A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
As we continue to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus, I hope we can use this time to pray for peace in this world and the health of all of God’s people.
The spring is bursting with activities and celebrations here at school. Many of our families attended the History/Science/Author fair last week. We are so proud of our students and grateful for all the middle school staff who prepared our 6-8 grade students for the amazing fair. The students were beaming with pride as they shared their talents and knowledge with students, staff, and families. We are excited that many classes have planned and started participating in field trips. We look forward to sharing these experiences with all of you through social media. We also can’t wait for the Spring Musical. Students and volunteers have been preparing for this event for two years! For those families who have not yet experienced an SSM school musical, you will be amazed and entertained.
We pray for our 8th graders who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation this week. Through Confirmation they have chosen to “seal the covenant created in Baptism”. Thank you to Mrs. Laura Bogue, Ms. Chelsey Young, and Mrs. Shelisa Mabeus who prepared our students for this magnificent Sacrament. Our 2nd graders continue to prepare for First Holy Communion. We will celebrate with them later this spring.
There are just so many great things happening at school. I feel so fortunate to share these experiences with all of you. I look forward to spring weather and a renewed sense of faith, hope, and love as we continue our journey together!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Meet Our New Staff Members, Merit March DDD, Kindergarten Experience Days, Fish Fry Reminder, Music In Catholic Schools Honor Band, Stations of the Cross
- Home & School Updates: 22/23 Volunteer Opportunitites, Teacher Appreciation Week Volunteer Sign Up, Musical Pre-Order Tickets, Family Lent Activities, Faith at Home
- Parish Updates: Lenten Reconciliation Service, Holy Week Info, Living Stations of the Cross Volunteer Opportunity, Campus Clean-Up, VBS Registration, Totus Tuus Registration, Martyr Mission Invite & Volunteer Request
- Sports Club Updates: SSM Volleyball Clinic, Football Registration
- Community Updates: Mercy Open House & Dinner and Theatre Event, Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp, V2 Summer Camp, Marian Summer Camps
Administration Updates
Meet Our New Staff Members For Next School Year
If you missed the staffing updates that were announced on March 17, please view them here. We are excited to welcome our new teachers! Please read their messages to families below.
Joni Coffey, Spanish Grades 4-8
Bienvenidos a la clase de Español! My name is Joni Coffey and I am so excited to be joining our St. Stephen the Martyr community in the Fall of 2022! This will be my 11th year of teaching in a Catholic School environment and my 9th year as a full-time Spanish teacher. Together my husband and I have 5 college-age children and we enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, and dining at all of Omaha's fine restaurants!
My goal for our students is to introduce them to the Spanish culture and language through fun and engaging activities that incorporate literature, music, art, and technology. I also love that we can enrich our Catholic Faith Community by praying in Spanish and learning about Spanish traditions throughout Christmas, Lent, and Easter. I look forward to meeting you soon and to a fun and successful school year!
Marlena Laney, Part-time Counselor
I have been working as a counselor for Catholic Schools for 23 years. I have coached, managed a mentoring program (Teammates), taught college courses, facilitated groups, and work with outside agencies to help students reach their full potential. Outside of counseling, I have several hobbies but my favorites are reading and creating art. I have been married for 26 years and am the proud mother to three children, grandmother to a beautiful little girl, and an advocate for animals. I have also been a missionary in two countries and have a strong faith which I look forward to sharing with the SSM community!
Abby Rezac, Kindergarten
I am beyond excited for the opportunity to be a part of the St. Stephen the Martyr family as the newest member of the kindergarten team! I am honored to teach at a school that has a foundation centered on faith, a deep love for Christ, high-level education, and most of all positive energy that promotes love and kindness towards everyone. This will be my 12th year of teaching in Catholic schools. I spent nine years teaching in Lincoln at St. Patrick's and two years teaching kindergarten at Holy Cross in Omaha.
A little bit about me: I was born in Fremont and raised in Lincoln. I met my husband in college and converted to the Catholic faith before being married in 2011. We have a bulldog named Talulah, and love spoiling all of our nieces and nephews. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, organizing, and hosting our Czechs for Nebraska tailgate with my husband on Husker football Saturdays!
I strive to build strong relationships with my students through establishing trust and being a role model – one that encourages, shows love, and makes learning fun!
Sarah Mancilla, Third Grade
Hello SSM families! I am a born and raised Catholic. My father has been a deacon for almost 20 years! He was able to baptize all of his grandchildren including my 3 children. My husband, Phil, and I have been blessed with 3 children. Talia is almost 1, Dante is 5, and Dominic would be 9. Dominic was born with a heart condition and passed when he was an infant. It is through faith and support from family and friends that we remember and honor him daily.
Dante and Talia keep us very busy. Most of my hobbies include activities I can do with my children. Being outside, playing board and card games, crafting, and baking are just a few things we love. On the rare occasion, I find myself alone, I enjoy listening to audiobooks while reorganizing spaces in my house, or watching movies with my husband. It is a treat to watch live-action movies without kids around.
My faith has always been a driving force in my life, and I am so blessed to finally have the opportunity to teach in a faith-based school. I have taught for 8 years at an academic intervention school that specializes in helping students that struggle academically and socially. I believe my experience in this setting has prepared me to recognize and address learning needs quickly and efficiently. I am so thrilled to be joining SSM, and cannot wait to get to know everyone!
Jamie Christiansen, First Grade
Hello families! I have had the pleasure to teach fourth grade at St. Stephen the Martyr for the past five years. Next year will be my 20th year of teaching and I have decided to take the opportunity to move to first grade. I am so excited for this new and exciting teaching opportunity. If I haven’t met you yet, I look forward to meeting you soon!
Note: The below two staffing changes were not included in our last update.
- Mrs. Verraneault will continue to teach PE full-time. To meet our scheduling needs, we hired an additional part-time PE teacher.
- With Mrs. Christiansen moving to 1st grade (see above), we have hired a new 4th-grade teacher.
Alison Johnson, Part-time PE
I am very excited to join the staff at Stephen the Martyr as a part-time PE teacher this fall. This will be my eighth year of teaching. I taught for seven years as a special education teacher and worked with kindergarten through sixth grade. Currently, I am a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful young ladies, two of whom attend St. Stephen the Martyr. My husband, Dave, and I stay busy with sports, dance, family, and friends. I also enjoy reading and baking when we have downtime.
I am super excited to join the St. Stephen staff in the fall and thrilled to be going back to work. I am looking forward to meeting more families in the school community and to a great school year.
Peyton Hermann, 4th Grade
Hi all! I am over-the-moon excited to be joining the St. Stephen family teaching 4th grade! A little bit about me: I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but moved to Omaha right before 2nd grade. After graduating from UNO, I taught summer school in Millard, and have been substitute teaching for the past year in both Gretna and Millard (with two long terms for 4th grade!). I am beyond thrilled to be part of such an amazing community. Thank you for sharing your child with me and I cannot wait to see how much they learn and grow!
Merit March Update - Dress Down Day on April 1
Congratulations to our students! They collectively earned over 700 merits in March! We are so proud of our students and their excellent commitment to PRAYing at school every day. As promised, their stellar behavior has earned them a dress down day tomorrow, Friday, April 1 - no April Fools joke here!
8th Grade Families: We understand that students will be dressed in their Confirmation outfits tomorrow. Because of this, 8th-grade students will get to have their Merit March Dress Down Day on Monday, April 4.
Remember to follow the guidelines on pages 42-45 of the Family Handbook. Keep up the great work students!
Kindergarten Experience Days: Save the Date
Attention parents of 2022/2023 Kindergartners: mark your calendars for our summer Kindergarten Experience Days! On Tuesday, July 26 & Wednesday, July 27 from 9-11 AM enrolled, incoming kindergartners will get to see our kindergarten classrooms, meet their teachers and their future classmates, and get a taste of what kindergarten is all about! Watch your email for a sign-up later this spring.
Fish Fry Reminder
Reminder to parents and guests with children: we kindly ask that you talk with your children about appropriate behavior when attending Fish Frys. Please do not allow children to run in the hallways through the kitchen area, or be in church/school areas that are closed during Fish Frys, including upstairs and our classrooms. Our Fish Frys are family-friendly and we encourage everyone of all ages. We also encourage adults to supervise their children, including on the playground, to ensure safety and respect for all attending.
Music In Catholic Schools (MCS) & St. Stephen the Martyr Represented at Honor Band Festival!
Fourteen students, including our own 8th-grade student, Cecilia Rickett, represented MCS in the Otte Blair Middle School Honor Band Festival on Saturday, March 26th. They all did an awesome job! Congratulations, Cecilia and thank you for representing St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School!
Join Us to Pray the Stations of the Cross
We invite our families to pray the Stations of the Cross this Lent with our students & teachers Fridays at 2:30 PM in the Worship Space or via live stream at stephen.org/live-stream or on the Church Facebook page. Below is the in-person schedule for students:
- April 1: Grades K-4
- April 8: Grades 5-8
- April 15: No 2:30 PM stations (Good Friday - no school)
Home and School Updates
2022/2023 School Year Volunteer Opportunities
Want to get involved at our school? Now is the time! Home & School needs your help for the 2022/23 school year! Check out the open committee head & committee member positions in the PDF below. Then let us know which positions you're interested in by completing the Google Form linked in the button below! Want to help but don't know where? Complete the form letting us know your interests and we will help find the best spot for you to use your gifts and talents. We are able to do amazing things in our school because of all of the hard work and dedication of our parents! Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to our school!
Teacher Appreciation Week 2022
Please help us celebrate our amazing teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week! Sign up to volunteer or donate desserts using the button below. Thank you!
Friday, April 1: Last Day to Pre-Order Musical Tickets
Come see what’s happening on the stage for the St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School musical! Join our students as they present the musical, The Lion King Jr!
Two performances will be held in the gym on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, April 9 at 7 PM. Please note the time differences. The gym doors will open 30 minutes before showtime and seating is on a first-come basis.
Tomorrow, Friday, April 1, is the last day to pre-order tickets using the button below. Pre-sale tickets will be processed through OSV and will be sent home with your child the week following your order.
Door sales (cash and check only) on the night of the performance will begin one hour before showtime.
Make These Final Weeks of Lent A Time of Growth!
Use the button below to access easy ideas on how to draw nearer to Jesus.
Faith at Home
Living Holy Week: A Busy Parents Guide
Easter is just around the corner- the pinnacle of the Liturgical Year. Here are a few ideas to help your family delve into the meaning of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday: After Mass, help your child fold their blessed palm into a cross or other decorative shape to place in your home for the coming year. See this roundup of tutorials for ideas. Google the City of Jerusalem and talk through the key places in the Easter story with your child.
Holy Thursday: Make a meal that includes bread and “wine”. Read and discuss the story of the Last Supper with your children. Google Eucharistic Miracles and discuss the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with your child.
Good Friday: Visit the Stations of the Cross at the Cloisters on the Platte in Gretna. These life-size sculptures are a powerful way to experience the Stations. Here are the hours and location. If you’re short on time, print out these Stations and make a Way of the Cross in your backyard!
Holy Saturday: Make traditional Hot Cross Buns, a bun filled with raisins and spices traditionally symbolizing the burial spices of Jesus. If you’re a go-getter, use this recipe. If you only have 15 mins, use this recipe.
Parish Updates
Lenten Reconciliation Service: Tuesday, April 5
Experience Palm Sunday and the Easter Triduum at St. Stephen the Martyr!
Campus Clean-Up: Saturday, April 9th
Here’s an opportunity for your whole family to help your faith community! Join us for Spring Clean Up of the parish grounds on April 9th (the rain date will be April 16th). Sweeping, raking and trimming are needed. Bring tools such as a rake, broom, dustpan, digger tool, clippers, brown trash bag; and your own water and snack. Youth can earn service hours at this event!
Vacation Bible School
Registration is now open for kids, youth volunteers and adult leaders!
Youth Volunteers Needed! Living Stations of the Cross
We are seeking 5th-12th grade volunteers to help us portray the Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 15 at 5 p.m. Participants will represent different characters, narrate, or make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. Rehearsals will be on Sunday, April 3, and Sunday, April 10 from 2-3:15 p.m. in the Worship Space.
Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus (Totally Yours) is a fun and energetic catechetical program for youth in 1st-12th grade.
Martyr Mission Invitation & Volunteer Request
Martyr Mission Sign Up Party Coordinator
Sign Up Parties will be back at this year's Martyr Mission (our church's largest fundraiser of the year that supports our parish and school operations) as long as we can find coordinators to help! We are looking for a few people to lead the effort in finding individuals who are willing to host and donate a party. Ideally, we hope the coordinators can work with hosts to arrange parties for youth in each grade level and several adult ones.
Can you help? Let us know below and we will reach out!
Yes, I will help coordinate Sign Up Parties!
- View Details
I am not interested in leading the effort, but willing to host a party
- View Details
I might be willing to coordinate, but would like more information
- View Details
If you have questions, please contact Catiana Urrutia at 402-861-4541 or c.urrutia@stephen.org. Visit stephen.org/mission for more information.
Sports Club Updates
From the Community
Mercy High School Open House
5th-8th Grade girls and their parents are invited to Mercy’s Spring Open House on Sunday, April 3rd from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Mercy looks totally different from our last Open House in November, and we are excited to tell you about the construction that is happening this summer. Student Ambassadors will be offering tours and you will have the chance to meet our students, administration and faculty. For more details and to pre-register, go to: https://www.mercyhigh.org/happenings/.
Mercy High School Dinner & Theatre
5th-8th Grade Dinner & Theatre on Saturday, April 9th from 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Mercy’s theatre department, a tour of the stage, backstage and green room. You will also get to meet and see how the actresses, actors and technicians prepare for the production, have a Q&A with the cast, eat dinner with Student Ambassadors, and have reserved seating for our spring musical "Mary Poppins". Register at https://www.mercyhigh.org/happenings/.
When: Tuesday, May 31 - Friday, June 3
- 8:30 - 10:30 AM (Grades 1-3)
- 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM (Grades 4-8)
Where: St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School Gym
Who: Boys and girls Grades 1-8 (2022-23 school year)
Register: Use the button below for more information and to register online.
About Camp Director: Kathy Jones, a former teacher at St. Stephen the Martyr, has been active in basketball for many years. She began her career as a player at Kansas State University, and after graduating, she took a position as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Missouri. She continued her collegiate coaching as an assistant coach at Memphis University, as well as coaching AAU basketball.
Virtus et Veritas (V2) Ministries
V2 Summer Camp registrations are now open. This is for young men grades 6-9 and is full of fun, leadership, and Catholic faith! Join the adventure at 2022 V2 Camp presented by Virtus et Veritas Ministries. Join us for a week: July 17th-23rd OR July 24th-30th. Early bird pricing through April 3rd. Scholarships are available! There are leadership opportunities for young men in grades 10-12 and volunteer opportunities for adults. Visit www.v2ministries.org for more info and register today!
Summer Sports Camps at Marian High School
Registration for Marian athletic camps is now open! Explore our camps and register at marianhighschool.net/choosing-marian/camps/.
Important Upcoming Dates
- April 1: Merit March Earned Dress Down Day
- April 8: School Musical – The Lion King, Jr. (7:30-9 PM)
- April 9: School Musical – The Lion King, Jr. (7-8:30 PM)
- April 14-19: No School (Easter Break)
- April 20: Classes Resume
- April 22: Progress Reports
- May 4: Martyr Mission Dress Down Day
First Communion Dates for 2nd Graders:
- Thursday, April 21 – Rehearsal
- 6 PM: 2B & 2C
- 7:30 PM: 2A
- Sunday, April 24 – First Communion
- 1 PM Mass: 2B & 2C
- 3:30 PM Mass: 2A
- Tuesday, April 26 – First Communion Breakfast Celebration
- 8:15 AM Mass
- Families can join their students for breakfast in the Dining Room following Mass (please see emailed invitation for details)
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!
Campus Clean Up-Spring 2022: Saturday, April 9th
Here’s an opportunity for your whole family to help your faith community! Join us for Spring Clean Up of the parish grounds on April 9th (the rain date will be April 16th). Sweeping, raking and trimming are needed. Bring tools such as a rake, broom, dustpan, digger tool, clippers, brown trash bag; and your own water and snack. Youth can earn service hours at this event!