A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We left for spring break and returned to winter—but I’m so happy to see that spring is back again! Spring at SSM is always something to look forward to, and we have so many wonderful events ahead: Easter, First Communions, Confirmation, the school musical, the History–Science–Author Fair, fun-filled field trips, and much more. Be sure to check the Martyr Messenger, Google Calendar, and our social media pages so you don’t miss out on any of the excitement.
Enrollment is now underway! Some of our classes are already full or very close to capacity. If you plan to return next year, please complete your enrollment packet as soon as possible. We truly hope to welcome all of our families back.
In the last Messenger, I announced the teachers who will not be returning for the 2026–2027 school year. It is never easy to say goodbye to valued staff members. We trust in our faith that God is guiding them to new paths beyond SSM. At the same time, we are grateful for the many blessings He continues to bestow on our school, including bringing new teachers into our wonderful community.
We are excited to welcome the following educators to SSM for the upcoming school year:
Kindergarten
Dr. Sarah Valasek – Dr. Valasek has taught kindergarten and Spanish, led the 2nd grade IB PYP program, and most recently served as principal at St. Bernard’s School. She is also an active parishioner at St. Stephen the Martyr Church.
Mrs. Mary Wolff – Mrs. Wolff has several years of experience teaching in Catholic schools in Kansas City and within the Lincoln Diocese. Since moving to Omaha, she has most recently been serving as a substitute teacher at SSM.
Mrs. Mary Wolff – Mrs. Wolff has several years of experience teaching in Catholic schools in Kansas City and within the Lincoln Diocese. Since moving to Omaha, she has most recently been serving as a substitute teacher at SSM.
First Grade
Mrs. Mickens – Mrs. Mickens earned both her master’s and doctorate degrees from Creighton University. She brings eight years of experience teaching PreK–1st grade at Holy Name.
Mrs. Grasmick – Mrs. Grasmick has six years of experience teaching PreK–1st grade. She has worked alongside Mrs. Mickens and looks forward to continuing their collaboration at SSM.
Mrs. Grasmick – Mrs. Grasmick has six years of experience teaching PreK–1st grade. She has worked alongside Mrs. Mickens and looks forward to continuing their collaboration at SSM.
Third Grade
Ms. Karissa Nichols – Ms. Nichols brings four years of teaching experience and is currently teaching 3rd grade at St. Bernard’s. She comes highly recommended and is excited to join the SSM community.
Mrs. Stephanie Curran – Mrs. Curran has 19 years of teaching experience and most recently taught at St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn. She holds two master’s degrees—one in counseling and one in curriculum and instruction.
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Jackie Torczon – Mrs. Torczon will join the 5th grade team teaching math and social studies. She has 15 years of experience in the Papillion La Vista School District. Teaching in a Catholic school has long been her goal, and she is excited to bring Christ into her classroom.
Mrs. Jackie Torczon – Mrs. Torczon will join the 5th grade team teaching math and social studies. She has 15 years of experience in the Papillion La Vista School District. Teaching in a Catholic school has long been her goal, and she is excited to bring Christ into her classroom.
Mrs. McClanathan – Mrs. McClanathan will also join the 5th grade team, teaching reading and English. She brings 11 years of experience in both public and Catholic schools and currently teaches 5th grade at St. Bernard’s.
Sixth Grade: (Please note: Mrs. Pestel, who currently teaches 6th grade ELA, will transition to teaching 5th/6th grade religion next year.)
Mr. Benjamin Fast – Mr. Fast will teach 6th grade English and literature. He holds a master’s degree in English from Creighton University and has served as a creative writing teaching assistant, academic writing tutor, and assistant editor for the Creighton Literary Magazine. Most recently, he has been substitute teaching in the Millard School District. His passion for English is sure to inspire his students.
Art
Mrs. Jennifer Trevett – Mrs. Trevett has a master’s degree and eight years of teaching experience. She has taught at Phoenix Academy, Acton Academy, and through private art lessons. She also volunteers as a muralist for “Special Spaces,” a program that creates dream bedroom makeovers for children diagnosed with cancer.
Mrs. Jennifer Trevett – Mrs. Trevett has a master’s degree and eight years of teaching experience. She has taught at Phoenix Academy, Acton Academy, and through private art lessons. She also volunteers as a muralist for “Special Spaces,” a program that creates dream bedroom makeovers for children diagnosed with cancer.
Thank you for all you do. We are so blessed to have your support and partnership,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: 2 PM Dismissal, Report Cards, FACTS Security, Enrollment Reminder, Merit March, Middle School Fair, Seeking School Advisory Board Members, 7th Grade Physicals, Book Fair, Congratulations to Sarah Fernandes, Serra Server Awards
- Home & School Updates: Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt, School Musical Tickets on Sale, First Communion Breakfast, Upload Yearbook Photos
- Men's Club Updates: Triathlon - Proceeds to Benefit Teachers
- Parish Updates: Lent Activities, Totus Tuus Registration, Register for Steubenville, Vacation Bible School, New Confirmation Coordinator, Middle School Youth Ministry Volunteers Needed
- Community Updates: My Guy & I Dance, Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp, SkyHawks Tryouts, Summer camps at area high schools
Administration Updates
Reminder: 2 PM Dismissal on March 25
We will dismiss early for Staff Professional Development on Wednesday, March 25th. Dismissal times are as follows:- 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
Report Cards
You will receive an email on Friday with a link to your student's Report Card. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your student's teacher(s).
Enhanced Security Notice from FACTS
Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, FACTS Family Portal & FACTS Financial are adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and enhanced security for the Student Information System (SIS) to help keep our information safe. When you log in after this date, you may see the new MFA prompt and may also be asked to update your username and/or password; this change will not affect any sessions that are already logged in.Please see the PDF below for additional information.
Enrollment Reminder
If you have not yet re-enrolled for the 2026-20027 school year, please do so as soon as possible. Current family enrollment needs to be completed by March 31st, 2026. If your student is not returning, please notify the School Office as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!
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
Middle School Author/Science/History Fair
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 from 9 AM - 11 AM. Students in grades K–5 will also have the opportunity to visit the Author, Science, and History Fair in the afternoon.
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!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.Book Fair Coming Soon: Purchase Gifts Now to Support our School!
You can shop our online Book Fair now to support St. Stephen the Martyr! There are some great books for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Use the button below to browse the Sacrament Gift Guide or use the "Shop Now" button to start shopping!Congratulations Sarah Fernandes, Regional Spelling Bee Winner!
8th grader Sarah Fernandes won the Midwest Regional Spelling Bee! She will now advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We are rooting for you, Sarah!
Serra Server Awards
Congratulations to those who were honored at the Serra Club of Omaha Altar Server Awards Mass. The Serra Club of Omaha, whose mission is "to foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood and religious of the Catholic Church,” issued awards to area 7th & 8th Graders for their dedication and commitment to being a server at a special Mass with Archbishop Lucas at St. Wenceslaus. Congratulations to Logan Venner, Mackenzie Johnson, Olivia Herstein, Martin Rickett, Melki Boko, and Samantha Pearson. Thank you for being a server!
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.
- Preschool and Pre-K
- Transitional Kindergarten
- Kindergarten
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- 6th Grade
- 7th Grade
- 8th Grade
Get your tickets to the School Musical Alice in Wonderland, Jr.!
You're late for a very important date! Purchase tickets now for Alice in Wonderland, Jr. Performances will be Fri., April 17th at 7:30 PM and/or Sat., April 18th at 6 PM. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door.
Musical T-Shirts: Adult Sizes Now for Sale
Purchase your 2026 Alice in Wonderland t-shirt and support the Musical! Adult sizes available using the link below. *Students who are participating in the musical purchased their t-shirts at time of registration.*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
Register Now for Totus Tuus
8th Graders: You are invited to Steubenville of Rochester this summer!
Registration for VBS Opens March 23rd
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 Monday, March 23. Watch for an email with a registration link that day!
New Confirmation Coordinator
The parish is pleased to announce that Christie Hinton is joining the Religious Education team as the new Confirmation Coordinator and Religious Education Event Assistant. A longtime volunteer in St. Stephen’s Religious Education program, Christie has served for 18 years as a catechist and currently as the 6th and 7th grade coordinator. In her new part-time role, she will support Confirmation families and assist the Religious Education team with programs and events. Welcome, Christie!
Middle School Youth Ministry Volunteers Needed
We are looking forward to kicking off Middle School Youth Group this spring. We are in need of some adults interested in helping our new Middle School Youth Minister, Brooke Keller, to help on youth group nights. If you can help in any way or are interested in learning more, please email bnkeller@stephen.org. Thank you!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
Mini Monarch Night
K-8th graders are invited to spend time with the Mercy soccer team, win prizes, and have fun! Register Here
Summer Camps at Creighton Prep
Important Upcoming Dates
- March 20th: Report Cards
- 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat
- March 25th: 2 PM Dismissal
- March 26th: Middle School Author/Science/History Fair
- April 1: Merit March Dress Down Day
- April 2nd - April 6th: Easter Break