A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
The Martyr Marathon was a tremendous success! Our students and staff had a wonderful day celebrating our school and community. I am incredibly grateful to our Home & School Association and all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the day so special for everyone. A heartfelt thank you as well to our generous sponsors and to all of the families and friends who donated. Your support truly makes a difference and helps with funding the school, providing upgrades to security and the school, assisting in funding instructional programs, and contributing to financial assistance. The Lord continues to bless our school abundantly.
It is hard to believe that we are already heading into October! The coming month will be a busy and exciting one. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for October 22, and you will receive a sign-up link in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye out for that email.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers. They are excellent about responding to emails and phone calls, though we kindly ask for your patience, especially when reaching out on a Friday or over the weekend. Remember, you do not need to wait until conferences to connect with your child’s teachers. Open communication throughout the school year is an important part of supporting our students.
On Friday, October 9, our teachers will participate in a professional development day sponsored by the Omaha Catholic Schools Office. The day will include sessions focused on the “Science of Reading,” working with students with autism, and implementing the “Next Generation Science Standards.” We are very fortunate to have these valuable professional development opportunities provided through the Catholic Schools Office. Our teachers’ continued learning and growth directly benefit our students and strengthen the excellent education we strive to provide each day.
It is truly a privilege and a blessing to partner with all of you as we continue our mission of providing a faith-filled Catholic education. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to our school community.
May God bless you and your families!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
Administration Updates
Fall Conferences: Thursday Oct. 22nd
Fall Conferences are scheduled for Thursday Oct. 22nd. The signup for Fall Conferences will be included in the Martyr Messenger sent on Thursday, Oct. 8th. You may sign up anytime before Oct. 21st at 3:30 PM. After the sign-up closes, you will need to contact the teachers directly by email to schedule, reschedule, or cancel a conference.
- Preschool – 4th Grade: Families are encouraged to schedule a conference with their student's homeroom teacher.
- 5th – 8th Grade: Families are encouraged to meet with any of their student's teachers they wish to meet with.
- Specialists Conferences: Our Specialists (Art, Counseling, Library, Music, PE, Spanish, Technology) are available to meet with you! Please schedule a slot with any of our Specialists you would like to meet with.
- Student Services Team: Please email your teacher if your student is currently receiving assistance from our Student Services Team, and you would like a staff member from their team included in your conference. Otherwise you can schedule conferences with Student Services Team members individually.
- All conferences will be in person: If you cannot find a time to meet with your student's teacher(s) please email them to schedule another day/time.
Thank You from the SSM Food Pantry Staff
Thank you, St. Stephen the Martyr school families for your generous donations during Martyr Marathon and for the students and parents who transported ALL the items down to the Parish Center! Our SSM Pantry is stocked full of nutritious food and household items. “May the Lord reward you for your kindness” - Ruth 1:8
Progress Reports
You will receive an email tomorrow, Friday, Sept 23rd, from Mrs. Christy Labenz with a link to your student's Progress Report. Progress Reports will only be available digitally. They will not be sent home in Friday folders. You can always access your student's grade through FACTS online or the FACTS app. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your student's teacher(s).
Artist of the Month
We have kicked off our Artist of the Month program for the year! The deadline to submit artwork for our first display is September 30!
Students can place their artwork on the turn-in shelf in the art room, organized by grade. Please make sure each piece includes the student’s name, date submitted, and homeroom so artwork can be returned after selections are made. Students have been informed in class of the location.
Students can place their artwork on the turn-in shelf in the art room, organized by grade. Please make sure each piece includes the student’s name, date submitted, and homeroom so artwork can be returned after selections are made. Students have been informed in class of the location.
Students are encouraged to create artwork at home for consideration, and some classroom projects may also be selected. Happy painting!
Art Room Seeking Donations
Ms. Trevett is seeking donations of baby wipes for the art room. These are needed to allow students to adequately clean up their space without leaving the classroom so often, in turn allowing for more time for creativity! Please email j.trevett@stephen.org or send donations to school with your student labeled "art". Thank you for supporting our classrooms!
Sacrament Meeting Reminder
Families preparing for First Communion this year, please mark your calendar. First Reconciliation Parent Meeting will be Monday, Sept. 28 at 7 PM in the Dining Room. This is an info meeting for parents only.Thank You Men's Club for the New Paint Job!
The Men's Club painted our 1st floor bathrooms over the summer. Years of daily use had it looking shabby, but our Men's Club served our students by brightening their frequently visited spaces. Thank you to the Men's Club for completing this project!Upcoming FACTS Charges
Our office will be processing charges to FACTS accounts over the next few weeks to cover incidental fees, including field trips, paper, sacramental fees, and technology fees. These charges correspond to fees previously communicated to families and will vary based on your student’s grade level. Please contact the School Office with any questions.Upcoming Safe Environment Training
All adults volunteering in the school or with school related activities must be Safe Environment Trained.
Home & School Updates
An Epic Martyr Marathon!
A standing ovation to our rockstar students and families, electric volunteers, legendary staff, and showstopping donors! With your support, we raised an astounding $99,000!!
PledgeStar is still open for last minute pledges - we are only $1,000 from meeting our goal and earning a day off!! Click here to give to Martyr Marathon. Let’s hit our goal & amp up our school in the following ways:
Funding Our Next Big Hits And Amping Up Our School
Backstage Passes For 2027: Want to join the production crew and work on the encore? We would love fresh ideas and feedback as we begin planning the 2027 Martyr Marathon! Email SSMHomeandSchool@gmail.com for more information.
PledgeStar is still open for last minute pledges - we are only $1,000 from meeting our goal and earning a day off!! Click here to give to Martyr Marathon. Let’s hit our goal & amp up our school in the following ways:
Funding Our Next Big Hits And Amping Up Our School
- Keeping our educators at the top of the charts through classroom grants and funding specialized training.
- Going live with new curriculum, like the CKLA Literacy Program!
- Cranking up our School Family App so you can stay plugged in!
- Spotlighting our young performing artists by offsetting costs for the School Musical!
- Powering up and protecting our classrooms with fresh student desks, key tech subscriptions, and security upgrades.
Backstage Passes For 2027: Want to join the production crew and work on the encore? We would love fresh ideas and feedback as we begin planning the 2027 Martyr Marathon! Email SSMHomeandSchool@gmail.com for more information.
THANK YOU to our Martyr Marathon Team
Special thanks to Alia Creason for 10 years of heading up Martyr Marathon!
BIG THANKS to Alia Creason for heading up Martyr Marathon for many years! Her youngest is in 8th grade this year, so this will be her last year. Thank you for everything you have done for St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School, Alia! Your work has made a HUGE difference - we are grateful!
Thank you to our 2026 Martyr Marathon Core Team:
Thank you to our 2026 Martyr Marathon Core Team:
- Hali Cyr
- Sasha Zubia
- Andrea Gammel
- Lizzy Osterloh
- Katie Major
- Rachel Wernke (logo design)
- Sydney Weller
Applause for our Corporate Sponsors!
Save the Date for our Fall Family Frolic!
Volunteers needed to welcome families and serve s'mores at the Jack O’Lantern Barn - use the button below to volunteer!
Trunk-or-Treat
Join us for trick-or-treating, FREE hot cocoa, music, and voting on your favorite trunk! A food truck will be on campus for those that need to purchase dinner!
Sports Club Updates
PAL Basketball Registration Open Now
Cross Country Team Members Medal at the Joe & Ali Tupper Memorial PAL Meet
Our Developmental Runners and Middle School Cross Country team competed in the Ali & Joe Tupper PAL Meet on Sept. 19. The meet honors former St. Stephen students and athletes Ali and Joe, whose legacy of kindness, love of running, and love for others inspires young athletes to “LOVE BIG.”
Congratulations to 8th grader Rosie Lind and 7th grader Paul Mangenot, who both medaled in the 3K! Rosie placed 8th overall (13:56.3), while Paul finished 11th overall (12:04.1). Way to go, Flames! We are proud of all our runners for their hard work and sportsmanship!
Congratulations to 8th grader Rosie Lind and 7th grader Paul Mangenot, who both medaled in the 3K! Rosie placed 8th overall (13:56.3), while Paul finished 11th overall (12:04.1). Way to go, Flames! We are proud of all our runners for their hard work and sportsmanship!
Parish Updates
Quick Info: Upcoming Parish Events
- Archbishop's Annual Appeal has begun. Thank you for supporting the work of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Learn more here.
- Middle School Youth Group: Join us every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8 PM for time with friends, games, and time to grow as a Catholic. Learn more.
- Parish Retreat Nov. 20-21st: Adults are invited to join fellow parishioners Friday (6-10 PM) and Saturday (8 AM - 3:30 PM) for witness talks, adoration, group table discussion, and more. This free retreat is hosted by parishioners, parish leadership, and SSM priests. Food and drinks are provided; heavy appetizers Friday evening and meals on Saturday. Learn more.
- Trivia Night on Saturday, Nov. 14th: Save the Date for an SSM annual tradition, Trivia Night! Grab your friends, bring snacks, and join us for a fun evening of competition, laughter, and community!
- Sisters of Faith Women's Group: Join this Monday evening women's group Mondays at 8 PM. You are welcome to join weekly, monthly, or seasonally during Lent or Advent.
Community News
Programs at Omaha Public Library
Skutt Dance Team Fall Clinic
Important Upcoming Dates
- Sept. 25: Progress Reports
- 7th Grade to Camp Kitaki
- Oct. 9th: No School