A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal

Dear Families,

Happy Summer! I hope you are all adjusting to your summer schedules and enjoying some time with your families. Welcome to our new families joining us for the 2024-2025 school year. We are so glad to have you at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School!

Several wonderful summer activities are being hosted by the Parish and our Home & School Association, including a Used Uniform Sale, Farewell Mass & Reception for Fr. Zach, the July Tailgate and Summer Playdates for our youngest students. Details are included below and we hope to see you!

We will send another Martyr Messenger in mid-July. Please know you are all in my prayers this summer! I hope your break is filled with lots of family time and relaxation.

Blessings,

Mrs. Perrault

In this issue of Martyr Messenger:

Admin Updates: Kindergarten Documents Needed, 7th Grade Physical Reminder, Teacher Associates Needed, Kinder Experience Days, Summer Office Hours, Tuition Reminder, Safe Environment Training, Celebrating Our Students & Alumni
Home & School Updates: School Supply Pack, Used Uniform Sale, Summer Play Dates, Open Volunteer Positions, Call for Corporate Sponsors
Sports Club Updates: CYSL Soccer Registration & Okoboji Tournament Results, Cross Country Registration & Summer Training
Parish Updates: Fr. Zach Farewell Mass & Reception, July Parish Tailgate, Social Justice Ministry Summer Service Project
Community Updates: Keego Open, TyShon Alexander Basketball Camp, Jr. Skyhawks Tackle Football, Roncalli High School Volleyball Camps, PlayItForward Camps, V2 Ministries Summer Camps

Administration Updates

Kindergarten Documents Needed

Incoming Kindergarteners must have the following documents on file in the office to start school in August:

Birth certificate – original to photocopy (according to state law, students cannot attend school until this is received)
Baptismal certificate—if your child was baptized at SSM, no need to submit a certificate
Physical Exam/Immunization documentation for all Kindergarteners
Dental information (date of most recent exam, no paperwork required from dentist)
Vision Evaluation for all Kindergarteners (this is part of the kindergarten physical)
Preschool report card

Contact the school office with any questions. Thank you!

7th Grade Physicals Reminder

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 before the start of school. A dental examination is also recommended at this time. Contact the school office with any questions. Thank you!

Teacher Associates Needed in Kinder & 2nd

We still need a Kindergarten Teacher Associate to work full school days on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Additionally, we need a 2nd Grade Teacher Associate to work two full school days per week. If you are interested in either of these positions, please contact Mr. Verraneault at (402) 896-0754 or g.verraneault@stephen.org.

Kindergarten Experience Days

Incoming Kindergartners are encouraged to attend our Kindergarten Experience Days on July 30th & July 31st. If you have not yet registered, please do so using the button below. We can't wait to meet the Class of 2033!

Register Here

Summer Office Hours

Our summer office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-Noon. Please note that we sometimes have meetings outside of the school office. It is always best to call before you head up to school. Emails or voice messages received while we are out of the office will be returned as quickly as possible! *Please note: The school office is closed the week of Independence Day, July 1st – 5th.*

FACTS Tuition Payment Reminder:

For families who use the 10-month payment plan for tuition:

2024/2025 tuition auto-payments will begin in July.

For families who selected the one or two-time payment plan:

Your first (or only) payment will be auto-deducted in July.
The second payment for those who selected the two-time payment plan will be auto-deducted in January 2025.

Safe Environment Training - July 16th

Are you thinking about volunteering at school this year? All school volunteers ages 19+ must be Safe Environment certified. Training is free of charge, but registration is required. View upcoming training dates/locations and register using the button below. Interested volunteers can complete the certification anywhere in Omaha, but St. Stephen the Martyr will offer Safe Environment training on Tuesday, July 16th. Questions? Contact Melissa Kane at m.kane@stephen.org or 402-896-9675.

Register Here

SSM 7th Grader, Sarah Fernandes, Ties for 9th Place at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

Last month, Sarah, represented St. Stephen the Martyr (and the state of Nebraska) at the Scripps National Spelling Bee! She did so well and we are so proud of her. This was her second appearance at the Bee, and she was featured in the 2024 issue of the official magazine of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Bee Keeper. Click the button & scroll to page 22 (digital pages 24-25) below to read the article!

Read the Bee Keeper Article

SSM Alumni on High School Honor Rolls

We are proud of our alumni who continue their academic success in high school! When we are notified by high schools, we share the achievements on our website. Second-semester honor roll students have been added to the website. Congratulations to all of our alumni!

Honor Roll Lists

Alumni News

We love staying connected with our alumni and learning about their achievements and special milestones! Do you have news to share? Submit your publishing request to l.schulte@stephen.org.

St. Stephen Alumni Recognized by Skutt Catholic High School

Congratulations to our Alumni who received Awards at Skutt Catholic this May! From Left to Right: Ben Robinette (VJ Skutt Award), Mariah Kelly (Skyhawk Spirit Award) & Grant Venner (Living the Gospel Award). We are proud of you!

St. Stephen Alumna Named to Omaha World-Herald's 2024 All State Academic Team

Congratulations to SSM Alumna, Rachel Fernandes, for this awesome achievement! Use the button below to read the Omaha World-Herald article. Please note that you will need a paid subscription to view the article.

View Article

Home & School Updates

24-25 School Supply Packs & Lists

To order EPI packs, click the button below and enter school code STS021. Be sure to order for your child's 2024/2025 grade level. The order deadline is June 24, 2024. Families may also choose to purchase supplies using the lists provided on our website.

Buy EPI Packs

View Lists

Summer Play Dates

Our Summer Play Dates are open to all PreK, TK and Kindergarten St. Stephen the Martyr families. All are welcome to come, we just need a headcount for the kids so we know how many treats to get and plan accordingly!

RSVP Here

Used Uniform Sale: Sunday, June 23rd

Sellers have until Friday, June 21st to drop off their items to be sold. Click the button below to get all of the seller instructions.

Then all are invited to shop the sale this Sunday in the Dining Room from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Cash, check or online payment accepted. 20% of sale proceeds go directly to the SSM Home & School Association!

Want to shop early? Sign up to volunteer using the button below!

Questions? Please contact:
Amanda Sitter at amanda.r.reese@gmail.com or
Libby Guenther at guentherel81@gmail.com.

Volunteer Here

Seller Instructions

Open Positions for the 2024-2025 School Year

Sign Up Here

Become a sponsor for St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School!

Interested in supporting our school while promoting your business? Become a 2024-25 St. Stephen the Martyr Corporate Sponsor! This year’s fundraising efforts will help underwrite the cost of updating restrooms throughout our school and professional development for our teachers. Additional funds raised will be used for new student desks, security upgrades and technology subscriptions. The deadline for sponsorships is July 31st. Questions? Contact Kristy England & Melissa Egelhoff at martyrmarathon@gmail.com.

Learn More

Sports Club Updates

Register Now for Fall CYS Soccer

Register Here

Rising 7th Grade Girls Place 2nd at Okoboji Invitational Soccer Classic

Congratulations to our U12, rising 7th grade, girls for bringing home some hardware! They were 3-1 in the tournament and earned second place after a tough loss to St. Albert’s in the Okoboji Invitational Soccer Classic. Congratulations on an awesome tourney, girls! This year, our SSM Sports Club had 3 girls' teams (rising 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls) and one boys' team (rising 6th grade boys) compete in the tournament! We are so proud of how they all competed. Visit our Facebook page for all of the team photos. Go Flames!

Registration for Cross Country Now Open

Register Here

Cross Country Training

Attention Middle Schoolers: Who's ready to run!? Our Cross Country coaches are hosting summer training sessions on Sundays beginning June 23rd-August 11th. We'll meet at the playground in Zorinsky Park (156th & F Entrance) and return to the same spot. Families and younger siblings are invited to join in, too! Following our training, Coach Anderson will host a tailgate. These summer trainings are optional, no registration or commitment is required!

Sign Up for Emails

Parish Updates

Say Goodbye to Father Zach

Save the Date: Summer Tailgate on July 13th

Summer Service Project

Our Social Justice Ministry is hosting a drive for Veterans Moving Forward for our Summer Service Project. We will provide household items for veterans moving into small apartments.

Please visit the Gathering Space to choose an item to donate. If you would rather donate financially, the Social Justice Ministry will use funds collected to purchase needed items. Use the button below to contribute online. Thank you for your generosity and please join us in thanking all our veterans for their service!

Donate to the Fund

Community Updates

Register for the Keego Open benefitting SSM!

A Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of Kevin Keegan, father of three St. Stephen the Martyr students; Rex Keegan (4th), Davis Keegan (2nd) and Londyn Keegan (K), will be held on August 8, 2024. This year, Melissa Keegan and her kids are very excited for St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School to be the recipient of the donation and all proceeds will be used to enhance the recess area.

Register or Donate Here

Ty-Shon Alexander Basketball Camp

Register Here

Jr. Skyhawks Tackle Football 5th Graders

Are you still looking for a tackle football team to play on this year? The Jr. Skyhawks (formerly St Stephens\Wenceslaus Knights) are looking for any players this fall who are going into 5th grade! Use the button below to register by the end of June to ensure that we have your size of jersey and uniform! Questions? Contact head coach Marcus Shanahan at MShanahan@andersonsinc.com.

Register Here

Roncalli Catholic High School Volleyball Camps

Register Here

Play It Forward Camps

Looking for a fun sports camp this Summer? Sign up for Play It Forward’s Summer Camp! Sessions include fun games teaching young athletes multiple sports including Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball, and our Obstacle Course and Agility stations. The young athletes are coached by some of the best high school student-athletes in the community.

Learn More & Register

V2 Discovery Camp for 5th - 9th Graders

Learn More Here

Important Upcoming Dates

June 21: Last Day to Drop Off Uniforms for the Used Uniform Sale
June 23: Used Uniform Sale, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Dining Room
June 24:
- Home & School Summer Play Date #1, 6 - 7 PM, SSM Playground
- Last Day to Order EPI School Supply Boxes
July 1- 5: School Office Closed
July 13: Summer Tailgate #2, 6 PM, South Parking Lot
July 16: Safe Environment Training, 6:30-8:30 PM, Dining Room
July 17: Summer Update #2 - Check Your Email!
July 30: Kindergarten Experience Day #1, 9 - 11 AM, Kinder Classrooms
July 31:
- Kindergarten Experience Day #2, 9 - 11 AM, Kinder Classrooms
- Home & School Summer Play Date #2, 11 AM-Noon, SSM Playground
August 11: Home & School Summer Play Date #3, 11:35 AM - 12:35 PM, SSM Playground
August 14: Final Summer Update - Check Your Email!
August 15: Back to School Event
August 17: Summer Tailgate #3, 6 PM, South Parking Lot
August 19: K-8 & TK (A-M), First Day of School
- Noon Dismissal (no lunch served), TK-8
August 20: TK (N-Z), First Day of School
- Noon Dismissal (no lunch served), TK-8
August 21:
- PreK: First Day of School
- TK-8: First Full Day of School
August 24: Home & School's Adult Night Out
August 26: Preschool First Day of School

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