A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
As we continue our journey through Lent, I am reminded of the promise of eternal happiness and the grace of our Father. We remember the sacrifice of our Lord and reflect on how we too can sacrifice through our acts of charity and selfless love. It is such a blessing to share this journey with all of you. I want to extend a big THANKS to the Knights of Columbus who welcomed the staff to the first Fish Fry with meal tickets and lots of accolades. What a great way to begin Lent with both the school and parish!
Thank you to all of our families who came to conferences. Remember our teachers are always open to talk with you at any time when you have a question, concerns, or want to share positive feedback.
On Monday, our teachers participated in Faith Formation in the morning and Professional Development in the afternoon. The focus of our PD was “Using Think Alouds”. This is one teaching strategy that aligns with the Gradual Release of Responsibility framework. We also spent time working on and finalizing our ELA curriculum maps. The Academic Excellence team and our Safety committee met as well to review goals and target areas that might need attention.
We are beginning to plan for next year. The tentative school calendar should be ready and approved by mid-March. We are also planning for our staffing needs. Here are a few updates and changes for the 2024-2025 school year:
- Miss Lisa Keating will be leaving SSM. She is moving to Bellevue and is pursuing a position in early childhood.
- Ms. Taylor Jonas will be leaving St. Stephens and has taken a position teaching 7th grade math at Millard Central Middle School.
- Miss Jen Freeman will continue teaching 5th grade, but she will teach Language Arts and Religion.
- Mrs. Joni Coffey (currently teaching Spanish) will teach 5th grade reading and social studies next year. Mrs. Coffey has 7 years of experience teaching 5th grade reading.
- Mrs. Catherine Luth has accepted the position to teach Spanish next year. Mrs. Luth is currently a Kindergarten Teacher Associate and is excited about this new opportunity.
- Miss Kaiya Doue will be leaving St. Stephen the Martyr after this year. Even though she has been here such a short time, she has certainly had a positive impact. Ms. Doue will be exploring other careers outside of teaching. We have hired Ms. Victoria Suto to teach art. Ms. Suto has been teaching art for Bellevue Public Elementary Schools.
We will miss all of those staff members who are leaving and wish the very best for them. We are currently accepting applications for 5th grade Science/Math.
Please remember to re-enroll by tomorrow, February 23rd. We have a few grade levels that will be at capacity if all current students are registered (TK, Grade 2, and Grade 6 for the 2024-25 school year). When we open to new families tomorrow, they will be able to enroll in any classes that are not filled including the ones listed above. We do not want you to lose your spot, so I strongly encourage you to re-enroll today. If you have any questions or concerns with re-enrollment, please call our school office. We are here to assist you.
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Enrollment 2024-2025, Merit March, 7th Grade Physicals, Spring Music Program, Stations of the Cross Schedule, Omaha Travel Club SSM Sticker Sale
- Home & School Updates: Musical Tickets Pre-Order, 2024 Martyr Marathon Planning Meeting, Artist of the Month, Easter Egg Hunt, Needed: Home & School President for 24-25!
- Sports Club: Track & Field Registration, Micro Soccer Registration
- Parish Updates: Middle School Youth Ministry Planning Meeting, Dinner & Auction: Event Tickets & Donation Dress Down Day, Totus Tuus, Vacation Bible School Station Leaders, Steubenville, Lenten Activities At SSM
- Community Updates: Mom Prom, EPS Glow Dinner Volunteers Needed, Upcoming Duchesne Events, Camp Mount Michael, Upcoming Marian Events, Marian Show Choir Princess Ball
Administration Updates
Merit March Is Almost Here!
As part of our school's continued PBIS integration, we are celebrating Merit March again this year! Throughout the month of March, teachers and staff will celebrate and recognize student behaviors that are meeting and exceeding our school's expectation that students PRAY every day:
- Practice safety
- Respect God, self, and others
- Act with kindness
- Yes, say yes to responsibility
As an incentive, if 700 merits are earned throughout March, students will get to have a Dress Down Day on Tuesday, April 2nd! Keep an eye on your email! When Merits are earned, teachers will enter them in FACTS and an email will be sent to you sharing how they earned the Merit!
7th Grade Physicals
The Nebraska School Law requires all students entering 7th grade to have a physical examination by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner within six (6) months prior to the entrance of school. A dental examination is recommended at this time. We do not require a specific form to be submitted, the physician’s office will provide a printout of the appointment details and immunizations. See the below PDF for more details.
3rd-5th Grade Music Program
The 3rd-5th Grade Music Program will be on Thursday, April 25th at 2 PM and 6 PM! Families are invited to join us for either or both performances. Students will wear uniforms for the afternoon performance and dress up in the evening. Performers should report to their homerooms before the evening performance by 5:45 PM. All 3rd-5th graders will perform at both concerts – please contact Mrs. Tucksen at j.tucksen@stephen.org if your student will be absent from a performance. Thank you and we look forward to singing for you!
Join Us to Pray the Stations of the Cross This Lent
Omaha Travel Club - SSM Sticker Sale
The Omaha Travel Club is selling "I❤️SSM" stickers for $3. There are two designs and they are available for purchase in the school office. Proceeds go to Omaha Travel Club's 8th-grade trip to Washington DC.
Home & School Updates
Join Us Tonight! Martyr Marathon Planning Meeting
We welcome EVERYONE to volunteer with Martyr Marathon. Bring your talents and your ideas! We love creativity and trying new things.
ALL are invited to the first official meeting to learn more tonight, Feb 22, from 6-7:30 PM in the Parish Center-Board Room. Questions? Text Frances Anderson at 402-304-6612.
The Boden Reischl Artist of the Month January Honorees Announced!
Our January honorees have been selected and are on display in our gallery outside of the music room. This month is filled with beautiful desert landscapes, nighttime scenes, amazing architectural art, and stunning animals. Don't miss them! Click the link below to view the digital gallery.
Save the Date: Our Easter Egg Hunt Is April 7th!
Please join the St. Stephen the Martyr Parish family on Sunday, April 7th after the 10:30 AM Mass for an Easter celebration! We'll start in the Parish Center with donuts, Sleepless from Seattle coffee cart, and face painting. Then we'll head out to the field to continue the Easter fun with an egg hunt and a visit from live bunnies for the kids to pet and hold!
Please RSVP!
The egg hunt will start promptly at 12:15 PM and is for ages 10 and under! Please be sure the kids bring something to gather their eggs in and be sure to RSVP so we're able to prepare for everyone attending.
We need your help!
Check out the SignUp Genius below for volunteer opportunities and items we need to make this fun event possible! If you're able to donate plastic eggs, candy, or non-candy items please place those in the tote labeled "Easter Egg Hunt" in the Gathering Space on or before Tuesday, April 2nd.
Home & School President Still Needed for the 2024-2025 School Year!
We are still seeking a person to fulfill the Home & School president position. Not sure if you can take this on? You don't have to do it alone!! Grab two friends with you to fulfill the vice president and treasurer duties and you can all work together! Administration and outgoing officers will be there for you the entire way.
Questions? Please contact Mr. Verraneault at g.verraneault@stephen.org or Brooke Keller at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Please prayerfully consider this opportunity. The future of Home & School is in the hands of our families!
Sports Club Updates
Last Call: Register for Track & Field by Monday
Micro Soccer Registration Now Open!
Parish Updates
Casino Royale Tickets Now on Sale!
Dinner and Auction event tickets are $100/person and can be purchased online using the button below! Event tickets include a catered plated dinner and a full bar. Seating is limited!
Dinner & Auction Donation Dress Down Day
All students who donate any amount toward the St. Stephen the Martyr Dinner and Auction can dress down in GREEN on Friday, March 15th for St. Patrick's Day! Students should give their money to their homeroom teacher. Thank you for supporting St. Stephen's largest fundraiser!
Middle School Youth Ministry - Planning Meeting
Vacation Bible School: Station Leader Registration Now Open
Station Leaders are the core of VBS. They are our volunteers who present the material in the stations to the children. Each station leader will have a manual that is easy to follow with the day's activities. Station leaders will have a few middle or high school volunteers assigned to assist them. Adult volunteers may waive the tuition of one child participating in VBS.
Station leaders must be:
- Enthusiastic about working with children
- Excited to serve
- Safe Environment Trained
- 19 years old
- Able to attend a meeting on June 1st from 9-11 AM
Steubenville Registration Now Open for Current 8th - 12th Graders
Totus Tuus for Incoming 1st-12th Graders will be July 7th-12th at St. Stephen the Martyr
Community Updates
Mom Prom Is This Saturday!
EPS GLOW Dinner Needs Volunteers
GLOW (Giving Life through Our Works)
Essential Pregnancy Services' annual fundraising dinner needs volunteers from 4-10 PM on Thurs., Feb. 29th at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, IA. Opportunities include minimal setup, event stations, cash draw sales, clean-up, and other fun tasks that will lift up the celebration! Dinner will be provided if you volunteer the entire shift. You also will enjoy the event speaker! If you are sharing your time for part of the event, light snacks will be provided. Please contact Suzie Lewandowski for additional details and to sign up at suziel@essentialps.org or (531) 239-3137.
Upcoming Events At Duchesne Academy
Future Cardinal Soccer Fan Night
Wednesday, March 27 at 4 PM, Duchesne Soccer Field, For 5th-8th Grade Girls, Click Here to Register
5th and 6th Grade Girls Field Day
Friday, May 3 from 6 – 8 PM, Click Here to Register
DASH Summer Camp 2024
Sign up today for fun summer arts, academic and/or athletic camps at Duchesne! Exciting opportunities include a co-ed soccer camp for rising K – 4th grade students, as well as numerous all-girl camp offerings of varying grade ranges for rising 3rd– 8th grade students. Volleyball and dance camps are currently in the works too! Click here to Register for all camps.
Camp Mount Michael
Upcoming Events at Marian High School
Summer Camps | Registration Open
Just for girls! Marian summer camps have something for every interest. Choose from art and creativity, STEM, athletics and more. All courses are taught by certified teachers or Marian coaching staff.
Visit Days | See for yourself what it’s like to be a Marian girl – spend the day with a current student. You'll attend classes, tour our campus, and meet our faculty, coaches and students. Visit days are for girls in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Schedule Here
Junior Crusaders Basketball Tryouts
Sunday, Feb. 25, Marian Gym
The Marian Junior Crusaders are holding tryouts for the 2024-2025 fall/winter basketball season. An informational parent meeting will be held during your daughter’s tryout time.
Tryout Times: (Grade Level for 2024-2025 School Year)
- 3rd and 4th grade | 4-5 p.m.
- 5th and 6th grade | 5-6 p.m.
- 7th and 8th grade | 6:15-7:30 p.m.
The Junior Crusaders program emphasizes skill development and prepares girls to compete at the high school level. All current second-grade through seventh-grade girls can register below. Registration is also available on the day of tryouts. There is no cost to attend tryouts. Register Here
Discover Marian Parent Coffees
March 12 or April 12
Parents of junior high students are invited to join us for an information session with our president and principal. Find out how Marian aligns with what you’re looking for in a high school partner. Choose an upcoming date that works for you - all sessions are from 8:30-9:30 AM. More Info Here
Marian Princess Ball
Important Upcoming Dates
- February 22: Martyr Marathon Planning Meeting, 6 PM, Parish Center
- February 23: Stations of the Cross, K-4
- February 24: Mom Prom
- February 26: 7th Grade Parents Meeting for 2025 Washington DC Trip, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Parish Center
- February 28: 2 PM Dismissal (Staff Meeting)
- March 1: Stations of the Cross, 5-8 PM
- March 4-8: Spring Break
- March 11: Classes Resume
- March 14: 8th Grade Scholarship Essay Contest
- March 15:
- Dinner & Auction Donation Dress Down Day
- Stations of the Cross, Grades K-4, 2:30 PM, Worship Space
- End of 3rd Quarter
- March 21: School Performance of Musical
- March 22:
- Report Cards Sent Home
- Stations of the Cross, Grades 5-8, 2:30 PM, Worship Space
- School Musical, 7:30 PM, Gym
- March 23: School Musical, 7 PM, Gym
- March 27: History, Author, Science Fair
- March 28-April 1: No School - Easter Break
- April 2: Classes Resume