A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We are finally feeling the fall weather we’ve been anxiously awaiting! This time of year is a wonderful reminder that change can be both beautiful and positive. One of the most challenging aspects of education is that change is constant. I am so proud of our teachers who continuously demonstrate flexibility and adaptability—whether it’s adjusting instruction, curriculum materials, schedules, or anything else—to do what’s best for your children.
Our teachers are looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow. During conferences, you will receive the STAR Parent Report from the fall testing window. If you are unable to attend, this report will be sent home next week. As always, please feel free to contact your child’s teachers with any questions or even just to “check in.” The FACTS Family Portal is also a great way to stay up to date on grades, assignments, daily work, and upcoming events.
Our teachers are looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow. During conferences, you will receive the STAR Parent Report from the fall testing window. If you are unable to attend, this report will be sent home next week. As always, please feel free to contact your child’s teachers with any questions or even just to “check in.” The FACTS Family Portal is also a great way to stay up to date on grades, assignments, daily work, and upcoming events.
All report cards for grades 1–8 have been sent via email, and you should receive them by the end of the day. Preschool, PreK, TK, and Kindergarten teachers will share assessments and progress during conferences. Again, if you’re unable to attend, these will be sent home next week.
I hope you all enjoy the upcoming break! When we return, we’ll be wrapping up October—I can hardly believe it! I pray for our students, families, and staff every day, and I truly appreciate your continued support of our school and its mission.
United In Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Veterans Day Assembly, Artist of the Month, School Advisory Board, Now Hiring, Lost & Found, Middle School Missing Work Notice, Pro-Life Contest Winners, New Lunch Schedule, Report Cards, Halloween Parties
- Sports Club Updates: Cross Country Season
- Home & School Updates: Fall Family Event at Vala's, Used Uniform Closet, Martyr Marathon Prizes
- Parish Updates: Trivia Night, Respect Life Diaper Drive, Annual Appeal, Holy Hour for Life with Father Matthew, Food Pantry Holiday Meal Drive
Administration Updates
Veteran's Day Assembly
On Tuesday, November 11th our school will have a Veterans Day Assembly at 2:30 PM in the Gym. We would like to invite all veterans in our school family to attend. This includes parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. If you or someone from your family plans to attend, and would like to be honored at the assembly, please complete the below form.
It is time to announce new honorees for the Boden Reischl Artist of the Month! We've rounded up another great group of talented artists and are excited to share them with you! You may view their art displayed in the gallery outside the music room or online at school.stephen.org/art. Congratulations to our honorees!
Lost & Found
Stop by the Lost & Found when you are here for conferences
Our Lost & Found has items that are missing you! All items have been moved to the School Commons so that families can retrieve lost items when they are here for conferences. Leftover items will be donated following conferences. Thank you!
Seeking School Advisory Board Members
Apply using the button below
We are currently seeking new members to join our School Advisory Board. This volunteer board plays a vital role in providing strategic insight and supporting initiatives that align with our school’s catholic mission. If you’re interested in sharing your time, talents, and perspective, we encourage you to apply!
Now Hiring: Kidzone Staff
Contact Cheryl at c.connolly@stephen.org to apply!
Middle School Late & Missing Work Notice
A note for parents of students in grades 6–8 from Middle School Counselor Adam Daymut
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 26, you may receive auto-generated emails from Adam Daymut via FACTS. These weekly messages go to students and parents when work is marked missing. If a student was absent, the assignment will appear as missing but no points are deducted as long as it’s completed according to the Student Handbook’s policy. Students can view all graded work in FACTS. Thank you for supporting your student in keeping assignments up to date.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 26, you may receive auto-generated emails from Adam Daymut via FACTS. These weekly messages go to students and parents when work is marked missing. If a student was absent, the assignment will appear as missing but no points are deducted as long as it’s completed according to the Student Handbook’s policy. Students can view all graded work in FACTS. Thank you for supporting your student in keeping assignments up to date.
Knight of Columbus Pro-Life Contest Winners
Congratulations to the State Winners of our KOC Pro-Life Essay Contest and Art Contest! We have two first place winners from our school this year:
- Eva Guthmann-Leany – First Place State Winner - Nebraska KOC – 2025 Culture of Life Art Contest.
- Sarah Fernandes – First Place Winner – 7th Grade Division – Archdiocese of Omaha Respect Life Apostolate – 2025 Pro Life Essay Contest.
We are so proud of the talent and respect for life our students have.
New Lunch Schedule
We have made a few adjustments to our lunch schedule. Students will be allowed to Please see the new schedule below. 4th grade can begin ordering double entrees on 10/28.
New Lunch Schedule:
TK: 10:45 AM -11:20 AM
K: 10:50 AM -11:20 AM
1st & 2nd: 11:20 AM - 11:45 AM
5th & 6th: 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
3rd & 4th: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
7th & 8th: 12:35 PM - 12:55 PM
Report Cards
Report Cards were sent to parents/ guardians via email today. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your student's teacher(s). We look forward to meeting with you at Conferences!
Halloween Celebrations
Save the Date: High School Entrance Exams
Wednesday, October 29th
- Morning Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 10 - 10:45 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Afternoon Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 2:30-3:15 PM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
Friday, October 31st:
- TK: Our party will be from 9-10 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). Please have your student wear a Dress Down Day outfit under their costume. All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Kindergarten - 4th Grade: Parties will be from 2:15 - 2:50 PM in classrooms. Parents/guardians should have received details via email from classroom coordinators. Only parents who have signed up via the Classroom Coordinators are allowed to attend. Following the parties, K-4th will participate in the Halloween Parade (see details below).
- 5th- 8th Grade Celebration
- 5th & 6th Grade students will celebrate Halloween with a field trip to Spare Time!
- 7th & 8th Grade students will celebrate Halloween with a field trip to the Amazing Pizza Machine!
- 5th - 8th graders may dress down on this day (follow Family Handbook Guidelines).
- Halloween Parade: All parents/families are invited to attend our outdoor costume parade (indoors if inclement weather). Students will parade with their class around the school. The parade will begin at 2:50 PM with Kindergarten followed by 1st - 4th grade. They will exit the north doors, head east around the school, and enter back into the school through the south doors. Our afternoon Preschool, PreK & TK classes will watch the parade but will not be walking in the parade. Normal dismissal begins at 3:10 PM.
Halloween Dress Code & Costume Guidelines for ALL Students
- Costumes must align with our school values and should not be offensive, politically charged, gory, or against the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Costume accessories should be left at home.
- Only Preschool, PreK & TK students (Gentile, Tabaka, Hoff & Foster) should come to school in costume. TK students should wear a Dress Down Day outfit that follows Family Handbook guidelines under their costume so they can remove their costume after the party.
- Kindergarten-4th Grade students can dress down in the morning, wearing anything that follows the guidelines in the Family Handbook. When it is time to put costumes on, students must put their costumes on over their dress-down outfits. They will not be allowed to change their clothing.
- 5th - 8th grade students get a Halloween Dress Down Day on Oct. 31st. They can wear Halloween colors or Halloween-themed t-shirts but they may not wear costumes.
Sports Club Updates
Cross Country Season a Success!
Congratulations to all of our runners on a fantastic cross country season! The team wrapped up the fall with great success and a fun celebration to honor their accomplishments. This year, a new developmental program for grades 2–4 joined our traditional 5–8th grade team. All ages trained together, with race distances adjusted by age level. We’re so proud of every athlete who participated and look forward to continuing to grow both the program and a love of running.
A big thank-you to our wonderful coaches—Frances Anderson, Jamie Harr, Kelsi Lind, Amy Ryan, and Lacey Ternus—for their dedication and leadership.
Track & Field registration for grades 5–8 opens in January - watch for details coming soon!
Home & School Updates
Fall Family Event at Vala's: Monday, Oct. 27th
Join us for s'more fun together!
Used Uniform Closet
Need a few more uniforms to get through the end of the year? Visit the Uniform Closet in the Parish Center. This is a self-service uniform sale, available all school-year whenever the Parish Center is open. The doors are unlocked Monday-Friday, 8-3:30 PM with the clothing racks located in the conference room closet. Browse the racks, pick your uniform pieces, and pay by OSV using the posted QR code.
Prices: Polo shirts - $3, Jumpers - $15, Plaid Skirts/Skorts - $12, Navy Skorts - $8, Shorts and Pants - $5, Leggings/Tights - $2, Uniform Sweatshirts - $5, Spirit Wear - $3
Questions? Please contact: Amanda Sitter (amanda.r.reese@gmail.com) or Libby Guenther (guentherel81@gmail.com
Martyr Marathon Family Prizes Coming Soon!
Family-level prizes are officially being finalized and will be on their way to you soon! Thank you for your incredible participation and spirit for helping us hit our goal for Martyr Marathon— we can’t wait for you to see what’s coming your way!
Parish Updates
Register Now: Trivia Night 2025
Trivia | Snacks | Table Themes & Costumes | Prizes | Fun!
Respect Life Month Activities
Students can bring diaper donations to the School Commons. Donations will be distributed to local pregnancy help centers.
A Community for All Annual Appeal
Tonight: Holy Hour for Life
Includes talk from Father Matthew on the impact of JPII on his Feast Day!
Food Pantry Holiday Curbside Drop-Off
Community Updates
Catholic High School Entrance Exam
Save the Date: Catholic High School Open House
Duchesne Academy’s 8th Grade Service Event
8th grade girls are invited to Duchesne Academy for an evening of service. Participants will create tie blankets, reflect on the meaning of giving back, and learn from our students and Campus Ministry about Goal 3 of Sacred Heart education. Earn 3 service hours toward your confirmation requirement—or simply come to share in the spirit of the season!
Friday, November 21st 2025
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Duchesne Academy
3601 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131
Please enter through the Performing Arts Entrance via the student parking lot on the corner of 36th and California Street. For more information, please contact Maggie Vazquez, Admissions Event Coordinator, at 402-558-3800 or mvazquez@duchesneacademy.org
Friday, November 21st 2025
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Duchesne Academy
3601 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131
Please enter through the Performing Arts Entrance via the student parking lot on the corner of 36th and California Street. For more information, please contact Maggie Vazquez, Admissions Event Coordinator, at 402-558-3800 or mvazquez@duchesneacademy.org
Events for Middle Schoolers at Creighton Prep
We hope to have you join us for future Jr. Jay events. See below for upcoming dates and visit opportunities with Creighton Prep!
- Shadow Days
- Dates open through spring for 7th and 8th grade boys
- Campus Tours
- Open to 7th and 8th grade families
- Open House
- Sunday, November 2
- Tour times from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Open to 5th-8th grade families
- Info Nights
- Open to 7th and 8th grade families
- Trick-or-Treat
- Monday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m.
- Open to K-8 prospective and alumni families
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: Thursday, Oct. 23rd | Friday, Dec. 5th.Catch the Marian spirit by attending a home athletic event. Girls in 6th-8th grade get free admission to all home games. Use your athletic pass or wear your middle school jersey/shirt or a Marian t-shirt for free admission - no preregistration required. Volleyball Fan Night takes place Oct. 14 when the Crusaders take on Elkhorn South. Stop by the recruitment table to get a concessions voucher, Marian swag and enter the raffle.Little Jays Wrestling
Important Upcoming Dates
- Oct. 23rd: Fall Conferences, No School
- Oct. 24th: No School
- Oct. 27: No School
- Fall Family Event at Vala's
- Oct. 31st: Halloween Celebrations