St. Stephen Catholic School
April 23, 2026
Important updates in this week's Tidbits
Re-enrollment Documents
25th Anniversary Parade
Spirit Night
Volunteer Opportunities
Principal's Points
Good afternoon, St. Stephen Families.
Thank you to everyone who came to the PTCO General meeting this week. A special thank you to Mrs. Moretuzzo for presenting her great ideas for our Fall Fundraiser next year. I am excited about it and grateful for those who have already jumped in to help.
Congratulations to the new members of the PTCO Executive Board for the 2026-27 school year. Below are the new members:
President Vanessa Hernandez
Vice President Elizabeth Pitcher-Gorey
Treasurer Kathleen Bikus
Secretary Joanna McLaughlin
School Life Coordinator Sandra Nieves
Fundraising Coordinator Jennifer Hentz
Social/Hospitality Coordinator Nikki Boyle
I also wish to thank the outgoing Executive Board members for all their hard work and efforts this year in providing events for the students and community and managing our fundraising efforts.
If you missed my email on Sunday, which was sent out to all current families, information regarding school-based scholarships can be found below.
The most important news to share today is a reminder that next Thursday is our 25th Anniversary Celebration and Art Show starting at 2 pm. Please read this document for information regarding the event, parking, and student pick-up.
As a reminder, we are looking for a parent to join the School Advisory Board starting in September 2026. The school has an Advisory Board comprised of parents and members of the parish. Each position is a three-year commitment with an opportunity to serve two terms. If you have an interest in learning more about the position or being considered as a candidate, please complete the Google form by May 1. We will discuss the candidates at our final meeting in May. The commitment is to attend five meetings throughout the year. We meet in the church conference room on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm every other month. Please see the form for more details.
Finally, if you had trouble getting into FACTS today, please see the instructions below. Today is the day that multi-factor authentication begins, and you may be required to change your password. If you have any difficulty with it, please reach out to FACTS customer support.
Please keep reading Tidbits for the remaining volunteer opportunities this year. If you have already met your obligation, you can get a start on next year's hours. Have a fabulous weekend!
Peace,
Linda Umoh
Re-enrollment Information for the
2026-27 School Year
Key Calendar Dates for 2026-27
August 10 First Day of School Mar. 25-Apr. 2 Easter Break
Nov. 23-27 Thanksgiving Break May 26 Last Day of School
Dec. 21-Jan. 1 Christmas Break
The Google Calendar has been updated for next year. All school events for 2026-27 have been added.
Upcoming Events
April 24 Jean Day
April 27-May 11 SVDP Food DriveApril 30 Art Show 3pm
May 1 NO SCHOOL
May 4-14 Cereal Drive
May 4-8 i-Ready Testing Math
May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 Middle School Social 6:30 pm
May 9-10 Holy Card Uniform Weekend
May 11 Holy Card Free Dress
May 11-15 i-Ready Testing Reading
May 13-14 Math Final Exam(Gr.8)
May 14 Cereal Dominoes 2:30pm
May 15 Marvelous Mustang (April/May)
May 15 Spring Concert 6:30pm
May 20-21 Math Final Exam(Gr.6-7)
May 20 Sports Awards 5pm
May 21 8th Grade Brunch
Beginning April 22, 2026, FACTS will begin to require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all non-student users when logging into your online account to access FACTS SIS.
MFA will not be required for students to log in to FACTS.
FACTS recommends that all users utilize a free authenticator app, such as Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator, or receive an authentication email containing a unique code.
Please click HERE to access more information about this change.
MFA will not be required for students to log in to FACTS.
FACTS recommends that all users utilize a free authenticator app, such as Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator, or receive an authentication email containing a unique code.
Please click HERE to access more information about this change.
Talent Show Auditions and Google Form to Sign Up
The SSCS Talent Show will be held this year in the FLC on Wednesday, May 27th at 1:00 PM . Auditions for the Talent Show will be held on Monday, May 11th, after school in Mrs. Stanley's classroom until 4:30 pm for students in Kindergarten through 7th grade. If you would like to audition, please fill out the Google Form and submit it to Mrs. Stanley by Friday, May 8th. The audition sign up will close at 8:00 pm that day and no other sign ups will be allowed. Pick up after auditions will be at the Angel's Wing gate at 4:30. Any students left at 4:35 will be taken to extended day. Parents do not attend the auditions. Please bring any props or music you need to the audition or email your music to Mrs. Stanley at hstanley@sscsfl.org. I will need a digital copy of your music for you to perform. There will also be a rehearsal for the Talent Show on Monday, May 18th after school until 4:30 pm. You must attend the audition and the rehearsal to be in the show. Thank you and I look forward to a successful talent show! Please email Mrs. Stanley if you have any questions.
Google Form Sign Up for the Talent Show Click Here
SVDP Last Drive for School Year Saint Vincent de Paul is currently collecting donations of cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and new or gently used kitchen towels. This will be the final opportunity for our students to give back through this program during the school year. Supporting this drive can be simple and affordable—many needed items can be found at local dollar stores and “Buy One, Get One” grocery deals are another easy way to contribute without adding to your weekly budget. Even one or two items can make a meaningful difference for a family in our community.
Donations will be accepted in classrooms through May 11. Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
Pringle Cans are Needed
PK3 are in need of cleaned pringle cans. Please bring them to the office if you have some.
PK3 are in need of cleaned pringle cans. Please bring them to the office if you have some.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
School Year 26-27
Step Up for Students applications for renewal and new students is available.
There are important changes to the documents required for all families applying for a 2026-27 scholarship.
- Proof of Residency must now include TWO different document types and be provided by either the primary or secondary guardian.
For a complete list of documents families may need when applying for their student(s), click here.
EVERYONE MUST REAPPLY!
Once your Awarded please send Gail Leung the Award ID Number to gleung@sscsfl.org.
How to find your Award ID Number?
Go to your Dashboard in EMA and scroll down and the Award ID number will be there. This number is needed to enroll your student in the St. Stephen Catholic School Scholarship enrollment. Thank you!
Joke of the Week!
What did the dirt say to the rain?
See answer way below.
The FACTS Grant and Aid application setup for the 2026-2027 school year is complete. Applications and documents received after May 1, 2026 are considered late for initial consideration.
All Diocesan High Schools utilize the FACTS Grant & Aid Application in the determination of in-house tuition assistance and the Catholic School Tuition Aid Grant (CSTAG). Additionally, all elementary/middle school families are required to submit their financial documents via the FACTS Grant & Aid Application.
Note: Pricing for the 2026-2027 FACTS Grant & Aid Application Fee will remain the same at $38.00.
Resource for Families:
Diocesan aid is limited. Applications received after the initial consideration deadline of May 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year will be subject to a reduced rate, provided that funds are still available. Appeals are to be made directly to the school.
Mustang Sports
Girls Track:
The girls track team wrapped up their season last week. They had the field events on Tuesday, and the final running and relay meet on Saturday at Tampa Catholic. All of the Mustangs did a great job Saturday, and throughout the season. Congratulations to the girls JV team who finished first for the second meet, and first overall for the season, and are the Catholic League JV track champions. Time to hang a banner.
Here are the girls who finished in the top 8 of their event and earned points for the team.
Varsity
Varsity
Ronette L.- 6th/100 (14.02), 5th/200 (30.69), 7th/Shot Put (22'11")
Sofia S.- 4th/Shot Put (26'6'), 8th/Discus (53'2")
Mabel R.- 5th/400 (1:14)
Apple M.- 5th/800 (3:18)
Mallory C. 4th/800 (3:13)
4x100 relay/7th (1:02), 4x200 relay/7th (2:15), 4x400 relay team 1/2nd (5:10), 4x400 relay team 2/5th (5:51)
JV
Sofia S.- 4th/Shot Put (26'6'), 8th/Discus (53'2")
Mabel R.- 5th/400 (1:14)
Apple M.- 5th/800 (3:18)
Mallory C. 4th/800 (3:13)
4x100 relay/7th (1:02), 4x200 relay/7th (2:15), 4x400 relay team 1/2nd (5:10), 4x400 relay team 2/5th (5:51)
JV
Brielle Mc.- 1st/400 (1:10), 6th/100 (15.10)
Aniela D.- 2nd/200 (30.87), 2nd/400 (1:13)
Alexis T.- 1st/Mile (5:58), 2nd/800 (2:53)
Jordyn W.- 1st/800 (2:50), 2nd/Mile (6:00)
Maya T.- 8th/100 (15.32), 5th/400 (1:15), T-7th/High Jump (3'6"), 7th/Long Jump (11'4")
Lucia L.-T-5th/Long Jump (11'7")
4x100 relay/6th (1:05), 4x200 relay team 1/6th (2:19), 4x200 relay team 2/8th (2:22), 4x400 relay team 1/1st (5:07), 4x400 relay team 2/7th (6:07)
Thank you to parent volunteer coach Jenn Daoud, for your hard work, leadership, and dedication. This is the third JV track team championship she's coached in the past three years. She has started and developed a great culture for the boys and girls track programs.
Boys Flag Football:
Aniela D.- 2nd/200 (30.87), 2nd/400 (1:13)
Alexis T.- 1st/Mile (5:58), 2nd/800 (2:53)
Jordyn W.- 1st/800 (2:50), 2nd/Mile (6:00)
Maya T.- 8th/100 (15.32), 5th/400 (1:15), T-7th/High Jump (3'6"), 7th/Long Jump (11'4")
Lucia L.-T-5th/Long Jump (11'7")
4x100 relay/6th (1:05), 4x200 relay team 1/6th (2:19), 4x200 relay team 2/8th (2:22), 4x400 relay team 1/1st (5:07), 4x400 relay team 2/7th (6:07)
Thank you to parent volunteer coach Jenn Daoud, for your hard work, leadership, and dedication. This is the third JV track team championship she's coached in the past three years. She has started and developed a great culture for the boys and girls track programs.
Boys Flag Football:
The Mustangs wrapped up the regular season with a couple of home games this week. They beat Corpus Christi, 8-6, with the Mustang touchdown coming on a throw from QB Kellan B. to center Landon A. Brody C. had two interceptions, and Javi B. had one to lead the defense. The Mustangs lost to local rival, Nativity, 13-6, with the lone touchdown coming on a pass from QB Kellan B. to wide receiver Justyn L. The boys finished the regular season with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses, and will be the 6th seed for the playoffs. The playoffs start on Tuesday with a quarterfinal game, with the opponent and game site still to be determined.
The Sports Awards Dinner is Wednesday, May 20, from 5:00-7:00, in the FLC. All 2025-26 student-athletes, and their families are invited to attend to celebrate all of the accomplishments of the St Stephen athletics program this year. Pizza, cake, and refreshments, will be provided for all of the student athletes and their families. Student athletes will receive a certificate for participation in the athletics program, and a pin for each sport played. 8th graders will also receive their 'S' varsity letter. Student-athletes will receive their invitation this Monday, April 27.
The St. Stephen Summer Sports Camps weeks are set. There is basketball, volleyball, and two weeks of soccer camp available. See the camp info sheets, and registration links in Tidbits to get signed up as soon as possible for another great summer of St. Stephen sports camps.
GO MUSTANGS!
Coach Green
Kiddos Lunches
Homeroom Moms
Homeroom moms now have dedicated email addresses. Add them to your contact list and check your junk mailboxes to be sure you do not miss any important classroom information!
Emails for HomeRoom Moms
Answer to the Joke!
If this keeps up my name will be mud.
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 .
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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.