A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
The start of our 2026–27 school year is almost here, and we could not be more excited to welcome our students and families back to St. Stephen the Martyr!
Our teachers have already been busy preparing their classrooms, planning meaningful learning experiences, and getting ready for the arrival of your children. As we prepare for another school year, I am reminded of what a special privilege it is to be part of your children’s lives. We are truly blessed to walk alongside them as they learn, grow, and discover who God created them to be. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for allowing us to share in these important years of their lives. We are so grateful for each of you!
As we move into the new school year, I look forward to sharing curriculum updates and information about our ongoing professional development. Our teachers are not only incredible educators, but they are also lifelong learners who are always looking for ways to grow and improve. We take great pride in continuing our own learning so that we can provide the very best educational experience for each and every one of our students.
Back-to-School Event Details & First-Week Reminders
Please take a few moments to carefully review the information below regarding next week’s Back-to-School Event. Our Home & School Association and teachers have put so much time, thought, and love into making this a welcoming and joyful experience for your child and your family. We are excited to gather together, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new families, and begin this new school year as a community.
We have also included several important reminders to help everyone feel prepared and ready for the first week of school. We know there is always a lot to remember at the beginning of a new year, and we hope these reminders make the transition a little easier for your family.
We are so looking forward to seeing you all next week and welcoming our students back! Thank you for being such an important part of our St. Stephen the Martyr community. We are excited for all that God has in store for us this year.
Here’s to another wonderful year of learning, growing, and living out our mission together—United in Christ!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Back to School Event, First Week Reminders, Family Handbook, School Supplies, Annual Calendar, Kindergarten Documents, NEW! Principal's Wish List, School Mass Schedule, Now Hiring 4th Grade TA
- Home & School Updates: Save the Date for Back to School, Save the 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
Back to School Event: Monday, Aug. 17th
What you Need to Know:
All Students:- Bring your school supplies! If you order through EPI, your school supply pack will already be in your classroom.
- Visit the booths in the gym! A host of groups, committees, and clubs will be in the gym to welcome your family back to school.
- Bring your cash, cards & checkbook! In the gym, you'll have one last chance to purchase used uniforms before the school year.
- Back to School Packet: Our Back to School packet has a host of information for all families! You can pick up your printed copy at our the Back to School Event, or view it digitally here.
- Volunteer at Back To School Night: The Back to School Event committee needs volunteers to help make the event a success! Click here to sign up.
- Kindergarten-8th class lists will be posted in the gym so head there first. Teachers will be in their classrooms to meet their students.
- New Families: Please stop by the welcome table in the school commons (enter through the north or south doors) and we'll have a volunteer available to welcome you and show you around the school!
- Preschool - Mrs. Gentile: Sign Up to Meet Mrs. Gentile Here!
- PreK - Mrs. Tabaka: Sign Up to Meet Mrs. Tabaka Here!
- TK - Mrs. Hoff: Sign Up to Meet Mrs. Hoff Here!
- TK - Mrs. Foster: Sign Up to Meet Mrs. Foster Here!
Important First Week Dates & Reminders
- Wednesday, August 19:
- First Day for K-8 (Noon Dismissal)
- Thursday, August 20:
- First Day for TK A-L (Noon Dismissal – No school for TK M-Z)
- K-8 (Noon Dismissal)
- First Day for TK A-L (Noon Dismissal – No school for TK M-Z)
- Friday, August 21
- First Full Day For K-8 (first day of lunch service)
- First Day for TK M-Z (Noon Dismissal – No school for TK A-L)
- Monday, August 24:
- First Day of Preschool (Mrs. Gentile's classes)
- First Day of PreK (Mrs. Tabaka's classes)
- First Full Day for TK
- Drop-off Reminders:
- 1st-8th graders may enter the building starting at 7:50 AM. They may enter through any door.
- On Wednesday & Thursday, Kindergartners are invited to meet their teacher near the school's flag pole on the north side. Kindergarten teachers will be outside by 7:45 AM and will lead their class into the building when the first bell rings at 7:50 AM. TAs and support staff will also be available to ensure all Kinders make it to their classroom.
- Early Childhood students may enter the portables starting at 7:50 AM or 12:15 PM.
- Staff will be on duty to help guide traffic.
- Parents/guardians may walk their children to the door but may not enter the building (staff will be in the doorways to assist and welcome students).
- Pick-Up Reminders:
- Parents may wait by the doors but not enter the building.
- There is no staggered dismissal on early dismissal days. All students will be dismissed at noon on Wednesday & Thursday.
- We will begin staggered dismissals on Friday, August 21st, our first full day. Students will dismiss as follows:
- 3:15 PM KidZone, TK & Early Childhood Afternoon classes
- 3:20 PM Last names A-L
- 3:25 PM Last names M-Z
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.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.
Uniform Reminders
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/plaid 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
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.Reminder: Kindergarten Documents Needed to Start School!
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
Just a Few Afternoon Preschool & PreK Openings Left!
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.
School Mass Schedule
We love it when our families attend Mass with our school students! While students need to sit with their classes, families are always welcome to join us and celebrate Mass with our school family.Please Note: During School Mass times, the doors to the church will be locked beginning at 8:10 AM. Please enter through the Main School doors for access if you arrive later.
Now Hiring! Seeking 4th Grade TA
We are seeking one or two dedicated Teacher Associate(s) (3-5 days) to support classroom teachers and foster student growth academically, socially, and spiritually within a faith-filled learning environment. Email Greg at g.verraneault@stephen.org for more information & to apply.
Home & School Updates
Volunteer at our Back to School Event!
Save the Date - First Day Coffee- Hooray!
Save the Date! Home & School Kickoff Meeting
Sept. 10 | 8:15 - 9:15 AM | Parish CenterJoin us to kickoff the school year! We will have our first meeting of the school year right after school drop off on September 10th. We have an amazing community of families. Join us to get involved!
Martyr Marathon Planning Social
Join us to work together to plan the best Martyr Marathon for our school yet! We need many volunteers. Our next planning meeting is August 17th, 6 PM at DJs Dugout off 180th & Q. Please join us! Volunteer as Your Student's Class Coordinator
Grade level coordinators are responsible for planning the Halloween Party (PreK-4th), Planning the Valentine's Day Party (PreK-4th), and celebrating your Teacher's & TA's birthday. Gather photos of class events for the yearbook and your classroom teacher.Help Us Make the 26-27 School Year Amazing!
We are still in need of multiple important volunteer roles to help make this school year wonderful for our students & families! Examples include Yearbook, Trunk-or-Treat & Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Family Frolic, and New Family Care, among others. Thank you for giving back to your school!
Home & School Dues & Contributions
Get a head start on your back-to-school checklist! The Home & School dues and contributions form is now live! You can complete it online using the button below.All parents are members of the H&S Association! Your dues help us to continue to support our teachers and your students in so many different ways throughout the year!
In addition to paying your dues, you can contribute to several other giving opportunities including the Teacher Christmas Gift Fund, Teacher Appreciation, Teacher Hospitality, and much more!
Please reach out if you have questions: email Home & School at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting your school through your Home & School Dues. Your donations, time, and talent really do make a difference!
Thank you to our 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!>>Want to join the list of sponsors? Sponsor by Friday, August 14th to have your logo on the Martyr Marathon t-shirt! Secure your sponsorship here!<<
Spirit Wear Store Now Open
Sports Club Updates
Cross Country Registration Now Open
Cross Country: Grades 5-8Developmental Run Club: Grades 1-4
Register for Micro Soccer
Ages 3-6Games on Sundays
Register by August 28th
Parish Updates
Join us this Saturday! End-of-Summer Tailgate
Pray for Seminarians this year!
St. Stephen the Martyr is blessed to have two seminarians from our parish. Please continue to pray for them as they discern God's will for their lives!
Save the Date for our Annual Special Events!
Important Upcoming Dates
- Aug. 15: End of Summer Tailgate
- Aug. 17: Back to School Event
- Aug. 19: First Day of School K-8 (Noon Dismissal)
- Aug. 20: First Day of School TK A-J (Noon Dismissal)
- K-8 Noon Dismissal
- Aug. 21: First Full Day of School (K-8)
- First Day of School TK K-Z (Noon Dismissal)
- Aug. 24: First Day of School Early Childhood (Preschool & PreK)
- Aug. 26: School Picture Day