A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
I wish you all a very prayerful Holy Week and a happy Easter. This time of year is one of my favorite times of year because it is a hopeful season that brings with it spiritual growth, forgiveness, and the promise of new life. I know the “spring” weather might be unpredictable, but God’s love is not. His love is constant and never changing. I hope that your Easter break will be filled with peace, forgiveness, and joy.
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Staffing Updates, Dress Code Reminder: Sweatshirts & Hoodies, Heart of A Child Presentations & DDD, Progress Reports, Open Staff Positions, Martyr Mission DDD, Lost & Found, "Teacher, Support Staff & Volunteer of the Year" Nominations, Updated 22/23 Calendar
- Home & School Updates: Musical Wrap-Up, Help Plan 30th Anniversary, Teacher Appreciation Week Volunteer Sign Up, Save the Date for A Night at the Ball Park, Faith at Home
- Parish Updates: Experience the Easter Triduum at St. Stephen, VBS Registration Full, Martyr Moms Easter Egg Hunt, Open Staff Positions
- Sports Club Updates: Volleyball Registration Now Open, Basketball Coordinator
- Community Updates: Duchesne Honor Roll, Play It Forward, Marian Softball Camp, Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp, V2 Summer Camp, Marian Summer Camps
Administration Updates
Staffing Updates
We are sad to announce that Cindy Vann (Kindergarten) and Jolynn Oliver (8th Grade) will not be returning for the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Vann will be retiring to spend more time with her family. She hopes to substitute teach for us next year and help out the school in other ways that will allow more flexibility in her schedule. Ms. Oliver has accepted a German position at Westside High School. For those of you who know Ms. Oliver, this is a great opportunity to work in an area she is very passionate about. We wish both of them the very best from our St. Stephen community.
Miss Natalie Vangerpen who has taught second grade for the last two years will be teaching Kindergarten next year. She is looking forward to expanding her experience in elementary education. Miss Vangerpen has a genuine love for education and understands the importance of building relationships with students, staff, and families. She has a talent for reaching all students and focusing on individual needs.
We are adding an additional 5th-grade teacher this year due to enrollment numbers. As of today, we have filled all open positions except for middle school math.
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
We welcome Mrs. Sarah O’Leary (2nd Grade), Mrs. Rebecca Berry (Middle School Language Arts), and Miss Lisa Keating (5th Grade) to our SSM teaching staff! Please read their messages to families below.
Mrs. Sarah O’Leary:
I am so excited to be joining the St. Stephen the Martyr community as a teacher for the upcoming school year! I have taught in the Papillion-La Vista school district for the past several years as a 3rd-grade and Kindergarten teacher. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction through Doane College.
My husband TJ and I have three beautiful children: Reid, Teagan, and Finn. Reid and Teagan both attend St. Stephen, and through them, I have seen the incredible things that go on inside these school walls. I am so excited to join this amazing group of educators and help students enrich their faith and relationships while continuing to grow their love of learning.
Mrs. Rebecca Berry:
I am thrilled to be joining the St. Stephen the Martyr middle school team as a teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. For the past two years, I have worked with St. Stephen students and staff as a teacher associate and a substitute teacher. I am also a parent of a student, and I have enjoyed seeing all the positive changes that have happened throughout the years with the school and parish.
My previous experience includes teaching high school English, composition and literature for Millard and North Platte Public Schools. I also taught middle school language arts at Mary Our Queen for two years. I am ready and excited to be back in the classroom full-time. I have a passion for education and English. I look forward to sharing my passion and knowledge with the students and hope to create lifelong learners and readers.
Miss Lisa Keating:
Hello! I am super excited to teach at St. Stephen the Martyr School as the new 5th-grade teacher for the 2022/2023 school year! I am from Lincoln, Nebraska, and I will be moving to Omaha this summer. I went to Catholic school growing up and I'm so excited to share my faith with each student.
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2019 with a degree in early childhood education with an endorsement in inclusive practices. In my free time, I enjoy shopping with friends, hanging out with family, or playing with my cats. I am looking forward to the new school year and can't wait to meet everyone!
Dress Code Reminder: Sweatshirts & Hoodies
Several students are wearing sweatshirts and hoodies that are not in accordance with the Dress Code. Students choosing to wear non-SSM sweatshirts/hoodies as their "jacket", may only wear them when outdoors. Inside, they must follow the dress code and will be asked to remove any sweatshirt/hoodie that is not in compliance. For your convenience, we've included the dress code below:
- On Martyr Mondays students may wear:
- "Spirit” sweatshirt/T-shirt purchased through the 8th-grade fundraiser or another approved SSM spirit top (including Martyr Marathon t-shirts, SSM sports camps/team shirts/jerseys, VBS shirts).
- Older St. Stephen screen printed sweatshirts
- On Uniform Days students may wear:
- Crew neck sweatshirts or quarter-zip sweatshirts with the SSM Logo (must be purchased through DiGiorgio’s or Dennis Uniform and worn over a uniform-approved shirt).
- Navy blue or red uniform cardigan
Heart Of A Child Presentations & DDD - April 22
Heart of a Child Ministries will share their Celebration of Life presentations with our school students on Friday, April 22. The schedule for these presentations is as follows:
- TK & Kindergarten, 8:15 - 9 AM
- 1st & 2nd Grade, 9 - 9:45 AM
- 3rd & 4th Grade, 9:45 - 10:30 AM
- 5th & 6th, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- 7th & 8th, 1:45 - 3 PM
Students also have a themed Dress Down Day this day and are encouraged to wear pink or blue to guess the gender of the baby. Additional information, including links to the presentations, can be found on the flyer that was sent home with your student.
Progress Reports - April 22
Your student’s progress report will be posted on Sycamore Friday, April 22. To access it follow these steps:
- 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 student and select documents. You should see a list of previous report cards, progress reports, and other reports as well as the current progress report.
- Click on the progress report to view your child’s current grades.
We're Hiring!
We are actively recruiting candidates for the following positions. Please help us fill these important roles by sharing with those who you think might be interested or apply yourself, if you would make a great fit!
Seeking a positive, engaging, and faith-filled math teacher to join our middle school team in the fall of 2022. The positions will require that the teacher plans for, teaches, and facilitates learning for students and creates a positive Catholic learning environment. The teacher will provide interventions and accommodations to support the students’ participation and progress in the curriculum. Teachers will also maintain academic progress and records for students while working collaboratively with students, parents, and staff.
Seeking support staff team members (age 16+) and teachers (19+) for our childcare program, Kidzone. We are hiring for this summer and for the 2022/2023 school year. Schedules are flexible and can work with teen sports/school schedules.
Martyr Mission Dress Down Day - May 4
Lost & Found
Missing any items? Our tables are filling up again! Scroll through the photos posted at school.stephen.org/lost-found to see if your family's belongings have been found!
Teacher, Support Staff & Volunteer of the Year
Each year, the School Advisory Board strives to recognize the exceptional work of our teachers, staff, and volunteers through our annual Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year awards. We need your help. Please consider taking the time to nominate a teacher, staff member, and/or volunteer so that their hard work and dedication to our students can be recognized. Complete the fields below to submit your nominations. The deadline to nominate is Friday, May 13.
Updated 2022-2023 Annual Calendar
The annual calendar for next year has been updated. Please see the revised PDF below.
Home and School Updates
That's A Wrap!
Our production of The Lion King, Jr. was a huge success. We are so proud of all of the students in front of the lights and behind the scenes! They did an amazing job. This would not be possible without all of the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Many thanks to Marina Brown and Katie Baumker for all of their work overseeing this big undertaking. Also thank you to Heather Caldwell, Jen Carda, Lisa Kalamaja, Jason Brown, Tricia and Randy Figura, Joe Korgie, Scott Pachunka, Sofia Brown, Addison Neesen, and of course all of our directors Brian Guehring, Michael Miller, Nicole Korpela and especially our very own, Mrs. Tucksen.
We would like to give an additional shout-out to Katie Baumker in thanksgiving for all of her years of helping with the musical as this was her last year. We are very grateful for you!
Help Our School Celebrate Our 30th Anniversary!
Want to get involved at our school? Now is the time! Home & School needs your help for the 2022/23 school year! From now until the end of the year, we will highlight open volunteer positions that we are seeking to fill!
This week's feature: 30th Anniversary Committee
Next year our school will celebrate our 30th Anniversary! We have created a special 30th Anniversary Committee to help coordinate the festivities. This will be a one-year commitment, and all events and plans will be coordinated with assistance from school & parish staff. This committee would help plan and execute the celebration throughout the school year. Do you like celebrating St. Stephen the Martyr and planning fun? This role may be for you! If you're interested or have questions, contact us at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Next year our school will celebrate our 30th Anniversary! We have created a special 30th Anniversary Committee to help coordinate the festivities. This will be a one-year commitment, and all events and plans will be coordinated with assistance from school & parish staff. This committee would help plan and execute the celebration throughout the school year. Do you like celebrating St. Stephen the Martyr and planning fun? This role may be for you! If you're interested or have questions, contact us at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
View all of our open committee head and member positions using the button below. Don't see something that fits your talents? Email us at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com and we will find the perfect spot for you!
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!
A Night At the Ball Park: Save the Date - May 6
Faith at Home
The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. These three days are liturgically one day unfolding the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery. Below are a few ways you can experience the Triduum at home with your family. Then be sure to check out 'Parish Updates' below for opportunities to join your Parish family as we walk together toward Easter.
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
Print out these Stations and make a Way of the Cross in your backyard! Or, join our Parish family and experience the Living Stations of the Cross, as presented by Youth Ministry at 5:30 PM in the Worship Space. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and witness what Jesus went through in a way appropriate for all ages, with reflective questions during each station for both children and for adults.
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
Vacation Bible School
Registration for VBS is full. Email Eileen at e.smith@stephen.org to be added to the waitlist. Please include your child's name and grade level for the fall. Spots are open, however, for the children of our Station Leaders! Thank you to the volunteers who have signed up so far. We need a few more! Will you consider helping?
Easter Egg Hunt
Join us in celebrating the Easter season with an egg hunt! Hop on over to the micro soccer fields (just east of the playground) at 10 AM on Saturday, April 30th. Martyr Moms will be hosting the egg hunt and live rabbits! If your little one has been dreaming of petting a real live rabbit, now's their chance! All ages are welcome to visit the rabbits and ages 10 and under may participate in the egg hunt. Please RSVP at the link below so we know how many kiddos to expect.
We're Hiring!
We are actively recruiting candidates for the following positions. Please help us fill these important roles by sharing with those who you think might be interested or apply yourself, if you would make a great fit!
Sacrament/Event Assistant (Part-time)
This part-time position will assist logistics of Youth Sacraments, summer programs (VBS and Totus Tuus), and Religious Education Events. This person must be a practicing Catholic with strong communication and organization skills. We are looking for a team player who wants to help children come to know Jesus Christ and His Church.
The Director of Parish Operations serves as a key member of the pastor’s Leadership Team and oversees and directs a broad range of responsibilities to provide the necessary support and infrastructure for the mission of the parish to thrive. This person is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the parish operations team, including staff and volunteers, engaged in administration, development, communications, maintenance, and care of buildings and grounds, and information technology.
Sports Club Updates
Fall Sports
- Volleyball Registration (now open - see below)
- Football Registration (now open - see below)
- Cross Country Registration (coming soon!)
Basketball Coordinator
We have an opening for a Basketball Coordinator. Responsibilities of this volunteer role include coordinating tryouts, team creation, and helping arrange practice times. There is also an important meeting for new coordinators with the PAL director in July. If interested or have questions, please contact Corey Guenther at coreyguenther34@gmail.com or 402-206-6488; or John Carda at johncardaatc@gmail.com or 402-850-7127.
Volleyball Registration
Football Registration
From the Community
SSM Alumnae On Duchesne Academy Honor Roll
We are proud of all of our alumni who continue their academic success in high school! When we are notified by high schools, we will share the achievements on our webpage: school.stephen.org/alumni. Duchesne Academy was added this week. Congratulations to all of our alumni!
Play it Forward - Spring Session April 23-May14
Play It Forward is a non-profit youth sports organization that introduces young athletes (grades K-2) to multiple sports through coaching and leadership from selected high school student-athletes. Their spring session will run on Saturdays from April 23 - May 14 at Millard South High School and Skutt Catholic High School.
Learn more about the program at: www.playitforwardne.org or watch their promotional video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDogAMownQg.
Marian Summer Softball Camp
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 14-19: No School (Easter Break)
- April 20: Classes Resume
- April 22: Heart of A Child DDD/Presentations & Progress Reports
- May 4: Martyr Mission Dress Down Day
- May 6: May Crowning & Home & School's 'A Night at the Ballpark'
- May 9: No School (teacher in-service) & Volleyball Tryouts
- May 11: Home & School Meeting
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)
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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!