From the desk of Mr. Rehder...
Dear St. Stephen’s Families,
The beautiful, warm weather we’ve been having lately has been such a wonderful treat! With the sun shining and summer right around the corner, there is a fantastic energy around the school. I think it's safe to say we are all—students, parents, and staff alike—just a little bit excited to welcome those lazy summer days!
Today, we celebrated one of the most meaningful traditions here at St. Stephen’s—our annual Candle Passing ceremony. In this beautiful event, our 8th grade students symbolically passed the "Light of Leadership" to our 7th grade class, who will soon take their place as the leaders of our school. This tradition is truly woven into the fabric of who we are—a community built on faith, mentorship, and growth. Be sure to check out the attached photos capturing these special moments!
The beautiful, warm weather we’ve been having lately has been such a wonderful treat! With the sun shining and summer right around the corner, there is a fantastic energy around the school. I think it's safe to say we are all—students, parents, and staff alike—just a little bit excited to welcome those lazy summer days!
Today, we celebrated one of the most meaningful traditions here at St. Stephen’s—our annual Candle Passing ceremony. In this beautiful event, our 8th grade students symbolically passed the "Light of Leadership" to our 7th grade class, who will soon take their place as the leaders of our school. This tradition is truly woven into the fabric of who we are—a community built on faith, mentorship, and growth. Be sure to check out the attached photos capturing these special moments!
Looking ahead to this weekend, on Saturday, May 30th, we will gather as a community to honor our 8th grade graduates. The Graduation Mass and Ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM in the Church, with the diploma presentation to follow. All are welcome to attend and support our graduates as they take this important step in their journey. These students have grown in so many ways during their time here, and we’re incredibly proud of them.
Then next week, on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:00 AM, we invite families of our 6th and 7th grade students to join us for our Arts Festival! Under the guidance of Mrs. Kocher and Ms. Douglas, these students have poured time and creativity into beautiful music and pieces of artwork that will be on display. We’re so proud of their efforts and hope you’ll come and enjoy the gallery.
I am also excited to announce a brand-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 Wednesday, June 3rd at the conclusion of our school Mass.
And let’s not forget our littlest graduates! On Thursday, June 4th at 12:00 PM, we’ll hold our Preschool Graduation in the gym. It’s always a joyful and heartwarming event as we celebrate these young learners and all they’ve accomplished this year. Families and friends of our preschool students are warmly invited to attend.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership in making St. Stephen’s such a special place. May these final days of the school year be filled with joy, celebration, and God's abundant blessings.
With gratitude,
Gerald Rehder Principal, St. Stephen’s Catholic School
Then next week, on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:00 AM, we invite families of our 6th and 7th grade students to join us for our Arts Festival! Under the guidance of Mrs. Kocher and Ms. Douglas, these students have poured time and creativity into beautiful music and pieces of artwork that will be on display. We’re so proud of their efforts and hope you’ll come and enjoy the gallery.
I am also excited to announce a brand-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 Wednesday, June 3rd at the conclusion of our school Mass.
And let’s not forget our littlest graduates! On Thursday, June 4th at 12:00 PM, we’ll hold our Preschool Graduation in the gym. It’s always a joyful and heartwarming event as we celebrate these young learners and all they’ve accomplished this year. Families and friends of our preschool students are warmly invited to attend.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership in making St. Stephen’s such a special place. May these final days of the school year be filled with joy, celebration, and God's abundant blessings.
With gratitude,
Gerald Rehder Principal, St. Stephen’s Catholic School
HELP WANTED
We are looking to hire for the 2026-2027 school year:
We have the ability to combine some of these jobs into one position if desired! Tuition discount available to candidates with students enrolled in our K-8 school.
Please email Mr. Rehder @Gerald Rehder and Mrs. Staggert @Heidi Staggert if you are interested in joining our team!
Kitchen Assistant – 8am until 1pm
B.A.S.E. Assistant – 1:30pm until 6PM
Preschool Aftercare assistant – 2pm until 5pm
Lunch Supervision – 10:20am until 12:20pm
B.A.S.E. Assistant – 1:30pm until 6PM
Preschool Aftercare assistant – 2pm until 5pm
Lunch Supervision – 10:20am until 12:20pm
We have the ability to combine some of these jobs into one position if desired! Tuition discount available to candidates with students enrolled in our K-8 school.
Please email Mr. Rehder @Gerald Rehder and Mrs. Staggert @Heidi Staggert if you are interested in joining our team!
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/
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL & GOD SQUAD
VBS: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME AWAITS!
Are you ready to discover Holiness: The True Adventure?
This isn’t just another week of summer—it’s a quest to become the saint you are called to be! Join us for VBS 2026 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church for four days of non-stop excitement, faith, and fun.
Dates: July 6 – July 9
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Family Night: Wednesday, July 8 @ 5:30 PM (Dinner & Fun!)
Who: Preschool (Age 4) through entering 5th Grade in the Fall of 2026
Registration closes on June 4th.
Are you ready to trade the couch for the God Squad? We’re looking for leaders who want to do more than just volunteer—we want you to help us build the ultimate VBS experience for our elementary kids!
Why join God Squad?
- Level Up: Gain real leadership skills that look great on a resume.
- Deepen Your Faith: Grow closer to God through prayer, service & community.
- Make Connections: Find your people and build friendships that actually last.
- The Vibes: From the overnight training to the final family celebration, we’re making memories you'll be talking about all year.
Don't wait—registration closes June 4th! Are you in?
Here are the links to the registration:
God Squad: https://forms.gle/J2QNTAvBRaw8KTQ78
VOLUNTEER CORNER
ARTS FESTIVAL FOR
GRADES 6 AND 7
Friends and family of our 6th and 7th grade students are welcome to join us for the Annual Arts Festival! Please join us Tuesday, June 2, at 8 AM in the cafeteria to celebrate all the hard work these students have put in to their Music and Art classes.
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!
ARCHBISHOP'S PASTORAL LETTER TO FAMILIES
Please take a moment to read Archbishop Hebda's pastoral letter to families, Only One Thing is Necessary.
ANGEL AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to this week's Angel Award Winners Kinley, Asher and Averie have been rewarded with a Buffalo Wild Wings meal and an Out of Uniform Pass. Thank you, students, for making our school a better place to be!
YEARBOOKS
St. Stephen's School YEARBOOKS were handed out to all students who ordered one. If your child did not receive one, and would like one, please send in $20 to the office to purchase one. We have extra copies available.
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
29: 7th grade field trip30: 8th grade GRADUATION after 5 PM Mass
JUNE
1: Senior Day
4: Preschool End-of-Year Program
4: Last Day of School!
