Well, winter certainly made its presence known this week! Between the snowfall and the chilly temperatures, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here. Even with the cold, it’s wonderful to see our students bundled up, laughing at recess, and bringing so much joy into the building as we continue our Advent journey together.

Looking ahead, our Annual Preschool–5th grade Advent Concert is coming up next Monday, December 15th at 6:00 PM in the church. Students may begin being dropped off at 5:45 PM. This evening is always one of my favorites—seeing our students dressed up and singing with such heart reminds us what Advent is truly about: hope, preparation, and joy. After the concert, everyone is welcome to stay for cookies and conversation in the gathering space. It should be a wonderful night for our whole community.

We will also host our 4th–8th Grade Band Concert immediately following our school Mass on Wednesday, December 17th. Mrs. Amy Nelson and our talented band students have been working hard, and their performance usually runs about half an hour. It’s a beautiful way to continue celebrating the gifts of our students during this season.

A gentle reminder about winter dress: Monday through Thursday, the only approved sweatshirts during the school day are the official crewneck school-logo sweatshirts or the long-sleeve full-zip fleece with the school crest (see below) If a student arrives out of dress code, we may contact families to provide a change of clothing. We also have plenty of crewneck sweatshirts and some fleece zip-ups available for purchase in the office, which can be charged to your TADS account if needed. Thank you for helping us maintain a consistent and respectful uniform standard.

I also want to take a moment to thank our entire school community for the way you supported this year’s Christmas Basket program. Every class played a role—through donations, organizing items, or helping with the Food Brigade—and together, our school made a meaningful impact for families right here in our community. Donna Jorgensen, our parish Christmas Basket Coordinator, shared this message for all of you:

Thank you again for your generosity and for showing our students what it means to live our faith through action.

As we enter the final stretch before Christmas break, I’m grateful for the spirit, generosity, and joy that make St. Stephen’s such a special place. Let’s continue to prepare our hearts as we await the coming of Christ, and may this Advent season be a blessing to your families.

Mr. Rehder, Principal

Parents, please check your family lunch account balance on the front page of your Educate account.  Remember, charges will incur if your child receives EXTRAS, or orders MILK without a meal.  You can deposit lunch money here: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z95J/campaign/C-13FQ9

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.

Hello St. Stephen’s families! Ms. Furness is excited to offer Homework Help Club on Wednesdays from 2:10–2:55 PM throughout the second trimester for students in 1^st-4^th grade. Sessions will begin on Wednesday, January 14th and continue through Wednesday, March 4th.

The cost is $20 per week, and space is limited—be sure to reserve your spot before registration closes on Friday, December 19th.

To register, please complete the Google Form at the link below:
 >>Homework Help Club Trimester 2 Sign-Up<<

After registration closes, a full calendar of Homework Help Club dates will be shared with participating families. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Furness at KFurness@ststephenchurch.org.

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 1^st 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

Congratulations to this week's Angel Award Winners: Audrey R., Natalia N., and Natalia J.  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!

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.

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.

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.  

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

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