A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
As we approach Spring Break, it’s hard to believe how quickly this school year is flying by! I hope you and your families have the chance to slow down a bit and enjoy some time together away from the busy pace of everyday life.
We have also entered the Lenten season, which is always a meaningful time in our Catholic faith. Lent reminds us to pause, reflect, and be grateful to our loving God for the promise of eternal life and happiness. Life on earth can sometimes be challenging, and our struggles and sacrifices can feel heavy at times. As Catholics, we are reminded of the sacrifices Jesus made for us and the incredible gift of our salvation.
Instructional Materials Update
This year we fully implemented CKLA in grades K–4. Our teachers have continued their professional development in the “Science of Reading,” and it has been exciting to see how engaged our students are with the content and how much they are learning. Looking ahead to the fall, our second- and fifth-grade teachers will be piloting a program called Take-Off Math from the same company that provides IXL. I’m really excited about this opportunity. The pilot will help us determine whether this is the math program we want to fully implement beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
Textbook Loan Program
We are very fortunate to participate in the state-funded textbook loan program. As a Nebraska-accredited school, we qualified for $33,000 to support instructional materials for our students. This funding helps offset many of our instructional costs each year. As always, we carefully choose materials that support our school’s mission and align with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Staffing Updates
We truly love our teachers, and it always brings a sense of sadness when they decide to leave our school. I firmly believe that God places people in our lives at just the right time, and He also guides them to where they are meant to be—even when that journey leads them away from SSM.
At the end of this school year, we will be saying goodbye to the following teachers: Susan Roche, Joni Coffey, Caroline Niehaus, Angie Lowry, Nowell Heidrick, Julie Gorup, Abby O’Brien, Kaycee Perez, and Tori Suto.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication, passion, and impact each of these educators has had on our students and our community. At the same time, God has blessed us with many outstanding applicants who come highly recommended. We look forward to introducing our new hires over the next month. They are excited to join our amazing community, and we are confident they will continue the strong tradition of excellence at SSM.
God bless all of you and your families as we embark on the 4th quarter when we return. Prayers for a peaceful, happy Spring Break!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Rotary Scholars, Merit March, Reconciliation, Middle School Fair Coming Soon, Saint of the Month, Financial Aid, 2 PM Dismissal, Lost & Found, School Advisory Board Seeking New Members, Stations of the Cross, 7th Grade Physicals, Spring Book Fair, Dress Down for St. Patrick's Day
- Sports Club Updates: Last Chance to Register for Middle School Track, Micro Soccer Registration Now Open
- Home & School Updates: Save the Date for the Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt, First Communion Breakfast, Upload Yearbook Photos
- Men's Club Updates: Triathlon - Proceeds to Benefit Teachers
- Parish Updates: Lent Activities, Lenten Parish Mission, Totus Tuus Registration, Register for Steubenville, VBS Save the Date, New Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry, Blood Drive
- Community Updates: My Guy & I Dance, Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp, SkyHawks Tryouts, Summer Camps at Creighton Prep, Events at Duchesne, Mercy
Administration Updates
Announcing our Rotary Honor Roll Recipients!
Congratulations to McKenna Adam, Dominic McGregor, Rylan Secora & Martin Rickett, our Rotary Honor Roll Recipients!About the Rotary Honor Roll
For nearly 100 years, the Rotary Club of Omaha has honored Omaha youth by way of the yearly Honor Roll Event. The Rotary Honor Roll, a time-honored tradition, distinguishes 8th-grade students who represent the highest characteristics of leadership, character, scholarship & presence. This criterion has been the litmus test since the inception of the award in the early 1900s. The event has also been a platform to award scholarships to chosen graduating seniors who, just 4 years earlier, were 8th-grade Honor Roll recipients. Students are chosen by their teachers.
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
All School Reconciliation Dates
Middle School Author/Science/History Fair Coming Soon!
The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will host their History, Science, and Author Fair on Thursday, March 26th, in the school gym. 6th grade will present the Author Fair, 7th grade will host the Science Fair, and 8th grade will showcase the History Fair. All student projects will be on display in the gym. Families are welcome to attend this special event. Students in grades K–5 will also have the opportunity to visit the Author, Science, and History Fair.
February Saint of the Month Honorees
St. Brigid is credited as being Ireland’s first nun, founding several monasteries, being generous and compassionate, and a peace-maker. Students were honored for being generous and compassionate.
Aubrey L., Isaac K., Ryder H., Liam R.
(L to R) Top Row: Miguel G., Bryce H., Lizzie B., Nora P., Ava H., Joseph M.,
Middle Row: Reid O., Genevieve C., Claire R., Thea D., Aurora D., Keegan K., Izzy R., Tinsley F.
Bottom Row: Faith S., Willa F., Sebastian D., Archer L., Gabby C., Milly C., Jaxson H., Tatum M., Bella A.
Not pictured: Chandler M., Adalynn M., Leo H.
Middle Row: Reid O., Genevieve C., Claire R., Thea D., Aurora D., Keegan K., Izzy R., Tinsley F.
Bottom Row: Faith S., Willa F., Sebastian D., Archer L., Gabby C., Milly C., Jaxson H., Tatum M., Bella A.
Not pictured: Chandler M., Adalynn M., Leo H.
Stations of the Cross for students
Seeking School Advisory Board Members
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!Spring Book Fair Coming Soon!
A new Book Fair is coming to our school! Ignatius Press has a wide variety of books for students and parents alike.
The Book Fair won't be until the spring, but you can start shopping now to benefit our school! Parents can setup an account now and any purchase made between now and the end of the Book Fair will benefit St. Stephen the Martyr!
Use the button below to setup and account and browse the many Lent/Easter gifts available for your student!
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 prior to the entrance of school. A dental examination is recommended at this time. We do not require a specific form to be submitted, the physician’s office will provide a printout of the appointment details and immunizations. See the below PDF for more details.
Save the Date: Dress Down for St. Patrick's Day
Sports Club Updates
Register Now for Track & Field
Registration for Micro Soccer Now Open
Home & School Updates
Save the Date: Egg Hunt is April 12th!
Join us for an Easter celebration featuring donuts, “Sleepless from Seattle” coffee cart, and face painting followed by an egg hunt and a visit from live bunnies to pet and hold! The event is co-sponsored by SSM Home & School Association & SSM Religious Education.
Upload Photos for the 25-26 Yearbook
Yearbook is collecting photos of school year memories! Please upload your photos of three or more school students to be included in the Yearbook using the links below.
Upcoming First Communion Celebration
Save the Date: Tuesday, April 21Second graders and their families are invited to a First Communion Celebration! Second graders will be honored at 8:15 AM School Mass and be allowed to wear their First Communion outfits to school. Mass will be followed by a breakfast for families & younger siblings who aren't in school. Following breakfast, students may change into dress down day clothes for the rest of the day. We are so excited for our second graders to receive First Holy Communion! Congratulations!
Men's Club Updates
Parish Updates
Lent at St. Stephen the Martyr
Join us for our Lenten Parish Mission
Register Now for Totus Tuus
8th Graders: You are invited to Steubenville of Rochester this summer!
Save the Date for VBS + Adult Volunteers Sign Up
It is that time again and we are recruiting safe environment trained adults (19 and up) for station leaders for Vacation Bible School and youth to help with our groups. VBS is scheduled for June 8-12; 9 AM - noon. Use the button below for more information and to sign up! All adult volunteers will be able to register one child for free! VBS registration for campers will open on March 23. Watch for upcoming details!
New Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry
Brooke Keller will be joining the Religious Education team as the parish’s new Coordinator of Middle School Ministry. Brooke brings years of expertise and experience within the parish, school, and archdiocese. She is committed to offering dynamic, faith-filled opportunities where school and parish middle schoolers may gather and grow in friendship and community. Watch for details about the launch of a new Middle School Youth Group!
Upcoming Blood Drive
Community Updates
My Guy & I Dance
Saturday, April 11th | 7 - 9 PM | $25 per guy — invite the special guy in your life whether your dad, grandpa, uncle, brother (18+) or family friend!
Registration Open for the Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp
Tryout for Junior SkyHawks Girls Basketball
Upcoming Events at Mercy
Mercy Palooza for 5th & 6th Grade Girls | Saturday, March 21 | 5–7 PM
Join us for a fun and interactive evening designed for 5th and 6th grade girls to experience Mercy High School through a carnival-style celebration with a Candyland theme, featuring bounce houses, cotton candy, games, candy galore, and exciting prizes. REGISTER HERE
Join us for a fun and interactive evening designed for 5th and 6th grade girls to experience Mercy High School through a carnival-style celebration with a Candyland theme, featuring bounce houses, cotton candy, games, candy galore, and exciting prizes. REGISTER HERE
Summer Camps at Mercy High School
A variety of summer camps are available for students to explore interests, build skills, and connect with Mercy and students including Show Choir, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer, & Tennis. REGISTER HERE
Summer Camps at Creighton Prep
Important Upcoming Dates
- March 6th: 3rd Quarter Ends
- March 9th - 13th: Spring Break
- March 17-18th: School Reconciliation
- March 20th: Report Cards
- 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat
- March 25th: 2 PM Dismissal
- March 26th: Middle School Author/Science/History Fair