May: SAES Gala Smashes Records

LETTERS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, NANCY SIMPSON-

The annual St. Andrews Episcopal School gala was held on February 7 at M Squared Gallery on 19th Street. A crowd of nearly 200 parents, parishioners, and friends enjoyed the evening as they perused the many items available in the silent and live auctions and, enjoyed the art in the venue. 

Several of the silent auction items brought on friendly competition among the bidders. As the silent auction ended and the live auction started, things really began to swing into action as hands shot in the air to bid on the items.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to each of the auction item donors, as well as attendees. A special thanks goes to parishioner Alli Jarrett for her sponsorship and contribution of the delicious meal that was provided by the creative staff at Harold’s.

SAES Collecting Coats & Sharing Holiday Joy

LETTERS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, NANCY SIMPSON-

Christmas is always a special time and especially so in a school where there are young children. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School children are not only singing traditional Christmas carols and making art projects that resemble Christmas trees, but also we are taking time to remember the story of Jesus’ birth and the meaning of Christmas. Please join us for chapel on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 am to hear a special message from Father Jimmy about how God works in our lives. The children’s perspectives and insights are amazingly insightful. 

The school is also having a winter coat drive and asking families to contribute children’s new or gently used coats for others who are struggling to stay warm. Look for the collection box in the Oak Table room. Our annual Advent Tea is scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 10 am in the church. We will have a short program and then enjoy refreshments in the Parish Hall. Please join us! 

The school begins its holiday break on December 19 and students will return on for a new year of learning on January 6.

SAES Kicks Off 13th Year!

LETTERS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, NANCY SIMPSON-

On August 25 St.Andrew’s Episcopal School began our thirteenth school year. With the help of many parents, board members, and faculty, the school continues to grow and yet maintain a very special culture of nurturing and caring for the child in a Montessori environment. 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our faculty and staff:

- Our Toddler I class is led by Michelle Balch and assisted by Mari Matthews and Nick Curtis. 
- Toddler II is led by Christa Wilson and assisted by Monica Chapa.
- Our Early Childhood environment is led by Martha Pena and co-taught with Tuan Vu. Edith Rivera assists both teachers. 
- Maryuri Duran functions in the very important role of Business Manager, keeping our records up to date and making sure we have what we need each day.
- Michelle Hlavenka is our Director of Admissions and Marketing. 

We work together as a team to create an environment that nurtures and enriches the children and their families. Come by and see what a very special place SAES is and, how much fun we are having in our Montessori community!

St. Andrew’s is accredited by the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools and is a Member of the American Montessori Association. Parents interested in admission to the school may contact the main office at standre wsschool@saesintheheights.org or 713-861-2954. We hold small group tours each month and accept applications and enroll year-round.

More information about the school can be found online at www.SAESintheHeights.org.

Summer In The City!

LETTERS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, NANCY SIMPSON-

Summer time at St. Andrew’s school continues the rich educational experience found in the regular school year. With a theme of “Farm to Market”, children will have unique experiences that will help explain how things get from the growing fields to our table. In addition to Splash Day every week, the classrooms will have visits from a beekeeper, an urban gardener, a petting zoo and, a cowboy (or cowgirl). Our classroom teachers have clearly organized a very special summer. Please stop by if you are in the neighborhood.

There are a couple of faculty and staff changes this summer that represent growth in our school. Tuan Vu has moved from an assistant teacher in the Toddler II classroom to the role of teacher in the Early Childhood classroom where she joins Martha Pena as lead teacher. Michelle Hlavenka has stepped into the position of Director of Marketing and, Maryuri Duran is keeping things in order in the role of Business Manager. 

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School was founded in 2001 as an outreach of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Both Montessori philosophy and our Episcopal heritage support the school’s values of inclusivity, respect for each person, the inquiring mind and, service to others. Being a member of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools is an honor and responsibility to uphold high standards that support a learning environment for intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. St. Andrew’s is also a Full Member of the American Montessori Association. Parents interested in admission to the school may contact the main office at standrewsschool@saesintheheights.org or 713-861-2954. We hold small group tours each month and accept applications and enroll year-around. More information about the school can be found on-line at www.SAESintheHeights.org.

Episcopal schools exist not merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving, empowering God.
-The National Association of Episcopal Schools