A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We have had a wonderful start to the school year! Thank you to all who joined us for Curriculum Night last week. Please remember that our teachers are always your first point of contact if you have questions, concerns, or even just want to share a word of thanks.
Today we had the joy of celebrating Mr. Verraneault’s birthday. We are so grateful for his leadership and the way he brings faith, community, and learning to life each day at SSM. While he will surely treasure the cards, gifts, and well wishes, the truth is that he is a gift to all of us.
Last week, our teachers also gathered for their first Faith Formation session. Each year, our staff completes 18 hours of Faith Formation, and this year’s theme is “What does it mean to show Catholic hospitality?” Our Catholic Identity team created small-group sessions over coffee and breakfast where staff can share prayer, reflection, and meaningful conversation. These moments strengthen not only our faith but also the bonds within our school community.
Looking ahead, the Martyr Marathon is right around the corner, and excitement is building! As our one and only school fundraiser, it’s such an important event for our community. Thank you for encouraging pledges and for supporting the incredible work of our Home and School Association, whose efforts make this day such a highlight every year.
I feel truly blessed to be part of this community. Thank you for your confidence in my leadership and for your continued support of our mission.
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: New Flex Time, Saint of the Month Awards, Now Hiring, Early Dismissal, Morning Drop-off Reminder, Upcoming Safety Drills, Sacrament Dates, Cross Walk Reminder, Safe Environment Training
- Men's Club Updates: Husker Watch Party
- Home & School Updates: Martyr Marathon, Trunk or Treat & Fall Family Event Save the Date, Adult Night Out
- Parish Updates: Family Prayer & Pizza, Knights of Columbus Silent Auction, Parish Children's Choir, Pancake Breakfast
Administration Updates
Flex Time at St. Stephen the Martyr
Flex Time is a unique part of our Middle School schedule (grades 5–8) designed to give students opportunities that go beyond the regular school day. This flexible period allows students to receive extra academic support, deepen their learning, explore enrichment activities, strengthen teamwork skills, and participate in clubs that might otherwise meet after school hours.
Our weekly Flex Time schedule provides variety and balance:
- Monday – Classroom Team Building
Teachers lead activities that build community, strengthen relationships, and develop important skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, organization, and effective study habits. - Tuesday – Academic Support
Students can retake tests, redo or complete assignments, meet with teachers for extra help, or use this time for quiet study. - Thursday – Enrichment & Clubs
Students explore their interests and talents through clubs and enrichment opportunities, including:- Student Council (monthly)
- Math Club (competition preparation)
- Book Bowl practice (ahead of the January competition)
- Lego Challenges
- Novel Studies
- Catholic Prayer Club
- Strategy games (Chess, Trivial Pursuit, Risk, Monopoly)
- SSM News Club
- Project-based learning in Social Studies with Mrs. Sandy Watson
- Flex Time also provides space for group projects, eliminating the need to meet outside of school.
- Friday – School Community
A time to gather as a school family for assemblies, prayer services, liturgical celebrations, buddy activities, guest speakers, and other special events.
Flex Time gives our students the chance to grow not only academically, but also socially, spiritually, and personally. We are excited to offer this program to enrich the middle school experience for every student.
Saint of the Month Awards
This month, we will begin our Saint of the Month Award! Each month, we will award students who exhibit the characteristics of the monthly Saint. This month, we will strive to build up qualities exhibited by St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Sept. 24th Early Dismissal
We will dismiss early for Staff Professional Development on Wednesday, Sept. 24th. Dismissal times:
- Preschool & PreK
- Morning Classes: 8 - 10:15 AM
- Afternoon Classes: 11:30 AM - 1:45 PM
- 1:50 PM for TK & Kidzone
- 2 PM for K – 8th Grade
Parking Lot Safety Reminders
- Morning drop-off, students should exit vehicles from the right side only, and parents are asked to remain inside their cars. If this arrangement doesn’t work for your family, you are welcome to park and walk your student to the door, using the crosswalks. Thank you for helping us keep our parking lots safe for students, families, and staff!
- For the safety of our students and staff, we kindly ask that crosswalks be used at all times when crossing the parking lots. Parents and guardians are encouraged to follow these guidelines as well to help model safe practices. Thank you!
Upcoming Safety Drills
Lockdown Drill: Tues., Sept. 16th, 2 PM
- Teachers discuss with children that this drill is for very rare situations in which we need an added layer of protection for the safety of our students and staff within our own building.
Students are trained to move away from sight and maintain silence. - Teachers are trained to lock classroom doors, turn lights off, move out of sight, maintain silence, not unlock/open doors except to first responders, and take roll call of students.
- During the drill, K-8 students can expect that administration will be walking halls and verifying that doors are locked and teachers do not open the door when someone approaches.
Evacuation Drill: Thurs., Sept. 18th (pending weather), 9:30 AM
- Evacuation drills are practiced for an emergency situation (i.e. a gas leak) when students and staff need to leave the St. Stephen campus.
- Our evacuation location is YMCA - Armbrust.
- Our evacuation route is down the south drive, west on 'V' street to the crosswalk to cross 168th street; north on 168th Street sidewalk to the YMCA.
- For the drill, we will practice our evacuation route but will stop before crossing 168th Street.
Now Hiring: Kidzone Staff & Kitchen Staff
Kidzone Staff: M-F, 3:30- 6 PM. Contact Cheryl at c.connolly@stephen.org.
Kitchen Staff: M-F, 9 AM - 1:30 PM
Contact Greg at g.verraneault@stephen.org.
25-26 Sacrament Dates
For families with a student preparing the receive a Sacrament this year, please note these upcoming dates! At the Sacrament Parent Meetings to learn important information, dates, and assignments for these special celebrations! Reach out to Sandy Kimmey s.kimmey@stephen.org with questions. We will keep your child in our prayers as they prepare to receive God in this special way!
- Confirmation Parent Meeting: Monday Sept. 5th at 7 PM in the Dining Room
- First Reconciliation Parent Meeting : Monday Sept. 22nd at 7 PM in the Dining Room
Upcoming Safe Environment Training
All adult volunteers who work with and around young people are required to be Safe Environment Trained in the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Men's Club Updates
Husker Watch Party: Oct. 17th
We're getting together for the Nebraska v. Minnesota game! The Annual Trunk-or-Treat in the South Parking Lot from 6-7 PM. Then, head to the field for the game at 7 PM! The Cheese Life Food Truck will be in the South Parking Lot from 6-8 PM to cover dinner.
Home & School Updates
We're off to a sweet start to our 2025 Martyr Marathon Fundraiser!
Each day next week leading up to Marty Marathon, students will have fun, themed activities to enjoy. Be sure to check the app daily for details on what’s happening—you won’t want to miss out!
Volunteer for Martyr Marathon!
Martyr Marathon is just around the corner, and we need your help! We need many volunteers to help make this event successful. There are many ways volunteers can help the day of the event. Not available the day of Martyr Marathon? That's okay! We need volunteers to help us before and after the event to help everything run smoothly. 8th graders can earn service hours by volunteering—grab a friend and don’t miss this chance to get involved!
Volunteer Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 18, 7:30 PM - 8 PM
Join us for a Volunteer Meeting on Thursday, September 18th from 7:30-8:00 PM in the Parish Center. Come by to pick up your t-shirt and get important details. You are also welcome to stay after to stuff popcorn bags for the day of the event!
Order your 2025 Martyr Marathon Door Hanger
Show your school spirit with our new SSM Flames door hangers, created in partnership with The Makery!
Personalize yours with optional interchangeable icons for your favorite activities—like soccer, football, music and more. Starting at $75 and all proceeds benefit our school. Only 50 available—order yours today and help support our students! Order using the button below, from the app, or at school.stephen.org/martyr-marathon. Thank your for your continued support!
Personalize yours with optional interchangeable icons for your favorite activities—like soccer, football, music and more. Starting at $75 and all proceeds benefit our school. Only 50 available—order yours today and help support our students! Order using the button below, from the app, or at school.stephen.org/martyr-marathon. Thank your for your continued support!
Trunk-or-Treat: Oct. 17th
Watch for more info coming soon!
Fall Family Event: Save the Date
You're Invited to our Adult Night Out!
Parish Updates
Family Prayer & Pizza
4 PM Rosary followed by pizza in the Dining Room
Knights of Columbus Silent Auction
Parish Children's Choir
Students in grades K-8 are welcome to join our children's choir led by Linda Liesner, Paula Bonkiewicz & Kate Pachunka. Please join us for our first practice on Thursday, September 18th from 6-6:45 pm in the Worship Space. If you are interested in having your child join, please email the information below to liesner_linda@hotmail: Child's Name, Grade, Parents/Guardians names, Contact number, and email address.
Join us for breakfast after Mass on Sept. 21st
Community Updates
Art Classes with Mrs. Webster
Former SSM Art teacher Mrs. Webster (Cowman) is offering classes at 402 Lesson Studio at Lakeside
Duchesne Academy’s Harvest Party
September 26th
Fall into fun at Duchesne Academy’s Harvest Party! 8thgrade girls are invited to experience the fun of hayrack rides, bounce houses, and our students’ haunted hallways. It's the perfect way to kick off autumn with friends, meet our amazing students, and get into the spooky spirit! A beloved tradition for Duchesne students and middle schoolers for over 10 years!
Visit duchesneacademy.org/admissions to register for this event and other middle school events this fall. For questions, contact Maggie Vazquez at mvazquez@duchesneacademy.org.
Upcoming Mercy Events
Mini Monarch Softball Night
📅 Sunday, September 22 (Free for Students!)
📍 Crown/Wager Fields – Ralston
🥎 Varsity Softball vs. Ashland-Greenwood
⏰Arrive at 6:00 p.m. (Game starts at 6:30 p.m.)
🔗 Sign Up: https://www.mercyhigh.org/admissions/events
📅 Sunday, September 22 (Free for Students!)
📍 Crown/Wager Fields – Ralston
🥎 Varsity Softball vs. Ashland-Greenwood
⏰Arrive at 6:00 p.m. (Game starts at 6:30 p.m.)
🔗 Sign Up: https://www.mercyhigh.org/admissions/events
Upcoming Marian Event
Discover Marian Parent Coffee: Parents are invited to come learn about Marian and ask questions to administrators. All sessions are from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Click Here to Register for one of the following dates: Tuesday, Sep. 23rd | Thursday, Oct. 23rd | Friday, Dec. 5th.
Mount Michael Fall Festival
Important Upcoming Dates
- Sept. 15th: Martyr Monday
- Sept. 19th: Martyr Marathon
- Noon Dismissal
- Sept. 24th: 2 PM Dismissal, Teacher Inservice
- Sept. 26th: Progress Reports
- Home & School Adult Night Out Event: 6 PM at Heavy Brewing
- Sept. 30th: Picture Retake Day
- Oct. 3rd: No School