From the desk of Mr. Rehder...
Dear St. Stephen’s School Families,
What a whirlwind of joy we’ve experienced on campus this week. From the quiet moments of prayer on Wednesday to the excitement building for tomorrow’s celebration, our school community has been a vibrant example of faith and hard work in action.
As we head into the weekend, I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all our moms, grandmothers, and those who play a mothering role in our students' lives. Whether you are currently in the thick of school drop-offs and packed lunches, or watching your children grow into independent leaders, please know how much we value you. You are the primary educators of your children's hearts, and it is our greatest honor to partner with you in that mission.
Speaking of Mother’s Day, our kindergarten students are incredibly excited for the annual Mother’s Day Tea tomorrow. This has been a cherished tradition for our kindergarten families for many years, and it is always a highlight of the spring. A huge thank you to Ms. Fiedler and Mrs. Jensen for organizing this memorable event and for all the work they put into making it special for our youngest students and their moms.
In addition to the tea, we have another big celebration tomorrow. You did it! I am beyond proud to announce that because of your incredible efforts with the Catholic United Financial Raffle, we surpassed our goal and raised a staggering $57,860. To celebrate this win, the Big Bell Ice Cream Truck will be visiting during all student recesses tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the kids' faces as they pick out their treats. Thank you for your amazing investment in our school; your support truly makes a world of difference.
Our campus felt particularly holy this past Wednesday as well. It was a privilege to honor our volunteers during Mass—quite simply, we couldn't do what we do without your hands and hearts. The morning continued with our beautiful May Crowning led by our second graders, followed by a moving Family Rosary led by Student Council. Seeing our students and families united in devotion to our Blessed Mother was a powerful reminder of the strength found in our shared faith.
What a whirlwind of joy we’ve experienced on campus this week. From the quiet moments of prayer on Wednesday to the excitement building for tomorrow’s celebration, our school community has been a vibrant example of faith and hard work in action.
As we head into the weekend, I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all our moms, grandmothers, and those who play a mothering role in our students' lives. Whether you are currently in the thick of school drop-offs and packed lunches, or watching your children grow into independent leaders, please know how much we value you. You are the primary educators of your children's hearts, and it is our greatest honor to partner with you in that mission.
Speaking of Mother’s Day, our kindergarten students are incredibly excited for the annual Mother’s Day Tea tomorrow. This has been a cherished tradition for our kindergarten families for many years, and it is always a highlight of the spring. A huge thank you to Ms. Fiedler and Mrs. Jensen for organizing this memorable event and for all the work they put into making it special for our youngest students and their moms.
In addition to the tea, we have another big celebration tomorrow. You did it! I am beyond proud to announce that because of your incredible efforts with the Catholic United Financial Raffle, we surpassed our goal and raised a staggering $57,860. To celebrate this win, the Big Bell Ice Cream Truck will be visiting during all student recesses tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the kids' faces as they pick out their treats. Thank you for your amazing investment in our school; your support truly makes a world of difference.
Our campus felt particularly holy this past Wednesday as well. It was a privilege to honor our volunteers during Mass—quite simply, we couldn't do what we do without your hands and hearts. The morning continued with our beautiful May Crowning led by our second graders, followed by a moving Family Rosary led by Student Council. Seeing our students and families united in devotion to our Blessed Mother was a powerful reminder of the strength found in our shared faith.
I am also excited to announce a new tradition in partnership with the Knights of Columbus Anoka Council 2018: the first annual Teachers of the Year Award. This award will honor two educators—one from PreK through 5th Grade and one from our Middle School and Specialist team. These recipients are chosen by their own peers, rooted in the mutual respect our staff has for one another. We want to thank Grand Knight Tom Matlon and John Loes for their work in making this a reality. Please join us as we present these inaugural awards on June 3 at the conclusion of our school Mass.
Finally, a massive thank you for spoiling our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your generosity with meals, treats, and surprises fueled our team all week long. We have an amazing team here, and being able to shower them with a little extra love was a joy for all of us.
Finally, a massive thank you for spoiling our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your generosity with meals, treats, and surprises fueled our team all week long. We have an amazing team here, and being able to shower them with a little extra love was a joy for all of us.
On a personal note, I’m trying to keep the faith with our local teams right now. I am still holding out hope that the Wild can play some better defense and turn their playoff series around against the Avalanche. As for the Timberwolves, last night’s Game 2 was a tough one to swallow after that great Game 1 win, but I’m hoping they can shake off the loss and find that rhythm again as the series continues. There is still a lot of basketball left to play!
Thank you for your continued prayers and for being the heart of the St. Stephen’s family.
God Bless,
Mr. Rehder, Principal
Thank you for your continued prayers and for being the heart of the St. Stephen’s family.
God Bless,
Mr. Rehder, Principal
ARCADE FUN
It's that FUN time of year again! Our middle school students created arcade games for the entire school to play! Students in grade K-5 have had so much fun playing Punch-It, Plink-O, Connect 4 Basketball and Dr. Pepper Throw to name a few.
ENROLL NOW FOR 2026-27 SPANISH
🎉 'Tis the season to learn SPANISH!
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!
💲 Register by 6/7 and receive $15 off tuition
📆 Celebrate Spanish in every season — join us for a brand-new theme!
📌 Don’t miss this valuable opportunity for your student to build Spanish skills in a fun, interactive bilingual classroom.
Enroll today: https://futuraadventures.com/minnesota-region/
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Hello SS Volunteer Community!
It was so great to see many of you at the Volunteer Appreciation Mass! We are truly blessed to have such an amazing community of volunteers
CHECK out the volunteer portal link: SS.Anoka.onvol for the following:
*Daily needs include morning parking lot coverage, Breakfast, Lunch & Recess coverage.
Middle School Dance – Thursday, 5/21 6:30 - 8:30 Chaperones, pop and cups needed!
You must be Virtus Trained prior to volunteering! (see requirements below).
Reminder – we are asking every family to contribute a minimum of 10 hours to our school/church community.
If you have any questions about volunteering, requirements, your portal, etc., please do not hesitate to contact me!
Barb Novinska
bnovinska@ststephenchurch.org
It was so great to see many of you at the Volunteer Appreciation Mass! We are truly blessed to have such an amazing community of volunteers
CHECK out the volunteer portal link: SS.Anoka.onvol for the following:
*Daily needs include morning parking lot coverage, Breakfast, Lunch & Recess coverage.
Middle School Dance – Thursday, 5/21 6:30 - 8:30 Chaperones, pop and cups needed!
You must be Virtus Trained prior to volunteering! (see requirements below).
Reminder – we are asking every family to contribute a minimum of 10 hours to our school/church community.
If you have any questions about volunteering, requirements, your portal, etc., please do not hesitate to contact me!
Barb Novinska
bnovinska@ststephenchurch.org
SPANISH OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MAY 17
VOICE LESSONS
Mrs. Douglas will be teaching voice lessons over the summer to anyone in grades 5-8. If you are interested, please contact her at hdouglas@ststephenchurch.org for more details.
SUMMER TUTORING
Looking for academic support for your child over the summer? Look no further!
Ms. Furness is offering tutoring for students in Kindergarten-4th grade (during the 2025-2026 school year) in the areas of Reading and Math. Sessions will last for one hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
Spots are limited—registration is open now through Friday, May 29th. Secure your child’s place and set them up for success this summer! Click on the link below to sign up:
After registration closes, a schedule will be created and communicated with you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Furness directly: kfurness@ststephenchurch.org. I look forward to a summer learning adventure!
Ms. Furness is offering tutoring for students in Kindergarten-4th grade (during the 2025-2026 school year) in the areas of Reading and Math. Sessions will last for one hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
Spots are limited—registration is open now through Friday, May 29th. Secure your child’s place and set them up for success this summer! Click on the link below to sign up:
After registration closes, a schedule will be created and communicated with you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Furness directly: kfurness@ststephenchurch.org. I look forward to a summer learning adventure!
SUMMER CAMPS AT MOORE THAN DANCE
Check out these neat performing arts classes at the Moore Than Dance studio! To sign up, just click on the link: https://www.moorethandance.com/
MAY WEBINAR FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Navigating Friendships, Social Skills, and Bullying
Coach your child to build healthy friendships
Understand the stages of friendship development and how to guide your child’s social life without micromanaging. Tools include Friendship Mapping, Role-Play Repair, and Three-Way Problem-Solving. You’ll leave with a Healthy Friendship Traits checklist and conversation starters.
May 14, 7 PM
https://calendly.com/drjulesnolan/navigating-friendships-social-skills-and-bullying
Coach your child to build healthy friendships
Understand the stages of friendship development and how to guide your child’s social life without micromanaging. Tools include Friendship Mapping, Role-Play Repair, and Three-Way Problem-Solving. You’ll leave with a Healthy Friendship Traits checklist and conversation starters.
May 14, 7 PM
https://calendly.com/drjulesnolan/navigating-friendships-social-skills-and-bullying
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 2025/26 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
MAY
8: CUF Raffle Reward - Ice Cream Truck10: 8th Grade Confirmation at the St. Paul Cathedral
11-15: 7th Grade Canoe Building
12: Preschool Field Trip
12: Grades 4-5 Field Trip
13: 3-5 Arts Festival after Mass / DARE Graduation
17: Spanish Open House
20: Spring Band Concert
21: Middle School Dance
