A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal

Dear Families,

I am so excited for tomorrow’s Martyr Marathon. Thank you to all of our families, friends, and sponsors who support this amazing event. This is one of the most important events that directly impacts our school. All raised money is used to enhance your child’s school experience at SSM. I am so grateful for our Home and School. This committee works tirelessly to provide an amazing day of faith and fun.

We have now been in school over a month, and I can honestly say that the school year is going great! The feeling throughout the building is extremely positive and students and staff are genuinely happy being in the building. From the time I greet your children in the morning to the time they dismiss, I see smiles and joy. The best part of my job is being with our students and staff. I love walking the halls, popping into classrooms, helping in the lunchroom, and participating in conversations where I can learn more about your children and our staff. Regardless of what is going on with the “outside world”, within these school walls we experience the joy of faith, community, and learning!

Mrs. Perrault

Please remember, Friday is a Noon dismissal and there is no school for Mrs. Tabaka's AM & PM classes. Dismissal for TK-8th is as follows:

11:45 KidZone//TK

11:50 R-Z

11:55 A-H

12:00 I-Q

In this issue of Martyr Messenger you will find information about:

COVID-19 Update
Uniform Reminder, 6-8 PE Uniform Changes, Progress Report Notes & Lunch Schedule Changes
SSM Music Teachers Take to the Stage
Staff Spotlight: Specials & Resource Team
Home & School Updates: Martyr Marathon Reminders, Fall Family Frolic, Life Chain Event & Used Uniform Sale Update
Parish Updates: Fall Festival This Saturday, RE Fundraiser & Coats for Kids
Important Upcoming Dates (see bottom of this email)
...and more!

COVID-19 Update

We are following the DCHD guidelines pertaining to steps that need to be taken before a report is filed and communication is sent to families. Parents will be contacted directly if there is a positive case in their child's classroom or if there was known direct exposure, as recommended by DCHD.

If you know of any exposure or close contacts from family members, teammates, friends, etc. it is extremely important that you follow the guidelines and keep your children home for the required time recommended by the health department. We realize you do not want your children missing school, but trying to rush them back to the classroom before the recommended time puts other children and staff at risk.

Again, if your child or anyone in the family is showing symptoms keep them home and all other siblings if you plan to test or suspect COVID according to the symptoms.
If your child is participating in an extracurricular activity or sport and there is a positive case, please forward all information from the club director or the coach. These outside activities present a risk to our school community so we must be informed.

Click Here to View the Most Recent DCHD Updates

We will continue to provide updates in the Martyr Messenger and will update the website at school.stephen.org/covid with any new information as it becomes available.

Progress Reports

There are a few steps you will need to follow to access your child(s) progress report on Sycamore. Progress reports will be available Friday morning.

Log in to your Sycamore account so that you are on your main page.
On the right hand side of your screen you will see an area labeled 'My Students'.
Click on your child and select 'documents'. You should see a list of previous report cards, progress reports and other reports as well as the current report card.
Click on the 'report card' to view your child’s current grades.

Uniform Reminder

Please help your children follow the school uniform rules. If students have warnings about uniforms, and still do not correct the infractions, we will have uniforms in the office for students to change into. This includes following rules for Dress Down Days, jewelry, hair, etc. You can find the rules in the Family Handbook on pages 42-45. We appreciate your support and help!

Family Handbook

Beginning Oct. 4th: PE Uniforms Required for 6-8th Grade Students

Beginning Monday, October 4th, 6-8th graders will again wear PE uniforms for Physical Educations classes. Students should bring their PE uniform to school on their PE day & change prior to PE. Details on PE uniforms can be found on our website at school.stephen.org/uniforms.

Lunch Schedule Changes

Until further notice, lunch schedules have changed as follows:

TK/KDG/1st

10:50-11:20 a.m. (TK Lunch)

10:55-11:20 a.m. (KDG/1st Lunch)

11:20-11:50 a.m. (TK/KDG/1st Recess)

2nd/3rd

11:25-11:50 a.m. (Lunch)

11:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (Recess)

4th/5th

11:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (Lunch)

12:15-12:40 p.m. (Recess)

6th/7th/8th

12:15-12:40 p.m. (Lunch)

12:40-12:55 p.m. (Recess)

Reminder: the Lunch Menu is available by clicking the above icon found on our website homepage & on the 'Parents' page.

Kitchen Staff Needed!

We're hiring Kitchen Staff team members. Working hours are full school days, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Experience is not necessary, but would be helpful. If interested contact: Missy Ziola, Kitchen Manager, at m.ziola@stephen.org or

402-861-4520.

Lunch Room Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed to help in the Lunch Room, Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 1p.m.

Duties may include: washing tables, helping students open food, supervision and helping students follow lunch procedures. Use the below button to sign up.

Volunteer in the Lunch Room

St. Stephen Staff Spotlight

Throughout the year we will shine the spotlight on the amazing team that works with your children. This week we meet our Specials & Resource Team!

Which staff member...

Can you often find on the water, wakeboarding or water skiing?
Likes playing games with their family on the weekend, including Scrabble & 4 Square?
Is bilingual and likes to integrate a few Spanish words into their lessons?
Loves "to see students growth during the school year and building connections with them."?
Wanted to be a ballerina when they grew up, until they realized they hated ballet?
Writes poetry as a hobby?
Has 3 Autocross National Championships?
Enjoys photography and drawing house plans?
Has played and taught piano for 30 years?
Tells their students: "Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Sometimes that is the best way to learn something!"
Would you hear chanting "I-O-W-A!" instead of "GBR!" on game days?

View Answers & Staff Profiles

SSM Music Teachers Take to the Stage

Our very own, Mrs. Susan Smith & Mrs. Jessica Tucksen will sing with The Eagles when they come into town for their September 28th Hotel California 2021 tour at the CHI Health Center Arena. Both teachers are members of the Omaha Chamber Singers and were selected by their director, David Batter, to sing with The Eagles on their song, “The Last Resort", which will be in the first half of the concert.

Other area school music teachers are also members of the Omaha Chamber Singers, but Mrs. Smith & Mrs. Tucksen, along with Mrs. Tucksen’s husband, Mattia Tucksen (music teacher at St. Cecilia's), are the only Catholic School teachers. If you see them around school, be sure to ask them what it was like to be under the bright lights!

Mrs. Susan Smith

Mrs. Jessica Tucksen

Library News

Save the Date: Scholastic Book Fair is October 25-28th

Our Book Fair offers a cash-free payment option called eWallet. It’s a convenient digital account that your child can use for shopping at our Fair. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute, too!
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop online at our school’s Virtual Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.

Library Seeking Volunteers!

Miss Garrett needs volunteers to help check-out out the younger grades and to help shelve the books students have returned. Please consider this volunteer opportunity! Sign up below.

Volunteer in the Library

Additional Support for Our Students

This year, St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School contracted with Catholic Charities to offer counseling services from a licensed mental health practitioner.

Carrie Broz, MS, PLMHP, PLADC, is a therapist that is on-site once a week and available to work with students who have suffered trauma, struggle with anxiety, and/or exhibit signs of depression or other mental health concerns.

If you think your student could benefit from her services, please contact their teacher or our Counselor, Mrs. Lucy Kincaid.

Learn more about Catholic Charities School Mental Health Services

From Home and School

Ready...Set...Race 4 Grace!

Martyr Marathon is tomorrow!

Here are the last minute details you need to know.

What to Wear/Bring:

Students should wear their Martyr Marathon t-shirts and may wear dress down shorts/pants/skirts with their Martyr Marathon shirts. Please ensure proper footwear is worn and sunblock if needed. Follow guidelines outlined on page 44 of the Family Handbook under "Free Dress Days".

Students should bring their Martyr Marathon water bottle that is filled & labeled with their name!

Parking:

At 8:15 am the first rows of parking nearest the church and school in the South and North Parking lots, as well as the road around the west side of church, will be blocked off. Note: Exceptions will be made for handicap accessible vehicles.
We ask that anyone attending Mass/Martyr Marathon avoid parking in these areas during arrival.
At 9:45 am, the South lot entrance will be closed to through traffic.
Martyr Marathon and Mass parking should take place in the North Parking lot in the second row and beyond. Any cars in the South lot should be moved as needed before 9:45 am to avoid blockage.
All barricades/cones in each lot will be lifted by 11:45 am for school pick up.

Click Here to View the Parking Map

Volunteers:

Check-in begins at 7:45 am in the GPC (building just southwest of the playground)
- Please check-in no later than 15 mins prior to your shift.
- If you don't have your FREE Pit Crew t-shirt yet, you can pick it up at check-in.
- Once checked-in, you can grab refreshments (coffee, juice, donuts, muffins, etc.)
It is extremely important that you are at your station by the indicated time on the Sign Up.
If you are unable to volunteer anymore for any reason, please text 402-416-1292 as soon as possible and include your name and what you signed up for. We will find someone to cover your shift!

Shirts for Sale:

Martyr Marathon t-shirts are available to purchase this year. Cost is $9 each (+$2 for 2XL). There are limited quantities available for pick up tomorrow in the GPC. Cash or Check accepted. Shirts not available tomorrow will be sent home at a late date. Deadline to order is Oct. 1st.

Click Here to View Order Form

Please visit our website for even more details, including the route map & a detailed timeline of when your student's class will be at what stations!

We'd love to have the streets lined with parents & families supporting our student walkers!

school.stephen.org/martyr-marathon

Volunteers Needed This Weekend!

We have lots of ways to get involved between now and Monday:

Friday @ Martyr Marathon (only a few spots left!): Sign Up Here
Saturday @ Fall Festival H&S Game Area: Sign Up Here
Sunday @ Donuts & Coffee: Sign Up Here

Note: if you have younger children in tow, they can come with you to your volunteer slot at any of these events.

Be The Light - Service Opportunity at annual Life Chain event - October 3rd

October is Respect Life month and as part of it, the Home & School Association’s Be The Light committee is welcoming and encouraging students and their families to participate in the annual Life Chain Sunday, October 3^rd from 2-3 p.m. This is a peaceful, prayerful witness for an end to abortion and respect for all life. Please meet in the gathering space of the Church by 1:30 p.m. for a short prayer and to caravan to the Life Chain location. St. Stephen’s designated area is on the south side of West Dodge between 84^th and 87^th streets. This event counts toward student stewardship hours for 8th grade Confirmation candidates. Learn more and sign up using the button below.

school.stephen.org/lifechain

Fall Family Frolic Volunteer Sign Up

Used Uniform Update

Thank you for another successful Used Uniform Sale! Home and School was able to raise nearly $1500, which will be used to support Teacher Grants, Technology and Curriculum upgrades, Student Events and more! Thank you to all of the parent volunteers and especially the co-chairs, Libby Guenther and Katie Hall. Without your support this event would not have been possible.

If you marked items for sale during this event, be on the lookout for your funds in the near future. As a reminder, they will be credited to your EFT account.

Faith at Home

Feast of the Archangels on September 29

Remember when you were little and fought the bad guys? Well that's exactly what St. Michael the Archangel does every day. When Lucifer the bad angel rebelled against God, it was Michael who battled him and cast him out of heaven. We are so grateful to Michael for battling dark spiritual forces and have always celebrated his feast day with great joy. It’s called Michaelmas (pronounced nickel-mas) and it’s traditional to eat Fall foods, as Michaelmas was a cutoff date for harvesting certain crops. But if you don’t have time for a full Fall feast, mark the day with some Devil’s Food cake and reciting the St. Michael Prayer in honor of our heavenly defender.

October 1: The "Little Flower", St. Therese of Lisieux

Does becoming a saint seem impossible? It seemed impossible to St. Therese too. But she wanted to be in heaven with Jesus forever, so she became close to God by what she called her “little way”. She didn’t do any big, dramatic shows of heroics (although some are called to that), she merely offered up every little set-back or annoyance she experienced for the glory of God. She made offerings of kindness and love to all those around her in little ways, and hoped that God’s love would whisk her up to heaven. And it did. What little ways can you bring glory to God today? Read more on Therese here.

Kidzone still needs a few more 16+ support staff members to work in the evenings. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Kidzone Director, Cheryl Connolly at c.connolly@stephen.org.

Join Us Saturday at the Fall Festival!

Purchase Your Tickets

COVID Note: To keep our school and parish families safe, please follow school policies and DCHD guidelines when planning to attend. Families should not attend if they are in quarantine due to known exposure, have family members with symptoms or have anyone awaiting test results. For more information on school policies, visit school.stephen.org/covid.

St. Stephen the Martyr Religious Education’s annual Cookie Dough Fundraiser runs through the end of September. This fundraiser directly provides funds for the Religious Education program and helps pay for the new curriculum, catechist appreciation, tuition assistance, and other new resources used by the entire parish.

Learn More

Coats for Kids Collection Drive is Underway

St. Stephen the Martyr Knights of Columbus Council 10160 is again hosting their Coat Drive for our sister parish in South Omaha, Assumption-Guadalupe Catholic Church, to be distributed to those in need.

The drive runs now until October 17th. They are accepting:

Cash or check donations (checks payable to Knights of Columbus 10160) for the purchase of new children’s coats
Gently worn coats of any size (donate to boxes in the Church Gathering Space or in the GPC)

If you are unable to donate, please offer your prayers to those in need.

Sandwich Donation for St. Vincent de Paul - Tuesday, September 28th

Looking for a way for your family and student to support families in our community?

Help feed our fellow brothers and sisters through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) and the Stephen Center.

Due to the endless need to help the hungry and homeless in our community, St. Stephen's Hearts Open Wide Service Ministry is continuing this program on a monthly basis. Learn more and sign up to volunteer with the Sandwich Donation.

Sign Up for Sandwich Donations

Important Upcoming Dates

September 24^th
- Martyr Marathon (Noon Dismissal)
- No School: Mrs. Tabaka's PreK (both AM & PM)
- Progress Reports
September 25^th – Fall Festival
October 3^rd – Be The Light: Life Chain
October 4^th – 1st Day 6-8th graders begin wearing PE Uniforms again
October 11^th
- No School (In-Service)
- Fall Family Frolic
October 14^th – Picture Day
October 25-28th – Scholastic Book Fair

Update Your Contact Information

To ensure you receive these emails, please update your contact preferences with the school office at: school@stephen.org or (402) 896-0754. Martyr Messenger newsletters are archived for one school year at school.stephen.org/martyr-messenger. To remove yourself from the emails, please click 'unsubscribe' below. Thank you!