St. Stephen Catholic School
May 9, 2024
Important updates in this week's Tidbits
Festival of the Arts
Middle School Social
PTCO End of Year Celebration
Scholarship Information
PTCO Uniform Exchange
Volunteer Opportunities
SSCS Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer Camp Registration
Jesuit Theatre Summer Camp
Tampa Catholic Cheer Youth Camp
USF Summer Reading Program
Tampa Catholic Lacrosse Summer Camp
Principal's Points
Good Afternoon St. Stephen Families!
As we approach the end of another wonderful school year, I am reminded of all the achievements and memorable moments we've shared. This year has been filled with much growth, learning, and laughter. Our students have shown remarkable dedication to their studies, and their hard work has paid off. Whether mastering a new math concept, excelling in a science experiment, or showcasing their artistic talents, each accomplishment is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
As we enter the last two weeks of school, excitement is in the air. Our calendar is filled with activities and events designed to celebrate the achievements of our students and the strong sense of community that defines our school. Today is one of those events and I hope you can attend. The hall is filled with beautiful artwork created by our students and I look forward to an entertaining performance by 5th grade and the Drama Club. Over the next two weeks, we have the middle school social, graduation events, the talent show, and the end-of-year bash.
As we prepare to say goodbye to another school year, we're also filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. I want to express my gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Whether you're a parent, teacher, staff member, or student, your contributions have helped make this school year truly unforgettable.
Thank you to our NJHS (and many other middle school students) for working tirelessly to assemble the 370 wooden roses purchased by our families. Thank you to everyone for making this a success.
I wish all the moms a very Happy Mother's Day and may you all be blessed with a day filled with joy and happiness.
Peace,
Linda Umoh
Upcoming Events
May 6-10 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 8-9 - 8th Grade Math Final Exam
May 9 - Festival of the Arts
May 10 - Marvelous Mustang
May 10 - Middle School Social
May 11-12 - Holy Card Uniform Weekend
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 12 - Ascension of Jesus
May 13 - Holy Card Free Dress
May 13-14 - 8th Grade Trip to St. Augustine
May 16 - 8th Grade Brunch
May 17 - Last Day of School for PreK
May 17 - 8th Grade Graduation
May 19 - Pentecost Sunday
May 20 - Uniform Exchange
May 20-21 - 6th and 7th Grade Final Exams
May 24 - Last Day of School
May 24 - End of Year Celebration
May 24 - Noon Dismissal/NO AFTERNOON EXTENDED DAY CARE
2024-25 School Calendar Dates
First Day of School August 12
Thanksgiving Break November 25 - 29
Christmas Break December 23 - January 3
Lent Pause March 17-21
Easter Break April 18 - 22
Click HERE to Volunteer
Joke of the week
Why can’t the duck go to the comedy show?
See below for the answer.
Game On
PTCO treated teachers and staff to a "Game On" week in appreciation for all they do. Each day was a delicious treat and all enjoyed paying Bingo while eating a terrific chicken and salad luncheon. One day was everything sweet, another was speciality popcorn; just the way you like it. And of course, one morning was the smell of coffee with bacon and eggs. Thanks to the PTCO and Vylam, Teacher Appreciation Week was amazingly tasteful!
Scholarship Information
Now OPEN Renewal and New Application Scholarships: Families should have received emails to renew their scholarships! New Applications are open too!
Once you have renewed or filled out the new application your student will be awarded an AWARD ID NUMBER. This may take up to two weeks.
REMEMBER TO EMAIL the AWARD ID NUMBER
to gleung@sscsfl.org. This Award ID Number needs to be given to me before June 15th, 2024.
To find the student's Award ID, the parent/guardian should log into their EMA account and follow the below steps. Please click here to watch a video about locating Award IDs or view the screenshots below.
- Click on "My Students"
- Click on "View" by the student's name
- Scroll down to view the student's Award ID
Angels Silent Auction Winner
Our sincere thanks to the McLaughlin Family for supporting Angels with the highest winning bid for " Front Office Helper for the Day." Zachary enjoyed his time helping Karen and commented that he did not realize how busy the front office is! After a busy morning, Zachary enjoyed a pizza lunch with his friend, Julian.
Florida Bishops Letter to Vote NO on Amendment 4
Click HERE
Students Completed Their Elective "Newsletter"
Several 6,7 and 8 grade students learned about the history and workings of a newspaper in their Spring Elective.They also contributed to "A Mustang Publication" with personal stories, student interviews and summer puzzles. The students are excited to share their publication with school families. Reading "Summer Madness" will make you anxious to travel, go to the beach and enjoy the lazy hazy days of summer.
Click HERE for the Mustang Summer Madness Publication
Items Needed for PreK3
PreK3 needs large cleaned prescription bottles. If you have any please drop them off at the Office.
Mustang Sports
MUSTANG SPORTS:
The St. Stephen Sports Awards Night is next Wednesday, May 15, from 5:00-7:00 pm in the FLC. We will be celebrating and recognizing all of the student-athletes and their accomplishments for the 2023-24 sports year. An RSVP was emailed and sent home to all of the student-athletes and their families. Pizza, drinks, and cake will be provided. The food and drinks will start at 5:00 pm and the awards ceremony will start at 5:45 pm. Please return your RSVP to the office by this Friday, May 10, so we have an accurate count for the number of attendees. Thank you.
The St. Stephen Sports Summer Camp Flyers and Registration Links are in Tidbits. Soccer camp for grades 5-8 is June 17-21 and for grades 1-4 is July 22-26. Basketball camp is July 15-19 and volleyball camp is July 22-26. The deadline for the 5th-8th grade soccer camp is just over two weeks away on Friday, May 24. Registrations will be accepted after May 24th, but the proper camp shirt size can't be assured. The deadline to register for the sports camps in July is Friday, June 21, to assure the proper camp shirt size.
GO MUSTANGS
Coach Green
The St. Stephen Sports Summer Camp Flyers and Registration Links are in Tidbits. Soccer camp for grades 5-8 is June 17-21 and for grades 1-4 is July 22-26. Basketball camp is July 15-19 and volleyball camp is July 22-26. The deadline for the 5th-8th grade soccer camp is just over two weeks away on Friday, May 24. Registrations will be accepted after May 24th, but the proper camp shirt size can't be assured. The deadline to register for the sports camps in July is Friday, June 21, to assure the proper camp shirt size.
GO MUSTANGS
Coach Green
When signing up please mention Anna C., thank you!
Summer Reading Skills Program
The University of South Florida Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education will be offering a series of summer reading skills programs taught by instructors from the Institute of Reading Development. The programs start for 4-year-olds entering Kindergarten and go up to students entering the 10th grade. Families can choose between classes offered in Brandon at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church or on campus at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
For more information, call 1-800-499-8557 or visit https://readingprograms.org/. Click HERE for the Flyer or the flyer can also be found outside the school office.
ANSWER to the Joke of the Week:
Because he’ll quack up.
COVID 19 Decision Tree
Safe Environment Training and Fingerprints
Everyone needs updated safe environment training and fingerprints in order to volunteer in the school or to chaperone a field trip. Safe environment and fingerprints are good for 5 years. Attached here are the instructions on how to get your safe environment certificate and to have your fingerprints done. If you have any questions please contact Karen Biase at kbiase@sscsfl.org or call the front office at ext. 1100. Click the link for information here regarding fingerprints. Click for the live link here. For the safe environment click here for the live link .
Check out our
Mustang News morning show!
You can join our Mustang News team each morning at 7:50 as we stream live on YouTube to begin the day with prayers, the pledge of allegiance, and news. Subscribe to our channel here.
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Mission Statement
St. Stephen Catholic School is devoted to inspiring students to achieve their full academic potential while demonstrating a desire to continue Jesus' mission by applying Catholic morals, beliefs, values, and practices in their everyday lives. We are committed to motivating students to sustain a lifelong love of learning.