A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
It's hard to believe that our school year is wrapping up! There are so many exciting special events coming up in the month of May, particularly for our 8th graders as they enter their last month at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School. Please pray for our 8th graders as they make final preparations to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday.
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with our superintendent Mrs. Vickie Kauffold. She was so impressed with our students, staff, and school. I am so proud to talk about our school community, but it is even better when someone can visit and experience why I love being a part of this school.
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with our superintendent Mrs. Vickie Kauffold. She was so impressed with our students, staff, and school. I am so proud to talk about our school community, but it is even better when someone can visit and experience why I love being a part of this school.
I am so proud of the growth I have seen in our students this school year. We are truly blessed to have such a talented faculty and staff serving our students each day. I look forward to celebrating them next week during Teacher Appreciation Week. We are always grateful to our Home & School Association for continuing to support our school!
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Calendar Reminders, Annual Calendar, 7th Grade Physicals, Tuition Assistance Deadline, Medication Pickup, Survey for Catholic Families, VBS Donations, Field Day Information, Saint of the Month Honorees, May Crowning, End of Year Nominations
- Sports Club Updates: Volleyball Registration
- Home & School Updates: Teacher Appreciation, Yearbook Orders, Used Uniform Sale, School Supply Packs, 8th Grade Graduation Luncheon Information, Night at the Ballpark, 8th Grade Graduation Volunteers Needed, Collection of Unused School Supplies, New Martyr Marathon Corporate Sponsorship Lead
- Parish Updates: Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving, Special Events Volunteers Needed, Pastoral Council Applications Open, Now Hiring Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry
- Community Updates: Daddy-Daughter Dance, Show Choir Events at Mercy, Flaming Hoops
Administration Updates
Calendar Reminders
- Dismissal at noon tomorrow, Friday, May 2nd.
- Evacuation Drill has been moved to Monday, May 5th due to weather.
2025-2026 Annual Calendar
Our annual calendar for next school year is now available. Please note: the calendar is tentative and subject to change.
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 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 as the physician’s office will provide a printout of the appointment details and immunizations. See the below PDF for more details.
New 6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Allison Bonar has been hired for the 2025-2026 school year. Mrs. Bonar has been subbing at our school over the past few years. She recently went back to school to earn her Masters in Education with an endorsement in English/Language Arts. She will teach 6th grade reading and English. Welcome, Mrs. Bonar!
Tuition Assistance Deadline Today
Reminder: May 1st is the last day to apply to be considered for Financial Aid through FACTS. To apply, visit the FACTS Family Portal and navigate through the FACTS Financial section.
Qualifying families are asked to apply for scholarships through two scholarship funds. Apply for the Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha using the button below. Apply for the Catholic Latino Scholarship Fund using this information sheet and apply using this application form. For more information, contact bearellanes@archomaha.org.
Medication Pick-Up
If your student has medication in the school office, a parent or guardian must stop in to pick it up before the last day of school. If you can’t make it in by the last day of school, our summer office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Confirmation Rehearsals
8th graders will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday, May 5th at 6:30 PM. Confirmation rehearsal will be held tonight, Thursday, May 1st at 6 PM. Candidates and sponsors are to arrive 15 minutes early to Rehearsal and the Confirmation Mass. Please see email dated April 23rd for additional details. Congratulations to our 8th graders - we are praying for you!
Saint of the Month Honorees for April
Our April Saint of the Month is St. Catherine of Siena, who is known for standing up for the truth even when it was an unpopular thing to do. This month's award is given to students for consistently making good choices.
Early Childhood Honorees
L to R: Tatum M., Teaghan M., Dawsyn N., Olivia D.
(L to R) Top Row: Emma Z., Avery R., Quinn B., Carter C., Cayla C., Jack H., Reagan H., Katelyn K.
Middle Row: Shelby G., Zelie D., Ava H., Declan L., Creighton F., Lila E., Lola G., Marley M.
Bottom Row: Ollie S., Addison O., Abby K., Sebastian D., Fulton D., Karina T., Eliora Y., Gabby C., Ellie M.
Not Pictured: Sammy P.
Congratulations to our April Saint of the Month Honorees!
Survey for Catholic Families
From the Catholic Schools Office
We know that raising children comes with both joys and challenges, and we want to hear about your real-life experiences—no judgment, just honesty. We’d love for you to take a quick and anonymous survey designed to explore the obstacles parents face when bringing their children to Mass and getting involved in a parish community.
Your insights will help us better understand what you experience and how we can support families like yours. So, be candid and know that your voice matters! Thank you for participating!
Your insights will help us better understand what you experience and how we can support families like yours. So, be candid and know that your voice matters! Thank you for participating!
Seeking Volunteers & Donations for Vacation Bible School
We need volunteers and donations to make Vacation Bible School a wonderful experience for our children! Please consider donating or volunteering using the links below.
Field Day: May 20th
Planning is underway for our 2025 Field Day that will be held on Tuesday, May 20th for students in TK-7th Grade! Students have a Class Color Dress Down Day on this day. Please follow Family Handbook guidelines. Please find all the details below!
Families Welcome
Families are welcome to come cheer students on! Visitors do not need to check in, they can just head straight to the field to watch.
Picnic Lunch!
Students may bring a sack lunch from home or the hot lunch option for that day will be a hotdog sack lunch. Students may bring a beach towel to sit on at the picnic!
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for parent volunteers during the picnic to give teachers their lunch break. Please sign up using the SignUp Genius below if you would like to volunteer to supervise during the picnic lunch. Volunteers should check in at the office and then meet your class in the cafeteria.
Picnic Lunch!
Students may bring a sack lunch from home or the hot lunch option for that day will be a hotdog sack lunch. Students may bring a beach towel to sit on at the picnic!
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for parent volunteers during the picnic to give teachers their lunch break. Please sign up using the SignUp Genius below if you would like to volunteer to supervise during the picnic lunch. Volunteers should check in at the office and then meet your class in the cafeteria.
May Crowning
Students are invited to bring one flower for our May Crowning on Friday, May 9th. Please bring only one flower - not a bouquet. Flowers will be gathered in each classroom & presented to Our Lady by our 2nd & 8th graders at Mass.
Sports Club Updates
Last call: Register Now for Fall Volleyball
Deadline to register is Friday, May 2nd
Home & School Updates
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5th - May 9th
- Take this opportunity to plan little ways to thank our amazing faculty & staff for their work!
- Please help us make Teacher Appreciate Week amazing by donating items & signing up to volunteer for the luncheon & more!
Join us at Night at the Ball Park May 27th!
6:35 PM Game | Tickets may be purchased on your own
Tickets can be purchased on your own. Families may take advantage of a promotion that Werner Park is running for this game: Bring three non-perishable food items and receive one Berm ticket. Questions? email: ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
We can't wait to gather together to celebrate summer!
School Supplies for 25-26 School Year
Home & School organizes the sale of ready-made school supply packs that will be delivered to your child's classroom on Back to School Night. This is not a fundraiser, but is a service that Home & School provides to our families. Families are not obligated to purchase through EPI and may choose to shop according to the Supply Lists provided on our website. Use the button below to order EPI Packs & use code STS021. Be sure to order supplies for your child's 2025-2026 grade level. The deadline to order is June 1st.
Yearbook Orders Now Open!
Orders may be placed now for 2024-2025 Yearbook! Order by May 21st to secure your copy. If you still have photos to submit to the Yearbook, please do so now. We are very short on photos for a few grades so we would very much appreciate submissions! Use the buttons below or in the app to order.
Volunteers Needed: 8th Grade Graduation Luncheon
We are looking for volunteers willing to help out with the 8th grade graduation luncheon on Friday May 16. This is a great opportunity for 6th & 7th grade parents to get involved!
Used Uniform Sale
Our yearly Used Uniform Sale will be on Sunday, July 20th. Please use the button below for specific seller instructions.
- 20% of sale proceeds go directly to the SSM Home & School Association.
- Items to be sold at the Used Uniform Sale may be dropped off in the south breezeway from May 8th- July 18th. No late items will be accepted!
- Be sure to clearly label your items with your family name using masking tape. Items not marked or marked unclearly will be considered donations.
- Volunteers shop early! Watch for a Signup Genius coming soon.
- A check will be issued with each family's proceeds in the fall, less the 20% for Home & School. Proceeds under $5 will be considered donations.
- Questions? Contact Amanda Sitter or Libby Guenther.
Welcome Andrea Gammel as new Martyr Marathon Corporate Sponsor Lead!
Andrea comes to the Martyr Marathon team with extensive experience with our Home and School Association, engagement with the Seven Sisters Apostolate for the parish priests, a devout follower of Christ, wife, and mother of a 5th grader at our school. Andrea loves our school and parish community. She strives to sustain our parish and community by staying actively involved.
The Martyr Marathon committee is thrilled to welcome this well experienced mom to take on such a critical role in our community. Andrea sets an example for all of us by sharing her time and talent with our community. Please reach out to Andrea to thank her for saying yes to SSM!”
Collection of Unused School Supplies
Home & School would like to offer an optional school supply donation resource. As your students clean out their desks, we will have a donation bin near the School Office. The donated school supplies will be donated to our own teachers and various local opportunities. Please let your child know if you approve.
Parish Updates
Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving
St. Stephen the Martyr is committed to ensuring that all the youth in our parish have access to Catholic education, whether that is through our school, religious education programs, or youth ministry. Our Tuition Assistance Program helps us keep that commitment. Your support will help fund the following programs for the youth of our parish:
- Tuition Assistance for School students
- Financial Assistance for Steubenville attendees
- Tuition Assistance for Religious Education students
Your gift will help nourish St. Stephen the Martyr and provide for a brighter future for our youth! We are grateful for your support. Early giving opens April 21st. Thank you for your generosity!
Volunteer for our Special Events
Pastoral Council Members Needed
The Pastoral Council is seeking two engaged parishioners to join their team. In support of Fr. Dave, this Council strives to be consultative in nature, a medium for communication, and a model of cooperation and collaboration. Click the button below to learn more and apply. The Application Deadline is May 11, 2025. Questions? Please contact Bob Homan at rlhoman1961@gmail.com.
Now Hiring: Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry
The Coordinator’s primary roles will include: 1) Middle School Youth Ministry; 2) Confirmation Coordinator; 3) Religious Education support; and 4) OCIA for middle school-aged children.
Community Updates
Daddy-Daughter Dance: Registration Now Open
Show Choir Opportunities at Mercy High School
Important Upcoming Dates
- May 2nd: Noon Dismissal: Teacher Inservice
- May 3rd: Daddy-Daughter Dance
- May 5th-9th: Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 5th: Confirmation
- May 6th: Home & School Meeting
- May 7th: Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving
- May 8th: 1st Grade to Omaha Children's Museum
- May 9th: May Crowning, Kindergarten to Mission Park
- May 14th: Rotary Luncheon
- May 15th: 8th Grade Final Walk Out