A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
Happy Summer! It’s hard to believe that a new school year is just around the corner! Our staff has been hard at work preparing for another wonderful year at St. Stephen the Martyr School. From getting classrooms and the building ready to reviewing curriculum, updating handbooks, and taking care of countless behind-the-scenes details, we’ve been busy ensuring everything is in place for a successful start. The first day will be here before we know it!
As you prepare for the new school year, please take a few minutes to review the updated Family Handbook, which is linked below. We especially encourage you to read the sections on school uniforms, Dress Down Days, and Theme Days. Taking a moment to familiarize yourself with these expectations—including uniform fit and length requirements for skirts, jumpers, and shorts—will help ensure a smooth and positive start for everyone.
I am truly grateful to begin my 9th year as principal of this extraordinary school. Serving the students, families, and staff of St. Stephen the Martyr continues to be a blessing and a privilege. Each year, I am inspired by the faith, kindness, and commitment that make our school community so special.
A special welcome to the new students, families, and staff joining us this year. We are excited to welcome you into our St. Stephen family, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together. May this school year be filled with opportunities to ignite the joy of Faith, Community, and Learning.
I can't wait to welcome everyone back soon!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Family Handbook, School Supplies, Annual Calendar, TyShon Alexander Basketball Camp, Early Childhood Openings, NEW! Principal's Wish List, 7th Grade Physicals, Summer Office Hours, Medication Pickup, Order New Uniforms, Kindergarten Experience Days, Kindergarten Documents
- Home & School Updates: Save the Date for Back to School, Savethe Date: First Day Coffee - Hooray!, Volunteer Positions, Summer Playdates, Used Uniform Sale, martyr Marathon Planning Meeting, Corporate Sponsors
- Summer Camps with SSM Teachers: PreK & TK Camp
- Sports Club Updates: CYSL Soccer Popup Shop, Summer Run Club
- Parish Updates: Save the Date for Women's Night & Back to School Tailgate, Middle School Youth Group
Administration Updates
New Family Handbook
The Family Handbook is updated for the 26-27 school year. It is linked below, posted on our website, and linked in our app. Please be sure to review it carefully as changes have been made since last school year.We know children often have summer growth spurts! Please review the Dress Code section for the length requirements for shorts, skirts, skorts & jumpers to ensure your child's uniform meets our standards! Keep scrolling for more uniform information.
All families must complete the Family Handbook Acknowledgement Form by August 28, 2026. You can complete the form via the Family Portal in your web browser, or by following the below steps in our SSM School App.
School Supply Lists
School supply lists are linked below. You can also find them in our app and on our website. If you ordered your child's School Supply Pack through Educational Products, Inc. (EPI), the supplies will be delivered directly to the school and placed in your child's classroom before our Back to School Event on Aug. 17th.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. Be sure to subscribe to the Google Family Calendar to stay up to date with school events. Learn more here.NEW DATE for the Tyshon Alexander Basketball Camp at SSM
Afternoon Preschool & PreK Openings
We have a few openings in our Afternoon Preschool (3+) & PreK (4+) classes. Please share your love of SSM with friends and family! For more information, visit stephen.org/preschool.
Principal's Wish List
Funds specific needs for our school
At St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School, we strive to be “united in Christ to ignite the joy of faith, community, and learning”. To support that mission, we are committed to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students have an excellent environment and are equipped with the tools they need to be their best.
Please review the Principal’s Wish List for ways you can support our projects that truly make a difference for our students every day! Questions? Contact Carrie Ashley at c.ashley@stephen.org.
Please review the Principal’s Wish List for ways you can support our projects that truly make a difference for our students every day! Questions? Contact Carrie Ashley at c.ashley@stephen.org.
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 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 as the physician’s office will provide a printout of the appointment details and immunizations. See the below PDF for more details.
Medication Pick-Up
If your student has medication in the school office, a parent or guardian must stop in to pick it up during our summer office hours, which are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. There are still many meds to be picked up - please stop by!Summer Office Hours
Our summer office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-11:30 AM. Please note that we sometimes have meetings outside of the school office. It is always best to call before you head up to school. Emails or voice messages received while we are out of the office will be returned as quickly as possible!Reminder: Order Uniforms Over the Summer
Please remember to order new uniform items over the summer to ensure all uniform pieces fit your student properly. In particular, please ensure skirts and skorts are proper lengths - no more than 3 inches above the knee. Please note: the 26-27 School Year is the last year when navy blue uniform pants/shorts/skorts can be worn. Khaki will be the only option for pants/skorts/shorts beginning with the 27-28 School Year. Uniform pieces, including plaid, may be purchased through Land's End:- Visit landsend.com/myschool
- School Number is 900155482
- Use True Fit guide to find the right size
Kindergarten Experience Days
Enrolled incoming kindergartners will get to see our classrooms, meet their teachers and their future classmates, and get a taste of what kindergarten is all about! Register below and watch for more information coming soon!
Kindergarten Documents Needed
Incoming Kindergarteners must have the following documents on file in the office to start school in August:- Birth certificate – original to photocopy (according to state law, students cannot attend school until this is received)
- Baptismal certificate—if your child was baptized at SSM, no need to submit a certificate
- Physical Exam/Immunization documentation for all Kindergarteners
- Dental information (date of most recent exam, no paperwork required from dentist)
- Vision Evaluation for all Kindergarteners (this is part of the kindergarten physical)
- Preschool report card
Home & School Updates
Save the Date: Join us at our back to School Event!
Save the Date - First Day Coffee- Hooray!
Help Us Make the 26-27 School Year Amazing!
Use the button below to review volunteer opportunities
Summer Playdates
Second Playdate: TONIGHT at 6 PM
Used Uniform Sale
Volunteer Now!Incoming 8th graders now welcome to volunteer to fulfill service hours
Our yearly Used Uniform Sale will be on Sunday, July 26th.
- 20% of sale proceeds go directly to the SSM Home & School Association.
- Items to be sold at the Used Uniform Sale may be dropped off in the south breezeway before July 25th. No late items will be accepted!
- Be sure to clearly label your items with your family name using masking tape. Items not marked or marked unclearly will be considered donations.
- Volunteers shop early! Use the button below to sign up. NEW: 8th graders may sign up for volunteer hours!
- A check will be issued with each family's proceeds in the fall, less the 20% for Home & School. Proceeds under $5 will be considered donations.
- Questions? Contact Amanda Sitter or Libby Guenther.
Save the Date: July 27th
Martyr Marathon Planning Meeting | DJs Dugout (180th & Q) | 6 PMCome learn more about the event, meet other parents, and explore the many ways you can help make this year’s Martyr Marathon a fun and successful experience for our students. There’s a role for everyone—big or small!
Call for 26-27 Corporate Sponsors
Interested in supporting our school while promoting your business? Become a 2026-2027 St. Stephen the Martyr Corporate Sponsor! This year’s fundraising efforts will help underwrite the cost of updating classroom equipment & technology, contributing to the cost of instructional materials, and providing teacher grants throughout the year. Additional funds raised will be used for security upgrades and technology subscriptions. The deadline for sponsorships is August 10th. Thank you for supporting our Catholic school! Questions? Contact the Martyr Marathon team at martyrmarathon@gmail.com.
Thank you to our current list of Corporate Sponsors!
Below are the businesses who have committed their support to St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School. We value the support of our community - thank you for advocating for our students!
Sports Club Updates
Get Your Fan Gear at the SSM Soccer Popup Shop
Deadline to Order: Friday, July 17th
Cross Country Summer Training
Morning summer training sessions at Lake Zorinsky are open to all athletes interested in building strength and endurance for the fall Middle School (grades 6-8) Cross Country season, as well as our Running Development Program for incoming grades 1–5. Join the SSM Discord channel to view the training schedule and, for middle school runners, log miles with teammates to stay motivated throughout the summer.For more information, please contact Kate Harr, XC Coordinator, at Kateharr@rocketmail.com. Fall Cross Country registration will open in mid-July. Watch for more details coming soon!
Summer Opportunities at SSM
Incoming PreK & TK Summer Camp
Mrs. Kerrie Tabaka & Mrs. Carrie Gentile
Parish Updates
Save the Date: End-of-Summer Tailgate
July 31st is SSM Ladies Night!
Join us all summer! Middle School Youth Group
Incoming 6th-8th graders welcome!
Important Upcoming Dates
- July 15th: Second Summer Playdate, 6 PM, School Playground
- July 19-24: Totus Tuus
- Aug. 3-5: Kindergarten Experience Days
- Aug. 4: Summer Playdate for Early Childhood
- Aug. 12: Final Summer Update