A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear families,
I can’t express enough how grateful I am to have your children in the classrooms. It was a very long five months last Spring without them here. I realize that none of this is easy with the health directives, but we do appreciate that our families are taking the directives seriously and keeping children home if they present “symptoms” or do not feel well. We have worked really hard to arrange our desks 6 ft apart, maintain social-distancing during the school day, sanitize space and objects, and practice hand-washing. The response from our students and families is overwhelmingly supportive. Our kids love being in school and we love having them here! Although we have worked to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we realize that we will have some positive cases, and we will need to respond according to the health directives.
On a positive note, I am loving my visits to the classrooms. The teachers are doing amazing things every day, and your children are genuinely happy and eager to learn. Students began attending and participating in Mass, and both Father Dave and Father Padraic have commented on how wonderful it is to see our students back in the church with their classmates. We started STAR assessments last week (grades K-8) and will finish within the next week. These assessments will provide information with specific data about each student in both reading and math skills. The data will be used to individualize and guide instruction. Our math teachers participated in a workshop last Friday with other archdiocese math teachers focused on “Making Sense of Mathematics For Teachers”. They will continue throughout the year with this professional development program. As a staff, we attended the “Taking Time for You” workshop on Friday afternoon (via ZOOM). The workshop was led by Tina Boogren, author of “Taking Time for You: Self-Care and Action Plans for Educators”. It was a much needed session, and I think our teachers really appreciated the time to learn about ways to de-stress and relax during this unconventional school year.
Our Home and School is working hard to prepare for the Martyr Marathon this year. This is the school’s biggest fundraising event. Please do everything you can to support this event because the donations help the school fund technology needs, instructional materials, and new programs. With added COVID-19 expenses, we certainly appreciate any extra funding for the school budget and our student needs.
I will continue to update you with information weekly. Also, the website will update with information about COVID-19 as we get it. You will soon find a new document that outlines quarantine and new health guidelines.
My prayers are always with you, and I appreciate your support and commitment to our school!
Mrs. Perrault
Save the Date
16th Annual Martyr Marathon
Thursday, October 1st at 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Martyr Marathon is our Home & School Association’s largest fundraiser of the year. Students earn money for the school by walking the marathon route. Students are encouraged to collect pledges from family, friends, neighbors or businesses to support their effort. Donors then pledge a flat donation in support of our school. Funds raised allows our Home & School Association to continue funding programs and events that help make our school an outstanding educational institution for our children, including technology upgrades, teacher grants, student scholarships and much more.
Fundraising begins Wednesday, September 16th and will continue until the date of the Martyr Marathon on Thursday, October 1st.
Look for an email next week with more details, instructions for setting up your family's PledgeStar page to begin fundraising, and information about the prizes, prizes, and more prizes!
Thank you for your support!
More updates from Home and School Association
Classroom Coordinators Needed!
We have an immediate need for Classroom Coordinators in 3rd and 5th, 7th & 8th grade classrooms. Learn more and sign up at school.stephen.org/volunteer
Welcome Signs
Attention TK, Kindergarten & New SSM Families: Are you done with your “Welcome to SSM” yard sign and looking for a way to recycle it? We can help! Just leave it in the North entry on the left (East) side of the breezeway. We’ll recycle any that are no longer usable and save any in good condition for next year’s new students. Not ready to part with yours? No problem - it’s yours to keep if you’d like!
Reserve Your 2020-2021 Yearbook Today
Edge for Middle School Kicks Off Next Week
Let’s put the “social” in Social Distancing with a party to launch a new year of Youth Ministry! We can’t mask our excitement about being with everyone again. Join us for a night of food, community building games and activities that may or may not involve pool noodles and lima beans, and even a face mask decorating competition. The night will end with a special reflective prayer and challenge for our youth as we move forward!
Edge (Grades 6-8) will meet in the Dining Room on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 PM beginning Tuesday, September 15th.
There is no cost to attend our weekly gatherings. Come when and as often as you can. Annual parent waiver is required. Complete today at: www.smartwaiver.com/v/ssmym2020.
For more information contact Laura Bogue, Youth Ministry Director, at l.bogue@stephen or (402) 861-4509.
From our Parish: A few upcoming Adult Faith Formation & Fellowship opportunities
Martyr Moms Fellowship Night
Come join other moms from St. Stephen the Martyr in the parking lot by the GPC on Sunday, September 13th at 7pm for a night of fellowship. Bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather we will meet in the dining room. Please bring a mask in case social distancing is not possible.
Men's Group
St. Stephen the Martyr Men's Group, Iron Sharpens Iron (formerly known as That Man is You), is back and kicking off with the first meeting on Friday, September 18th! All men are invited! Join as we watch and discuss Into the Breach. This group will meet Friday mornings from 6-7 AM. Both in-person and virtual options are available. Sign up and & learn more at: stephen.org/iron-sharpens-iron