A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
The weather is beginning to change, and before we know it we will be entering into the holiday season. I especially love Thanksgiving because it is a yearly reminder of all of God’s goodness, the importance of family, and also the abundant blessings God has bestowed on all of us.
Speaking of thanks, the staff is thankful for everything you have done this year to support them and the school. We had a busy day last week with conferences, but it was a joy to meet with you and talk about your children. We learn so much about our students from these conversations.
On Monday our teachers participated in a Restorative Practices Training. This is professional development sponsored by the Catholic School Office. We have attended 3 sessions so far and will have a few more throughout the year. If you want to learn more about Restorative Practices and circles here are some resources:
- https://www.iirp.edu/restorative-practices/what-is-restorative-practices
- https://www.iirp.edu/defining-restorative/5-2-circles
Teachers are already using these practices during the school day and have found much success.
As we continue through the school year, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns. We do appreciate hearing from you and working together.
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: COVID-19 Update, Picture Retake Day, Weather Closings & Cold Weather Reminders
- Special Visitor: Sr. Nora from Sister School, Juan Pablo II
- Staff Spotlight: 1st Grade Team
- Home & School Updates: Dues & Contributions, Rake the Rectory
- Parish Updates: 2022 Offertory Giving, Food Pantry Needs, KOC Breakfast & Blood Drive
- News From the Community: High School Honor Rolls, Skutt Wrestling, Mercy Open House, Gross Catholic Open House
- Important Upcoming Dates
COVID-19 Update
Administration Updates
Picture Retake Day - November 12th
Picture retake day is Friday, November 12 in the dining room from 8-10 a.m.
- Students should come to school in their picture clothes, they will not need to change into their uniform. Follow guidelines on page 44 of the Family Handbook.
- Retake day is for students who were absent on picture day.
- Students who are taking pictures due to an issue with their original ones should bring the pictures to school on Friday. If you are having pictures retaken for “cosmetic” reasons, the fee for pictures would be the same amount as the original order.
TA Substitutes Needed
We need a few individuals who are available and interested in providing TA coverage on a substitute basis. If you are interested, please contact Greg Verraneault at g.verraneault@stephen.org.
Cold Weather Reminders & School Closing Policy:
Weather and School Closing Policy
- St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School (SSM) observes the school closing policies of Millard Public Schools (MPS) and/or Omaha Catholic Schools (OCS).
- If MPS is not in session (scheduled day off), SSM will follow the closing procedures of OCS.
- Closing announcements should be communicated by 6 a.m. and published on TV channels 3, 6, and 7 and radio station KFAB.
- SSM does not utilize late starts. If MPS or OCS calls a late start, SSM will be closed.
- If MPS and/or OCS announce a remote learning day in lieu of a snow day, SSM will not have remote school unless all allotted snow days are already used.
- If SSM is closed, meetings, practices, and KidZone will also be canceled.
Read the entire weather and school closing policy on page 26 of the Family Handbook.
Cold Weather Arrival Procedures
As morning temperatures decrease, please remember the following:
- K-8 Doors Open at 7:40 AM (Early Childhood Portables at 7:50 AM): Please do not drop students off earlier than this as doors are locked and we do not have staff to supervise.
- Follow Drop-off Procedures: While we understand the desire to get kids as close to their entry door as possible, not following our drop-off procedures greatly disturbs efficiencies for all. Please remember these drop-off procedures:
- North: Pull up all the way behind the car ahead of you, and proceed east until cars stop
- South: Continue to use the traffic circle pulling up to the car in front of you (do not drop children off in front of the Early Childhood Buildings, unless you have children in Preschool-TK)
- Practice Patience: Extra layers and extra bags of winter gear can slow children down as they exit the vehicles. Be patient and kind.
Outdoor Recess
Please ensure your student(s) has appropriate clothing and outerwear to keep them warm at recess. Students will be outdoors for all recesses as long as the temperature (accounting for wind chill) is 10 degrees or higher. We do not have extra sweatshirts or jackets in the office to loan students.
Lunch Room Volunteers Needed
Did someone say lunch date?! Volunteers are needed to help in the Lunch Room Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Only have 30 minutes or an hour to spare? No problem! Just indicate your availability on the SignUp Genius and then come share in the lunchroom joy! Volunteer over your child's lunch hour and you can even sneak in a midday hug! Learn more and sign up at school.stephen.org/volunteer.
Hermana Nora, principal of our sister school, Juan Pablo II, visits St. Stephen
On Wednesday, Oct. 27th, our middle school students welcomed a special visitor: Hermana Nora, the principal of our Guatemalan sister school, Juan Pablo II. Juan Pablo II is located in San Sebastian Coatan in Huehuetenango, Guatemala.
Spanish teacher, Ms. Rosinsky, gave a presentation about the similarities and differences between the lives of students at SSM and Juan Pablo II. Click the PDF below to view the presentation.
Thank you to all of our students who donated to our Dress Down Day fundraiser for Juan Pablo II.
Our mission as Christians: Share the love of Jesus
In addition to the DDD funds raised by students, middle school students presented gifts to Sr. Nora to remind our Guatemalan friends that we love them. Above are samples of the gifts: children's books, prayer cards, and "ojos de Dios".
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 1st Grade Team!
Which staff member...
- Says St. Michael (the patron saint of law enforcement), is her favorite saint?
- Loves animals and as a child wanted to be a veterinarian until she realized she would have to perform surgery on animals?
- Wanted to grow up to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader?
- Has a sweet tooth for chocolate, but especially chocolate with coconut?
- Says her favorite part of her job is working with first graders, "every day is a new adventure!"?
- Likes to craft and sew quilts, but her hidden talent "might be my paper snowflakes!"?
- Gives this following advice to parents to help their child succeed? "Give your children your time with your undivided attention. Nothing compares to the formation you provide at home."
Home and School Updates
Dues & Contributions - Thank You!
We would like to say thank you to all of the families that participated in our dues and contributions collection at the beginning of the school year. We had 77% of school families participate this year – more than we’ve ever had! Funds raised will support our students, teachers, and staff through our annual programs and events. If your family contributed via EFT, you will see these deductions on your November statement.
Thanks to the generous donations through dues, contributions, and Martyr Marathon, we will not need to host our second fundraiser of the school year which has historically been the Magazine Sale.
Join Us Nov. 10th for a Home & School Meeting
Join us in the Dining Room at 6:30 p.m. We will discuss the first semester and preview what we have in store for the second semester, including the opportunity to provide more extracurricular activities for our students via Parent Coordinators. Come share your ideas and provide feedback! Drinks and snacks provided.
Be The Light - Rake the Rectory
Have you ever wondered who cares for our priests’ house and landscaping? It’s volunteers, just like you! Whether your child is young or old, all school families are invited to Be the Light at our inaugural Rake the Rectory event! This service opportunity is being hosted by SSM Home & School's Be The Light committee and is open to all school students and their families.
2nd Annual Yearbook Cover Contest
All eighth-grade SSM students are invited to enter a drawing of their most memorable time at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School. The winning drawing will be displayed on the front cover of the 2021/2022 yearbook. All others will be included in the yearbook. The deadline to submit an entry is December 1st. Learn more about the cover contest and all yearbook news at school.stephen.org/yearbook.
Faith at Home
November 11: St. Martin of Tours
St. Martin was a powerful military leader who fought for the Roman Army. But he was different from his fellow officers. He was a Christian. As with all people who truly know Jesus, his faith led him to care for the needs of those around him. One day, when was marching with the military, he witnessed someone on the side of the road in the cold without a cloak to keep him warm. St. Martin stopped, got off his gigantic military horse, and used his great big sword to cut his cloak in half. He gave half his cloak away. He later traded in his military garb for the priesthood where he defended Christians and others from an onslaught of persecutions. St. Martin used his influential position to care for others. How can we do the same?
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini: Dream Follower (Nov. 18)
When St. Francis Cabrini died, she was the foundress of a worldwide religious order, hospitals, schools, clinics and orphanages. But she wasn’t always such a great leader. Once she was just a little girl, sitting on her father’s lap, listening to stories. Her father’s favorite stories to read to his children were about great saints and missionaries. These stories inspired Frances, and from a young age, she dreamed of the adventure of being a missionary. When she was a bit older, she thought her dream of being a missionary would bring her to China, but God had other plans. She allowed God to “edit” her dream so he could bring it to fruition. He brought her to America, where her life’s work began. She spent the rest of her days caring for the poor and vulnerable, fulfilling her childhood dream. What dream will you let God handle? Is there a childhood dream you need to act on? Ask Mother Cabrini to pray for you as you navigate your dreams!
Parish Updates
Offertory Giving - 2022 Commitment
As we plan for 2022, we ask school families to prayerfully reflect on their financial stewardship and offerings to support St. Stephen the Martyr. Tuition covers about 50% of the cost to educate our children. The other 50% is funded by parishioner stewardship gifts and donations. Your contributions help us meet operation expenses in several areas.
By embracing stewardship as a way of life and nurturing and sharing our gifts, we experience God’s love in different aspects of our lives. Blessings are returned to us in ways we could never imagine.
We encourage families to make a new pledge for 2022 directly in our Online Giving platform using the button below. You can create your reoccurring contribution with a specific start date, end date, and frequency.
Knights of Columbus First Sunday Breakfasts
Food Pantry - Curbside Drop Off on First Saturdays
THANK YOU for continuing to support our families in need through our Food Pantry! Items can be dropped off in the entryway of the Parish Center or take advantage of curbside drop off with the Knights of Columbus on:
Saturday, November 6th from 10 a.m. - Noon
Items needed now include:
Saturday, November 6th from 10 a.m. - Noon
Items needed now include:
Apple/Cherry Canned Pie Filling, Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling, Pre-formed Pie Crusts, Mashed Potato Flakes, Canned Turkey Gravy, Rolls/Bread, Butter (in a tub), Box Turkey Stuffing, Powdered Milk, Pudding Cups,
Paper Towels, Dish Detergent, Paper Napkins, Paper Plates, Canned Corn, Canned Beans, Canned Peas, Soups, Shampoo, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shaving Supplies, Kleenex, Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Oatmeal, Crackers, Ketchup, Mustard, Fruit Juices, Hamburger Helper, Cookies, Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towels, Dish Detergent, Paper Napkins, Paper Plates, Canned Corn, Canned Beans, Canned Peas, Soups, Shampoo, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shaving Supplies, Kleenex, Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Oatmeal, Crackers, Ketchup, Mustard, Fruit Juices, Hamburger Helper, Cookies, Cleaning Supplies
Blood Drive - Sponsored By Knights of Columbus
Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To schedule your appointment at St. Stephen, click the button below, search with Sponsor Code "StStephen" and reserve your time or schedule by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
From the Community
Important Upcoming Dates
- November 7th – Daylight Saving Time Ends
- November 10th – Home & School Meeting
- November 12th – Picture Retake Day
- November 13th – Rake the Rectory
- November 23rd – Progress Reports
- November 24th - 26th – No School (Thanksgiving Break)
- November 29th – No School (Teacher In-Service)
- November 30th – Classes Resume