Spartan Guide

SPARTAN

2023-2024

THE GUIDE TO

Whether you’re brand new to Steward or you’re simply moving into Middle or Upper School from Steward’s Lower or Middle Schools, this guide is for you! You’re getting ready to embark on a great adventure in a community filled with friends and teachers who want to help you discover all that Steward has to offer. This Spartan Guide will help you navigate the coming years at Steward. You’ll find helpful information, important things to do, and checklists to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. So, take some time to discover all that Steward has to offer, and don’t forget that you can always access this information online at www.stewardschool.org. We’re happy that you’re here!

INTRODUCTION

OUR MISSION

Prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care.

CONTACT INFORMATION

11600 Gayton Road

Richmond, Virginia 23238

Main Number: 804.740.3394 Fax: 804.740.1464

Website: www.stewardschool.org

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Dan Frank Head of School

Lisa Dwelle Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations

Becky Groves Interim Director of Lower School

Susan Atkinson Director of Middle School

Adam Seldis Director of Upper School

IMPORTANT DATES

August 7 JV and Varsity Practices Begin

August 21 MS Athletic Practices Begin

August 28 First Day of School - Early Dismissal LS

September 1-4 Labor Day Break – No School

September 25 Yom Kippur – No School

October 9 Fall Break – No School

November 7 Parent/Teacher Conferences –No School for Students

November 13 Diwali – No School

November 20-24 Thanksgiving Break – No School

December 18-

January 1

Winter Break – No School

January 15 MLK Jr. Day – No School

February 19 Presidents’ Day – No School

Yaa Agyekum

Director of the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) and Assistant Interim Director of Lower School

Jenni Booker Baker Director of Development

Lindsay McLaughlin Director of Admissions

Heather Jeter Director of College Counseling

Chad Montgomery Director of Plant Operations

Shahwar Qureshi ’90 Director of Technology

Bruce Secrest Director of Athletics

Rachel Williard Director of Marketing and Communications

Faculty/Staff Directory QR

l.ead.me/tss-directory

March 11-15 Spring Break – No School

March 29 Good Friday – No School

April 5

Parent/Teacher Conferences –No School for Students

April 10 Eid ul Fitr – No School

May 15 Upper School Recognition Assembly

May 23 Baccalaureate

May 24

May 27

May 31

Graduation – No School for Students

Memorial Day – No School

Grades 5 and 8 Recognition Assemblies

Calendar QR

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ABOUT THE STEWARD SCHOOL

Steward students are engaged on an individual level by a robust, innovative curriculum that challenges as much as it inspires. Here, students are given the care and respect they need to be critical thinkers who will help shape the future. Programs such as Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and the Center for Engagement immerse students in topics and ideas that encourage the critical thought, empathy, civil discourse, and inspired thinking that will be necessary to continue moving the world forward.

Inspire the Future.

STE W A RD A T

STEWARD’S PURPOSEFUL SIZE

Our size – which is intentional –enables this atmosphere of engagement. Steward is large enough to provide the resources for students to explore their interests and curiosities across academics, athletics, and the arts concurrently. Importantly, Steward is also small enough to give them the personalized attention they need to pursue these areas of interest.

F AST F A C T S

ARTS: 3 mainstage productions annually

715

NUMBER OF STUDENTS 12

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

26% RACIAL DIVERSITY

92% RETENTION RATE

ATHLETICS: 15 total state championships

8:1 STUDENT/ FACULTY RATIO

$2.9 M VARIABLE TUITION

99% ATTEND TOP CHOICE COLLEGE

40 ATHLETIC TEAMS

ts for college robust t, and care.

37 ACRE CAMPUS $ 9.5 M COLLEGE MERIT GRANTS

12 SPORTS 15-17 MAX CLASS SIZE

AP CLASSES: 16 courses with 70% of juniors and seniors enrolled

SCAN ME to learn more fast facts about Steward

THE BASICS

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to abide by the dress code at all times while on campus. Good taste and common sense should dictate parental and student choice of school clothes. As a general rule, if a student thinks something may not be appropriate, the student should not wear it. It is impossible to anticipate every situation or fashion trend. Therefore, The Steward School reserves the right to determine if a student is dressed and groomed appropriately. The policy for The Steward School’s dress code will be based on what is understood to be acceptable in a JK-12 academic environment.

Dress Code QR

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TECHNOLOGY

Students in JK-8 are assigned iPads to use throughout the school year. The iPads have a variety of apps, including iMovie, Green Screen, and Book Creator. Additionally, all students will have a Google Apps for Education account in which to store their files. All students in grades 9-12 are required to bring a Windows or Apple laptop.

HEALTH INFORMATION

We have two clinics. The Lower School clinic is staffed by Rebecca Heck, RN, and is located in the Lower School building. The Middle/Upper School clinic is located in the Athletic Center and staffed by Kendall Hrabak, RN. The Steward School uses Magnus Health, an online health portal, to manage your child’s health information. All health forms should be completed prior to the start of school and uploaded to the Magnus Health portal.

Health Forms & Clinic QR

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SPARTICIPATION

Our parent organizations — Annual Fund Committee, ArtLink, Parents Association, Spartan Club, and Spirit Committee — are always eager for new and returning faces to join in the volunteer effort. To let them know you’re interested in helping, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form, and don’t forget to visit the Sparticipation Fair to find out how you can engage in our community.

Technology QR

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Sparticipation QR

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THE SPARTAN SHOP

The school store, located in the Athletic Center, stocks school supplies, spirit wear, snacks, and spirit items ranging from clothing and glassware to stationery and gift items. Items are also available to order online. For hours and information please visit: spartanshop.stewardschool.org.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Lower and Middle School supply lists are available with other back-to-school information on the school’s website starting in May. In the Upper School, school supplies vary by subject. Students will receive specific supply lists from their teachers on the first day of school.

Spartan Shop QR l.ead.me/tss-shop

TEXTBOOK INFORMATION

The Middle and Upper Schools share book lists so that students have the needed texts by the first day of class . Families can choose their preferred seller or can opt to rent textbooks.

School Supplies QR l.ead.me/tss-2223

SAFETY AT STEWARD

The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priorities. We want to make sure that the Steward community is well informed at all times and that we are prepared for any type of emergency that may occur. Scan below to find out more information about Raptor, Campus Alert, Blackboard and other safety policies and applications at Steward.

Booklist QR

l.ead.me/tss-books

Safety QR l.ead.me/tss-safety

CARPOOL & CAMPUS DRIVING

Carpools are arranged by individual parents. The school’s website can be a valuable tool for finding other students within your zip code. Once you have received your website login information, you can search the online directory by zip code. Carpool maps, procedures, and Lower and Middle School carpool numbers will be provided at orientation in August.

DRIVING ON CAMPUS

• Slow down

• No passing in carpool

• No cell phones

• Follow directions of faculty and staff on carpool duty

Carpool QR

l.ead.me/tss-carpool

TUITION/PAYMENT PLANS

Three Options:

 100% of tuition due on July 31, 2023.

 65% of tuition due on July 31, 2023, with the balance due on January 31, 2024. There is a $75 additional charge for this option (billed in January).

 10 equal payments, with the first payment due April 30, 2023, and the tenth payment due on January 31, 2024. There is a $150 additional charge for this option ($15 billed monthly).

Terms: A late charge of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) is applied to delinquent accounts. A $35 fee will be assessed on all returned checks.

Reenrollment contracts are available in February each year. Accounts must be current to receive reenrollment contracts. A deposit of $1,000 per student is due at the time of reenrollment. The deposit is applied to the student’s account in July.

MEAL PLANS

Dining services are provided by Meriwether Godsey. Lunch enrollment was available in the enrollment contract. To add or remove the lunch program or ask questions, email studentbilling@stewardschool.org. Lunch program fees are billed in July and January. Lunch program fees include beverages: milk (2% and skim), water, and iced tea.

GRADE JK Costs per year are as follows:

• Pizza Monday - $285

GRADE K-5 STUDENTS Costs per year are as follows:

• Five-day plan – $1,225

• Three-day plan (M/W/F) – $855

• Pizza Monday – $285

GRADE 6-12 STUDENTS Costs per year are as follows:

• Five-day plan – $1,400

Meal Plans QR

AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAM

For Lower School, supervision is provided in the Middle School Dining Commons, Lower School Library, various classrooms, and on the Lower School playground. For Middle School, supervision is provided in the Middle School Cafe.

The cost is as follows: $10/hour for students who attend daily (four or five days per week), $12/hour for drop-in students. AfterSchool Care charges begin at 3:10 p.m. for Lower School and 3:20 p.m. for Middle School. These charges are billed to the student billing account on a monthly basis.

Please review the AfterSchool Care registration information for Lower School on the website.

Please note that there is an additional $30 late fee for each 15 minutes (or any part thereof) past the 6 p.m. pick-up time. Other than AfterSchool Care, supervision for children after dismissal is not available. Students not picked up from carpool by 3:25 p.m. for Lower School and 3:45 p.m. for Middle School will be sent to AfterSchool Care.

STEWARD SPEAK

WANT TO KNOW WHAT MAKES THE STEWARD EXPERIENCE UNIQUE? THE FOLLOWING GLOSSARY FEATURES DESCRIPTIONS OF HELPFUL STEWARD-RELATED PROGRAMS, PEOPLE, TERMS, AND TIDBITS.

Annual Fund – The Annual Fund is the backbone of philanthropy at Steward and covers what tuition alone does not. Gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact by supporting the arts, athletics, professional development, technology, and more.

Athletic Invitationals – Friendly tournaments held once each season at which multiple teams play on the same day. Go Spartans!

Baccalaureate – Baccalaureate features a formal procession of seniors led by the junior marshals, two student speakers, an address by the director of Upper School, and musical performances. Students are presented with a faculty member’s personal and heartfelt tribute to each graduating senior, which is a testament to the relationships that bind our community together.

Beach Day – An event held every May in the Lower School when students wear summer attire and spend part of the day enjoying a variety of fun activities. Past activities have included a moonbounce, parachute games, and snow cones.

Bingo Night – A fun night sponsored by the Parents Association for the whole family—dinner, Bingo, and raffle prizes!

BlackBox Theatre – A small, experimental performance space in the Cramer Center used for more intimate performances, such as grade-level plays, and for Middle School theatre and Upper School acting classes.

Blue and Gold Spirit Challenge – All members of each family are assigned to a color team (blue or gold). During the school year, the teams face off in various spirit challenges, and the winning team is announced at the Spartan Spirit Reveal in May. Students are given new spirit shirts each year to wear on designated spirit days to show pride for their teams.

Board of Trustees – The governing body of The Steward School.

Bryan Innovation Lab – In this unique learning space, students grapple with real-world issues, challenging their

critical thinking skills and resourcefulness. By interacting with the building and grounds, students build skills to succeed—and lead—in our rapidly changing world

Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) –Steward’s resource center for academic support, community resources, and tutoring. CAL tutors coordinate with students and their families to schedule tutoring sessions focused on content-specific material or executive functioning skills. CAL liaisons in each division work closely with the School Counselor, to support students’ social-emotional wellbeing.

Center for Engagement – A coordinated faculty team and program that includes health and wellness; diversity, equity, and inclusion; service learning; school counseling; and community life.

Class Sponsor – A faculty advisor to a particular class, grades 9-12, who helps the class organize events and projects throughout the year.

Code of Responsibility – The code that, in short, requires all Steward students to be good citizens. The Code of Responsibility is printed in its entirety in the Student and Parent Handbook, which can be found online on the 202324 School Year information page.

College Seminars – During second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year, students meet in small groups with college counselors for seminar classes once per eight-day rotation. These classes help students to narrow their college lists, create their extracurricular resumes, draft and edit application essays, and complete applications.

Community Week (Middle School) – A week-long minimester program that is held in September. Sixth graders participate in field trips throughout the Richmond community. Seventh graders typically enjoy an overnight, as well as grade-level activities in the Richmond community and on campus. Eighth graders spend the week at Wilderness Adventure in southwestern Virginia

Convocation – An all-school gathering at the opening of the school year, Convocation is an opportunity to welcome new students, to hear from our Alumni Achievement Award

winner, and to collectively and ceremonially begin the year together.

Cramer Center – The Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts is the fine arts facility of The Steward School. It features the 500-seat Lora M. Robins Theatre, the BlackBox Theatre, music classrooms, art studios, and rehearsal space, photography classrooms, and the Carolyn R. Brandt Gallery, among other components.

Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship – The Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition to one new rising ninth grader. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic distinction and extracurricular involvement in areas such as athletics, arts, innovation, or community service.

Declaration Day – Every year on May 1, Steward’s seniors announce which college they will be attending in the fall by wearing t-shirts from their chosen schools. Photos and a celebration lunch make this a momentous day each year.

Entrepreneurship Studies Program – An Upper School program that encorporates academic studies, hands-on learning, and skill building, as well as the possibility of earning a unique credential that will prepare students both for their college applications and their future careers.

Fall and Spring Socials – Sponsored by the Parents Association, these socials offer wonderful opportunities for all Steward families to get to know each other, plus music and games.

Gala – The Parents Association sponsors this festive annual tradition, which includes dinner, dancing, and an auction.

Give Some, Get S’more – An after-school charitable event in early December, when families are asked to contribute specific items for local organizations. The afternoon is complete with s’mores, hot chocolate, and apple cider, plus music and games for all ages.

Grade-Level Plays – Grades K-5 meet with the Lower School theatre teacher for an intensive five-week period to produce a play in the BlackBox Theatre. Students learn about stage direction, memorization, acting techniques, and stage voices. Parents are invited to the final productions.

Grade-Level Meetings (Upper School) – Twice-yearly opportunity for parents and students to learn about the Upper School program and college admissions process. Grade-level meeting dates are noted in the Steward calendar.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day – A musical program during the school day for the grandparents and special family friends of our current students. Middle and Upper School students have their special day in the fall while Lower School students’ day is in the spring.

Homecoming – An event held in conjunction with Trucks and Shucks and SpartaFest. Homecoming includes a varsity soccer game and a dance for Upper School students at which homecoming royalty are crowned.

Honor Code Signing – At the beginning of each year, students JK-12 sign a pledge that they will abide by the school’s Honor Code.

Honor Council (Upper School) – A student-run organization with faculty advisors, the Honor Council holds meetings with students accused of lying, cheating, or stealing. The Honor Council then recommends consequences for guilty students.

Impact Scholars Program – Provides two merit scholarships worth $10,000 over four years for tuition in Steward’s Upper School, awarded to two rising ninth graders who are current Steward students.

International Student Program (ISP) – Steward has a strong International Student Program. Students from countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Korea, and Spain are able to succeed at Steward due to the cultural and academic support, field trips, and more.

JK/K Senior Buddies – JK and kindergarten students are paired with seniors to be buddies throughout the year. They escort each other into Convocation in September, get together in the classrooms during the year, sit with each other at pep rallies, and conclude the year by celebrating together.

Junior College Tour – In October of the junior year, the entire eleventh grade embarks on an overnight trip to visit six colleges and universities in Virginia with Steward’s

college counselors. The purpose of this trip is for students to learn about the different types of colleges available for their consideration. By the end of the trip, many students will know “their type” of school, which is a great step forward in the college search process.

Leadership Program – A small, highly selective program for students in grades 9-11, providing hands-on leadership education opportunities within the Richmond community.

Lora M. Robins Theatre – The 500-seat main stage theatre located in the Cramer Center.

Lower School Room Parents – A Lower School room parent acts as a liaison between parents and their gradelevel teachers. They help coordinate parent volunteers, organize classroom parties, and share communication regarding grade-level and school events. Room parents serve as another point of contact for new families and help facilitate opportunities for social interactions.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Classes are canceled and the Steward community participates in educational and community service activities together.

Main Stage Productions – The Theatre Department presents three large-scale productions each year (October, February, and April) for the entire community. Students from all divisions may audition for plays/musicals as appropriate. All set pieces are built by students in the Upper School technical theatre class.

Minimester (Upper School) – A minimester program is held every March before spring break. Ninth graders participate in a program that includes community service and college campus visits. Tenth and eleventh graders coordinate internships with businesses or organizations in which they are interested. Twelfth graders work on their senior projects. Travel abroad is also an option during this week.

Oratorical Program – A showcase of student oratorical talent. Students in grades K-5 practice, both at home and at school, to perfect their presentations before presenting them to a larger audience.

Order of the Shield – A secret society made up of individuals who embody school enthusiasm, spirit, and pride. This select group of individuals will proudly wear the official costumes of the Steward mascots, Sparty and Spartina, or serve as their handlers at designated school functions throughout the academic year.

Parents Association (PA) – The Parents Association supports the school by carrying out activities and events that foster community building, demonstrate appreciation

for the faculty and staff, provide parent education, and create fellowship among the parents of Steward students. All parents are members of the Parents Association, are welcome to attend meetings, and are encouraged to volunteer. To get involved, visit stewardschool.org/ community/sparticipation.

Parent Coordinator / Division – Each division (Lower, Middle, and Upper School) has a lead parent volunteer. The parent division coordinator organizes parent gradelevel coordinators, distributes information, answers parent questions, arranges socials, and assists with the volunteers in the entire division.

Parent Coordinator / Grade-Level (Middle and Upper Schools)– Each Middle and Upper School grade has a set of parent volunteers who serve as the grade-level representatives. These parents help distribute information to the class, arrange parent socials, gather volunteers for school events, assist with new families, and support other opportunities that arise during the school year.

Parent Enrichment and Education – The Parent Enrichment and Education curriculum is specifically designed to help students, parents, faculty, and members of our community define the values of respect, responsibility, honor, and compassion. Interactive programs are held throughout the school year by trained facilitators and/ or professional experts. They highlight core development issues, stimulate parent/teacher dialogue, and teach skills that encourage healthy lifestyle choices and decision making.

Program Committee – The primary committee within the school that oversees the academic program of The Steward School. This includes the head of school, Middle/Upper School librarian, college counselor, director of technology, division directors, and curriculum chairs. The committee is charged with discussing all facets of the school program.

Put-In Cups – The decorations in the Gayton Road parking lot fence; a great volunteer opportunity!

Ring Ceremony – The ceremony during which members of the junior class receive their class rings and are welcomed as upperclassmen and school leaders.

Senior Breakfast – Sponsored by the Alumni Association, this breakfast is held every spring for the seniors and their parents to welcome them as Steward’s newest alumni.

Senior Egg Hunt – A special senior tradition held in the spring at Deep Run Park. Parents are invited to join their seniors to enjoy a picnic lunch and an afternoon of fun.

Senior Speeches – The culmination of a semester’s worth of work for seniors: every senior chooses a topic and gives a speech to the entire Upper School. Parents are invited.

Sixth Man – The crowd at home basketball games is known as the sixth man—meaning the sixth “player” on the basketball court. Led by Upper School students, the sixth man creates dress themes for home games and spirit signs for players.

SpartaFest – A fall festival organized by the Parents Association. This Saturday festival includes a soccer game, bake sale, carnival games, music, alumni fundraisers, and a wide variety of games and activities.

Spartan Buddies – Every new family is assigned to a current family who will welcome them and serve as a point of reference.

Spartan Club – The Spartan Club is a group of committed parents, volunteers, alumni, and staff who believe in The Steward School’s commitment to student athletics and the lifelong interpersonal and individual values that athletics develop. They raise money for the Athletic Department. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Spartan Club, please visit stewardschool.org/spartanclub.

Sparty and Spartina – Steward’s spirited mascots.

Spirit Committee – The Spirit Committee is a group of committed students, parents, faculty, and staff who work together to enhance Spartan spirit and blue/gold pride within the entire Steward community. To get involved, visit stewardschool.org/community/sparticipation.

Spirit Weeks – Held periodically throughout the year, these weeks include dress-up days, contests, games, and prizes. Each spirit week ends with a pep rally or pep parade.

Steeber Commons – Named for former Trustee Don Steeber, this is the common area in the Upper School that is used for meetings, receptions, and other gatherings. Students also may use the space for collaborating with classmates.

Summer Experience – Steward’s summer program, The Summer Experience, offers academic, innovation, sports, fine arts, and recreational camps for all ages. The Summer Experience brochure is typically available in December.

Talent Nights – A showcase of student talent, from singing and dancing to comedy skits and gymnastics. Lower School students perform in one show, and Middle and Upper School students perform in another.

Thanksgiving Chain – Notes of gratitude are written on slips of blue or gold paper, which are used to create a paper chain for the Thanksgiving Program. In the spring, seniors shred the paper chain into confetti, which they bag with a wish for their future and then toss into the air at graduation.

Thanksgiving Program – An annual event, the Thanksgiving Program is a school-wide opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to stop and give thanks. Part of the program includes the time-honored Steward tradition of Timothy/ Tiffany Turkey, a kindergarten student dressed as a turkey and serenaded by the student body with a traditional song.

Transition Day – This day for seniors presents topics of importance as they prepare to transition to college life. While most of these topics are covered in colleges’ freshman orientation programs, we believe it is helpful for our students to encounter these ideas at Steward as part of our mission “to prepare [them] for college and for life.”

Trucks and Shucks Oyster Roast – An annual event that brings Steward parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends together for live music, local food and beverage trucks, and freshly roasted oysters. All proceeds benefit The Steward School Alumni Association.

Visiting Innovators Program – The Bryan Innovation Lab Visiting Innovators Program features nationally-recognized experts who are leading thinkers and change-makers in their fields. While on campus, these innovators share their expertise in a variety of ways—they speak to our students, work with classes on relevant issues, make presentations that are open to the Richmond community, and conduct workshops for families.

Waddell Terrace – Named for Bill Wadell, this is the patio outside of Wilton Hall, the Middle School, and the Cramer Center, overlooking the athletic fields.

Whirled Peace Day – During September, all student artists participate in a worldwide event promoting world peace. On the International Day of Peace, the Steward community gathers together for a thematic celebration to display pinwheels of peace.

Wilderness Adventure – A highlight of the last year of Middle School, Wilderness Adventure allows eighth-grade students to enjoy a week in the Virginia mountains caving, rock climbing, mountain biking, and bonding as a class.

Winter Program – A festive program put on each December by the Lower School under the direction of the music teachers.

PHILANTHROPY

PHILANTHROPY AT STEWAR D: A TRADITION OF GENEROSITY

Each year the entire Steward community (faculty and staff, parents, alumni, grandparents, friends, corporations and businesses!) is invited to participate in the life of the school by sharing their resources in many varied ways. Combined with tuition, the collective generosity from the community supports every student and every teacher, every day. The definition of philanthropy at Steward includes volunteering your time and talent and contributing a gift each year to the school’s Annual Fund, endowment, or special capital campaigns as they occur. Support from the Steward community is a critical and tangible investment in people, strengthening our programs and enhancing places on our campus.

The school strives for a high level of participation from the School Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, current families, alumni, alumni families, grandparents, and friends of the school. Our fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30 and every parent is encouraged to participate every year.

WAYS TO SUPPORT STEWARD

The Annual Fund: All current parents are encouraged to support the Steward Annual Fund every year. Our goal is 100% participation. The Annual Fund is the school’s number

one fundraising priority, and gifts to this fund are solicited beginning at the start of each school year and continuing throughout the academic year. The Annual Fund benefits every student and helps the school accomplish its daily work.

Your support to the Annual Fund helps ensure excellence in the programs that attracted your family to Steward. You may choose to designate your Annual Fund gift to one of six areas:

 Area of Greatest Need: With an unrestricted gift, you allow the school to use your gift where it is most needed. These funds will be used to support programs that impact students, faculty, and staff.

 Professional Development: Faculty are the heart of a Steward education. Support of this fund offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement, ensuring that faculty continue to learn, explore their intellectual curiosities, and bring new ideas to Steward students.

 Tuition Assistance: Tuition Assistance provides scholarship and financial aid assistance to students whose families demonstrate need and would otherwise not be able to attend Steward, enabling us to enroll a talented, motivated, and diverse student population.

 Technology: The cutting-edge technology available to students both inside and outside the classroom enriches the

learning experience and provides the essential technical skills needed to flourish in the world’s expanding information age. Funding supports the entire network, including hundreds of workstations, multiple fixed and mobile computer labs, iPads, interactive boards, video projectors, and speakers in every classroom.

 Athletics: Gifts provide support for the athletic program, including equipment, uniforms, field maintenance, and travel for all athletic teams, promoting opportunities for healthy competition, exercise, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

 Arts: Annual Fund gifts enhance opportunities for students in the visual and performing arts, including ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography and film, sculpture, theatre productions, costume, set design, music, and voice.

Endowment: A strong endowment is the “story behind the story” at the most successful independent schools and universities across the country. Steward’s ability to provide students with the finest college preparatory experience possible rests on the strength of our faculty and a strong endowment allows us to recruit and retain the most qualified faculty. A healthy endowment also ensures our ability to enroll academically qualified students regardless of their financial circumstances, helps control tuition increases for our current families, and provides a funding stream to take care of our facilities. Endowment provides a steady, predictable flow of income to support Steward over time because the principal of the fund remains intact while the school may spend a percentage of the interest income. Gifts to our endowment fund are always welcome and help us plan and prepare for the future.

Capital Campaigns: Periodically, the school will embark on a capital campaign to fund progamming, building projects, and endowment. Capital campaigns support priorities identified in the school’s strategic plan and are above and beyond annual fund support. Capital campaign gifts are usually large gifts, given from assets, and are typically paid over a multi-year term.

Planned Giving: Including The Steward School in your estate plans helps ensure a Steward education for future generations. The Heritage Society recognizes donors who have made bequests, established trusts, given insurance

policies, or utilized other deferred giving vehicles to benefit Steward. Planned gifts are welcome and have the ability to provide transformational support, impacting all areas of school life.

The Founders Society: The Founders Society leadership giving club recognizes donors who support the school at the $1,000 or higher level each year. At the beginning of the year, Founders Society members are invited to a special celebration honoring them for their leadership support of the school.

Giving FAQ

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Special Events: Each year, the school and its supporting organizations (the Alumni Association, ArtLink, Parents Association, Spartan Club, and Spirit Committee) host special events that support Steward’s mission, while also contributing to the growth and vitality of the school in a variety of ways.

These organizations also coordinate raffles, sales, and membership drives each year to raise money and work to strengthen the Steward community.

 Fall Social

 Trucks and Shucks Oyster Roast

 SpartaFest & Homecoming

 Grandparents and Special Friends Day Middle and Upper Schools

September 8

October 13

October 14

October 27 Lower School

 The Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic

 Gala

 Family Bingo Night

 Spring Social

 Annual Fund Giving Games

May 10

October 25

March 2

April 12

April 25

Spring 2024

For more information on volunteering opportunities and giving options, please contact the Development Office at 804.565.2327 or visit stewardschool.org/support

LOWER SCHOOL

NAMES TO KNOW

Becky Groves Interim Director of Lower School

Jay Parrish Lower School Division Assistant

Becky Groves Lower School Academic Dean

Yaa Agyekum

Director of the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) and Interim Assistant Director of Lower School

Cheryl Lafferty CAL Division Assistant

Chuck Robinson Director of Auxiliary Programs

Jessica McKenna Registrar

Rebecca Heck & Kendall Hrabak School Nurses

Faculty/Staff Directory QR

l.ead.me/tss-directory

IMPORTANT FALL DATES

Class Assignments Emailed August 4

Grades JK-5 New Student and Parent Orientation

First Day of School Early Dismissal

Welcome Back Coffee and Sparticipation Fair

DAILY SCHEDULES

Arrival

Supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. Tardy at 8 a.m.

Dismissal 3:10 p.m.

Carpool 3:10-3:25 p.m.

AfterSchool Care Program 3:10-6 p.m. daily

ABSENCES

Please notify the office when your child is absent, will be arriving late, or leaving early. Emailing LS@stewardschool.org is the preferred method of notification. Mrs. Parrish can also be reached at 804.565.2310. When absent, if your child is well enough to do homework, please request it in the morning when notifying the office of the absence. Excessive absences during the school year will require a meeting with the director of Lower School.

TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS

Teacher assignments will be emailed to you in early August. Please keep in mind that our faculty and administration work hard to determine the best placement for each student.

August 24

August 28; 8 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

August 30; 8 a.m.

Back-to-School Night September 13 5-6:30 p.m.

Picture Day September 14

Questions? Don’t hesitate to call Jay Parrish, Lower School division assistant, at 804.565.2310 or email LS@stewardschool.org

Calendar QR

l.ead.me/tss-cal

STUDENT GIFTS

Please do not deliver flowers, candy, or gifts to your child at school. This interrupts instructional time.

PERSONAL DEVICES

Students are not allowed to use personal devices, including but not limited to: cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches. An e-reader device is allowed with teacher permission. If a student needs to call a parent, the student is welcome to use the phone in the Lower School Office. Students must keep their personal devices turned off and in their lockers or their backpacks.

LOST AND FOUND

Please label all clothing and lunch boxes with your child’s name. Feel free to look for any missing items in the Lost and Found. Small items, such as jewelry, are kept in the office.

SUPPLY LISTS AND SUMMER READING

Lower School supply lists are available with other back-toschool information on the school’s website starting in May.

The Lower School encourages summer reading for all students. Each student, with parental guidance, will select his or her own books to read. The purpose of summer reading is to provide an opportunity for students to develop better reading proficiency by practicing their reading skills, as well as to promote the enjoyment of reading. Children’s magazines, joke books, non-fiction books, poetry, and biographies should be added to the usual collection of storybooks and chapter books. Summer is also the perfect time for your child to get their OWN library card!

Basic guidelines for summer reading follow. Detailed informational letters can be found on the website.

 Rising JK and kindergartners are encouraged to read often with their parents. Practice and repetition are extremely beneficial to these young students.

 Rising first and second graders are encouraged to read as much and as often as possible. There is no reading list because we want your child to choose any book that is on their reading level and is interesting. (The students call it a “just right” book.) Be sure your child has a good selection of books from which to choose. Make regular trips to the library, and let your child be involved in choosing books that

interest them Letting your child pick out the book is the critical factor in their desire to read it!

 Rising third, fourth, and fifth graders are encouraged to maintain the practice of daily reading over the summer. Students are encouraged to choose a favorite book to share with their classmates at the beginning of the school year. There is no assigned reading; however, if you are looking for age-appropriate suggestions, book lists and resources are available. For more information, please see the summer reading letter on the website for your grade level. If you wish to keep track of summer reading, a sample reading log is available on the website.

 For all readers… Summer reading should be fun! So, find a comfy beach chair or hammock and ENJOY!

Supply Lists and Summer Reading QR l.ead.me/tss-shub

LOWER SCHOOL SUMMER SOCIAL & ORIENTATION

Relax! You’ll have an opportunity to meet fellow parents at the New Student Summer Social and we’ll walk you through the important information at the Lower School Orientation:

 Grades JK-5 New Student June 28, 10-11 a.m. Summer Social

 Grades JK-5 New Student August 24 Parent Orientation MARK YOUR

LOWER SCHOOL CHECKLIST

ACADEMICS

q SUMMER READING

q SUPPLIES

HEALTH INFORMATION

q COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL ENTRANCE HEALTH FORM

q EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Required for students with life-threatening allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or other acute medical needs.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

NAMES TO KNOW

Susan Atkinson Director of Middle School

Karen Ashworth Middle School Division Assistant

Ann Robbins Middle School Academic Dean/ Dean of Students

Kadie Parsley Middle School Dean of Student Support

Chuck Robinson Director of Auxiliary Programs

Bruce Secrest Director of Athletics

Jessica McKenna Registrar

Rebecca Heck & Kendall Hrabak School Nurses

Faculty/Staff Directory QR

l.ead.me/tss-directory

IMPORTANT FALL DATES

Schedules Available

Mandatory New & Returning Parent/Student-Athlete Meeting

Grade 6 and New Student Orientation

Middle School Fall Athletic Practices Begin

First Day of School

Welcome Back Coffee and Sparticipation Fair

Picture Day

Back-to-School Night (parents meet teachers)

Middle and Upper School Grandparents Day

August 4

August 1, 6-7 p.m

August 17

August 21

August 28

August 30, 8 a.m.

September 7

September 14, 6-8 p.m.

October 27

Questions? Don’t hesitate to call Karen Ashworth, Middle School division assistant, at 804.565.2312 or email MS@stewardschool.org

DAILY SCHEDULES

Calendar QR

l.ead.me/tss-cal

ABSENCES

Please notify the division assistant when your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early. Emailing MS@stewardschool.org is the preferred method of notification. Ms. Ashworth can also be reached at 804.565.2312. Your student should be able to obtain most assignments online.

PERSONAL DEVICES

Students are not allowed to use personal devices, including but not limited to: cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches. If a student needs to call a parent, the student is welcome to use the phone in the Middle School Office. Students must keep their personal devices turned off and in their lockers or backpacks during the school day.

SCHEDULES

Schedules for all Middle School students will be made available digitally in early August. New families will receive login information via email.

FINE ARTS

All Middle School students participate in the fine arts each marking period. Each quarter, sixth-grade students are exposed to one of the disciplines: art, choral music, instrumental music, or theatre. In seventh grade, students choose two of those disciplines for a year-long course. In eighth grade, students choose one discipline for a year-long course. In addition, students may participate in clubs and in the school’s theatre productions throughout the year.

LOCKERS

All Middle School students are assigned lockers in the Middle School building. You do not need to purchase a lock—lock-free lockers are visible evidence of Steward’s Honor Code. Note: Locker shelves are not needed. New students will be given locker assignments and instructions for setting up lockers during Middle School Orientation on August 17

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Each Middle School student is required to wear either a plain t-shirt or one with a small logo, athletic shorts, and athletic shoes during PE class. Sweatshirts and sweatpants

may be needed during the colder months. Students are responsible for taking PE clothes home over the weekend, laundering, and bringing them back for the following week of class. Students may provide an extra pair of athletic shoes to be stored in their PE locker.

ATHLETICS

In grades 6-12, Steward has approximately 40 athletic teams. Grades 6-10 are eligible for JV teams; grades 8-12 are eligible for Varsity teams. Steward’s JV and Varsity teams compete as a member of the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools. In addition to our high participation rate and our philosophy of Honor the Game, Steward Athletics boasts a winning tradition, including 15 state championship teams at the varsity level. There is a no cut policy for Middle School teams, which ensures that each child will have a team to be on. Specific information about fall sports and practices will be emailed in July and posted on the website.

GIRLS FALL SPORTS BOYS FALL SPORTS

Cross Country Cross Country

Field Hockey Soccer

Tennis (co-ed) Tennis (co-ed)

Volleyball

GIRLS WINTER SPORTS BOYS WINTER SPORTS

Basketball Basketball

Cheerleading Cheerleading

Diving (co-ed) Diving (co-ed)

GIRLS SPRING SPORTS BOYS SPRING SPORTS

Lacrosse Baseball

Soccer Lacrosse

Tennis (co-ed) Tennis (co-ed)

Athletics QR

l.ead.me/tss-sports

SUMMER READING

The Middle School encourages summer reading for all students. All Middle School students are required to read at least one choice book over the summer. Rising eighth grade students are required to read a common text too. After reading, all students will write an introduction letter to their teacher. Specifics about the books to be read and the introduction letter assignment are provided on the school’s website.

S UMMER MATH

This summer, Middle School students will be required to complete a Mathography, the history of their math experience, so that their teacher can get to know them. Students also will have an optional study guide that they may complete this summer. The study guide reviews math from the previous year and is designed to prepare students for the 2023-2024 school year. Students who elect to complete the study guide will be able to use their corrected study guide as a resource when completing their first quiz.

S UPPLY LISTS

Middle School supply lists are available with other back-toschool information on the school’s website starting in May.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER SOCIAL & ORIENTATION

Relax! You’ll have an opportunity to meet fellow parents at the New Student Summer Social. We’ll walk you through the important information at the Middle School Orientation on August 17 for all 6th grade students and parents, and new 7th and 8th grade students and parents.

 Grades 6-12 New Student June 28, 3-4 p.m. Summer Social

 Middle School Orientation August 17

Summer Work QR

l.ead.me/tss-shub

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHECKLIST

ACADEMICS HEALTH INFORMATION

q SUMMER READING

q SUMMER MATH

q CLASS SCHEDULES

Available in early August

q BOOKS

q SUPPLIES

q COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL ENTRANCE HEALTH FORM

q EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Required for students with life-threatening allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or other acute medical needs..

q ATHLETIC PHYSICAL AND CONCUSSION FORMS

Required for all students wishing to participate on a sports team. All forms are due prior to the first practice.

UPPER SCHOOL

NAMES TO KNOW IMPORTANT FALL DATES

Adam Seldis Director of Upper School

Lee Healey Upper School Division Assistant

Elizabeth Simpson Upper School Academic Dean

Melissa Freed Upper School Curriculum Dean

Gardner Mundy Upper School Dean of Students

Paul Harris Upper School Dean of Student Support

Heather Jeter Director of College Counseling

Bruce Secrest Director of Athletics

Jessica McKenna Registrar

Rebecca Heck & Kendall Hrabak School Nurses

Faculty/Staff Directory QR

l.ead.me/tss-directory

ABSENCES

Please notify the division assistant in the morning when your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early. Emailing US@stewardschool.org is the preferred method of notification. Ms. Healey can also be reached at 804.565.2308. For policies regarding numbers of absences and academic repercussions, please refer to the Student and Parent Handbook online.

UPPER SCHOOL SUMMER SOCIAL & ORIENTATION

Relax! You’ll have an opportunity to meet fellow parents at the New Student Summer Social and we’ll walk you through the important information at the Upper School Orientation for all new Upper School parents on August 17.

 Grades 6-12 New Student June 28, 3-4 p.m. Summer Social

 Upper School Orientation August 16

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Schedules Available

Mandatory New & Returning Parent/Student-Athlete Meeting

JV/Varsity Fall Athletic Practices Begin

Grade 9 and New Student Orientation

New International Student Orientation

First Day of School

Welcome Back Coffee and Sparticipation Fair

Picture Day

Grade 12 Parent/Student Meeting

Grade 9 Parent Meeting

Back-to-School Night (parents meet teachers)

Grade 10 Parent Meeting

Grade 11 Parent/Student Meeting

Upper School Class Trips

Middle and Upper School Grandparents Day

August 4

August 1, 6-7 p.m

August 7

August 16

August 16

August 28

August 30 8 a.m.

September 7

September 11 6 p.m.

September 18 8:15 a.m.

September 20 6-8 p.m.

September 26 8:15 a.m.

September 27 6 p.m.

September 29

October 27

Calendar QR

l.ead.me/tss-cal

Questions? Don’t hesitate to call Lee Healey, Upper School division assistant, at 804.565.2308 or email her at Lee.Healey@stewardschool.org

EXAMS

Final exams are given at the end of each semester and are worth 20 percent of the semester grade. Dates for exams coincide with published schedules for the start of winter break and the end of school. Specific exam schedules are generally posted four to six weeks before exams begin. Please do not plan to start a vacation on or before the final day of an exam period.

LOCKERS

All Upper School students are assigned lockers in the Upper School building. You do not need to purchase a lock—lockfree lockers are visible evidence of Steward’s Honor Code.

Schedules, advisor information, and locker assignments will be available in MySchool App in early August.

P ERSONAL DEVICES

Personal devices, such as cell phones, may not be used during classes unless a faculty member gives permission to do so. Please see the Student and Parent Handbook for further details.

S CHEDULES

Schedules for all Upper School students will be made available in early August. New families will receive login information via email.

F INE ARTS

An overwhelming majority of Upper School students participate in the arts. Performing arts include acting, choral music, instrumental music (concert band and jazz band), and technical theatre. The visual arts include numerous courses in traditional art, photography, and graphic arts. Advanced Placement courses include: AP Studio Art: Drawing and AP Studio Art: 2D. All visual arts students exhibit their work in the community. In addition, there are performance opportunities in the school’s three main stage theatre productions throughout the school year.

ATHLETICS

In grades 6-12, Steward has approximately 40 athletic teams. Grades 6-10 are eligible for JV teams; grades 8-12 are eligible for Varsity teams. Steward’s JV and Varsity teams compete as a member of the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools. In addition to our high participation rate and our philosophy of Honor the Game, Steward Athletics boasts a winning tradition, including 15 state championship teams at the varsity level.

Specific information about fall sports and practices will be emailed in July and posted on the website.

GIRLS FALL SPORTS BOYS FALL SPORTS

Cross Country Cross Country

Field Hockey Soccer

Tennis

Volleyball

GIRLS WINTER SPORTS BOYS WINTER SPORTS

Basketball Basketball

Cheerleading Swimming

Swimming Diving

Diving

GIRLS SPRING SPORTS BOYS SPRING SPORTS

Golf Baseball

Lacrosse Golf

Soccer

Lacrosse Tennis

Athletics QR 

l.ead.me/tss-sports

SUMMER WORK

All English, math, and AP courses will have summer assignments. The primary purpose of these assignments is to help students continue building the core skills they will need for success in the upcoming year. Often students will need to bring the completed assignment to class on the first day of school in August.

Detailed information on the assignments required for each course is provided on the 2023-24 School Year Information page on the website. If you have any questions about specific assignments, please email the respective department chair or teacher.

If you are unsure what courses you will be taking in the upcoming year, please reach out to Lee Healey at Lee. Healey@stewardschool.org

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The school believes that community service is a vital part of its role as a steward and seeks to find ways to instill this belief in its students. The mission of the Upper School Community Service Program is to improve and strengthen our sense of community and foster civic engagement through service. The intent of this program is to strengthen our partnerships in the greater Richmond community, provide students with hands-on, collaborative experiences, support diverse organizations, and instill continued civic engagement, leadership, and public service in our students.

Students in grades 10-12 are required to complete twenty hours of community service each year. Community Service forms are due by the end of the year. Freshmen get their community service hours by volunteering during Freshmen Minimester Week. Students may complete hours through an outside organization and/or through a Steward organization (like Admission Ambassadors). Hours completed over the summer (like Steward Sports Camps) count toward the following year.

Community service requirements by grade level:

 Ninth Grade

20 hours of community service during Freshman Minimester

 Tenth and Eleventh Grades

20 hours of community service (an organization of the student’s choosing)

 Twelfth Grade:

20 hours of community service (may include 10 campaign hours for government class)

Students are responsible for applying for volunteer positions (if applicable), scheduling work hours with their organizations, and having all necessary forms completed and turned in to the school on time. All parts of the community service requirements must be completed in order to advance to the next grade or graduate.

D RIVER’S EDUCATION

Summer Work QR

l.ead.me/tss-shub

If you are interested in information about Driver’s Education, please contact Lee Healey at 804.565.2308 or Lee.Healey@stewardschool.org.

UPPER SCHOOL CHECKLIST

ACADEMICS

q SUMMER WORK

q CLASS SCHEDULES

You should receive yours in early August.

q BOOKS

q SUPPLIES

HEALTH INFORMATION

q COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL ENTRANCE HEALTH FORM

q EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Required for students with life-threatening allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or other acute medical needs.

q ATHLETIC PHYSICAL AND CONCUSSION FORMS

Required for all students wishing to participate on a sports team. All Athletic forms are due prior to the first practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

q COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FORM

NOTES