A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We are finally enjoying the fall weather we’ve been anxiously awaiting! This time of year is a beautiful reminder that change can be both positive and refreshing. One of the most challenging aspects of education is that change is constant. I am so proud of our teachers, who continually demonstrate flexibility and adaptability—whether adjusting instruction, curriculum materials, schedules, or other aspects of the school day—to ensure they are doing what is best for your children.
Our teachers are looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow! During conferences, you will receive your child’s STAR Parent Report from the fall testing window. If you are unable to attend conferences, the report will be sent home next week. As always, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers with any questions or simply to check in. The FACTS Family Portal is also a wonderful resource for staying up to date on grades, assignments, daily work, and upcoming events.
All report cards for students in grades 1–8 have been emailed, so you should have received your child’s report card. Preschool, PreK, TK, and Kindergarten teachers will share student assessments and progress during conferences. If you are unable to attend, these reports will be sent home next week.
I hope you all enjoy the upcoming break! Thanks to the tremendous success of our Martyr Marathon, students and teachers have earned an extra day off on Monday, October 26! Thank you for your incredible support of this important fundraiser. We are so grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of our SSM families and community!
When we return, we’ll be wrapping up October—I can hardly believe how quickly the month has flown by! Please take a moment to review the upcoming events listed in this newsletter so you don’t miss anything.
Our teachers are looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow! During conferences, you will receive your child’s STAR Parent Report from the fall testing window. If you are unable to attend conferences, the report will be sent home next week. As always, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers with any questions or simply to check in. The FACTS Family Portal is also a wonderful resource for staying up to date on grades, assignments, daily work, and upcoming events.
All report cards for students in grades 1–8 have been emailed, so you should have received your child’s report card. Preschool, PreK, TK, and Kindergarten teachers will share student assessments and progress during conferences. If you are unable to attend, these reports will be sent home next week.
I hope you all enjoy the upcoming break! Thanks to the tremendous success of our Martyr Marathon, students and teachers have earned an extra day off on Monday, October 26! Thank you for your incredible support of this important fundraiser. We are so grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of our SSM families and community!
When we return, we’ll be wrapping up October—I can hardly believe how quickly the month has flown by! Please take a moment to review the upcoming events listed in this newsletter so you don’t miss anything.
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
Administration Updates
Veteran's Day Assembly
On Wednesday, November 11th our school will have a Veterans Day Assembly at 9:30 AM in the Gym. We would like to invite all veterans in our school family to attend. This includes parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. If you or someone from your family plans to attend, and would like to be honored at the assembly, please complete the below form.Red, White & Blue Dress Down Day Fri., Nov. 6th
In honor of Veterans Day, St. Stephen the Martyr School is raising funds for the 50 Mile March Foundation and its Community of Hope Campus in Bellevue, which will provide housing, health care, and support services for veterans and their families. Students may wear red, white, and blue on Friday, November 6, for a donation of $1 or more. Please follow the DDD Guidelines found in the Family Handbook.
Learn more: 50 Mile March Foundation and Community of Hope Campus.
Mooooove over for the Chick-Fil-A Legacy Cow on Nov. 4th!
On Wednesday, November 4, from 7:40–8 AM, look for the Chick-fil-A Legacy Cow and team greeting students and parents during morning drop-off! Stop by to say hello, and you might receive a surprise breakfast biscuit while supplies last!
Report Cards
Report Cards were sent to parents/ guardians via email today. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your student's teacher(s). We look forward to meeting with you at Conferences!Now Hiring: TA
Kindergarten | Full time or Part timeWe are in search of a Teacher Associate for Mrs. Wolff's Kindergarten class. To apply, email Mr. Verraneault at g.verraneault@stephen.org.
Support Student Scholarships at SSM with a Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Credit!
Any taxpayer with federal income tax liability will be able to contribute up to $1700 ($3400 for joint filers) to OSN and claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Those contributions will then be used to fund K-12 private school scholarships for Nebraska kids. Families may designate St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School to directly benefit! Thank you for your consideration - this is an amazing opportunity to support our school!
Fall in Love with Reading
🍎🍂Share these cozy, wholesome reads with your child. Browse Fall funds from our Book Fair publisher, Ignatius Press. Every purchase supports our library!
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found has many items that want to go home! Please visit the Lost & Found in the south breezeway. The south breezeway is unlocked even when school is not in session, so you may stop by anytime such as after weekend Masses or when you are here for games or practices.
Two SSM Students Selected for Music in Catholic Schools Honor Band
Congratulations to Eva Guthmann-Leany and James Ramsey on being selected for the 2026–2027 Music in Catholic Schools Honor Band! Students audition for this distinguished group, which represents 22 of the 28 Catholic schools in the program.Throughout the year, the band will participate in weekly rehearsals, school tours, nursing home performances and two formal concerts. We are proud of Eva and James for this wonderful accomplishment!
Honor Band Concert Dates:
- Tuesday, November 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Marian High School
- Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. (location to be announced)
Home & School Updates
Join us for our Fall Family Frolic at Vala's!
This annual event is a Home and School sponsored event intended as a fun way to spend our Martyr Marathon Day Off together as a community! Meet up with fellow SSM families at the Jack O' Lantern Barn for a smore and some friends!
Need a Night Out?
Come connect, unwind, and enjoy a fun night with fellow school parents! No RSVP necessary - we'll provide the apps!
Halloween Celebrations
Wednesday, October 28th
- Morning Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 10 - 10:45 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Afternoon Preschool & PreK (Gentile & Tabaka): Our parties will be together from 2:30 - 3:15 PM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). All parents are welcome to join our party!
- TK: Our party will be from 9:15 - 10:15 AM in the Parish Center. Students should come to school in costume (no accessories, please!). Please have your student wear a Dress Down Day outfit under their costume. All parents are welcome to join our party!
- Kindergarten - 4th Grade: Parties will be from 2:15 - 2:50 PM in classrooms. Parents/guardians should have received details via email from classroom coordinators. Only parents who have signed up via the Classroom Coordinators are allowed to attend. Following the parties, K-4th will participate in the Halloween Parade (see details below).
- 5th- 8th Grade Celebration
- 5th & 6th Grade students will celebrate Halloween with a field trip to Spare Time!
- 7th & 8th Grade students will celebrate Halloween with a field trip to the Amazing Pizza Machine!
- 5th - 8th graders may dress down on this day. Please do not wear costumes. (Follow Family Handbook Guidelines).
- Halloween Parade: All parents/families are invited to attend our outdoor costume parade (indoors if inclement weather). Students will parade with their class around the school. The parade will begin at 2:50 PM with Kindergarten followed by 1st - 4th grade. They will exit the north doors, head east around the school, and enter back into the school through the south doors. Our afternoon Preschool, PreK & TK classes will watch the parade but will not be walking in the parade. Normal dismissal begins at 3:10 PM.
- Costumes must align with our school values and should not be offensive, politically charged, gory, or against the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Costume accessories should be left at home.
- Only Preschool, PreK & TK students (Gentile, Tabaka, Hoff/Ferrante & Foster) should come to school in costume. TK students should wear a Dress Down Day outfit that follows Family Handbook guidelines under their costume so they can remove their costume after the party.
- Kindergarten-4th Grade students can dress down in the morning, wearing anything that follows the guidelines in the Family Handbook. When it is time to put costumes on, students must put their costumes on over their dress-down outfits. They will not be allowed to change their clothing.
- 5th - 8th grade students get a Halloween Dress Down Day on Oct. 30th. They can wear Halloween colors or Halloween-themed t-shirts but they may not wear costumes.
Parish Updates
Quick Info: Upcoming Parish Events
- 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.
- Recognizing the Stranger Talk by Father Scott Hastings: Join us Sunday, Oct. 25th at noon in the Dining Room to hear Father Scott for an engaging talk on how our faith speaks to the immigration challenges facing our Nebraska neighbors today. RSVP here.
- Strategic Plan Sharing Night: Join us Thursday, Oct. 29th at 7 PM in the Parish Center as we share our parish's updated Strategic Plan. Learn more about where we're headed and and how you can be part of the mission.
- Trivia Night on Saturday, Nov. 14th: Register now for an SSM annual tradition, Trivia Night! Grab your friends, bring snacks, and join us for a fun evening of competition, laughter, and community! Register Here.
- 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.
Community News
Spirit Wear Store Open Until Oct. 29th
Fresh Designs Available!
Jr. Skyhawk Tackle Football Team: Interest Form
The fall sports season is just wrapping up but it’s never too early to start planning for next year! Your SSM\Wenc tackle football team (Jr. SkyHawks) is already starting to put together interest for the 2027 season.
Students who are currently in 4th-7th grades, we have a team for you! Please fill out an interest form to stay informed. By filling out this form, you are not committing to anything. This just shows interest in the program. We will begin official registration in the Spring and close registration June 1, 2027. Questions: andrewbrooks@skuttcatholic.com Learn More: https://jr-skyhawks.square.site/.
Students who are currently in 4th-7th grades, we have a team for you! Please fill out an interest form to stay informed. By filling out this form, you are not committing to anything. This just shows interest in the program. We will begin official registration in the Spring and close registration June 1, 2027. Questions: andrewbrooks@skuttcatholic.com Learn More: https://jr-skyhawks.square.site/.
8th Grade Service Event at Duchesne
Join us for Duchesne Academy’s 8th Grade Service Event! 8th grade girls are invited to experience Duchesne Academy with an evening of service. Participants will tie blankets, create wreaths for assisted living residents, and reflect on the meaning of giving back, and learn from our students and Campus Ministry about Goal 3 of Sacred Heart education. Earn 3 service hours toward your confirmation requirement—or simply come to share in the spirit of the season!Friday, November 6th
6 - 9 PM at Duchesne Academy
3601 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131
Register: https://www.duchesneacademy.org/admissions/visit-duchesne
Creighton Prep Admissions Events
🎃 Trick or Treat with Prep (K-8): Monday, October 26
🏫 Open House (5-8): Sunday, November 1
🏀 8th Grade Fun Night: Friday, November 13
🎷 Future Jr. Jays Pep Band Night: Saturday, December 5
🏫 Open House (5-8): Sunday, November 1
🏀 8th Grade Fun Night: Friday, November 13
🎷 Future Jr. Jays Pep Band Night: Saturday, December 5
Important Upcoming Dates
- Oct. 22nd: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
- Oct. 23rd: No School
- Oct. 26th: Martyr Marathon Day Off - Thanks for supporting SSM!
- Fall Family Event at Valas
- Oct. 30th: Halloween Parties
- Nov. 4th: Chick Fil A Legacy Visits Morning Drop Off
- Nov. 6th: Home & School Adult Night Out at Heavy Brewing
- Veterans Day DDD for $1
- Nov. 11th: 2 PM Dismissal
- Veteran's Day Assembly at 9:30 AM
- Nov. 20th: Progress Reports
- Nov. 25-30th: Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 1: School Resumes