"Before attending St Stephen’s School, my child struggled with social confidence and was hesitant to participate in class. Since enrolling, we have seen an amazing transformation. The supportive teachers created a nurturing environment that allowed her to thrive. A specific example that stands out is when she volunteered to read a book in front of her class, something I never imagined she would do a year ago. The school's emphasis on character development has not only improved her interactions with peers but has also made our family life less stressful. We are so grateful for this community and highly recommend it to any parent looking for a school that truly 'gets' their child."
-New St. Stephen's School Parent
From the desk of Mr. Rehder...
Dear Parents,
As we continue moving through this season of Advent—a time meant to slow us down, refocus our hearts, and remind us of the hope we have in Christ—I hope you and your families are finding small moments of peace in the midst of the cold December weather. Even on the darker days, there is something about Advent that brings a sense of quiet joy to our school, and I’m grateful to witness that each day.
We kicked off our morning with Middle School Spirit Day, recognizing students for their strong effort in academics, positive behavior, leadership, and participation in activities during Trimester 1. It’s always one of my favorite gatherings because it gives us a chance to celebrate the everyday hard work our kids put in. I’ve included a couple of photos in the newsletter so you can share in the moment with them.
I also want to update you about Mrs. Croteau. Many of you have been asking about her, and I truly appreciate the kindness our community continues to show. Please keep Mrs. Croteau and her family in your prayers as she continues to recover. After ongoing conversations and careful consideration, it has been determined that she will not be able to continue in her role as our PE/Health teacher. We are grateful for the work and energy she has invested in our students during her time at St. Stephen’s, and we sincerely wish her the very best in her continued recovery and in all that lies ahead for her.
With this change, Mr. Kellace McDaniel has generously agreed to stay on for the remainder of the school year, and I will continue serving as the school’s Athletic Director. We are thankful for the stability this brings to our students and programs.
A quick note for next week: School Mass will take place on MONDAY, December 8th, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Because of this liturgical feast day, there will be no School Mass next Wednesday. Thank you for helping your children come prepared for Mass on Monday morning.
As we enter deeper into Advent, I hope your homes are filled with moments of warmth, laughter, and a little extra grace. Thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting us with your children each day.
Blessings,
Mr. Rehder, Principal
COLD WEATHER REMINDERS
Please dress your child appropriately for outdoor recess. Indoor recess will occur when temperatures/wind chill fall below 0°, or it’s raining. Students in grade Preschool - 5th grade will need coats, hats, mittens, snow pants and boots daily for outdoor recess. This rule also applies for our school patrols.
ADVENT CONCERT REMINDERS
As our Christmas Program approaches, here are a couple of reminders. The Program will take place on Monday, December 15th at 6:00 pm in the Church.
Students should arrive no earlier than 5:45 in their designated FCC room where their teachers will meet them. That is also the place to pick up your student(s) and their jackets. Kindergarten and 1st grade should be picked up from the pews in church after the program has finished!!!
There will be a dress rehearsal at 12:30 pm that day and is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Students are asked to wear their “Sunday Best” for the program that evening.
Boys: Nice pants, dress shoes, and a nice shirt, sweater, etc. Any color is fine.
Girls: Skirt and top, dress or nice pants are fine. Leggings are okay as long as the top is long and extends onto the leg. All outfits must have sleeves that cover the shoulder. Girls may wear a sleeveless top or dress as long as it is covered by a sweater or jacket or a shirt is worn underneath.
Clothes not okay for the program (boys and girls): jeans, sports jerseys, sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts or hoodies, and tennis shoes.
If you have any further questions or concerns my email is hdouglas@ststephenchurch.org.
Thank you and I am looking forward to a wonderful evening full of song!
Ms. Douglas
Music Teacher
ANGEL AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to this week's Angel Award Winners: Taylor and Benson. They have been recognized for making our school a better place to be! Enjoy your out of uniform pass, and a free meal at Buffalo Wild Wings!
VOLUNTEER NEWS
Happy December Volunteers -
We are definitely in the winter mode - chilly, but beautiful! :-)
Thank YOU all for your generous gift of time and talents you gave to our Holiday Boutique. We cannot do these big events without your help – and it shows!
*** WE APPRECIATE & THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT OF TIME***
Have you been able to fulfill your minimum requirement of 10 hours of volunteer time yet this year? Please see our current needs below! Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
CHECK out the volunteer portal for the following:
*Daily needs include Breakfast, Lunch, Recess, Virtual Academy.
*Winter Sports – Boys Basketball home games – evening concessions, record book and scoreboard opportunities! Wrestling coming soon!
We are encouraging/asking ALL families to give a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time to our school/church community! Please be sure you are Virtus Trained (see requirements below). Always, thank you for your partnership in making this such an amazing community!
Please reach out with ANY questions! Thank you so much!
Mrs. Novinska - Volunteer Coordinator
NON-UNIFORM PASSES FOR SALE
Non-uniform passes are once again for sale in the school office! They make great Christmas gifts! They are $5 each, or 5 for $20. Maximum of FIVE per child.
CANDY CANE DONATIONS
As a service project for Advent this year, we are asking each student to donate 1 box of red and white candy canes. We will tie an Advent message of faith around the canes to spread the Good News of Jesus’s birth. Please bring in one box by Monday, December 15th. Thank you for donating!
LOST AND FOUND OVERFLOWING
Our Lost and Found is once again OVERFLOWING! If you are missing a hat, mitten, jacket, boot, or a piece of uniform clothing, it is most likely in the Lost and Found bin. Please come in and take a peek when your pick up or drop off your child! The bin is located inside the front doors of the school.
TOTINO-GRACE 10 MINUTE PLAY AUDITIONS
LUNCHROOM NEWS
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.
Lunch prices for 2025 are as follows:
Preschool students: $4.25
Adults: $5.00
Extras: $2.00
Milk: $.75
To ensure a consistent and safe environment for all our students, we will no longer permit the use of restaurant carry-out food for lunch, regardless of the reason. However, you are welcome to sign in at the office and join your child in the cafeteria to sit together, or purchase an adult lunch (please call the office in the morning to place your lunch order) to share the experience. Thank you for your understanding and support as we move forward with this change.
Reminder: Per the St. Stephen's Handbook, POP AND ENERGY DRINKS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the cafeteria. If they are brought into the cafeteria, they will be thrown away immediately.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER
15: Advent Program in the Church. 12:30 PM Dress Rehearsal / 6 PM Program
17: Band Concert after Mass
20: First Reconciliation at Church
24 - Jan. 2: Christmas and New Years Break
JANUARY
5: Welcome Back to School!
5: Middle School Information Night for current 4th and 5th grade parents
19: MLK Day - No School
20: Kindergarten Round Up Day
