A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
This month has been a little tough on all of us with the snow and the cold. I know that sometimes there is confusion when it comes to calling school off. We will follow the current policy for this year, and we will review the policy for next year looking at travel/snow days versus cold days. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we get through this winter season.
The days out did change the STAR assessment schedule a bit. We should have all tests finished by Monday. Results will be sent home the second week of February. Some students may be retesting depending on the results. We do this because if a student drops significantly, it usually indicates an issue with the fidelity of the testing environment, the student’s mindset, and/or the amount of time he or she took on the test. I am attaching a document to explain this better. We are not retesting for the sake of school results, but it is important to make sure the data is an accurate reflection of the student. The teachers use this data to tailor instruction for both individuals and classes.
We are always so excited about Catholic Schools Week. This year our CSW committee has worked hard to put together a week focused on faith, community, and fun. Please see the information regarding the weekly events. We love starting our Catholic Schools Week by having our students attend mass in uniform on Sunday, January 28, 2024! It is a great way to show pride in your Catholic education.
The days out did change the STAR assessment schedule a bit. We should have all tests finished by Monday. Results will be sent home the second week of February. Some students may be retesting depending on the results. We do this because if a student drops significantly, it usually indicates an issue with the fidelity of the testing environment, the student’s mindset, and/or the amount of time he or she took on the test. I am attaching a document to explain this better. We are not retesting for the sake of school results, but it is important to make sure the data is an accurate reflection of the student. The teachers use this data to tailor instruction for both individuals and classes.
We are always so excited about Catholic Schools Week. This year our CSW committee has worked hard to put together a week focused on faith, community, and fun. Please see the information regarding the weekly events. We love starting our Catholic Schools Week by having our students attend mass in uniform on Sunday, January 28, 2024! It is a great way to show pride in your Catholic education.
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Enrollment 2024-2025, FACTS Financial Fee Increase, Incidental Billing Change, Digital Family Directory Opt In/Out, Catholic Schools Week, KOC - Culture of Life Art Contest, Lost & Found
- Home & School Updates: Volunteers Needed for Open House, Invite Your Friends & Family to Tour Our School, EPS Penny Wars, Adult Night Out, Valentine's Day Celebrations, Submit Nominations for Home & School President
- Sports Club: Track & Field Registration, Micro Soccer Coordinator
- Parish Updates: Live Lent Together Small Group Leader Training
- Community Updates: Mom Prom Save the Date, 8th Grade Fundraiser Rescheduled, St. Margaret Mary High School Quiz Bowl, Archbishop’s Dinner for Education Educator & Administrator of the Year Award
Administration Updates
Re-Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year
Re-Enrollment Begins This Sunday, January 28th: We hope that all of our Preschool-7th grade families will be with us again next year!
- Re-enrollment will be completed through your FACTS Family Portal and you will receive an email from FACTS Management on January 28th with a direct link to each of your student's re-enrollment packet. Be sure to check your SPAM folder if you do not receive the email(s).
- You can also access your Re-Enrollment Packet(s) via the SSM School App.
- To reserve your child's spot, you must re-enroll & pay your enrollment fee before February 23rd to ensure placement for the 23-24 school year. We do have a few grades that are currently at capacity.
- As a reminder, if you have another child that isn't currently enrolled, but you intend to enroll them (i.e. a sibling of a K-8 student that is a first-time enrollee), you must complete a new student application for your new student. 2024/2025 New Student Applications can be submitted beginning January 28th at school.stephen.org/admissions. Current families receive priority admission.
- Families with delinquencies for the 23-24 school year including tuition, incidentals, lunch & Kidzone will not be able to enroll until delinquencies are settled.
'24-'25 FACTS Financial Fee Increase
- FACTS Financial has increased the re-enrollment fee from $10/student to $11/student and the new student application fee from $20/student to $22/student.
- These fees are required by FACTS and St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School does not receive this payment. This re-enrollment fee can be paid via ACH at no cost, or by credit card with a processing fee. You will see the $11 FACTS fee and our enrollment fee charged together at $211 after you select your payment plan. FACTS may refer to this $211 as a registration fee.
- The application fee is for all new student applicants, including those who have siblings already enrolled at St. Stephen the Martyr. This fee is required by FACTS and St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School does not receive this payment. This fee must be paid by credit card and there is a processing fee.
Incidental Billing Change for 24-25
For the 2024-2025 school year, there will no longer be the option to be invoiced for incidental expenses.
All families will be required to set up an automatic payment account for incidentals, just as done for tuition.
Please note, that incidental automatic payments will not be able to be split between bank accounts. There will need to be one primary account to cover these expenses.
'24-'25 Digital Family Directory: Opt-In/Out
Next school year, we will turn on a Family Directory within the SSM School App and FACTS Family Portal. During Re-Enrollment, you have the opportunity to choose whether you would like your information included by opting in or out. Under the "Household" section of enrollment select your preference by checking 'Yes' or 'No' for "List Family in Directory" and then select which data details you would like shared under "Parent Preferences". See the screenshots below for additional guidance. You can update your preferences at any time throughout the school year in your FACTS Family Portal.
Catholic Schools Week: Jan. 28th - Feb. 3rd
For complete details, visit the CSW section in the SSM School App or visit our website, school.stephen.org/csw.
Knights of Columbus - Culture of Life Art Contest
This program serves as a means to collect illustrations for the artwork depicted on the One Rose, One Life Prayer Cards for 2025.
St. Stephen the Martyr students in grades 3-6 will participate in a school-level art contest. Four winners and 8 runner-ups (one winner and two runner-ups per grade participating) will be chosen at an assembly on February 26th at 8:15 a.m. Winners will get a cash prize at this assembly. All four first-place winners will be moved onto the STATE convention where higher prizes and awards will follow.
Entries must be turned in to homeroom teachers by February 9th.
Lost & Found
Please claim lost belongings from the south entryway by the end of the day on Friday. We are trying to make our space look tidy before our Open House! Jackets/tops are still on the garment rack, but non-hanging items have been placed in the plastic cabinet. Thank you!
Home & School Updates
Penny War is Underway!
The EPS Penny War is off to a great start. A point update will be coming soon! Keep those coins coming!
Rule Reminders: Each grade (Prek-8th) has its own baby bottle for collecting to benefit women and babies served by Essential Pregnancy Services. Proceeds help women get the care and support they need to take care of their babies.
- GAIN POINTS by adding Pennies and bills/checks to your grade’s bottle.
- LOWER other grades’ totals by adding silver coins to their bottle.
- PENNIES & BILLS/CHECKS add to your grade’s total.
- SILVER COINS subtract from your grade’s total.
ADDING POINTS
- Pennies + 1 point
- $1 + 100 points
- $5 + 500 points
- $10 + 1000 points
- $20 + 2000 points
- SUBTRACTING POINTS
- Nickels - 5 points
- Dimes - 10 points
- Quarters - 25 points
PRIZE: The grade that has the most points at 9 AM on Thurs., February 1st is the winner and will get to decide between a DDD or recess! The winner will be announced on Friday, February 2nd!
Join Us Next Saturday for an Adult Night Out!
We know it is an evening full of events! There is plenty of time to support the 8th Graders & have an awesome time with other school parents & guardians! We hope you will join us!
Valentine's Celebrations
Planning is underway for our upcoming Valentine's Day celebrations. Please note, that because Valentine's Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year, parties will be held on Tuesday, February 13th instead. Watch your emails for grade-level party sign-ups for preschool through 5th grade. 6th-8th grade will celebrate at Amazing Pizza Machine! Here is the celebration schedule:
Wednesday, February 7th
- Middle School to Amazing Pizza Machine
- Middle School DDD
Tuesday, February 13th
- Red/Pink/White Dress Down Day for Everyone!
- Preschool & PreK AM Party: 10 - 10:45 AM in GPC
- Preschool & PreK PM Party: 2:30 - 3:15 PM in the GPC
- TK Party: Noon - 1 PM in GPC
- K-5th Grade Parties: 2:15 - 3 PM in classrooms
Nominate a Friend to Be Our Home & School President!
Not sure if this position is best for you, but know someone who would be great?! We'd love to have your nominations. Please contact Mr. Verraneault with any questions or nominations at g.verraneault@stephen.org.
Sports Club Updates
Register for Track & Field for 5th-8th Graders!
Season Overview:
- Season Dates: Feb. 26-May 6th.
- Practices: Practices will be Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6 – 7:15 PM at the Millard West High School track.
- Meets: First meet is March 30th and we will have 5 regular season meets with a Super Meet of all PAL schools on May 4th.
- Field Events Include: shot put, discus, long jump, high jump & triple jump
- Running Events Include: 100 meters (m), 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, 110 m hurdles, 4×100 m relay, 4×200 m relay & 4 x400 m relay
Sports Club Volunteer Opportunity!
St. Stephen the Martyr Sports Club is seeking a volunteer to serve a 2-year term as our Micro Soccer Coordinator.
Duties include:
- Help set up league registration
- Construct teams and recruit coaches
- Make schedule
- Recruit referees for games
- Help with field set-up on Sundays
Outgoing Micro Soccer Coordinators and Sports Club President will help transition our new volunteer into the position! Interested? Contact Corey Guenther at coreyguenther34@gmail.com.
Parish Updates
Try Your Luck On Our Cash Raffle!
Rescheduled: Live Lent Together Small Group Leader Training Now Feb. 1st
Jesus started with a small group of 12 men and they changed the world! Today, you are called to step into the same mission given to the apostles. Please join others in our parish to gather in small groups this Lent. These small groups, like that first small group, will build community, and true friendship around the Word of God. Register for a Live Lent Together training for small group leaders. We will give you the tools and the confidence to take this small but bold step because small groups can still change the world!
Community Updates
Save the Date: SSM Cub Scouts to Host 'Let's GLOOO' Mom Prom on Feb. 24th
Rescheduled: Show Your Support for Our 8th Grade Students Traveling to Washington D.C. Next Spring!
Tickets may be purchased in advance from 8th graders or at the door.
St. Margaret Mary High School Quiz Bowl
Archbishop's Dinner for Education: Educator and Administrator of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted for the Archbishop's Dinner for Education Educator and Administrator of the Year Awards. We have some pretty amazing teachers and staff members at St. Stephen the Martyr! We invite you to nominate your favorites for the Educator or Administrator of the Year award.
Important Upcoming Dates
- January 28:
- Catholic Schools Week Begins
- Open House
- Re-Enrollment Begins
- January 29:
- Food Drive Begins
- All School Mass & Community Prayer, 8:15 AM
- January 30: Spelling Bee, 1:30 PM
- January 31: Talent Show, 1:30 PM
- February 1:
- Food Drive Ends
- EPS Penny War Ends
- 8th Grade Mass at Cathedral
- February 2:
- Special Friends Mass, 10 AM
- Early Dismissal, 11 AM
- Progress Reports
- February 3:
- Home & School Adult Night Out
- Rescheduled: Omaha Travel Club - Italian Feast
- February 7:
- Middle School to Amazing Pizza Machine
- Middle School ONLY Dress Down Day
- February 13:
- Red/Pink/White Dress Down Day (all students)
- Preschool - 5th Grade Valentine's Day Parties
- February 14: Ash Wednesday
- February 15:
- 11 AM Dismissal
- Conferences
- February 16: No School
- February 19: No School (In-service)
- February 23: Stations of the Cross, K-4
- February 24: Mom Prom