A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
Our school environment continues to change as the world around us changes. Our mask-optional policy is now in effect. We are grateful for the support our school families have shown our teachers and administration as we’ve tried our best to navigate through this pandemic. We understand for some the new policy provides relief and for others, it may create uneasiness. Please know that your student’s best interest has been and will remain our top priority.
I also want to share how grateful I am for our staff and students who continue to work hard every day. Although our teachers have felt the effects of teaching during a pandemic, we have been blessed to have some of our own parents substitute teach, substitute TA, and volunteer in the classrooms and cafeteria so that our staff is not overburdened. Mr. Verraneault and I can’t thank you enough, and I am certain our staff really appreciate all of you. If you are a parent, safe environment trained, and want to spend some time in the school, please let us know. We would love to have you.
This year has gone so quickly. It is hard to believe that Lent and spring are right around the corner. I look forward to all the wonderful spring activities and celebrations. Please follow us on social media so you can see many of the things happening daily during school. We are so proud and love to share!
As we enter this Lenten season, I pray we can grow closer to Christ as a school community.
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Masking Policy Update, Dismissal Time and Uniform Reminders, Absent Work Pick-Up, Re-Enrollment Reminder, Tuition Assistance Info, CWS Food Drive Thank You, Recess Volunteer Opportunity & Book Fair
- Celebrating Our Students: 8th-Grade Scholarship Recipients, 7th Grade Math Contest Winner, Metro Catholic Spelling Bee Winner, 6th Grade Robotics Team Update, Book Bowl Team Prepares to Compete
- Home & School Updates: New Date for Party at the Ski Lodge, BoxTops Due, Final Martyr Marathon Prizes, Faith at Home
- Parish Updates: Martyr Mission New Save the Date, VBS Save the Date, Cub Scouts Mom Prom, Girl Scouts Ties & Tiaras, Track and Football Registrations
- Community Updates: Marian Summer Camps & Marian Jr. Crusaders Basketball Tryouts
COVID-19 Update
Click the below PDF to view yesterday's COVID-19 update regarding the masking policy at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School.
We will continue to provide updates in the Martyr Messenger as needed and will update the website at school.stephen.org/covid with any new information as it becomes available.
Administration Updates
Conferences
Conferences are going on this afternoon and evening. If you would like to meet with your student's teacher(s) and were unable to schedule a conference today, please reach out to your teacher to schedule an appointment. All staff emails are listed at school.stephen.org/contact-us.
Dismissal & Pick-Up Times:
Please note your student's full-day dismissal time below. In the event a child is not picked up by 3:30 PM, he/she will be taken to the Office and asked to contact a parent by phone. If no parent arrives before 3:45 PM, the student will be placed in KidZone (before and after school care program). Families will be charged a special drop-in rate for such instances.
Full-Day Dismissal Times
KidZone & Early Childhood - 3:10 PM
Last names R-Z - 3:15 PM
Last names A-H - 3:20 PM
Last names I-Q - 3:25 PM
Dress Code Reminders
We are having a few problems with students following the uniform code. The most common offenses include wearing non-uniform sweatshirts during class time and the length of skirts. We have some extra uniform sweatshirts and plenty of uniform skirts that can be borrowed if needed. If you have questions, please refer to pages 42-45 of the Family Handbook. Please note:
- Crew neck sweatshirts or quarter zip uniform sweatshirts in navy or red purchased through Dennis or Digiorgio’s with the SSM logo. Older screen printed sweatshirts may only be worn only on Martyr Mondays or Dress Down Days.
- Spirit Wear sweatshirts are only allowed on Martyr Mondays or Dress Down Days.
- Length of jumpers, skirts and skorts: No more than 3-inches above the knee
Absent Work Pick-Up
We have two new cabinets in the breezeway of the North entry. Your student's teacher will label the materials with your student's name and place them in a cabinet. You can collect the materials without buzzing into the office. Thank you!
Re-Enrollment 2022/2023
Current students must re-enroll for the 2022/2023 school year via your FACTS Family Portal by March 1st. Failure to re-enroll by this date may result in your child's spot being given to a new applicant. Resources, including a step-by-step enrollment guide, can be found at school.stephen.org/admissions.
Tuition Assistance - CSF Applications Now Open
This spring, FACTS will open financial assistance for school families. Until then, we ask families to apply for tuition assistance through the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF). CSF applications are now being accepted for the 2022/2023 school year. For more information, please visit their website at www.csfomaha.org/parents-family or view the below FAQ.
We also encourage families interested in more information on the Latino Scholarship Fund to contact Betty Arellanes in the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Catholic Schools Office at bearellanes@archomaha.org or (402) 557-5570.
Catholic Schools Week Food Drive Thank you
This past month, our students shared their Joy of Community through the Catholic Schools Week Food Drive. Please take a moment to read the below letter from Deacon Denny that highlights the impact of the students' donations within our parish and throughout Omaha.
Volunteer At Recess
"I heard Sally jump roped 300x at recess yesterday and Johnny picked up a snake!" Ever wonder if those tall tales your kiddo tells from recess really happened?! Here's your chance to find out! Click the button below to sign up to volunteer to supervise, and even play if you'd like, during one or all of the after-lunch recess(es).
Spring Book Fair
Your last chance to shop in person will be this afternoon until 5:30 PM. If you didn't get a chance to stop by, do not fret! The online book fair continues through February 24th. Shop the online store using the button below!
Celebrating Our Students
8th-Grade Scholarship Recipients
Last week 12 of our students earned Catholic high school scholarships. Pictured below are the recipients with Fr. Dave and Mrs. Perrault: Drew Wagner, Nolan Ternus, Sawyer Poling, Madeline Caldwell, Alaina Kroll, Sara Henin, Kerrigan Ziller, Mara Hartwig, Addison Janke, Gabriela Keller, Kyra McFee, and Cecilia Rickett. Congratulations, students!
"I am proud of all of our 8th-graders and I am praying for all of you as you continue to discern where the Lord is calling you next. Whether that is in one of our Catholic high schools in Omaha, or one of our great public schools. Know you have my daily prayers and encouragement."
7th-Grade Students Competed in Marian High School's Middle School Math Contest
Last weekend, 7th-graders Maelee Smith and Moira Harr competed in the 5th annual Marian High School middle school math contest. The girls both did a great job and Moira Harr won first place in the 7th-grade individual contest. Congratulations, Moira!
6th Grade Robotics Team to Compete in 2022 CREATE U.S. Open VEX Robotics Tournament
We are excited to announce that our 6th-grade robotics team, who recently won a design award for their robot, has earned an invitation to this year's CREATE U.S. Open VEX Robotics Tournament on March 31-April 2, for VRC Middle School, at the Iowa West Field house in Council Bluffs.
Picture above from left to right is Team 'Bob Nuggets': Alex Savicky, Aaron Brown, and Adam Baumker.
Congratulations, boys! We wish you luck at your upcoming tournament!
Catholic School Metro Spelling Bee Champion: Sarah Fernandes
Last Saturday, 7th-grader, Olivia Pottebaum, and 4th-Grader, Sarah Fernandes competed in the Catholic School Metro Spelling Bee. St. Stephen the Martyr was well represented and Sarah became the Metro Champion! Congratulations, Sarah on winning the Spelling Bee! We are proud of you.
Book Bowl 2022
Book Bowl 2022 will be held on February 25 at St. Vincent de Paul School. Book Bowl is open to any 7th or 8th-grade student who has an interest in reading and enjoys competing. We are excited for this year's team members who have been preparing for the past few months!
Pictured above from left to right are team members Emmett Hartman, Madeline Caldwell, Maelee Smith, Asher Bonar, Emma Bruce (not pictured) & Addy Bruce (not pictured). Please keep the team in your prayers and wish them luck as they compete against other local Catholic schools.
Home and School Updates
New Date for Party at the Ski Lodge: March 19th
We heard you! We won't force you to choose between busting your sweet dance moves at Mom Prom and sipping and mingling in your Ski Lodge attire at the brewery. By popular demand, we are rescheduling our adult social to March 19th. So on Feb. 26th, have fun on the dance floor with your sweet son(s)...then toss your prom dress aside and join us in your cozy lodge attire on March 19 for a Party at the Ski Lodge! (aka Thunderhead Brewery!)
Is this party at an actual ski lodge? No! – it’s at a local brewery! We are hardworking parents who oftentimes feel like we’ve spent a day on the slopes running our kids around. We deserve the cozy warmth of friendly faces at the “Ski Lodge” after a day of parenting! Dress for the party is comfortable casual; warm sweaters or other “lodge” attire is encouraged!
Reservations are limited to the first 150 registrants. Questions? Contact Malori at malorititman@gmail.com.
RSVP today using the button below or at:
Exciting News from Martyr Marathon
The final fundraising prizes have arrived! We hope you have enjoyed your prizes so far. If your family met the $275 fundraising amount, our baseball caps are in and were sent home with your student(s) today. Please feel free to contact the Martyr Marathon Committee with any questions.
BoxTops for Education
The next Box Tops for education collection deadline is Friday, February 25. Please make sure to scan your box tops before then. If you aren’t quite sure how to scan them, please see the video below.
Faith at Home
Chair of St. Peter: February 22
Apart from it being a “twos-day” this year, February 22 is the day when the Church celebrates the Papacy. St. Peter’s leadership of the Catholic Church linked together in a chain of popes running all the way to today’s Pope Francis is the rock upon which Jesus built the Church. The Pope’s leadership, although not always perfect, always guides the foundation upon which the Church rests. To celebrate this feast day the artistic way, watch this fun tutorial on how to draw the Vatican flag!
Preparing for Lent as a family
Ash Wednesday is coming soon on March 2. Prepare now by gathering resources to make Lent 2022 a powerful one. Here are some ideas for enriching your family’s prayer life this Lent:
- Catholic Sprouts podcast is a daily short podcast that tells stories of faith in bite-sized ways your children can understand.
- Hallow Kids is a prayer app that, in addition to providing daily reflections, guided prayers and more for adults, also provides kid-oriented prayers and stories to help focus your children on God.
- Saint Stories for Kids are short podcast episodes on the lives of the saints, made especially to inspire children to dream big!
Be sure to watch for future parish & school communications that will provide even more ways your family can grow closer to Christ together during this season of preparation.
Parish Updates
Mark your calendars, call your friends, and plan for a Night In White at this year's Martyr Mission celebration, June 11 from 6-11 PM! Join us and our very own emcee, Brandon Souba, in the St. Stephen the Martyr Gym for an indoor/outdoor reception; catered, plated meal; DJ music; cocktails; beer; wine; and a silent and live auction. White attire is encouraged. Tickets, $100 per person, go on sale on April 15. Event proceeds benefit our Parish, School and Religious Education.
Save the Date: Vacation Bible School is June 13-17
Upcoming SSM Cub & Girl Scouts Events:
Mom Prom
Saturday, Feb. 26, 7-9 PM
SSM Dining Room
All parishioner boys in grades TK-5th are invited to attend with their mom. Feel free to substitute a grandma, aunt, or older sister.
$25 per couple/per family
Live DJ, photo booth, snacks & drinks
Space is limited—reserve your tickets today. Venmo: @murphamyjo
Cash/check at the door. Please include name of son(s) in the memo.
For more info, contact Theresa Ourada at 402-658-3424 or
tmourada@gmail.com.
Live DJ, photo booth, snacks & drinks
Space is limited—reserve your tickets today. Venmo: @murphamyjo
Cash/check at the door. Please include name of son(s) in the memo.
For more info, contact Theresa Ourada at 402-658-3424 or
tmourada@gmail.com.
Ties & Tiaras: Daddy-Daughter Dance
Saturday, Mar. 26, 7-9:30 PM
Saturday, Mar. 26, 7-9:30 PM
SSM Dining Room
All SSM Girls Are Welcome!
All SSM Girls Are Welcome!
Bring Dad, Uncle or Grandpa!
$25 per couple
DJ, photo opportunity, and a dessert bar hosted by the 2nd & 3rd Grade SSM Girl Scouts.
Reserve your tickets today!
Vemno: @Anna-Lad-1
Please include name of daughter(s) in the memo.
For more info, contact Anna Lad at 702-927-2265 or
Vemno: @Anna-Lad-1
Please include name of daughter(s) in the memo.
For more info, contact Anna Lad at 702-927-2265 or
annalacylad@gmail.com.
SSM Sports Club Registrations
From the Community
Summer Sports Camps at Marian High School
Registration for Marian athletic camps is now open! Experience Marian's winning athletic tradition. Fundamentals, sportsmanship, work ethic and technique - you'll get it all this summer at a Marian athletic camp.
Explore our camps and register at marianhighschool.net/choosing-marian/camps/.
Marian Junior Crusader Basketball Tryouts
Marian's Junior Crusaders is a competitive basketball program for girls in third through eighth grade who are interested in attending Marian. The program places a strong emphasis on skill development and preparing girls to compete at the high school level. The teams play in the Conqueror Basketball League and in four to eight local regional tournaments. Players are placed on teams and compete at a level that will provide them with the best opportunities to succeed and develop as a player.
Tryouts for the upcoming 2022-2023 season will be held Sunday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, March 20, at the following times:
- 3rd & 4th grade | 3-4 p.m.
- 5th & 6th grade | 4-5 p.m.
- 7th & 8th grade | 5-6 p.m.
- Grade levels are for the 2022-2023 school year
- Parent informational meeting will be held during your daughter's tryout time
All current 2nd grade to 7th-grade girls can register online at go.teamsnap.com/forms/295669. Registration is also available on the day of tryouts. There is no cost to try out. Contact Chris Wagner at cwagner@omahamarian.org with questions.
Important Upcoming Dates
- February 18 & 21: No School
- February 26: Boy Scouts' Mom Prom
- March 4: End of 3rd Quarter
- March 7-11: No School (Spring Break)
- March 14: Classes Resume
- March 16: Home & School Pep Talk
- March 19: Home & School Event - Party at the Ski Lodge