages (250 tickets + 2 t-shirts)
T-SHIRT ITEMS
Individual T-Shirt $15 each • Big S Package (Includes 2)
SIZE
YOUTH ADULT
CONTACT INFORMATION
S
M
L
XL
GRAND TOTAL
Name Number o may pick up my tickets for me.
Please return form with payment to the office by October 14. Forms turned in after October 14
will not include a T-shirt. Make checks payable to STE. We always need and appreciate underwriting.
Would your family or business like to sponsor a game, ride, contest, or Candy Lane Booth?
If so, please contact Alex Franklin at franklin.alex@stes.org or 713.666.3111 x 3004.
4900 Jackwood | Houston, Texas 77096 | 713.666.3111 | stes.org
17
8TH ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL
SPAGHETTI SUPPER & FAMILY NIGHT
REGISTRATION FORM
Friday, September 16 • 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Dinner will be served from 6 -7:15 p.m.
Join the STE community (students, parents, siblings, faculty, staff) for a delicious Italian meal and an evening
of family fun. Activities include: a DJ, a balloon artist, a special performance by the STE Pipe Band, and much
more. Don’t miss this evening of STE fellowship — secure your reservations today!
Cost: $12 per person. Children 3 and under are free. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Advanced drink orders are appreciated so that we may order for the event accordingly.
REGISTRATION
Name Email Phone TICKETS
QTY
SUBTOTAL
Dinner Tickets $12 each*
Beer Tickets $4 each
Red Wine Tickets $5 each
White Wine Tickets $5 each
Bottle(s) of Red Wine Tickets $25 each
Bottle(s) of White Wine Tickets $25 each
# of children 3 years and under* will be attending
GRAND TOTAL
*Children 3 years and under are FREE
UNDERWRITING
In an effort to help cover the event costs and keep general admission tickets at an affordable level,
we welcome and appreciate event underwriters.
I will underwrite the event with a gift of: o $500
o $250
o $100
o Other $ (Dinner tickets for the family are complimentary at the underwriting level of $250 and more) Fair market value for underwriters
is the underwritten amount minus $12 per ticket(s) used; a receipt will be provided.
VOLUNTEER
Parent, faculty, staff, and student (middle school and up) volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated.
The following opportunities are available. Thank you!
Volunteer for: o Set-Up, 4– 6 p.m.
o Clean-Up, 9:00 p.m.
Please list names (first, last) of each family member attending, including the grade of the STE student(s):
Please return form with payment to the office by September 2. Please make checks payable
to STE with Spaghetti in the memo. If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather,
tickets cannot be refunded, and event sponsorships will be considered a donation to STE.
Questions? Contact Alex Franklin at 713.666.311, franklin.alex@stes.org
4900 Jackwood | Houston, Texas 77096 | 713.666.3111 | stes.org
19
SPLASH BASH 2017
REGISTRATION FORM
day for lower school students
only
Friday, May 5, 2017 • 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Pizza will be served at 4:30 p.m.
All lower school students are invited to join us for Splash Bash 2017! This annual wet ‘n wild adventure
celebrates the end of school with giant water slides, water mazes, water balloons, snow cones and more.
This will be a Spirit Wear day for Lower School only!
Cost: $35 per child (price includes t-shirt, pizza, drinks and snacks)
RESERVATIONS
To plan effectively, all children require an advance reservation. Walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
UNDERWRITING
In an effort to defray event costs and to allow ticket proceeds for school beautification projects, we welcome and
appreciate underwriters. You can also contribute by including money to pay for water balloons.
I will underwrite the event with a gift of: o $500
I have included an additional $ o $250
o $100
o Other $ for water balloons from filledwaterballons.com.
VOLUNTEER
A variety of volunteers are needed. We are asking that as many parents attend with their children as possible.
Additional supervision is necessary for this event. Please indicate below if and how you will help.
Volunteer for: o Set-Up
o Check-In
o Event Supervision
o Clean-Up
Please list names (first, last) of each family member attending, including the grade of the STE student(s):
CHILD RELEASE INFORMATION
If you will not be taking your child to Splash Bash, please put the name of the person who will be picking up your
child from class below. This person will be responsible for your child at the event.
Name Number TSHIRT INFORMATION
CHILD’S FULL NAME
GRADE
SIZE
YOUTH ADULT
S
M
L
XL
Please return form with payment to the office by April 10, 2017. Forms turned in after April 10
will not include a T-shirt. Make checks payable to STE with Splash Bash 2017 in the memo.
If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, tickets cannot be refunded, and event
sponsorships will be considered a donation to STE. Questions? Contact Alex Franklin at
713.666.3111 or franklin.alex@stes.org
4900 Jackwood | Houston, Texas 77096 | 713.666.3111 | stes.org
21
ONE-STOP SHOP REGISTRATION FORM
With our one-stop shop, you can easily sign up for events and volunteer opportunities for the upcoming school year.
Complete the forms included in this packet, total the amount on this page, and mail all forms back to us by
August 30 with a check made out to STE.
If you’d prefer to pay as you go, you still have that option. All event registration forms are included in this packet,
and payment must be received by the due date listed on the form.
FOR YOUR RECORDS
RETURN THIS PORTION TO SCHOOL
Complete this convenient form for your future reference.
Please return the completed form with total payment and
required forms to the Advancement Office by August 30.
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP
Please select the committees you would like to join.

Book Fair

Spirit Wear Store

Fall Fair

Splash Bash

Grandparents and
Special Friends’ Day

The Saint Thomas’ Fund

Moms in Prayer
Name

Department Support
Street
Email
MY PAYMENTS
GRAND TOTAL
City, State, Zip

Spaghetti Supper
ITEM
Birthday Book Club* $25 per child
Fall Fair* See form for details
Spaghetti Supper* See form for details
Splash Bash* $35 per child, K-Bridge – 5th
Extra Directories $25 per book
Mail to: 4900 Jackwood • Houston, Texas 77096
AMOUNT
Phone
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP
Please select the committees you would like to join.

Book Fair

Spirit Wear Store

Fall Fair

Splash Bash

Grandparents and
Special Friends’ Day

The Saint Thomas’ Fund

Moms in Prayer

Department Support

Spaghetti Supper
MY PAYMENTS
ITEM
Birthday Book Club* $25 per child
Fall Fair* See form for details
Spaghetti Supper* See form for details
Splash Bash* $35 per child, K-Bridge – 5th
Extra Directories $25 per book
AMOUNT
GRAND TOTAL
*Additional registration form required. Forms included in packet. Questions?
Check out full descriptions on pages 14-21
ENCLOSURES
 Check Enclosed – Payable to STE
Please enclose the completed forms if applicable:
 Birthday Book Club  Fall Fair
 Spaghetti Supper
 Splash Bash
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
CHECK NO.
DATE
AMOUNT
INITIALS
23
4900 Jackwood | Houston, Texas 77096
713.666.3111 | stes.org