We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you toDanielle and Jim Malloyfor supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
The annual Food Drive benefiting The Food Pantry of Indian River County wrapped up last week. Students across all three divisions brought in cans, bags and boxes of various food items to contribute to the high demand of food in the pantry. The director of the pantry, Mr. Scott Turner, instructed during our chapel announcements about the great need now in our county, which had a big impact on the student body and faculty to give. At the lunch hour, many students worked hard to carry boxes to and on the pantry trailer. Loading the donations was a herculean task, as it turned out to be an impressive 16,500 pounds of food! After the food was loaded and the door closed, Father Barrett blessed the food before it was taken to the pantry.
Additionally, all three divisions encouraged friendly competition to boost donations. The Upper School featured sterling performances from the homerooms of Ms. Baker, Mrs. Mohr, Mrs. Stalquist, Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Cooksey - all of whom earned relaxed dress days for their efforts. The Mitchell and Cooksey homerooms, in particular, engaged in a white-knuckle competition worthy of Election Day. After several fruitless recounts of many thousands of items, our auditors declared it a tie – the true winners are the citizens of Indian River County in need of food this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important outreach!
Saint Edward's School conducted a blood drive on Tuesday through OneBlood. The drive yielded 39 pints of blood, donated by students, faculty and staff, building on last year's fall contributions by five pints! OneBlood calculated that over 100 patients could benefit from these lifesaving efforts. Contributing to the planning and execution of the drive were juniors Alice Crean of the Medicine in Action Club and Matthew Barrett of the Community Service Club, along with various members of the two clubs who helped at the hospitality table and watched over donors after they gave. These clubs would like to thank the participants for giving to supply others in need in our area. Mark your calendars now – a second blood drive is scheduled for February 12.
Check out this year's latest editions of Lower and Middle School News!
- LS Newsletter: Thursday, November 14: Dealing with the Hobgoblin of Perfectionism, the 2024 Lower School Holiday Gift Drive, dribbling skills in PE, basketball bowling, fourth grader places at the USA Climbing Bouldering Qualifier, second grade's lesson on text features, partner reading in kindergarten, science class updates, Gobble, Gobble Thanksgiving Week Camp, fifth grade's Civil War play, LP alphabet bingo and much more +++
- VFTM: Thursday, November 14: (bi-weekly newsletter) A Spirit of Thankfulness, a student shares fun facts about Thanksgiving, celebrating the case and crew of the Fall Musical, peer tutoring reminder, MS athletics and more +++
In honor of Veterans Day, guest speaker (and girls lacrosse coach) Rick Cassara presented to Mrs. Infanzon's AP US History class, speaking about his experience in the Gulf War. He was stationed on an aircraft carrier and flew multiple missions during the war. He showed students pictures, maps and videos, which helped them gain a better understanding of the armed conflict. Thank you, Mr. Cassara for your service and for sharing with the students.
As Thanksgiving Break quickly approaches, please keep in the mind that the application deadline for the Little Pirates Program (available to children who will turn 3 by August 1, 2025) is December 1. Admission files completed after these dates will be considered in our rolling admission process, based on availability. Candidates are required to submit an application and complete the grade-appropriate checklist items in order to complete the admission process. To schedule a tour, arrange a screening or simply learn more about the admission process, please contact our Admission Office at (772) 492-2360 or admission@steds.org, or visit our website.
We look forward to welcoming our new applicants for the 2025-26 school year!
The Fall Band Concert, featuring middle and upper school musicians, will be held next Thursday, November 21, in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts. Join us at 7 p.m. for a selection of concert band and jazz band pieces in the theme of the Moonlight Concert Festivale. The evening is free of charge and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
Four students from the Upper School have recently been selected to perform with talented musicians and vocalists across the state of Florida. Senior Conor Powell was accepted and will be singing with the High School TTBB All-State Chorus in Tampa on January 11, 2025. Sophomores Spencer Taft and Cesar Dato-Slattery and senior Sienna Mallon were also selected to participate in the IRSC Four County Honor Band & Orchestra Festival in January of 2025. We can't wait to see them shine as they continue their journey in the performing arts!
Poinsettia sales will be closing this Monday, November 18! Information regarding sizes, colors and prices is below. Click the link to get gorgeous for the holidays.
6" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $12 each. 10" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $32 each. 12" hanging baskets are available in colors RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $35 each.
Starting Monday, November 18, through December 13, middle and upper school students can adopt an angel for the Angel Tree Gift Drive. Please read below for instructions.
1) Adopt Your Angel
Middle school students see Mrs. Klotter and upper school students see Mrs. Cooksey
2) Purchase Your Angel’s Gifts (the amount you spend is up to you)
Angel Gift Recommendations:
One item for personal health (toiletries, etc.)
One item of clothing
One personal item such as a toy, puzzles, crayons, etc.
No items requiring batteries please!
3) Bring Your Gifts to School When You Have Finished Shopping
Place your unwrapped gift in a gift bag
Attach your angel tag clearly and firmly to the outside of the gift bag
Show Mrs. Klotter (MS) or Mrs. Cooksey (US) your gift (we don’t want to miss any angels)
Place your gift under the division-appropriate Angel Tree in the Peter B. Benedict Library
Parents and student drivers, by now you may have heard that the 17th Street Bridge (also known as the Alma Lee Loy Bridge) will be closed from December 2-6. The Monday closure is also the day that we return from Thanksgiving Break. Out of the four bus routes that we have, two may be affected by the closure. For now, Mr. Gravelle is going to keep the schedule as is, with a plan to make swift adjustments to the schedule if necessary.
We ask that student drivers leave campus promptly when classes are complete. If you have a MS/US car rider, we ask that you do not arrive on campus in the afternoon until 2:45 p.m. If you have a LS student, we ask that you do not arrive on campus for pick-up earlier than 3:15 p.m. These small adjustments will take some of the stress off A1A, and the School should be able to continue to run efficiently. Please contact Mr. Gravelle if you have any questions.
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to the Law Office of Julie Lewis Hauf, P.L.for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Liz & Dan Koshfor supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
At chapel on Thursday, October 17, Father Wes Shields spoke in the pulpit about the story of the "Rich Young Man" from Mark 10 who is admonished by Jesus to put God first in his life over his money. His second year to speak in chapel, Father Wes moved here two years ago with his family from North Carolina to serve as rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church here in Vero Beach. His message was a blessing to our students.
On Monday, October 28, Cheyne Gallagher spoke from the pulpit to the same body of students on 1 John 4:19-21. The youth pastor at Calvary Chapel in Vero Beach, Pastor Gallagher spoke of loving others as Christ has loved us with a genuine love that is sacrificial. His message was a blessing, as well.
Finally, our speaker on November 7 was Danny Colontrelle '98. After graduating from Saint Edward's, Danny went on to The United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2002, and going into military service in Iraq on two tours of duty, earning the Bronze Star. He served for eight years and became a captain in the Army. Married to Shelley and father to Dylan, Cami and Luca, Danny shared with the students the importance of serving others sacrificially, of choosing to become a leader and of relying on others. He spoke of Psalm 23, telling us about the need in military service and life itself to accept the difficult task of walking "through the valley of the shadow of death" rather than avoiding it. As well, he talked about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins sacrificially to fulfill his Father's will as a model for us. The school community listened with great respect for the lessons Danny shared at this Veterans Day chapel, mentioning that he was leading young men who were the age of our seniors. Our student-led Praise Band opened the worship service and junior Reese Fox closed by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" acapella. Thank you to Mr. Colontrelle for reminding us to be thankful for those who have served and are currently serving our country. Please click on the headline for more photos.
The Blood Drive will be held this upcoming Tuesday, November 12, from 8:15 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. at the bus loop. Please sign up HERE as soon as possible. You must be 16 years of age or older to participate, and students must fill out this permission form with their parents. Please contact Alice Crean or Matthew Barrett with any further questions.
Bravo to the incredible middle and upper school students for their outstanding performances in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Your talent and dedication shone brightly throughout all three shows, bringing each character and moment to life. Huge thanks to the Bakers, Ms. Esposito, our dedicated volunteers and everyone else who helped make the weekend a success. Click here to explore a photo album celebrating the unforgettable cast and crew.
The Vero Beach Book Center and Saint Edward's School are once again partnering to welcome two bestselling authors to the Waxlax stage. On Monday, December 2, at 6 p.m., James Patterson and Mike Lupica will chat about two new books, The House of Cross and Hot Property. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets. Doors open at 5 p.m. This is the Monday after we return from Thanksgiving break, so mark your calendars now for what promises to be a very entertaining evening!
Check out this year's latest editions of Lower and Middle School News! (and last week's Halloween newsletters)
- LS Newsletter: Thursday, November 7: PA Meeting for Lower School Parents (November 12), LS Dads & Donuts (November 14), a special Diwali presentation in PK4, Halloween fun in fifth grade, PK4's Halloween celebration, paper sculptures in kindergarten, Reader's Reef Book Club and much more +++
- LS Newsletter: Thursday, October 31: NWEA MAP Growth Test, Halloween-themed PE games, jazz-inspired art in kindergarten, second grade math, book club debates, Reader's Reef Book Club, PA Meeting for Lower School Parents (November 12), LS Dads & Donuts (November 14), a kindergarten Halloween guessing game, pop art in fifth grade and much more +++
- VFTM: Thursday, October 31: (bi-weekly newsletter) Happy Halloween from the Middle School, Peer Tutoring, Halloween tea lights made by seventh graders, MS athletics and more +++
Spanish teacher Esthela Rojas and the Spanish Department recently shared a special tradition with the SES community: El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Mrs. Rojas says, "El Día de los Muertos is a celebration of the life of the deceased. On this day, the community joins together to share memories about their loved ones. We celebrate with food, drinks, and visiting the graves of our departed. We recognize death as a natural part of the human experience."
To celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Mrs. Rojas and the Spanish Department displayed an Ofrenda/Altar de Muertos in the library, complete with student artwork and photos of deceased loved ones. Seventh grade students recreated an Ofrenda in a shoe box dedicated to their loved ones (please click the headline for more photos), and Mrs. Rojas' Spanish 3 Honors class also created barriletes (kites) that are traditionally made in Guatemala to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This tradition has been practiced by Maya communities in the Central Highlands of Guatemala over the last two centuries. Smaller kites decorate graves in the cemeteries as a means to communicate with the ancestors; listening to the sound of the wind in the tissue paper of the kites allows the families to maintain peaceful quiet.
Thank you to Mrs. Rojas and the Spanish Department for sharing a beautiful tradition with the SES community.
The Senior Buddies tradition follows holidays throughout the year, this past week being Halloween. The first graders coordinated fun costumes with their senior pals, and the group was the caboose of the annual parade that traversed our campus. Click here for a full album of duo/trio photos from our Senior Buddies Halloween Celebration.
Help us cover the campus' green with red, white and blue! In honor of Veterans Day, join Saint Edward's School in paying tribute to those who have valiantly served and Flag the Lawn. All students may buy flags (cash delivered to your division's front desk or Venmo @patrickmac1) through Monday, November 11. All proceeds collected will go towards supporting Military Moms and their Holidays for Heroes program. Prices are: $1 for a 4x6 flag, $5 for an 8x10 flag and $20 for a 12x18 flag. Flags will be available for pickup at morning carpool on Monday.
It’s almost time for Turkey Day! Before the festivities start, kids can learn, create and celebrate at Gobble, Gobble with Jolly Roger Adventures. Offered from November 25-27 for Little Pirates - fifth grade, participants will be divided by age group and enjoy themed activities, games and sports. Stay for a day, or join Miss Bruno and Miss Ana for all three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Registration is available online at CampBrain. Questions? Please contact msmith@steds.org.
Poinsettia sales are live and open until November 18! Information regarding sizes, colors and prices is below.
6" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $12 each. 10" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $32 each. 12" hanging baskets are available in colors RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $35 each.
Thank you to our incredible Parents Association (big shoutout to "soup"er-star Alicia Maldonado), volunteers and everyone who contributed to this year’s Soup Bowl! Through your efforts, we raised an amazing $4,670 for the Samaritan Center, providing essential support to those in need. With over 100 beautiful ceramic bowls sold and an outpouring of delicious soups, this event showcased the warmth and generosity of our community. We’re so grateful to each of you for making a difference!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Cathy Curley Realtor for DSRE for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Brown Talley Group at Premier Estate Properties for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
One of the most anticipated events is just around the corner, and the PA needs your help! The Samaritan Center's Soup Bowl will be Thursday, November 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SES. Students donate money to the Samaritan Center and enjoy delicious soups for lunch, and the suggested donation of $5 goes a long way!
Stunning ceramic soup bowls are also still available for purchase. Once you select a bowl from the options available (LS foyer and Oglethorpe Hall), you can pay with cash or click here to pay.
Parents, you can sign up to serve soup, help count money or clean up, or just drop off your favorite recipe for lunch. The division-specific iVolunteer links are below.
Last week, the Community Service Club held a bake sale for hurricane relief. Through their efforts and the support of the School, over $400 was raised to benefit members of our community who were affected by Hurricane Milton. Thank you!
In honor of Veterans Day, join Saint Edward's School in paying tribute to those who have valiantly served and Flag the Lawn. All students may buy flags (cash delivered to your division's front desk or Venmo @patrickmac1) from November 7 - 11. All proceeds collected will go towards supporting Military Moms and their Holidays for Heroes program. Prices are: $1 for a 4x6 flag, $5 for an 8x10 flag and $20 for a 12x18 flag.
Can we beat last year's donations of 10,700 pounds of food? Let's use the weekend to gather supplies to support the Food Pantry of Indian River County! Monday, November 4, is the last day to bring in non-perishable food items (no glass) for the All School Food Drive. High-priority items needed by the Food Pantry of Indian River County include: canned goods that are substantial (like SpaghettiOs), mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, rice in small bags, corn muffin mix, breakfast cereal (fairly healthy like Cheerios) and crackers. Thank you for your support!
Grow your facial hair during the month of November to raise awareness for men's health issues. The "before" picture for Movember is during morning break at the fountain on Monday, November 4. You MUST pay in order to not shave, or you can just donate to the cause! A $10.00 donation must be given to Ethan Ball, Patrick MacMullan or Brody Crookshank or you can Venmo @JacobAngie-Stalquist.
The Saint Edward's Mathletes are again competing in the Math Madness High School tournament hosted by Aretelabs.com. This week, the Math Team was victorious over Lee County HS from Leesburg, GA, by a score of 21-15. The team is now on a two-game win streak and will advance in the tournament bracket next week. Competing this week for the Pirates were Rushil Sura (12th), Sienna Mallon (12th), Conor Powell (12th), Augie Barreirinhas (12th), Noah Hernandez (12th), Jay Sullivan (12th), James Peponis (9th), Nahlia Hebig (9th) and Alexander Wolek (9th).
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their Variable Tuition application for the 2025-26 school year. If you haven’t completed yours yet, we’d like to remind you that the deadline for returning students is TOMORROW, November 1, 2024.
Please visit FACTS Grant and Aid to submit your application and upload the necessary documents. For additional information about Variable Tuition, please visit our webpage. We’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Barker Air Conditioning & Heating, for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
The All School Food Drive will be here to greet us after the weekend. Fill those backpacks with non-perishable food items (no glass) and head to one of the collection bins on campus. High-priority items needed by the Food Pantry of Indian River County include: canned goods that are substantial (like SpaghettiOs, not canned green beans), mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, rice in small bags, corn muffin mix, breakfast cereal (fairly healthy like Cheerios) and crackers. Thank you for your support!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Josh Waldrop - DSRE for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Vero Beach Equestrian Club, for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Rosalee DeCosta! With a deep love for the outdoors, Rosalee enjoys fishing, boating, camping, hiking and traveling with her husband and three children. A registered nurse for 16 years, she brings experience in cardiac, neuro, med/surg and home health, and she has been a familiar face at SES as a clinic substitute and JRA camp nurse. Guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," Rosalee is excited to meet the crew and care for our students aboard this Pirate Ship. Welcome aboard, Rosalee!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Select Skin MD for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Check out this year's latest editions of Lower and Middle School News!
- LS Newsletter: Thursday, October 17: Makeup and jewelry expectations in the Lower School, Book Fair, Toe Tokens, Student Council, Blessing of the Animals and much more +++
- VFTM: Thursday, October 17: (bi-weekly newsletter) 'Canstruction', MS Dance, Peer Tutoring, sculptures in art class, MS athletics and more +++
One of the most tasty events is just around the corner, and the PA needs your help! The Samaritan Center Soup Bowl will be held Thursday, November 7, at SES. In the meantime, parents can signup to volunteer (division specific links below) to serve soup, help cleanup or just drop off their favorite recipe. Stunning ceramic soup bowls are also available for purchase, just click this link.
The Parents Association invites you to their Annual School-Wide Pirate Picnic on Friday, October 18. This year, SES's own Chianis family, owners of the wildly popular Pepper & Salt BBQ, will be cooking up a great time. Bring family and friends Friday, October 18, at 5:00 p.m., then plan on walking over to Michael J. Mersky Field for the Homecoming Game. The lower school cheerleaders will also be performing in the WAC before the game. Tickets will be available at the door!
No, it's not an actual spelling bee (unless you so willingly volunteer). Tickets are now on sale for the SES Theatre Department's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a heartfelt musical tale of six quirky middle schoolers who compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Click here to purchase your tickets for Friday, October 25, or one of the two showings on Saturday, October 26. You don't want to miss Tay, our maintenance team superstar, making his first SES Theatre debut, among all of the talented cast and crew!
Join us tonight to cheer on our football team as they take on the Berean Christian School. Tickets are still available for the Pirate Picnic. Please visit https://payit.nelnet.net/form/qh6fCNzl to stir up some school spirit and enjoy some Pepper & Salt BBQ before the game.
The XIPS would like to invite you to their Parents in Prayer Good Tea Informational Gathering on Tuesday, October 22, from 8 - 9:30 a.m. in the Peter B. Benedict Library. Please click here for more information.
Meet Sara Dowdy! One of Sara’s favorite memories from her own school days was making candy in chemistry class—an experience that fueled her love for science. Having grown up in Ohio, Sara is a proud Buckeye fan, and she lives by the motto, "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Most of all, she is excited to officially become a Pirate. Welcome to the crew, Sara!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to the Law Offices of Jennifer D. Peshke, P.A., for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Esthela Rojas! Esthela brings a spirit of adventure to the classroom—she’s even been skydiving! She lives by the words of Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." She is looking forward to a peaceful, organized and enjoyable school year. Bienvenida, Esthela. We’re thrilled to have you aboard!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Check out the first batch of creations from Mrs. Michos' Ceramics 1 class! The upper school students have been carefully designing these beautiful lanterns and pots, the perfect fall decorations for the patio table.
Homecoming will be celebrated October 15-18 this year, so it's time to start thinking about your school spirit fit! Click here for details on the Upper School Theme Days, beginning Tuesday, October 15 (please note that the IC will include specific US dress code parameters - the idea is to have appropriate fun). Click these links for the Middle School Theme Days and Lower School Theme Days.
The US Homecoming Dance is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m. Ticket information and theme details are also available on the IC.
Congratulations to seniors Augie Barreirinhas, Noah Hernandez and Conor Powell on being named National Merit Semi-Finalists. These hard-working and academically talented students have an opportunity to continue to compete for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million. About 95% of the Semi-finalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Parents, if you are awaiting Step Up for Students (SUFS) funds to be dispersed to the School, it is very important for you to follow the steps in the image before October 15. After receiving a notification directly from Education Market Assistant (EMA), you must log in to your EMA account to approve your student's payment on the dashboard. Please stay alert for continued email notifications from the EMA Parent Portal.
Meet Jason Dowdy! Jason’s passion for teaching began in an English class when he was tasked with creating his own literary-term lesson. Originally from Washington State, Jason grew up loving the mountains, but after moving to Florida post-college, he traded in snowboarding and backpacking for the beaches and water. He is most excited to meet all the middle school students and faculty and to immerse himself in the incredible work happening at SES. Welcome aboard, Jason!
Parents, Mrs. Ritchie has completed almost all of the school head shots of students, so if you pre-ordered and haven't heard from her via email, check your spam. If you did not pre-order but want to see proofs to order, please reach out to her via email. Want to learn everything this is to know about school photos? Simply go to the School Photos Resource tile.
We are resharing this photo from our summer #SESMaintenanceMonday series to highlight our incredible Facilities crew (not all pictured) on National Custodian/Facility Department Day. Their hard work keeps Saint Edward’s School shipshape every single day. Thank you for all you do to make our campus sparkle and shine!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to The Ueltschi Family for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Victoria Esposito! Victoria’s love for music was amplified in college when a professor blew the class away with an electric guitar solo. In addition to her musical talents, Victoria is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and was a varsity athlete in three sports during high school. She lives by the motto, "You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take," and is eager to connect and build relationships with students and faculty throughout the year. Ahoy, Victoria! Let’s make some music together!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Iconic Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Jennifer Binkley! Jennifer’s journey into education began with a teacher who believed in her—Mrs. Wagner—who helped her break a school record for "Q" (quality) papers and inspired her to love learning. Now, Jennifer brings that same passion to her own classroom. A proud University of Florida alumna with a master’s degree earned during the Tim Tebow era, Jennifer embodies the motto, "Attitude is EVERYTHING." She’s excited to be part of the Saint Edward’s family and to inspire her new group of students. Welcome aboard, Jennifer! Go Pirates!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Fykes Building Corporation, for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Christine Turner! Christine brings a unique and fun spirit to the classroom, even collecting Pez dispensers in her free time! Guided by the words of Dav Pilkey, "a powerful mind is good for a start, but you also need wisdom and love in your heart," Christine is eager to get to know the children, faculty and staff as she begins this new journey. Anchors aweigh, Christine! Welcome aboard!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Dato Construction for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Classical Arts Entertainment is delighted to present the magical holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, performed by the world-renowned State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, on December 30 in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts. But before the show goes on, they need the SES community to fill a few roles. Students between the ages of 5-18 are invited to audition to be a part of the Ukrainian Ballet - Classical Arts' production of the Nutcracker. Students between the ages of 5-18 are invited to Indian River Charter HS's Ballet Dance Studio on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, at 1 p.m. to audition to be a part of the Ukrainian Ballet - Classical Arts' production of the Nutcracker. NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NEEDED, just come to one of the auditions, dressed to move.
If you have any questions or need to schedule audition on a different day, please contact Hedi Khursandi at (772) 770-1898 or email him at hkhursandi@yahoo.com. Stay tuned for more information about this performance, and tickets may be purchased online here.
See You at the Pole has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 1, at 7:15 a.m. MS/US students, faculty and staff are invited to gather at the flagpole on the front circle drive to pray. We will lift up our prayers for friends, families, teachers, school and nation to God. Come as you are able, even for a few minutes. Students are encouraged to lead in prayer, and some set prayers will be provided. Prayers in silence are fine, too! Donuts will be provided. Please contact Father John Barrett for more information.
Meet Bryan Mays! With a rich musical background, Bryan fondly recalls seeing legendary big bands like Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Maynard Ferguson in high school, as well as performing with his jazz ensemble for the Kentucky Colonels Basketball Team and marching with his college band for the Cincinnati Bengals. Outside of music, Bryan is a collector of rocks, fossils, stamps and coins, and he’s also an author of children’s books. Guided by his favorite quote, "It can be good and not be ours, but it can't be ours and not be good," Bryan is excited to work with the talented students and staff at SES, fostering a creative and successful school year. Welcome to the rhythm of the Pirate crew, Bryan!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Med Spa for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Manuel Santelices! Fond memories of making pan con lechon (Cuban pork sandwiches) with friends during his school’s annual Tombola event still bring a smile to Manuel’s face, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to school traditions. A man of many talents, Manuel even taught salsa dancing during high school to "pay the bills." He carries with him a sense of humor and a worldly perspective, as shown by his favorite quote from Mark Twain: "God created war so that Americans would learn geography." All hands on deck, Manuel. Welcome to the Pirate crew!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Bower Urology for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Class trips for middle and upper school students are right around the corner, and we can't wait to participate in the upcoming fun Florida activities. Click on the grade-specific links below to access forms and submit payments that are due TODAY for US trips and MONDAY for MS trips.
Thank you to all who joined SES faculty, students and alumni at the Raw Space Gallery for the opening reception of Reflections, a Saint Edward's School art exhibition. The exhibit, located downtown at 1795 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32960, will be open until September 27. Please check the mySTEDS calendar for gallery hours.
In case you missed it, please click here for an overview of student artwork and photos from the reception.
Join Saint Edward's School at the International Coastal Cleanup at Round Island Oceanside Park on Saturday, September 21. Held by Coastal Connections of Vero Beach, this cleanup will take place from 9 - 11 a.m., followed by an after-party at Walking Tree Brewery from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for families. Register here today!
Pirate families gathered on campus early this morning to celebrate the School's beloved Senior Buddies tradition. In the Waxlax, the Class of 2025 met their new friends — first graders who will sail through the school year by their side. After each group struck a pose for the camera, the new buddies enjoyed breakfast treats and dove into discussions about their Halloween costumes. It's a pirate's life for these buddies, setting sail on a year of friendship and fun!
For a full album of Meet and Greet photos, please click here.
We are pleased to announce that the application for Variable Tuition for the 2025-26 school year is now available. Returning families applying for Variable Tuition must complete the application and submit the necessary documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by November 1, 2024. For more information about our Variable Tuition program and helpful FAQs, please visit our webpage.
Meet Marit Rowland! Marit’s memorable Senior Night moment—forgetting a word while singing the National Anthem, only to have her team rally behind her—has shaped her belief in the power of support and perseverance. A Utah Valley University alum, Marit spent her college years snowboarding three times a week and is a huge Michigan Wolverines fan (even if she didn’t attend the school!). With Benjamin Franklin’s words ("Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn") guiding her teaching philosophy, Marit looks forward to becoming part of the SES community and enjoying more time with her family. Hoist the sails, Marit! Welcome aboard!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to The Steve and Lucia Bailey Foundation for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Meet Ken Smyrk! Ken’s love for language was first sparked by his sophomore year English teacher, who introduced him to the world of crossword puzzles—an interest that Ken still shares with his students today. Beyond the classroom, Ken is an amateur radio operator who knows Morse code, having even run an amateur radio station at his previous school! An avid reader, music enthusiast, and cyclist, Ken’s varied passions range from vintage audio equipment to reading The Canterbury Tales in Middle English. His favorite quote is from Seneca, Letter LXXVII, "As it is with a play, so it is with life - what matters is not how long the acting lasts, but how good it is. It is not important at what point you stop. Stop wherever you will - only make sure you round it off with a good ending." Anchors aweigh, Ken!
We are so grateful for our 2024-25 Corporate Partners and Family Patrons. Thank you to Kristina & Dan Poydenis ‘99for supporting Saint Edward's School! We appreciate all you do.
Parents from all three divisions gathered today in the Peter B. Benedict Library for an informal conversation with Dr. Hirstein in the first Java Friday of the year. Topics included curriculum, campus events, the Strategic Plan and ideas for new clubs and community enrichment. All parents are invited to attend this informal gathering and there is no agenda. It's a great opportunity to meet other parents, learn more about the School and gain a deeper understanding of the day to day activities on campus. These meetings are every Friday at 8:15 a.m., and there are some occasions where guest speakers will lead the conversation in Dr. Hirstein's absence. You can find all of the details on the school calendar in mySTEDS.
Meet Jonathan B. Sawyer! Jonathan's love for learning was ignited by inspirational teachers during his time at Louisville Collegiate School and St. Xavier High School in Louisville, KY. His academic journey led him to the prestigious honor of being named a Fulbright Scholar, allowing him to live and work in Germany for a year after graduating from Vanderbilt. Guided by Maya Angelou’s wisdom on the lasting impact of how we make others feel, Jonathan is eager to become an integral part of the SES community, his new school home. Ahoy, Jonathan! Welcome to the crew!
Meet Ilene Ballato! Inspired by a love for reading that began with Judy Blume and a fourth-grade teacher who encouraged her, Ilene brings a passion for learning to our youngest pirates. With extensive travel experience across Europe and a leadership tour in Israel, she embodies the spirit of adventure and growth. Her favorite quote is, "Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today!" Ilene looks forward to nurturing our PK4 students academically, socially and spiritually as they embark on their own journeys. Welcome aboard, Ilene!
Parents, Back to School Night is a great tool for understanding your student's schedule, their academic work load and overall classroom expectations, and it's coming fast! Mark your calendars for September 4, when all three divisions will host parents and caregivers (we ask that you leave your students at home). Here are a few tips to ensure smooth sailing:
LS Parents, please begin your evening in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts. The presentation begins promptly at 5:00 p.m. FLIK will be there, offering samples of their fare, so plan to arrive a little early for an afternoon snack.
MS/US Parents, your evening will also begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts, where you will pick up your student's schedule and hear a few brief words from Mr. Dowdy and Mr. MacMullan. Plan on arriving a little early, both because of traffic and to get a taste of Chef Tom's delights. If you missed the letter that went out earlier today, click here for more information.
We do ask that you remember this night provides an overview only of your child's academic day. Parent Teacher Conferences are on November 1, and there will be information in advance of that date. If you ever need to speak to a teacher prior to that date, never hesitate to reach out. Finally, for US parents, Mrs. Stalquist will be available to answer any in-person questions you may have regarding the upcoming US trips.
Pirate Parents, please don't forget to keep up with your MyKidsSpending accounts. To keep things simple, we're going cashless, and MyKidsSpending is your one stop shop for both Flik dining and the school store. If you haven't already, just set up an account for your child, and the app keeps track of all expenses (you can even track breakfast potato consumption!). There is a small "grace" amount provided for delinquent accounts, but your child will be told he or she can't purchase food if they exceed it.
When is a Friday a Sundae? When new families came to campus this week to meet new friends they were greeted with some chilly treats and a warm welcome from their new Pirate family. What a sweet way to kick off the new school year!
As we wrap up our #SESMaintenanceMonday summer series, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every member of our incredible Facilities crew (not all pictured). Their dedication and hard work have ensured our School remains in top shape, ready for the new academic year. This group tirelessly worked behind the scenes throughout the summer, and we couldn't be more grateful for their efforts. Thank you for all that you do!
The Summer Olympic Games have just begun, and we thought we would "ring" in the opening ceremony with a sporty #SESFlashbackFriday. Check out these team photos from the school year of 2002-03. *Click on the headline for more photos.
Starting the week off right with another #SESMaintenanceMonday. Today we would like to thank Rich for being a very valuable member of the Pirate community. His friendliness and hard work does not go unnoticed, and he is a great team player aboard this Ship. Thank you, Rich!
The spotlight is on David this #SESMaintenanceMonday. Thank you, David, for being an outstanding crew member on our Pirate Ship! Your happiness is contagious, and your diligence is always admirable. David is truly a vital part of our School community.
For the upcoming school year, 2024-25, Saint Edward's School will be using FACTS Tuition Management for student billing. To access this improved system, we need every family to create a new account. In order to create your account, please use this FACTS link. Once in the system, you will need to create an account with a username and password. Then, please follow the steps outlined in the system. For step-by-step instructions, please click the headline or read more.
Once you have created an account in FACTS, the School will update your account with tuition and fees, any variable tuition and any Step Up for Students (SUFS) awards, if applicable. You will then receive a notification with the amount due. As a reminder, the first payment, regardless of the payment plan selected, begins in June. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at studentbilling@steds.org. We look forward to a great year!
Happy #SESMaintenanceMonday! Today, we'd like to give a big shoutout to Laura. Her hard work and warm spirit make our School a better place every day. From keeping our halls spotless to brightening our days, Laura, you're truly appreciated!
Check out this photo of the Class of 2012 from 24 years ago. We thought this patriotic kindergarten play would go hand in hand with yesterday's Fourth of July celebration. Recognize any of those tiny faces?
*Send us an email with your past school or summer camp photos for your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer.
Our JRA campers had a blast at last week's "Party in the USA" camp, and we wanted to share these patriotic snapshots. We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday.
Happy first day of July and #SESMaintenanceMonday! Today, we would like to thank Dorothy for her hard work and positive attitude. Our Ship shines with her help, and we are grateful to have her as part of our Pirate crew. Thank you, Dorothy, and the entire facilities team!
Our own dean of MS students and soon-to-be school counselor Todd Fletcher joined Cindy Goetz yesterday on her show, "Beauty and the Beach," to talk about the importance of mental health. The radio interview will air multiple times throughout the weekend but it's even more fun to watch the recording. Click here to learn more about Coach Fletcher's "Disney hair!"
Athletic Director Eileen Pliske announced this week that Gray Ange will be Saint Edward’s School’s varsity baseball coach, effective immediately. Mr. Ange is coming to the Pirate Ship from Lincoln Park Academy Magnet, where he is a science, health and physical education teacher. He previously coached at Sebastian River High School, earning District 6-A-8 Coach of the Year honors, and he is currently with the Cannons Baseball University Organization and the 12U-Major team is enjoying a 30-5 record.
Prior to his term at Lincoln Park Academy, and with the Sharks, Ange served as head coach at Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he enjoyed consecutive winning seasons for four years, culminating with the #3 spot in the state among the DII-A division. Eileen Pliske says, “Gray’s leadership philosophy combines a solid work ethic with dedication to public service, a tenet that we hold for all of our student athletes. His consistent winning record is impressive, but his commitment to building young athletes into adults of strong character and ethics is a perfect fit for Saint Edward’s School.”
Happy #SESFlashbackFriday! Click on the headline to check out these summer camp photos from 2014 and 2015. Do you recognize any of these zinc-covered faces?
*Send us an email with your past school or summer camp photos for your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer.
Help fill our mailbox with postcards! This summer, all lower school students are encouraged to participate in the Summer Postcard Challenge. To join in the fun, send a postcard to the School from any summer destination, whether you are having a staycation or traveling far away. It doesn't matter where you go; this is an opportunity for all children to address, write a message and mail a postcard to the Lower School.
This challenge provides an authentic reason to write this summer, and gives many students the chance to write, address and mail a letter for the first time. Additionally, an excellent byproduct of this endeavor is that we get to see where everybody visited this summer, as postcards are showcased at the beginning of the school year.
Mailing Address: Saint Edward’s Lower School 1895 Saint Edward’s Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963
This #SESMaintenanceMonday, we wanted to give a big shoutout to Nancy. Not only can you always count on her for finding your lost package, but Nancy is always working hard, lending a helping hand and providing immediate solutions for our problems. Thank you, Nancy, for all that you do!
This #SESFlashbackFriday features a photo of the Class of 2014. These seniors rocked their lower and middle school outfits before graduating from SES. We bet you recognize these well-dressed students!
*Send us an email with your past school or summer camp photos for your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer.
We thought this #SESMaintenanceMonday was the perfect excuse to highlight our Director of Facilities William, who wears many hats around campus. Working year round, he can be found driving the Kubota, manning the shrimp boil on Mardi Gras and doing just about anything else you can think of. He's a true rock star!
Happy #SESFlashbackFriday. Today, we have a couple of submitted photos featuring the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2027. Click on the headline to see both!
*Send us an email with your past school or summer camp photos for your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer.
This #SESMaintenanceMonday, we are highlighting another member of the SES community who is hardworking in keeping our campus spotless. Thank you, Michael, for always giving it your all! The Pirate Ship truly benefits from your dedication and consistent positive attitude.
Happy National Donut Day and #SESFlashbackFriday. To celebrate both, we are featuring the Class of 2024 in some throwback photos from Dads and Donuts of years past. We know you will recognize these cute faces!
*Send us an email with your past school or summer camp photos for your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer.
We are bringing back #SESMaintenanceMonday this summer! On Mondays, we will be highlighting those who make the Pirate Ship sparkle every day! First up we have Tay. Thank you, and the entire facilities department, for your hard work. Tay, you never fail to put a smile on every face around campus!
This summer, we're bringing back #SESFlashbackFriday. To celebrate Saint Edward's while school is out, we will be looking back on the past and posting weekly throwbacks. To kick off Summer 2024, here is a camp photo from 2018. See anyone you know?
*For your chance to be featured on a Friday this summer, send us your past school or summer camp photos, whether from 5 years ago or 50!
Did you know? You can register for JRA camps until 5 p.m. on the Thursday before a session starts (pending availability). Starting May 29, students entering grades 10 - 12 can join SAT Bootcamp to knock out prep for the brand new digital SAT. The week of June 3 starts the official Week 1 of JRA summer, filled with options like ACT Boot Camp, College Essay Writing, Boys Lacrosse Bootcamp, P.L.A.Y. to Grow, Water/Day Camp: Shipwrecked! and more. Click on the headline or read more button to check out some upcoming camp options for this summer.
Poinsettia sales are live and open until November 18! Information regarding sizes, colors and prices is below.
6" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $12 each. 10" poinsettias are available in RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $32 each. 12" hanging baskets are available in colors RED, PINK, WHITE and VARIEGATED for $35 each.