A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
As we head into the Christmas break, the staff at St. Stephen the Martyr School would like to wish you a blessed holiday season and a joyful, Happy New Year. I sincerely hope you all have an opportunity to experience the real meaning of Christmas, enjoy the festivities, and spend quality time with loved ones. The school year started a bit different from how we hoped, but together we have made this year successful and positive. I, personally, feel so blessed to work with all of our staff, students, and families. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 4 as we continue being “united in Christ to ignite the joy of faith, community, and learning."
Have a very Merry Christmas and may the joy of Christ bless all of you.
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: COVID-19 Update, K-2 Online Christmas Concert, Christmas DDD & Break, Textbook Loan forms, Spirit Wear Orders, Lost & Found, and More
- Staff Spotlight: 4th Grade Team
- Home & School Updates: Open House Volunteers Needed, Teacher Wish Lists & More
- Parish Updates: KOC Breakfast Benefitting SSM Teachers, KOC Free Throw Contest, Christmas Mass schedule & More
COVID-19 Update
Administration Updates
K - 2nd Grade Virtual Christmas Concert
Since we were not able to have a music program this year, Mrs. Smith and her K-2 students thought it would be fun to have an "online" music concert. Each class sang a song telling the story of Christmas. Enjoy!
Christmas Break & Christmas Dress Down Day
Students can dress down tomorrow in their favorite Christmas attire!
Our Christmas Break begins tomorrow with an 11 a.m. dismissal. There will be no morning or afternoon PreK (Tabaka) classes on this day.
Dismissal will be as follows
- 10:45 KidZone and TK
- 10:50 Last names R-Z
- 10:55 Last names A-H
- 11:00 Last names I-Q
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 4th.
Textbook Loan Forms: Return & Earn A DDD
Please watch for textbook loan forms to come home with your K-7th grade students this week. Students that return their completed forms by Friday, December 17 will earn a Dress Down Day on Tuesday, January 4. St. Stephen the Martyr School receives some of our textbooks from the Millard School District. Please sign these forms and return them to school with your student ASAP and no later than Jan. 4. Please contact Courtenay Swanstrom in the school office with any questions at c.swanstrom@stephen.org
Dress Down Day (DDD)
Historically we have used ‘Dress Down Day’ and ‘Free Dress Day’ interchangeably. Moving forward we will refer to a day where students do not have to wear uniforms as a Dress Down Day (or DDD). Please note the following:
- Dress Down Days includes the students' tops and bottoms.
- Sometimes Dress Down Days are themed (i.e. Christmas) and we encourage students to dress to the theme, but do not expect parents to purchase themed outfits. Just do the best you can with what you already have at home.
- Dress Down Days can also be earned. We will inform you ahead of time if it is an earned dress down day (special events, incentive/rewards, etc.). See above DDD opportunity for completing Textbook Loan paperwork.
- Follow the handbook guidelines (page 42) as to what is not allowed to wear on Dress Down Days. The handbook has been updated to use consistent verbiage.
Martyr Mondays are different than a Dress Down Day. They are always spirit tops and uniform bottoms. Spirit tops can be purchased through the 8th Grade DC trip fundraiser (see below) or students may wear Martyr Marathon shirts, other SSM sports camps/team shirts/jerseys, or VBS shirts.
Final Spirit Wear Order for School Year Due Jan. 7th.
Order Spirit Wear and support the 8th graders traveling to DC this spring. This will be the final order of the school year. These t-shirts and hoodies can be worn on Martyr Mondays. Order by Friday, January 7, 2022 using the below button.
Help Move Library Books!
The library will be getting new carpet over Christmas Break! While this is extremely exciting it also means that many books and shelves need to be moved to prepare for the new carpet. We are looking for volunteers for two days. One day to remove the books from the shelves. And one day to put the books back. If you would like to volunteer (or to volunteer your 8th grader for some service hours) please click the below button to sign up.
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found is full again. Please have your student(s) claim any lost items tomorrow before they leave on break. You are also welcome to come and look through the items. Please remember to buzz the office and tell them the reason for your visit. We will donate any items left after school on Friday, December 17. Photos of some items (not all) can be found on our website: school.stephen.org/lost-found.
Upcoming Event Hosted by SSM Girl Scouts
Fundraiser for 8th Grade DC Trip
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 4th Grade Team!
Which staff member...
- Notes Proverbs 3: 5-6 as their favorite scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."?
- Loves to go hiking or spend time with my family and friends on the weekend?
- Loves "helping the kids and seeing the "lightbulb" moments."?
- Says watermelon & popcorn is their favorite treat?
- Tells parents: "Keep your children safe, but also encourage them to try new adventures even if they are challenging. My girls always thank me for raising 'strong, independent women."
Home and School Updates
Volunteers Needed: Give School Tours at Open House
January 30th will be here before we know it!
Do you love St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School and want to share your passion with prospective students and families? Can you help us out?!
We need tour guides at our upcoming Open House on Sunday, January 30th. Use the below button to learn more and sign up. Thank you for your consideration!
Grateful for You
Home & School has been busy this year! Thank you to the volunteers who helped make these events (and more!) possible: Summer Playdates, Back to School Night, Welcome Back Teacher Breakfast, Martyr Marathon, Kickball & Kona, Fall Family Frolic, Conference Dinners for Teachers, Rake the Rectory, Halloween Parties, Christmas Gift Fund, Santa Shoppe and more.
The volunteer hours are numerous and the impact is immeasurable.
YOU are making a difference at our school and we are so grateful. There will be plenty more opportunities to get involved during the second semester, and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together!
School Musical 2022
Registration is still open! It’s not too late to join the musical cast and crew. Rehearsals begin the week of January 13th so don’t delay, register today!
Faith at Home
Weird traditions in Catholic history: Christmas edition
Forget being principal for the day - how about being made a Bishop? During the Middle Ages, Catholics had the tradition of electing a young boy to “trade places” with the area’s Bishop from the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6 to the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28. It was kicked off when the Bishop ceremoniously stepped down from his seat in the church and the “boy bishop” would ascend to the chair, all while a song was sung about how Jesus “lifts up the lowly.” Historians say this widespread practice was a nod to Jesus’ own teaching that the Kingdom of God belongs to children. So in the spirit of medieval piety, maybe you can ask Fr. Dave to trade places with him for the day!
Giving gifts on the Feast of Epiphany
Christmas is a time for giving, and many cultures around the world keep the gifts flowing for far beyond Christmas Day. Giving gifts on the Feast of Epiphany (Three Kings Day/ January 6) is a tradition in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries. In fact, in Spain, children leave letters for The Three Kings to leave presents and treats instead of Santa Claus. To recognize the role the Magi played in Jesus’ life and to extend the celebration of Christmas beyond Christmas day, some families save a gift to open on Epiphany.
Parish Updates
Our Hospitality Ministry is looking for volunteers to help with Sunday Donuts and Coffee through the month of March. The time commitment is minimal and entails serving donuts, coffee, wiping down tables, greeting parishioners and guests. Families are welcome to sign up. More information/instructions will be provided upon signup confirmation.
Trivia Night is Saturday, January 22nd, 2022. Registration is open! Use the button below to save your spot.
Be the hands and feet of Christ! Get involved, and put your faith into action! We have a wide variety of family-friendly opportunities coming up. Sign-up is required.
From the Community
Mercy Cheer Camp
Mercy High School is hosting a Cheerleading Clinic for girls in grades Kindergarten through 5thgrade on Saturday, January 15th from 12:30 - 3 p.m. Come have lunch at Mercy, meet new friends, learn cheers from Mercy cheerleaders, and perform during the Varsity basketball game. For more details and to register, go to https://www.mercyhigh.org/happenings/.
Important Upcoming Dates
- December 20th – January 3rd – No School (Christmas Break)
- January 2nd – KOC Breakfast benefitting SSM Teachers
- January 4th – Classes Resume & Textbook Loan Forms Due
- January 7th – Report Cards & Spirit Wear Orders Due
- January 8th – 8th Grade DC Trip Fundraiser Dinner
- January 15th – Ties & Tiaras Dance Sponsored by SSM Girl Scouts
- January 17th – No School (Teacher in-service)