What an exciting time to be part of our community! Last weekend’s Pumpkin Fest was a wonderful success for both our parish and school. The weather was crisp and cool—perfect for a fall evening—and it was heartwarming to see so many families enjoying the Trunk or Treat, Bean Bag Tournament, Mexican Food Tent, and all the fun kids’ activities. It was truly a great night of community and fellowship here at St. Stephen’s, and a beautiful reflection of the spirit that makes our school so special.

We also wrapped up another great round of Fall Conferences this week! Thank you to all our parents and teachers for the meaningful conversations about student growth, goals, and support. These are such valuable opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school, and your engagement makes all the difference.

Over MEA Break, many of our 7th and 8th grade students, along with parents and chaperones Mr. Evavold, Ms. Berchem, Ms. Douglas, Mrs. Theisen, and Ms. Thiel, had the incredible opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. They experienced our nation’s history firsthand—touring monuments, museums, and memorials—and represented St. Stephen’s beautifully throughout the trip. We’re so proud of the way they carried themselves and grateful for the adults who helped make the trip possible!

As you know, Anoka, MN is the Halloween Capital of the World, and our school is right in the heart of it!  This week, we’re joining in the community fun with classroom parties and the Big Parade of Little People! If you’d like to watch our 1st–5th grade students walk in the parade down Main Street, it begins at 1:15 PM. Please check your child’s classroom newsletter for details about costumes, party times, and parade instructions, as these differ by grade.

A friendly reminder: this Saturday, our school will have a float in the Grand Day Parade in Downtown Anoka! Be sure to wave and cheer for our students as they ride on the float, and all the staff and parents walking along the float—it’s always a fun highlight of the community celebration.

Lastly, a reminder that next Friday, October 31, is officially Halloween! Students may wear orange and black for the day, or they may come in their regular uniform. No one will be in costumes this day.

Thank you all for continuing to make St. Stephen’s such a vibrant and faith-filled community — these events are a reflection of your ongoing support and love for our school.

Mr. Rehder
Principal

All 5-8th grade students!  Now is the time to sign up for Girls Basketball and Wrestling!  Please click on the link below to fill out a form.  Cost is $125 for the season.  We are still looking for B-squad and JV Basketball coaches!!

The annual Grande Day parade is Saturday, 10/25 at 1 pm. Calling all Grande Day Parade float peeps to join in the fun with our St. Stephen’s float! We are looking for 15-20 adults and kiddos to walk in the parade and/or sit on the float (Age 10 or younger). This is SO much fun and we would love your help. Check out the portal to sign up! Details on when and where to meet will follow.

Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions! Thank you for ALL you do for our school community!

Looking for extra academic support for your child? Ms. Furness will be offering a Homework Help Group after school at St. Stephen’s on Wednesdays from 2:10–2:55 p.m.

This group is open to 1st–4th grade students and runs from October 29th - 

through December 17^th with an opportunity to renew your sign up after Christmas Break. 

The cost is $20 per week. After sign-ups close, families will receive a calendar outlining their student’s session dates.

🗓 Sign-ups are open until October 24th! Please use the link below:

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Furness directly at kfurness@ststephenchurch.org.  Ms. Furness looks forward to helping your child grow and succeed this fall!

✨ Bring the spirit. Build the strength. Be part of the team! ✨

Why Join Cheer?
 ✔️ Improves strength, flexibility & fitness
 ✔️ Builds teamwork, leadership, discipline & confidence
 ✔️ Helps reduce stress & strengthens mental resilience
 ✔️ Promotes school spirit & a sense of belonging

Learn how resilience is built through everyday moments, not just in times of crisis. You’ll practice Family Storytelling, the Plan B Game, and Micro-Challenges to help kids become confident problem-solvers. Take home a Family Resilience Journal template to record growth moments.

Our Annual Bake Sale during our Craft Fair is Saturday, November 22, 2025. Donations needed! We will need lots of baked goods to make this a successful event! 

Please label your items and have them packaged to sell (ziploc bags, sturdy paper plates inside freezer bags or disposable clear containers). Packages of 6-12 are recommended.  We will price your donated items at the school.

Bring your items to the hallway outside the Parent Resource Room (enter through the main school doors) on Friday, November 21st by 5 PM, or Saturday, November 22nd between 8 - 10 AM to the bake sale tables. 

Remember, the more you bake, the more we make for St Stephen’s School!

All K-8 students are eating for free this year.  Preschool students will need to pay for their lunch.  If your K-8 student orders an extra entree, or extra milk, the prices below will apply.  

24:  Big Parade of the Little People 1:15 PM

25:  Grand Day Parade in Anoka - Look for the St. Stephen's School Float!!

1:  All Saints Day

6:  Picture Retake Day & Tues/Thurs Preschool Picture Day

7-9:  8th Grade Confirmation Retreat

11:  Veteran's Day Parade

15/16:  Drama Performances at Totino-Grace

20:  Preschool Open House

21:  Food Brigade

22:  Craft Fair

24-28:  NO SCHOOL - Blessed Thanksgiving Week

A GIANT THANK YOU to Dehn's Pumpkin Patch for donating straw bales, corn stalks, and pumpkins for our Pumpkin Fest last weekend!  We so appreciate the decorations!  If you are looking for a FUN event to do with your family, please check out Dehn's Pumpkin Patch!  They have a GIANT corn pit, inflatables, a giant slide, smaller slides, hay rides, and pedal tractors!  For an extra fee, they also have pony rides, gourd launchers, and tiny train rides!  Cost is $12 per person on the weekends, and $8 per person weekdays.