A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We have been blessed with some beautiful Fall weather. I am grateful for the beauty of the changing leaves and scenery while it is still not too cold for us to enjoy it! Tomorrow is the end of the first quarter already. Can you believe it? Since we had a few days off this quarter, I thought I would share what we (as a staff) were doing while your children were at home.
So far this year we have participated in 10 hours of faith formation. On Oct. 10th, we joined the parish staff and spent the day at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral. We learned the history and took a fantastic tour of the church. I highly recommend doing this. We then were able to celebrate Mass together.
Our teachers have also spent several hours of in-service this school year, analyzing Renaissance STAR Assessment data and learning how to use the data to improve both whole-group and individualized instruction. We assess students three times per school year. The Fall assessment is utilized to get a baseline for where students are at the beginning of the school year. This informs our teachers' instruction, and it is always so exciting to see our students' growth over the school year. The next assessment will take place in the winter. Your teacher will discuss your child's baseline assessment with you at Fall conferences.
Our 4th-8th grade English and Language Arts teachers also recently participated in a writing workshop that focused on how to teach formal writing effectively. Finally, our teachers have been using in-service time to collaborate with the grade levels above and below their grades to map the curriculum and make sure it aligns with the Catholic School Standards and National Standards. Curriculum alignment is one of our strategic goals for the year, and the work is very important for our students.
As you enjoy the extra time with your children in the upcoming weeks, we hope you know of our commitment to continuous improvement to make St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School the best it can be. It is a privilege and a blessing to be able to educate your children.
Blessings,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Military Gun Salute Notice, Fall Conferences Sign-Up, Upcoming Days Off/Holy Day of Obligation, Catholic Identity & School Program Effectiveness Survey, Second Semester Billing Changes, SSM News, October Saint of Month Overview, Halloween Celebrations & Costume/Dress-Code Guidelines, Safe Environment Training
- Home & School Updates: Trunks Needed for Trunk-or-Treat, Art to Remember
- Parish Updates: Parish Annual Report, Community for All campaign, Scooter's Day, We're Hiring: Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Diaper Drive
- Community Updates: Little Jays Wrestling, Mercy Lunch & Learns, Marian Ghouls Night Out
Administration Updates
Military Gun Salute Notice
On Friday, October 27th, there will be a military gun salute outside the north church entrance following a funeral Mass for Bob Jaeck, husband of Nancy Major. Nancy is a former administrative assistant in our school office. Mass begins at 10:30 AM and the salute is expected to be around 11:30 AM. Because the burial is scheduled for a later date, the salute is being held at the church instead of the cemetery. Our teachers will discuss with your children that they may hear gunshots. They will explain that the gun salute is part of a funeral Mass and done as a sign of respect for someone who served in our military. You are welcome and encouraged to discuss this with your children. Thank you for understanding.
Fall Conferences are Wednesday, Nov. 1st
Click the button below and navigate to your student's teacher’s sign-up:
- Mobile Device: Use the Drop-Down Selection Tool to choose the teacher’s name and then click "Go"
- Desktop/Laptop: Click the tabs on the top of the sign-up. Use the "+36 More" button, located to the right (or left) of the tabs, to view additional teachers.
Notes:
- Preschool – 5th Grade: Families should schedule a conference with their student's homeroom teacher.
- 6th – 8th Grade: Families are encouraged to meet with any of their student's teachers they wish to meet with.
- Specialists Conferences: Our Specialists (Art, Counseling, Library, Music, PE, Spanish, Technology) are available to meet with you! Please schedule a slot with any of our Specialists you would like to meet with.
- Resource Team: Please email your teacher if your student is currently receiving assistance from our Resource Team and you would like a staff member from their team included in your conference.
- All conferences will be in person: If you cannot find a time to meet with your student's teacher(s) please email them to schedule another day/time.
- The SignUp Genius closes at 3:30 PM on Friday, Oct. 31st: After this time, you will need to contact the teacher directly (by email) to schedule, re-schedule, or cancel a conference.
No School: Nov. 1st - 3rd
Due to Conferences and a Teacher In-Service, there is no school from Nov. 1st - Nov. 3rd. Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 6th. Wednesday is a Holy Day of Obligation and we invite your family to celebrate Mass with our Parish Family.
Catholic Identity and School Program Effectiveness Survey
As part of our strategic plan and commitment to continuous improvement, we have created a survey for parents/guardians to provide feedback on their experiences with St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School. The survey is built upon National Catholic Education Association pillars. It is intended to give us a benchmark on how we are meeting our school families' needs and expectations.
We encourage ongoing communication between our school parents/guardians and their child’s teacher(s) and administrators. Please answer the survey questions based on your overall experience with St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School. Should you have specific concerns about our school, please contact Mrs. Perrault at j.perrault@stephen.org. Your partnership in educating your child(ren) is of utmost importance.
Second Semester Billing Changes for Kidzone and School Lunch
Beginning January 2024, Kidzone will invoice families weekly, and school lunch incidental billing will be invoiced twice a month. This billing schedule replaces our current monthly billing process.
This change is to help families budget their expenses throughout the month and improve internal processes. All invoices will continue to be auto-deducted from your designated EFT account. Please contact the school office if you have any questions.
SSM News: October 20th
The volunteers for the October 20th episode of SSM News include the following 6th Graders:
- Anchor 1: Martin Rickett
- Anchor 2: Allison Rice
- Special Events: Carter Frey
- Upcoming Events: Dani Tills
- Husker Update: Bo Herdzina
- Student Council: Holden Boldt
- Weather: Carter Frey & Bo Herdzina
- Lunch: Leo Herdzina
SSM News is under the direction of Mrs. Pennings and newscasters will rotate weekly. All interested 5th-8th grade students will get the chance to participate.
Veteran's Day Assembly: Nov. 10th
On Friday, November 10th we will have a Veteran's Day Assembly at 9 AM in the gym. We would like to invite all veterans in our school family to attend. This includes parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. If you, or someone from your family, plans to attend and would like to be honored at the assembly, please complete this form.
Saint of the Month: St. Therese of Lisieux
“Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest parts of their hearts.”
This October, our students have been learning more about St. Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese approached holiness in small ways and was very kind.
This month our teachers have been watching for students who live their lives like her, reflecting Jesus in small ways through their actions and showing kindness towards others.
October honorees will be announced next week!
Halloween Celebrations
Parties, and field trips, and costumes, and parades - oh my! We've got all the details bundled up for you below!
Friday, October 27th:
- Middle School Celebration: Due to bus availability, our 6th, 7th, & 8th-grade students will celebrate Halloween on Oct. 27th with a field trip to the Amazing Pizza Machine! Middle schoolers may dress down on this day (follow Family Handbook Guidelines). Middle school students also have a Halloween Dress Down Day on Tuesday, Oct. 31st (see details below).
Monday, October 30th
- Morning Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 10 - 10:45 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Afternoon Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 2:25-3:10 PM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
Tuesday, October 31st:
- TK: Our party will be from 9:25-10:25 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). Please have your student wear a Dress Down Day outfit under their costume. All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Kindergarten - 5th Grade: Parties will be from 2:15 - 2:50 PM in classrooms. Parents/guardians should have received details via email from classroom coordinators. Only parents who have signed up via the Classroom Coordinators are allowed to attend. Following the parties, K-5th will participate in the Halloween Parade (see details below).
- Halloween Parade: All parents/families are invited to attend our outdoor costume parade (indoors if inclement weather). Students will parade with their class around the school. The parade will begin at 2:50 PM with Kindergarten followed by 1st-5th grade. They will exit the north doors, head east around the school, and enter back into the school through the south doors. Our afternoon Preschool, PreK & TK classes will watch the parade but will not be walking in the parade. Normal dismissal begins at 3:10 PM.
Halloween Dress Code & Costume Guidelines for ALL Students
- Costumes must align with our school values and should not be offensive, politically charged, gory, or against the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Costume accessories should be left at home.
- Only Preschool, PreK & TK students (Gentile, Tabaka, Ferrante & Foster) should come to school in costume. TK students should wear a Dress Down Day outfit that follows Family Handbook guidelines under their costume so they can remove their costume after the party.
- Kindergarten-5th Grade students can dress down in the morning, wearing anything that follows the guidelines in the Family Handbook. When it is time to put costumes on, students must put their costumes on over their dress-down outfits. They will not be allowed to change their clothing.
- Middle school students get a Halloween Dress Down Day on Oct. 31st. They can wear Halloween colors or Halloween-themed t-shirts but they may not wear costumes.
Upcoming Safe Environment Training
Home & School Updates
We need your TRUNKS to make our Trunk-or-Treat SPOOKTACULAR!
We have *many* kids signed up to attend our Trunk-or-Treat event and very few trunks! We need YOU to make this a great event for our school & parish family! Please sign up to host a trunk --- best trunk wins $100!
Art to Remember
Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child’s artwork. There are over 50 products to choose from and many are less than $15. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school!
Please be on the lookout for Order Forms with your child’s personalized artwork and additional information that will be coming home in their folders soon. Then, have fun shopping!
Click on the button below for our school’s custom webpage. Place your order by November 6th for free shipping to our school! Questions? Contact Chris VanDorn at cmblock@cox.net.
Parish Updates
2023 Parish Annual Report
Our parish's 2023 Annual Report is ready for your review. Click the button below to view the report and learn about the impact our missional community in Christ has made over the past fiscal year. We will also be sending a copy home in your K-8 youngest or only child's Friday folder.
A Community for All Campaign
Save the Date - October 29th: 153rd & Q Scooter's Coffee is Hosting a Day Benefitting St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church
Now Hiring: Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
St. Stephen the Martyr is seeking candidates for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Are you or someone you know interested? Click the button below to view the job description. For more information, contact Adam Ybarra, Director of Mission, at 402-861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
3,647 More Diapers to Earn a Dress Down Day! Help Us Reach Our Goal of 10,000 Diapers!
Please join us in collecting diapers and wipes for local women and families in need. Your donation will support women who have chosen not to have an abortion and now need our help providing for their babies. Diapers will be distributed to EPS, Mater Filius, Bethlehem House, Catholic Charities and Christ Child Institute.
If school students help us reach our goal of 10,000 Diapers, Mrs. Perrault has announced we can earn a Dress Down Day (date TBA)! As of this morning (Oct. 19th), 6,353 diapers have been collected. We need 3,647 by the end of October to reach our goal!
Most Needed Items:
Wipes & diapers (sizes: Newborn, 4, 5 and 6)
Wipes & diapers (sizes: Newborn, 4, 5 and 6)
Support the Diaper Drive:
- Drop off diapers and/or wipes in the School Commons throughout October (place donations in the crib) or Stuff the Bus in front of the Parish Center on:
- Sundays after Mass: October 22nd & 29th
- Friday, October 20th, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- RE Evenings: Tues/Wed from 4-7 PM: October 24th & 25th
- Contribute online: click here to give a financial contribution
- Volunteer at Stuff the Bus Collection Days: We need volunteers to help greet families and/or carry and count the donated diapers! Click here to sign up!
Diaper Drive Hosted in Partnership with: St. Stephen the Martyr Council of Catholic Women, St. Stephen the Martyr Respect Life Ministry, Omaha Urban Council of Catholic Women & Spirit Catholic Radio
For more information, call Colleen Simonsen at 402-689-5420.
Community Updates
Little Jays Wrestling
Lunch & Learn for Parents at Mercy High School
- 6th-8th Grade Lunch & Learn for Parents from Noon-1 PM on Nov. 9 & Dec. 6: Enjoy lunch and conversation with our president and principal to learn why more Omaha parents are choosing Mercy for their daughters.
Visit mercyhigh.org/admissions/recruitment-events.cfm for more information on all events.
Marian Ghouls Night Out
Important Upcoming Dates
- October 20:
- Quarter 1 Ends
- Art to Remember Kicks Off
- October 25:
- Report Cards
- 2 PM Dismissal (Staff Meeting)
- October 27:
- Middle School to Amazing Pizza Machine (6th-8th Grade have a Dress Down Day)
- Trunk-or-Treat Event sponsored by Home & School and RE
- October 30:
- Morning Preschool & PreK Halloween Party, 10 - 10:45 AM, Parish Center
- Afternoon Preschool & PreK Halloween Party, 2:25-3:10 PM, Parish Center
- October 31:
- Dress Down Day
- TK-5th may dress down in anything that follows Family Handbook Guidelines
- 6th-8th may dress down in Halloween colors and/or themed clothing but no costumes
- Halloween Parties
- TK: 9:25-10:25 AM, Parish Center, come in costume with DDD clothes underneath
- K-5th: 2:15 - 2:50 PM, in classrooms, come in DDD clothing and bring costume that can be put on over DDD clothing (no changing)
- K-5 Halloween Parade, 2:50 - 3:10 PM, outside (indoors if inclement weather)
- Dress Down Day
- November 1:
- No School
- Conferences
- November 2-3: No School (Teacher In-service/Faith Formation)
- November 7: School Reconciliation Grades 3-5
- November 8: School Reconciliation Grades 6-8
- November 9: Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins
- November 10: Veteran's Day Assembly
- November 15: Picture Retake Day
- November 17: Thanksgiving Food Drive Ends
- November 20: H&S Teacher/Staff Christmas Fund Begins
- November 21: Progress Reports
- November 22-27: Thanksgiving Break
- November 28: Classes Resume