Some of what makes us…Different!

 
 

The City is our school

Our ability to utilize the city has given our students the opportunity to hop on public transportation to explore areas beyond the city center. These local and hands-on field trip experiences provide an authentic bridge between classroom lessons and the greater community as students create connections. Our students can also be seen along Riverfront Park tapping into their creative minds, as the park serves as our playground. Partnerships with local businesses like the Whitaker Center, Gamut Theater, the YMCA, and the McCormick Riverfront Library really enhance the student experience.

Responsive classroom

“Responsive Classroom is a student-centered, social and emotional learning approach to teaching and discipline. It is comprised of a set of research and evidence-based practices designed to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities for both students and teachers.

This proactive approach to student discipline not only addresses misbehavior in a restorative way, but also targets Social Emotional Learning to strengthen a loving community.” -responsiveclassroom.org 

How does that look at St, Stephen’s? 

Every day the Lower School students have a Morning Meeting and Closing Circle. Middle School students have Advisory. Our educators are using purposeful “Teacher Language” designed to Reinforce, Remind, Redirect, and Envision. If misbehavior does occur in the classroom, we are using the Responsive Classroom techniques to Respond to Misbehavior. Though some of our teachers are already using aspects of this program, having a unified system will really help the kids feel more at home, even when they are at school.Our goal is to have a calm and connected classroom.

E-Sports

Starting in 2024, St. Stephen’s welcomes competitive E-Sports to our program. The SSES RiverHawks will be competing against other teams across Pennsylvania and the country.

Some of the benefits of E-Sports include:

  • Improved brain function

  • Social relations

  • Teamwork

  • Mental health

  • STEM education

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Leadership

  • Healthy gaming habits

  • Scholarships