A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
Thank you for taking the time to read the email I sent regarding the cold days. As I was looking at instructional hours, I also thought that you might be interested in knowing how to access the Archdiocesan Standards for grade level and content areas.
Find Archdiocesan Curriculum Standards here and click on “Curriculum Standards". Our instruction is built to align with these standards as well as state and national standards. Teachers have created curriculum maps and scopes and sequences that are reviewed quarterly to ensure standards are taught and learned. Our STAR assessments also align with the standards for ELA and math. Our winter benchmarks/proficiency and student growth data is included in this Martyr Messenger.
Also, do you ever feel like educators are speaking a different language? Educators use many acronyms and words that we sometimes assume our families know what we are talking about. I provide a list of some of these terms in an effort to explain them in my glossary of education-related terms here.
I appreciate everyone who was able to attend conferences last week. Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers with any questions, concerns, or even just to send a note of appreciation:) We love working with your children and partnering with you.
I hope I see everyone back in school tomorrow- fingers crossed and prayers!
Also, do you ever feel like educators are speaking a different language? Educators use many acronyms and words that we sometimes assume our families know what we are talking about. I provide a list of some of these terms in an effort to explain them in my glossary of education-related terms here.
I appreciate everyone who was able to attend conferences last week. Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers with any questions, concerns, or even just to send a note of appreciation:) We love working with your children and partnering with you.
I hope I see everyone back in school tomorrow- fingers crossed and prayers!
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Merit March Coming Soon, STAR Scores, Stations of the Cross, Textbook Loan, 2 PM Dismissals Canceled, Spring Book Fair, Financial Aid Info, Lost & Found, Amazing Pizza Machine Reschedule Date, Dinner & Auction Donation Dress Down Day Reschedule Date
- Sports Club Updates: Micro Soccer Registration Open, Last Call for Track
- Home & School Updates: 8th Grade Scholarship, Martyr Marathon Volunteer Needed, Yearbook Photos & Cover Art Contest
- Men's Club Updates: Upcoming Triathlon
- Parish Updates: Thursday Nights with Father Dave, Mardi Gras Dinner & Auction, Totus Tuus Save the Date, Children's Holy Hour
- Community Updates: Mom Prom, Flaming Hoops, Events for Middle Schoolers at Duchesne & Mercy, Marian Father-Daughter Dance
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!
STAR Scores: Goals Met!
Congratulations to our students and faculty/staff for their hard work!
Students take STAR Assessment during the fall, winter, and spring months. Our school goal is for students to show a 65% growth rate and for 80% of students to reach benchmarks for their grade level. Please see the current data recorded for winter STAR results:
Reading
- 68% of students scored at or above typical growth (35%) from fall to winter
- 91% of students scored at or above the minimum district benchmark proficiency level
Math
- 67.2% of students scored at or above typical growth (35%) from fall to winter
- 90% of students scored at or above the minimum district benchmark proficiency level
Stations of the Cross
Lent begins March 5th
Textbook Loans
Nebraska's Textbook Loan Program (TLP) provides textbooks to students in private schools. The program is funded by the state and administered by the State Department of Education.
State Statute Section 79-734 provides for an appropriation for monies for the purchase of textbooks for loan to students attending private approved or accredited schools.
We are very fortunate that this year the state is providing our school with almost $50,000 worth of instructional materials. The amount varies every year, but any amount certainly helps with operating costs.
We are very fortunate that this year the state is providing our school with almost $50,000 worth of instructional materials. The amount varies every year, but any amount certainly helps with operating costs.
We will be using the money on science (K-8), math (K-5), and social studies (K-8) student texts and materials. Thank you to all of you for providing the signatures needed last fall!
No 2 PM Dismissals on March 19th & April 30th
The 2 PM Dismissals previously scheduled for March 19th and April 30th have been canceled as a result of the accumulated snow days. School will dismiss at the usual times those days. Thank you for understanding.
Seven grades at or near capacity - enroll soon!
Enrollment has opened up to the public and we are now sending enrollment packets to our applicants. It is very important that our current families complete the enrollment process as soon as possible especially if you have students entering the following grades as they are near or at capacity: Preschool AM, PreK AM (full), TK, Kindergarten, 3rd grade (Full), 5th grade, 7th grade.
New! Spring Book Fair Coming March 3rd-7th
This is our first fair with a NEW fair from Literati!
- Shop the Book Fair March 3-7th before school (7:30 - 7:55 AM) & after school (3:15-3:55 PM)
- Instead of eWallet they have egiftcards that can be purchased for students or DONATED to teachers to get things on their wish list. This is a fantastic opportunity to directly support your child's classroom!
- Families can start shopping now! Feel free to share the link with family and friends.
- We are still digital payments only.
- Students PreK-5 must attend with an adult or Middle School sibling.
- In-school shopping date for Kidzone coming soon.
- Remember, every purchase benefits the school library!
Financial Aid Applications
Latino Scholarship Fund Application Now Available
Families may apply for Financial Aid through FACTS. The deadline to submit financial aid applications is May 1. Before other types of financial aid are considered, families are asked to apply for aid through the Children's Scholarship Fund. Use the button below to learn more. There are also scholarships available through Opportunity Scholarships and Latino Scholarship Fund. Find more information in the PDFs linked below. Applications are open for all of these scholarship opportunities.
Lost & Found Reminder
There are many lunch boxes, water bottles, school sweatshirts, mittens, hats and other items stuck in our Lost & Found. Please visit the south foyer of the school to claim your items! Unclaimed items will be donated over Spring Break.
Middle School to Amazing Pizza Machine
The Middle School Field Trip to Amazing Pizza Machine that was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12th has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26th. Your student's teacher will provide any additional information.
Dinner & Auction Fundraiser Dress Down Day
The Donation Dress Down Day in support of our St. Stephen the Martyr Dinner & Auction originally scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20th has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27th. Students who bring a donation in any amount may dress down that day.
Sports Club Updates
Home & School Updates
8th Grade Scholarship Essay Contest
On Monday, March 3rd, we will hold our 8th grade scholarship essay contest for students who will attend a local Catholic High School. Two $1,000 and two $500 scholarships will be awarded to the four students who score the highest on the essay. If your child is interested in applying for the scholarship, please fill out the permission slip form that will be sent home in this week's Friday Folders and return it to Mrs. Kristin Koubsky NO LATER than Friday, February 28, 2025. PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED to participate.
Seeking Martyr Marathon Corporate Sponsorship Volunteer
Martyr Marathon is in need of a dedicated parent to take over the corporate sponsorship role. Interested? Please direct questions to ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com with the title “MM Corporate Sponsorship”.
8th Grade Parents: Submit your photos for graduation!
The classroom coordinators are starting to collect pictures for 8th grade graduation. Please help out by uploading photos to the correct folder using the button below.
Yearbook Cover Contest
- Submit your designs by March 7
- Email jhheien06@gmail.com to enter
- Winning design earns a free Dress Down Day!
Submit Your Photos to Yearbook!
Yearbook is seeking picture submissions throughout the school year that capture all the fun memories. Use the button below and make sure to select the grade or activity appropriate album when submitting. Thank you for your help in collecting the '24-'25 school year memories!
Men's Club Updates
Save the Date: Triathlon Fundraiser
Parish Updates
Join Father Dave on Thursday Nights
Dinner & Auction Tickets Now on Sale!
Ash Wednesday Mass Times
Save the Date: Children's Holy Hour
Community Updates
Tiki Time Mom Prom Luau This Saturday Night!
Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp
Upcoming Events for Middle Schoolers at Duchesne
- Dinner and a Show - March 28th, 2025: Join us for dinner and a performance of our spring musical “Seussical”.
- 7th Grade Girls Night Out - April 11th, 2025: Experience a fun evening of activities, games and making new friends at Duchesne.
- Future Cardinal Fan Night – Soccer: Cheer on our Cardinals with our students and enjoy snacks and raffles!
- 5th – 6th grade Field Day - May 2nd, 2025: Join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, games, and Cardinal Spirit!
Join us this June and July for our summer camps designed for students in grades K-8! Participate in fun and engaging activities created by Duchesne faculty and students. Choose from a variety of options, including athletics, arts, and enrichment camps. Join us for an exciting summer at Duchesne Academy!
Register for Spring Events: duchesneacademy.org/admissions
Register for Summer Camps: dashomaha.org/summer
Questions? Contact Maggie Vazquez, Admissions Event Coordinator at mvazquez@duchesneacademy.org
Mercy-Palooza Event for 5th & 6th Graders
Marian Momentum Father-Daughter Dance
Announcing Her Royal Highness and her entourage! Princesses and their prince charming are invited to the Princess Ball hosted by Marian Momentum, the Marian show choir. Daughters ages preshool-6th grade are invited to join us March 1st from 5:30-8 PM at Marian for music, snacks and activities. Registration will also include a tiara and keepsake T-Shirt for your daughter. Must register before February 17 to guarantee a T-Shirt.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Feb. 22nd: Cub Scouts Mom Prom: 7-9 PM, Dining Room
- Feb. 26th: Middle School to Amazing Pizza Machine
- Feb. 27th: Dinner & Auction Dress Down Day
- Feb. 28th: Kindergarten Field Trip to Durham
- March 1st: Mardi Gras Dinner & Auction
- March 4th: Kindergarten visit from Bill Randby
- March 5th: Ash Wednesday
- March 6th: 2nd Grade Field Trip to Durham
- March 10th-14th: Spring Break