A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
Martyr Marathon is tomorrow! I can hardly wait for the fun and PARTY that will happen tomorrow. Whether God gives us a beautiful day, or He gives us an opportunity to be creative as we move our fun indoors, one thing is certain: it will be a day our students won't soon forget!
I am continuously inspired and humbled by your generosity. I feel blessed to lead such a wonderful group of students, teachers, staff and families.
These newsletters continued to be filled with very important information. Please take time to read them in their entirety and follow through on any action items applicable to your family.
Once you've finished reading, there will only be one thing left to do this week: Party Like It's 1992! See you all tomorrow.
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Martyr Marathon Permission Slip, Family Handbook Signatures, Incidental Fees, Progress Reports, Smart GEN Society Presentations, Picture Day, Water Bottle Reminder
- Home & School Updates: Martyr Marathon, Fall Family Frolic & Adult Night Out, Be the Light Life Chain & Diaper Drive Service Activities, School Directory Update
- Men's Club: Husker Watch Party
- Parish Updates: Annual Report, Pastoral Conference '22, Archbishop's Annual Appeal, Iron Sharpens Iron, Welcome., Beloved: A Women's Group, Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids Drive, Knights of Columbus Breakfast on Oct. 2nd
- Community Updates: Upcoming Events at Duchesne Academy, Skutt Catholic Presents...Footloose!
Administration Updates
Martyr Marathon Permission Slip
All students must have a signed permission slip to participate in Martyr Marathon tomorrow. If you have not submitted it yet, please print the below PDF, complete the permission slip and send it to school with your student tomorrow.
Family Handbook Signature Page - Final Reminder
All families are required to complete a Web Form in FACTS indicating they have received, read, understand, and will abide by the 2022-2023 Family Handbook. This was due August 18, 2022. If you have not completed yours yet, please do so immediately. Below are directions on how to do so.
- View the Family Handbook (This is always available on our website school.stephen.org/parents)
- Once you’ve read the handbook, complete the web form through your FACTS Family Portal:
- Go to: https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/ParentsWeb-Login.aspx (this page is linked from our 'Parents' webpage: school.stephen.org/parents)
- Enter our District Code: SSC-NE
- Enter your User Name & Password (you set this up at the time of enrollment; use the “forgot user name/password” link if you need to recover either item)
- Once logged in, click “Web Forms” from the menu
- Then click “Family Handbook/Technology Acceptable Use Policy”
- Fill in your student's name, your name, and the date
- Check the box acknowledging receipt and agreement to abide by policies
- Click “Save”
Incidental Fees Invoiced through FACTS
Invoicing was sent out to families this week via FACTS Financial Management Company. Note: while the emails stated that the "invoice" was due in ten days, you do not need to process the payment if you have a financial account set up with FACTS.
- If your student was charged $4.99, it was for their assignment notebook which is provided and required for all students in grades 3-6.
- Sacrament fees will be invoiced in October. They are as follows:
- $50 for First Reconciliation/First Communion (second graders)
- $55 for Confirmation (Note: Confirmation fees are processed while our students are in seventh grade. Due to the transition to FACTS, the Class of 2023 (this year's 8th graders) was not invoiced last school year. Thus, this year both 7th and 8th graders will be invoiced for the $55 Confirmation Sacrament Fee).
To view your FACTS Financial account, follow these steps:
- Go to: https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/ParentsWeb-Login.aspx (this page is linked from our 'Parents' webpage: school.stephen.org/parents)
- Enter our District Code: SSC-NE
- Enter your User Name & Password (you set this up at the time of enrollment; use the “forgot user name/password” link if you need to recover either item)
- Once logged in, click “Financial” from the menu
- To view the payment method/account you set up in FACTS
- Click the “Financial Home” link under “Financial Links”
- Then select “Financial Accounts” from the Menu
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be posted tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 22nd at 3:30 PM. As a reminder, parents/guardians can and are encouraged to view their student's grades throughout the school year via their FACTS Family Portal. Follow the below steps to view your student's Progress Report & Grades.
To login into FACTS:
- Go to: https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/ParentsWeb-Login.aspx (this page is linked from our 'Parents' webpage: school.stephen.org/parents)
- Enter our District Code: SSC-NE
- Enter your User Name & Password (you set this up at the time of enrollment; use the “forgot user name/password” link if you need to recover either item)
- Once logged in, to view the reports follow these steps:
- Click "Student" from the menu
- Then click "Grades"
- Select Mid Term Progress Report (at the top). These will be an alpha grade and not numeric.
- If you want to view a more detailed report with your student's percentage or numeric grade you can select the "Grade Book Report" option and then sort through what class you want more details on.
Smart GEN Society - Upcoming Presentations
Through the generous support of our families, the Home & School Association has scheduled and funded two upcoming presentations by Smart GEN Society.
Smart GEN Society is an Omaha-based company specializing in digital wellness, safety and privacy. They will be at St. Stephen the Martyr in October to visit with parents, guardians and our middle school students.
- Parent/Guardian Presentation: Thursday, Oct. 13th, 6:30 PM in the Parish Center
- The presentation will discuss how to protect your family’s well-being, safety, and privacy in our fast-paced and ever-changing digital world. From early access to technology and increasing digital-based anxieties, the presentation will inform parents/guardians on the long-term impacts of our digital choices and guidance on how to set healthy boundaries towards screen time limitations and account restrictions.
- 6th-8th Grade Presentation: Friday, Oct. 14th, 2 PM
- Growing up in today’s society is hard! In a world of digital dependency, we are connected 24/7 and sometimes it can be challenging to escape from the digital noise. This presentation will discuss how students can stay true to their personal brand on technology and how to use it smartly and safely.
Save the Date: Picture Day is October 13th!
Picture day is coming up on October 13th. Order forms will be sent home Friday, September 30th in Friday Folders. Please view the Picture Day Dress guidelines on page 45 of the Family Handbook.
Water Bottle Reminder
TK-8 students should bring a refillable water bottle (labeled with their name) to school daily. Preschool and PreK students do not bring water bottles.
Home and School Updates
Martyr Marathon is Tomorrow!
We can't wait to Party Like It's 1992! Here are a few final reminders to help the event run smoothly.
- Volunteers: We still need volunteers! Click here to sign up. There is a Volunteer Meeting tonight, Thursday, Sept. 22nd @ 7 pm in the Parish Center to learn more about your duties and to pick up your special "Security" t-shirt to wear the day of the event. If you aren't able to attend, we can catch you up and get you your t-shirt at check-in tomorrow morning.
- Parking: At 8:15 AM the first rows of parking nearest the church and school in the South and North Parking lots as well as the road around the west side of the church will be blocked off. Note: Exceptions will be made for handicap-accessible vehicles. We respectfully ask that anyone attending Mass/Martyr Marathon avoid parking in these areas during arrival. At 9:45 AM, the South lot entrance will be closed to through traffic. Martyr Marathon and Mass parking should take place in the North Parking lot in the second row and beyond. Any cars in the South lot should be moved as needed before 9:45 AM to avoid blockage. All barricades/cones in each lot will be lifted by 11:45 AM for school pick-up. See the parking map attached below for reference.
- Dress Code for the Day: Your student should wear their Martyr Marathon t-shirt (that is being sent home today) and dress down shorts/pants/skirts that follow the guidelines outlined on page 45 of the Family Handbook under "Dress Down Days". Please ensure proper footwear, jackets, and sunblock are worn if needed.
- Water Bottles: Your student will be coming home with their Martyr Marathon water bottle today. Please label it with their name and send it with them tomorrow filled.
- Encourage your child to wave "hello" to residents and staff from Country House Residence: Our Be the Light committee is hosting residents and staff members from Country House Residence at Martyr Marathon tomorrow. Please encourage your child to wave hello and say "thanks!" as they pass the residents who will be cheering the students on! Our students bring much joy and light to these residents who aren't able to leave Country House Residence often. Thank you to Mrs. Webster for helping our committee make welcome signage!
- Weather: In case of rain, we will move the events indoors. We will send an email Friday morning with details on how this impacts volunteers and families.
- TK Pick-up: The south side parking lot will be closed until 11:45 AM. When picking up your TK student, please park on the North side 2nd or 3rd tier of the church parking lot. Walk through the church gathering space and take the sidewalk to the portables.
An email with additional details was sent yesterday morning. If you didn't receive it or have any additional questions, please email us at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com!
Be The Light Service Activities: October is Respect Life Month
Diaper Drive: All October
Be The Light, along with the St. Stephen Respect Life Ministry and Omaha Council of Catholic Women are sponsoring a diaper drive this October, Respect Life Month. Watch for more details coming soon!
Life Chain: Sunday, October 2nd
All St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School students, families, teachers, and staff are invited to join Home & School's Be the Light service committee at our 2nd Annual gathering for Life Chain!
We will join thousands of people across the country as we stand together as a church, school, and community to pray for life on Respect Life Sunday, October 2nd. Show your prayerful witness and join us! Click the below button for more details and to sign up.
Fall Family Frolic: October 10th
Adult Night Out: October 21st, 7-10 PM
Come meet up with other school parents & guardians and enjoy a night out! Appetizers will be provided and there will be a cash bar. This event is free to attend & no RSVP is needed. We hope you will join us! Questions? Contact Malori at malorititman@gmail.com.
School Directories
The school directories are in and hot off the press! We will be sending them home next week to all families who paid their Home & School annual dues. Thank you for your continued support of our school!
St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School Men's Club
Our Men’s Club invites all school and parish families to a Husker Watch Party on Friday, Oct. 7th when Nebraska takes on Rutgers! The Men’s Club will stream the game on an outdoor screen on the school field, east of the playground.
- Food & Drink: There will be a limited amount of pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs & water provided—free will donation. First come, first served. Supplies limited. Please plan to bring your family’s favorite beverages and meal/snacks as needed.
- Seating: Tables/chairs will not be provided. Please bring your own blankets or chairs for your family. Yard games are welcome! What you pack in, you pack out.
Go Big Red!
Parish Updates
The St. Stephen the Martyr Annual Report for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year has been published and is filled with good news about the impact our missional community in Jesus Christ has made throughout the year. It can be found in the bulletin this weekend or at stephen.org. Please take time to review the work we've done and begin to dream about the work we could accomplish with your support of time, talent and treasure.
Last Chance to Register for Pastoral Conference '22!
All St. Stephen the Martyr parishioners are invited to attend Pastoral Conference ‘22! Join us in the Dining Room on Saturday, Oct. 1st. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 AM and we will join the conference as a remote-site beginning at 9 AM.
Pastoral Conference '22 will provide context to the Archbishop's Vision & Priorities, the Big Goal, and the 4 Habits of a Disciple: Prayer, Compassion, Friendship, and Invitation. It also will evoke a desire to respond as a community to the call to be missional.
Archbishop's Annual Appeal
The 2022 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is beginning in our parish. You will receive an invitation from Archbishop Lucas to support the work of the Church through a personal commitment. The Annual Appeal supports the parishes, schools, and ministries across the archdiocese. We hope you will join us in making a gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Our financial goal for this year’s Annual Appeal is $199,761.90 and our participation goal is six percent. As disciples of Jesus, we are invited to trust, let go of fear, and open our minds and hearts to God’s saving work. What is holding you back from sharing your gifts?
Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Group
Join Us for Our Next Meeting: October 6th
Join us Thursday, Oct. 6th from 6-7 AM in the Parish Center for our next meeting. This group joins together women of St. Stephen the Martyr to grow closer to Jesus. Women of all ages are encouraged to join us!
Please grab some friends and join us for fellowship, prayer, and growing together as women of the parish.
For more information, contact a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Coats for Kids Drive: Now through Oct. 2nd
The Knights of Columbus are accepting cash (or check) donations for the purchase of new children’s coats and gently worn coats of any size. There are containers for monetary donations (checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus 10160) and boxes for gently worn coats in the Gathering Space and Parish Center.
Save the Date: KOC Breakfast Benefiting the St. Stephen Food Pantry on Oct. 2nd
Community Updates
Upcoming Events at Duchesne Academy
- Heart for Art for 8th Grade Girls, Saturday, Oct. 1, 10:00 AM - Noon
- You are invited to join faculty members of Duchesne’s art department and work with different art mediums. Students will get to create hands on art as well as be exposed to music via drums and song. You will have fun learning new techniques, meeting new friends and creating in a supportive environment! A $35 fee includes fun, food, a t-shirt and works of art to take home! Space is limited, register today!
- Register: https://www.duchesneacademy.org/apps/pages/event-registration
- Harvest Party for 8th Grade Girls, Friday, Oct. 28, 7:30-10 PM
- Come celebrate fall on Duchesne's campus with hayrack rides, a photo booth, spooky tours of the school and of course, a caramel apple bar! Please use the student parking lot (36th and California Street) for drop-off and pick up and enter via the Performing Arts Entrance. A $35 fee includes food, fun activities, prizes and a t-shirt!
- Register: https://www.duchesneacademy.org/apps/pages/event-registration
- Open House for 5th-8th Grade Girls, Sunday, Nov. 6, 10:30 AM - 1 PM
- This is a true open house. No registration is required!
Skutt Catholic High School Presents...
Join Skutt Catholic High School for a night of great music, dancing, and singing! Performances are Thursday, Sept, 22, Saturday, Sept 24, Sunday, Sept. 25, Friday, Sept. 30, Saturday, Oct 1, and Sunday, Oct 2. Sunday shows are at 2 PM. All other shows are at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door (cash or check) or here. Adults: $10 and Students K-12: $8.
Important Upcoming Dates
- September 23:
- No School for Mrs. Gentile's & Mrs. Tabaka's Classes
- Martyr Marathon
- Noon Dismissal
- Progress Reports
- September 24-25: 8th Grade Confirmation Retreats
- October 1: Pastoral Conference '22
- October 2: Be the Light Life Chain
- October 7:
- No School (Teacher Professional Development)
- Men's Club: Husker Watch Party
- October 10:
- No School (Teacher Professional Development)
- Fall Family Frolic at Vala's
- No School (Teacher Professional Development)
- October 11: Classes Resume
- October 13:
- Picture Day
- Smart GEN Society Parent/Guardian Presentation; 6:30 PM
- October 14: Smart GEN Society Middle School Presentation; 2 PM
- October 21:
- End of 1st Quarter
- Home & School's Adult Night Out