A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
Happy Summer! It’s hard to believe we’re just a few weeks away from the start of a new school year. We’ve been busy preparing—getting the school ready, reviewing curriculum, updating handbooks, and taking care of all the behind-the-scenes tasks that help things run smoothly. Time really does fly when you're having fun! 😊
We are proud to let our school families know that after our Accreditation Review this past spring, we have received our renewed Accreditation. Thank you to all our faculty, staff, and families who participated in this process!
Speaking of the handbooks, you’ll find a link to the updated Family Handbook included in this message. Please take a moment to review it, especially the uniform guidelines (we’re excited about the new options!) and the Dress Down Day policy. Reviewing these sections carefully will help avoid any confusion about what your child is allowed to wear to school. More information is listed below.
I’m thrilled to begin my 8th year as principal of this amazing school. Being part of this community is a true gift—one I continue to cherish every day. I look forward to welcoming our new students and families and can’t wait for them to experience the joy of Faith, Community, and Learning that makes St. Stephen the Martyr School such a blessing.
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: New Family Handbook, New Uniform Guidelines, School Supply Lists, Annual Calendar, Summer Office Hours, Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Staff, PreK Openings, Kindergarten Experience Days, Medication Pickup, 7th Grade Physicals, Kindergarten Documents Needed
- Sports Club Updates: Ty-Shon Alexander Basketball Camp, Summer Cross Country Training
- Home & School Updates: Used Uniform Sale, Summer Playdates, Back to School Night, Become a Corporate Sponsor, First Day Coffee - Hooray!, New Family Mass, Yearbook Orders
- Parish Updates: Parish Event Save the Date, Upcoming Tailgate
Administration Updates
New Family Handbook
The Family Handbook is updated for the 25-26 school year. It is linked below, posted on our website, and linked in our app. Please be sure to review it carefully as changes have been made since last school year, especially our new policy for late pickup after dismissal (see page 24).
We know children often have summer growth spurts! Please review the Dress Code section for the length requirements for shorts, skirts, skorts & jumpers to ensure your child's uniform meets our standards! Keep scrolling for more uniform information.
All families must complete the Family Handbook Acknowledgement Form by August 29, 2025. You can complete the form via the Family Portal in your web browser, or by following the below steps in our SSM School App.
Exciting Updates to Our Uniform Dress Code!
We’re excited to share some new additions to our uniform dress code for the upcoming school year!
Students will now have the option to wear khaki pants, shorts, skirts, and skorts. A performance-fit option (excluding joggers or drawstring styles) will also be available for khaki pants and shorts.
In addition, students may wear a navy blue polo when wearing khaki or plaid items.
These items can be purchased through Lands’ End Uniforms, which will also carry our plaid options starting September 1. To order through Lands End:
- Visit landsend.com/myschool
- School Number is 900155482
- Use True Fit guide to find the right size
DiGiorgio’s will continue to offer our navy blue and plaid items, but they will not carry any khaki options.
Please remember: Only approved uniform items are allowed. Skirts, skorts, and shorts must meet the school’s length guidelines. Items that are too short will not be permitted. Thank you for your support in keeping our dress code consistent and appropriate for a Catholic School.
School Supply Lists
School supply lists are linked below. You can also find them in our app and on our website.
If you ordered your child's School Supply Pack through Educational Products, Inc. (EPI), the supplies will be delivered directly to the school and placed in your child's classroom before our Back to School Event.
2025-2026 Annual Calendar
Our annual calendar for the 2025-2026 school year is now available. Please note: the calendar is tentative and subject to change.
Be sure to subscribe to the Google Family Calendar to stay up to date with school events. Learn more here.
Summer Office Hours
Our summer office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-11:30 AM. 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!
Seeking Substitute Teachers for the 2025-2026 School Year
Did you know? You do not need to have a teaching degree to become a substitute teacher. All college graduates are eligible. Please contact Greg Verraneault to be added to our sub list or to learn how to obtain certification.
Now Hiring: Kitchen Staff
Afternoon Preschool & PreK Openings
School Office Hours on Tuesday, July 21st
Due to several out of office meetings, the School Office Hours will be 11 AM - 2 PM on Monday, July 21st. Thank you for understanding!
Kindergarten Experience Days
Enrolled incoming kindergartners will get to see our kindergarten classrooms, meet their teachers and their future classmates, and get a taste of what kindergarten is all about! Kindergarten parents should have received an email listing all necessary information. If you did not receive this email, please email school@stephen.org.
Medication Pickup
If your student has medication in the school office, a parent or guardian must stop in to pick it up during our summer office hours. The School Office is open in June & July Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
8th Grade Family Pickups
Families with 8th graders who went to Washington D.C. may pick up their fundraising checks and D.C. Class Picture in the office as soon as possible. Thank you!
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 before the start of school. A dental examination is also recommended at this time.
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!
Sports Club Updates
Home & School Updates
Used Uniform Sale this Sunday, July 20th!
Submit items to sell by July 18th | It's not too late to volunteer!
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! Sign up below to volunteer to help run the sale.
- 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.
Summer Playdates
Early Childhood & Incoming Kindergarteners are welcome to meet their new classmates and play on our playground on Thursday, July 31st, 11 AM - noon. The last playdate of the summer will be Sunday, August 10th following 10:30 AM Mass.
Our Back to School Event is Coming Soon!
One month!?! We can't believe summer is almost over, but we are so excited to welcome our families back for another great school year!
At our Back to School Event, you can plan to drop off your child's school supplies, meet their teachers, check out their classroom, and visit the various club & activities booths in the gym. Details are posted online at school.stephen.org/backtoschool and in the school app!
Become a Corporate Sponsor for our School!
Interested in supporting our school while promoting your business? Become a 2025-2026 St. Stephen the Martyr Corporate Sponsor! Corporate Sponsors support many efforts including technology & classroom upgrades, family scholarships, and providing resources to teachers for classroom upgrades.
Use the button below to learn more about Corporate Sponsorship Levels and how to donate.
The deadline for sponsorships is July 31st. Thank you for supporting our Catholic school! Questions? Contact the Martyr Marathon team at martyrmarathon@gmail.com.
The deadline for sponsorships is July 31st. Thank you for supporting our Catholic school! Questions? Contact the Martyr Marathon team at martyrmarathon@gmail.com.
A Welcome Event for New Families: First Day Coffee - Hooray!
New Family Mass
Sunday, August 17th | 10:30 AM
New families are invited to join us for Mass on Sunday, August 17th at 10:30 AM. Volunteers from Home & School will be in the Dining Room after Mass to greet families & answer questions. We hope you will join us as we join together United in Christ!
Last Chance to Order Yearbooks!
This is your LAST CHANCE to purchase a Yearbook for the 2024-2025 School year. The Yearbook Club students worked hard all year long and we are excited to share their work with the community. The store will be open until 7/19/2025 at which time the yearbook will be submitted for printing. Don't procrastinate any longer and be sure you order your copy today!
Home & School Open Positions for the 25-26 School Year
We are so thankful for all of our volunteers! Our school is better because of all of the amazing and generous parents we have that share their gifts of time and talent! Use the button below are our open volunteer spots for the 2025-2026 school year.
If you are looking for opportunities to help with the day of events, be on the lookout for Signup Genius' coming throughout the year next year.
If you don't see a spot that fits your gifts and talents please email ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com. We will help you find a great fit! For a full list of descriptions and flow chart please check out the website.
Parish Updates
Don't miss our Parish Events this School Year!
Trivia Night | Dinner & Auction
Kick off the school year at our End of Summer Tailgate!
Community News
New Middle School Show Choir
Important Upcoming Dates
- July 20th: Used Uniform Sale, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Dining Room
- July 29th: Kindergarten Parent Meeting, 6 PM, Dining Room
- Ty-Shon Alexander Basketball Camp, Gym
- July 30th: Kindergarten Experience Days, 9-11 AM
- Ty-Shon Alexander Basketball Camp, Gym
- July 31st:
- Kindergarten Experience Days, 9-11 AM
- Second Summer Playdate for Early Childhood & Incoming Kinder Students, 11 AM - Noon, School Playground
- Ty-Shon Alexander Basketball Camp, Gym
- August 6th: Final Summer Update
- August 10th: Final Summer Playdate for Early Childhood & Incoming Kinder Students, 11:35 AM - 12:35, School Playground
- August 14th: Back to School Night
- August 18th:
- First Day of School for K-8, TK (A-K)
- Noon dismissal
- August 19th:
- Noon dismissal
- First Day of School for TK (L-Z)
- August 20th: First Day of School for Pre-K
- August 25: First Day of School for Preschool classes