A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
As we welcome the beauty and renewal of spring, we are reminded of the hope and new life this season represents in our Catholic faith. The blooming flowers and longer days are signs of God’s enduring presence and His promise of renewal in our lives, as well as a reminder of His many blessings.
This week, we are especially grateful as we celebrate our dedicated teaching staff. I am thankful for the commitment of our faculty and staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the continued support of our families. A special note of appreciation goes to our Home and School Association for all they do particularly for organizing such a wonderful week in honor of our teachers.
This week, we are especially grateful as we celebrate our dedicated teaching staff. I am thankful for the commitment of our faculty and staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the continued support of our families. A special note of appreciation goes to our Home and School Association for all they do particularly for organizing such a wonderful week in honor of our teachers.
If you have not yet enrolled your child for the 2026–2027 school year, please do so as soon as possible, as we will soon begin ordering curriculum materials and supplies. For families applying for financial assistance, please note that the deadline for current families is May 1. After that date, applications will open to new families. Our ability to provide financial assistance depends on receiving applications by the deadline, so we encourage you to apply promptly if needed. If you are unable to enroll, please contact Amy Maroney (a.maroney@stephen.org) to make arrangements to catch-up on this year’s tuition and charges. The system will “unblock” you once arrangements and payments have been made. I look forward to continuing our partnership for the 2026-2027 school year!
May this spring season bring peace, joy, and many blessings to you and your loved ones.
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: STAR Assessment Updates, Tuition Assistance Deadline, Rice Bowl Reminder, Book Fair Reminder, Lost & Found, May Crowning, End-of-Year Award Nominations, First Communion & Confirmation Rehearsals, Calendar Reminders, We're Hiring, Parking Lot Reminders
- Home & School Updates: School Musical, First Communion Celebration, 8th Grade Yearbook Ads, 8th Grade Graduation Luncheon, Upload Yearbook Photos, Used Uniform Save the Date
- Sports Club Updates: Volleyball Registration Now Open
- Men's Club Updates: Triathlon - Proceeds to Benefit Teachers
- Parish Updates: Middle School Youth Ministry Kickoff Event, Family Prayer & Pizza, Evening at Holy Family Shrine with Father Matthew
- Community Updates: Summer Camps at Local Catholic High Schools, Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp, New Cycling Club
Administration Updates
STAR Assessment Update
Students are currently taking their STAR assessments this week and next. While these assessments are just one measure of student progress, they provide valuable insight that helps our teachers plan instruction for both the whole class and individual learners.Following the winter testing window, our teachers took time for a “deep dive” into the results. They carefully reviewed mastery reports aligned with grade-level standards in both reading and math to better understand student strengths and areas for growth.
One of our school goals, aligned with the Archdiocese of Omaha, is for 65% of our students to score at or above the 65th percentile in both reading and math. We are pleased to share the following progress. We are very proud of our students for their hard work and of our teachers for their dedication to ensuring that each child is learning and growing at every grade level.
8th Grade Placement Exam Comparisons
We are proud to report that St. Stephen the Martyr 8th grade students performed above average on the area Catholic High School 8th Grade Placement Exams. Thank you to our teachers, and congratulations to our students!
STAR Math
- 69% of our students met or exceeded the district proficiency benchmark. In terms of growth, 77% showed typical progress from fall to winter—up 9% from last year.
STAR Reading
- We expect to increase our Reading growth goal to 80%.
- 66% of our students met or exceeded the district proficiency benchmark. Additionally, 78% demonstrated typical growth from fall to winter—an increase of 10% compared to last year. Since this exceeds our growth goal of 65%, we anticipate raising our target to 80%.
- 3rd Grade Reading: Our goal is for 95% of third-grade students to reach proficiency by the end of the year. As of February, 89% have already met this benchmark.
Upcoming Tuition Assistance Deadline
Reminder: May 1st is the last day to apply to be considered for Financial Aid through FACTS. To apply, visit the FACTS Family Portal and navigate through the FACTS Financial section. Qualifying families are asked to apply for scholarships through two scholarship funds. Apply for the Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha using the button below. Apply for the Catholic Latino Scholarship Fund contact bearellanes@archomaha.org.
Families: Please return your Rice Bowls!
Thank you for your work of solidarity and sacrifice this Lent through Operation Rice Bowl! Please return Rice Bowls with contributions as soon as you can. Thank you!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 that would be perfect gifts 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! Every dollar you spend supports the St. Stephen the Martyr School Library. Thank you!
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found is overflowing again! Please stop by the south entrance to claim your family's lost items. There are many jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and even a few stray winter coats. These doors are unlocked even when school is not in session, so families may stop by after weekend Masses or anytime.May Crowning
Students are invited to bring a flower for our May Crowning on Friday, May 1st. Volunteers will collect the flowers from students on Friday morning in the School Commons before school.
Nominate Faculty & Staff for End-of-Year Awards!
Each year, the School Advisory Board strives to recognize the exceptional work of our teachers, staff, and volunteers through our annual Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year awards. We need your help. Please consider taking the time to nominate a teacher, staff member, and/or volunteer so that their hard work and dedication to our students can be recognized. Use the link below to complete the nomination form. The deadline to nominate is Friday, May 1st.Tonight: First Communion Rehearsal
All 2nd grade students must be accompanied by one parentThursday, April 16th, 6-7 PM
Worship Space
Upcoming Confirmation Rehearsal
Eighth Grade Students must attend their assigned rehearsal accompanied by their sponsors in the Worship Space8A: Thursday, April 23rd at 6 PM
8B: Thursday, April 23rd at 7:30 PM
8C: Friday, April 24th at 6 PM
Annual Calendar for the 26-27 School Year
Use the button below to review the schedule for next school year! Also available in the app.Reminder: No School on April 24th
There will not be school on Friday, April 24th due to a Teacher Professional Development. The Men's Club is hosting the Triathlon to benefit the 2026-2027 Teachers. Please consider joining! Visit mensclubssm.org.
We're Hiring Teacher Associates
Parking Lot Reminder: Please be Courteous!
Please be advised that while entering the North Parking Lot for Morning Drop off, one car should enter the drive at a time. There should not be multiple lanes entering our lot. Please be patient in line to prevent accidents. Please be courteous as you wait. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our parking lots safe for our students, staff & families.
Sports Club Updates
Register Now for Fall Volleyball
Home & School Updates
Tuesday, April 21st: First Communion Celebration
Alice in Wonderland, Jr.: Friday & Saturday Night!
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 at the door.
Order 8th Grade Yearbook Ads
Families can design and purchase these ads directly through our yearbook provider. Use the button below to order.Save the Date: Graduation Luncheon
8th grade parents: Check our website & app for a roundup of all the 8th grade end-of-year information you need to know!
Used Uniform Sale Save the Date
Save the Date Used Uniform Sale will be July 26th. More details to come!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.
Order School Supply Packs for the 26-27 School Year
Men's Club Updates
Support our Teachers at the Men's Club Triathlon!
Funds raised will provide financial support for teachers setting up their classrooms and planning their learning at the beginning of the 26-27 school year. We are still seeking sponsorships. Visit mensclubssm.org for sponsorship opportunities!
Parish Updates
Middle School Youth Ministry Kickoff Event
We are looking forward to kicking off Middle School Youth Group this spring. Our Cinco de Mayo Kickoff Event will be Tuesday May 5th 6:30 - 8 PM. Incoming 6th - 8th graders (students currently in grades 5-7) are welcome! Plan to come every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8 PM throughout the summer. 8th graders will be invited to attend High School Youth Ministry Events this summer. Interested in volunteering? Please email bnkeller@stephen.org.
Join Father Matthew at the Holy Family Shrine for Prayer, Song, and Treats!
Join us for Family Prayer & Pizza
Community Updates
Registration Open: Flaming Hoops Basketball Camp
Summer Camps at Marian
Band Camp at Marian
NEW: ArchO Mountain Biking Team for High Schoolers
Important Upcoming Dates
- April 17& 18: School Musical Performances
- April 19: First Holy Communion
- April 21: First Communion Breakfast
- April 23: Progress Reports
- Confirmation Rehearsal
- April 24: No School
- Men's Club Triathlon Supporting Teachers
- Confirmation Rehearsal
- April 29 & 30: Confirmation Masses
- May 1: May Crowning
- May 4: No School