Grand Island St. Stephen School

St. Stephen School News Page
2006
School Website

St. Stephen Family School Association
President Bill Ortiz

St. Stephen School News 2007

Previous St. Stephen School News 2000-2005

Non-traditional Thanksgiving At St. Stephen School - 2006

    St. Stephen’s students in grades Pre-K through 2nd grade enjoyed a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast with their families on Tuesday, November 21st. Pre-K and kindergarten students made corn muffins for the celebration, while grade 1 and 2 students made cut-out cookies. Pre-K and Kindergarten arrived at the feast as the Pilgrims and grades 1 and 2 arrived as the Native Americans. Students and parents feasted on pizza, wings, homemade corn bread and cookies.

St. Stephen School News, Callan Piazza - 2006

   St. Stephen School student Callan Piazza received an Honorable Mention in the Lion’s Club Peace Poster Contest. She received a special savings bond award.

Weatherman Mike Randall Visits St. Stephen School - 2006

   Mrs. Ann Samplinski’s fourth grade class at St. Stephen School was visited by Channel 7 weatherman Mike Randall on Tuesday, November 28, 2006. He taught the students many interesting facts about weather including cloud formations, storms, high winds, etc. Later he entertained the class with magic tricks and puppets.

Breakfast With Santa At St. Stephen School -2006
   The community is invited to have Breakfast With Santa at St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2006. Pre-sale tickets are now available: Adults/$5.50 and Children/Seniors/$4. Reservations and tickets may be reserved by calling Bill Ortiz at 773-4920, Helen Lemme at 773-8965 or the rectory (Helen) at 773-7647.

St. Stephen School Students Enjoy the “Enchanted Puppet Theater” - 2006

   St. Stephen Pre-K and kindergarten students enjoyed the “Enchanted Puppet Theater” during their weekly Friday Fun Club, November 3, 2006. Pictured are students Elizabeth and Christopher Belter, with the “Puppet Lady.”

Harvest Decoration At St. Stephen School - November 2006

   The St. Stephen Pre-K students and teachers decorated the entrance to their new classrooms celebrating “Harvest Time.” The children’s sign: “We Give Thanks” expresses the gratitude of many people who count their blessings from God at this time of year. Pictured are Becky Cacciatore, teacher, with her students, Jacob Przystal, Jack LoTempio, Camille Burrano, Ronald Appolony, and Meghan McMurray.

St. Stephen’s 1st Quarter Honor Roll - November 2006
   St. Stephen School announces its 1st quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Miss Jennifer O’Loughlin
1st Honors: Laura Bierbrauer, Thomas Cauley, Michael Englert, William Frank, Alexis Fredricks, Grace Fredricks, Joe Monaco, Hannah Panzica, William Tompkins, Brigid White
2nd Honors: Peter Kroetsch, Sabrina Lemme, Cody Kowal, Zachary Lenz, Charles Panepinto, Nicholas Terlecky, Ciara Vedella, Elliott Ziolkowski
Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Alanna Mergel, Nicholas Ortiz
2nd Honors: Colin Carey, Quinn Carey, Nathan Ciffa, Gabriella Congi, Jacob Frosolone, Robert Nappo, Zachary Penrose, Jessica Pontrello, John Sosnowski, Alexandra Sponn, Griffin Stone
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Nicholas Panepinto, Alexander Kovacs, Kara Hazelet, Quinton Corrao, Bridget Cauley, Katie-Grace White
2nd Honors: Stephanie Voyzey, Timothy Utz, Zoë Reda, Molly Meka, Alexander Lenz, Kristy Kalman, Hannah Corrao, Carleen Conway, Peter Chopra, Marielle Buffamonte
Grade 6: Mrs. Daniela Schmidt
1st Honors: Alec Buffamonte, Ashley Colan, James Gallagher, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Alyssa Pizzuti, Alan Wopperer
2nd Honors: Amanda Bruno, Amber Carroll, Matthew Gagola, Donald Kilian, Jeremy Lazatin, Matthew Lenz, Grace Olszewski
Grade 7: Mr. Paul Hare
1st Honors: Ariana Alizadeh, Kathryn Bierbrauer, David Conboy, Alex DeRosa, Rebecca Meyer, Victor Sarmiento, Jonathan Voyzey
2nd Honors: James Bobak, Maura Bobak, Emily Cardullo, Seth Carey, Richard Englert, Emilie Kovacs, Callan Piazza, Jenna Saltzman, Jacqueline Sosnowski, Brendan Stone
Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors: Kevin Gibas, Justine Lazatin
2nd Honors: Brian Bobak, Joseph Piazza, Anna Playfair, Catherine Sponn, Patrick White

St. Stephen School Veterans Day Celebration - 2006

Pictured here are LtC. David Conboy, David Conboy Jr, Meggie White, Jonathan Voyzey and Erin McConnaugh.
VFW Honor Guard members Charlie Sumner, Don Richards, Jim McDonald, Wally Wigdorski and Mike Cutini
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    St. Stephen School, on November 9th, remembered the men and women who have served our country in armed forces. Special dog tags were issued to all students to remind them that veterans are men and women of faith and dedicated to service. Each hour during the day, the children and teachers would pause to listen as the names of family and friends who are or were veterans were read. Then all observed a moment of silence. A special assembly was called for all students. A local military color guard representing the service branches presented the American flag, and the children sang the national anthem. Essays in honor of Veterans Day were shared with the assembly. The essay contest winners were announced as Anna Demartin and Justin Lazatin. A special thanks to all children who participated with many thoughtful essays.
    Later in the day the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students listened to LtC. David Conboy present a slide show highlighting the efforts of ground forces in Iraq.

St. Stephen Mission Club News - 2006
   St Stephen Mission Club has completed its October Project. Fifty-three students attached labels to dog and cat food, and made an assortment of toys. All of these items are going to the AmiWheels Program. This is a companion project sponsored by “Meals on Wheels.” Persons who receive a meal from the “Meals on Wheels” program who have a dog or cat can now receive measured portions of food for their pets. Small treats and toys are included in the bags. The students made catnip socks and yarn toys to be placed into the food bags for cats. Pets are a very important part of our lives, and it was nice to help elderly and handicapped persons take care of their pets.

St. Stephen School Children Visit Becker Farms - 2006

   St. Stephen School pre-K, kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students embraced the fall season with a visit to Becker Farms. The children enjoyed a presentation on farm life, including ‘close encounters’ with farm animals at the petting area. They boarded the farm wagon for an exciting hay ride out to the apple orchard to pick their own apples from the trees.

St. Stephen Students Bake Pies - 2006

   St. Stephen Pre-K and sixth grade students made homemade apple pies. The children sliced the apples and prepared the crust. After the pies were baked, the children enjoyed eating them with their buddies.

Fire Safety Program At St. Stephen School - 2006

   St Stephen School children learned some very practical fire safety tips from Grand Island’s own volunteer fire company on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. The firemen presented an impressive demonstration of the speed in which a fire can spread in a home. They also explained the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique, as well as the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Later, children were given a chance to see up close the special equipment used by the Grand Island firefighters, with six lucky children winning “A Trip on the Fire Truck” in the very near future.

“Red-Ribbon Week” At St. Stephen School - 2006

   St Stephen School celebrated “Red-Ribbon Week” (October 23-27) with special activities. The focus of the week is to promote a drug-free environment. Students on Monday earned points for wearing red clothing and accessories. The students on Thursday signed a gigantic pledge ribbon, committing to stay drug-free. Students on Friday gave ribbons to all role models who have encouraged them to stay drug-free by their love, support, or example.

St. Stephen School's ‘Reading is Giving' Campaign - 2006

   St. Stephen School's 'Reading Is Giving' Campaign is in full swing. For every class that reads 100 books Scholastic Book Club Will donate 100 books to children in need. Kindergarten students from St. Stephen School are helping others while they help themselves this school year by participating in Scholastic Book Club Classrooms Care, a philanthropy-based literacy campaign designed to teach children about the joys and importance of reading and giving. From the beginning of school through December 31, 2006, students in Mrs. Lynn Ortiz’s classroom and all across the country will read 100 books and in turn, Scholastic Book Clubs, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, will donate 100 books (for a total donation of up to one million new books) to disadvantaged children nationwide.

St. Stephen Golf Challenge - 2006

(left)Sean McDonnell, Bill Taglis, Jim McDonnell and Charlie McDonough.
   The sun shone brightly this past Monday (Oct. 2, 2006) to match the bouyant mood of the 96 golfers who took to the course at River Oaks for the 8th annual St. Stephen's Golf Challenge. This annual event raised over $15,000 for the athletic programs and facilities at St. Stephens school. Top sponsors included Abraxis Pharmaceutical Products, Principal Financial Group, Joe Cecconi Chrysler Complex, Pinto Construction Services, Fuccillo Automotive Group, Power Drives and West Central Environmental Corporation.
   Participants enjoyed numerous on-course contests, including a chance to win a Toyota Rav4 from Fuccillo Automotive. While no one walked away as a hole-in-one winner, there were numerous prizes distributed. The day's top foursome, shooting a 64 in a Best Ball Scramble, were the team of: Sean McDonnell, Jim McDonnell, Bill Taglis and Charlie McDonough.
   The tournament committee, co-chaired by Peter Terlecky and Will Tomkins, would like to thank all those who sponsored a contest, purchased a hole sign, donated a gift for the auctions or volunteered time to make this year's tournament the best Golf Challenge ever!

St. Stephen School Prayer Service - 2006

   St. Stephen School students, on Monday, September 11th, held a prayer service in memory of all those who died at Ground Zero.

St. Stephen School Prayer Service - 2006

   St. Stephen School children surprised Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert DeLong with gifts and cards to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. DeLong is head of the cafeteria staff, and “Mr. Skip” helps with maintenance. Both are loved by all children and staff.

St. Stephen School, Site of the Year Award Recipient - 2006

   St. Stephen School received the Site of the Year Award from Catholic Charities for the Foster Grandparent Program at an annual awards luncheon this summer. The Foster Grandparent staff honors a particular site that consistently shows support and understanding of the Program and empowers Foster Grandparents in their daily tasks. Pictured above are Mrs. Marie Slade (foster grandparent at St. Stephen School), Pre-K Teacher Miss Rebecca Cacciatore, and School Principal Mrs. Donna Ende.

St. Stephen School Educators Attend Law Symposium - July 2006

(left) Julie Moretti, Anne Wild, Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler, Carol Buchholz - Click photo for larger view
   Mrs. Donna Ende and three of her St. Stephen School faculty, Mrs. Carol Buchholz, Mrs. Julie Moretti and Mrs. Anne Wild, attended the Fourth Annual Education Law Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky in July. Sessions included personnel issues, discipline codes, special education topics, Internet related topics, and dealing with employees and parents. Sister Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, J.D., Ph.D., Ms. Betsy Boyle, Mr. Terry Koves, and others were some of the featured speakers at the symposium.
   Of special interest were the workshops attended on student and faculty handbooks presented by Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler of St. Michael the Archangel School, Cary, North Carolina. Dr. Wannemuehler was an exceptional speaker who provided her audiences with very useful information on these important school topics. Her educational and legal knowledge, plus her experiences in these areas gave the attendees much to discuss and take back to their schools.
   Sister Angela, Symposium Director, discussed actual legal case studies and answered questions about legal education issues that affect educators and administrators today.

St. Stephen 8th Grade Students Graduate With Honors - 2006
   St. Stephen’s School graduation ceremonies took place Tuesday, June 20, 2006 in the Church when a number of 8th grade students were honored. Scholarships and recognition award recipients follow:
• Scholarships to Catholic High Schools: Alexandra House and Thomas Ray to Niagara Catholic High School; Mary Scherrer to Holy Angels Academy; and Reba Conway to the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
• Attorney General’s Triple “C “Award - presented to Reba Conway and Adrian Tanguay.
• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award - Mary Scherrer.
• St. Stephen’s NAEP 2006 American Citizenship Award: Alexandra House, Michael Mucci, and Thomas Ray
• President’s Education Awards for outstanding Academic Excellence: Evan Carey, Reba Conway, Jeremy Figler, Sarah Neville, and Mary Scherrer.
• President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement: Alexandra House and Amanda Stessing.
• Principal’s Award for highest academic average in 8th grade: Sarah Neville with a final average of 96.5%.
• Holy Name Society scholarships: Sarah Neville attending Nardin Academy and Evan Carey attending St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in September.
• Perfect attendance in 8th grade - achieved by Gabriella Ortiz and Thomas Ray.
   As part of their service commitment, Mrs. Carol Buchholz’s Class of 2006 also made charitable donations to the following organizations: the Food Bank, Buffalo City Mission, Roswell Park Institute, Grand Island Neighbors Foundation, Our Lady of Victory – Father Baker Home, Gateway-Longview, and to the St. Stephen’s School Tuition Fund.
   St. Stephen School graduation exercises were followed by a reception in the school.

“Caught Being Good” at St. Stephen School - June 2006

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   St. Stephen School children on June 15th enjoyed the “Caught Being Good” year-end celebration. “Caught Being Good” focused the entire school community on recognizing acts of virtue, both large and small. Teachers were given the role of “catching” the students in the act of doing good. Students were “called down to the office” at the end of the day, not for being bad, but for being GOOD. The students would then be rewarded with a treat, and would be “written up” with a ticket. As each class collected ten tickets, they received a footprint. The class decorated each footprint with Bible verses and positive sayings. The colorful footprints were proudly displayed, “walking” around the walls of the cafeteria.
   Each month of the program focused on a different “virtue of the month.” These virtues included: Citizenship, Respect, Courage, Integrity, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Honesty, and Diligence. Special thanks to all the parents and teachers who supported the program, encouraging the students to put these virtues into action.

Carleen Conway, Winner In State Fire Prevention Contest - June 2006

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   Carleen Conway, a fourth grade student at St. Stephen School, was a winner in the 2006 Fire Prevention and Life Safety Poster Contest sponsored by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. Carleen’s poster was chosen from over 6,000 entries in New York State, and will be featured in the 2006-2007 FASNY calendar. She received copies of the finished calendar, a plaque, and a check. The school was also presented with a plaque.

Peacekeepers Flag Raising At St. Stephen School - May 2006

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    St. Stephen's students gathered around the flagpole on Friday, June 2, 2006 for a ceremony to honor peacekeepers. The flag was raised, which had flown over the Capital building on May 8, 2006, in loving memory of Lt. Col. Terrance Crowe. The children sang the Star Spangled Banner and said the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for all those who fought for peace in the world, especially for Lt. Col. Crowe and Sister Karen Klimczak. Peaceprints signs were placed at the school entrances by the White children, the nieces and nephews of Lt. Col. Crowe. The ceremony ended with God Bless America.

Mother's Day at St. Stephen School - May 2006

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   St. Stephen School students in grades Pre-K through second grade celebrated Mother’s Day with their moms on Monday, May 15th. A slide show of their year’s activities was presented. The children sang songs to their mothers, and then served them refreshments.

St. Stephen Students Celebrate Cinco de Mayo - May 2006

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   St. Stephen School’s Pre-K, kindergarten, and third grade students recently celebrated Cinco de Mayo with their own Mexican celebration. The event began with a movie about the history of Cinco de Mayo, and ended with the children enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.

St. Stephen Student Elizabeth Strott Honored - May 2006

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   St. Stephen School kindergarten student, Elizabeth Strott, received an Honorable Mention in a recent Diocesan contest, “Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God.” She and her parents attended a ceremony at the Catholic Center in Buffalo where Bishop Kmiec presented Elizabeth with an award.

St. Stephen School Tours/Open House Offered In June - 2006
   St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, will host school tours from 9-11 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2006 through Friday, June 9th. "We welcome anyone who may be considering a catholic education for your child at our parish school," a school spokesman said this week. The school is open to students in grades Pre-K through grade 8 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. The school will hold Open House from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, June 5 and June 7th.

St. Stephen School Mileage Club News - 2006

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   St. Stephen School Mileage Club, made up of grade 7 and 8 students, participated in a special program for Health and Physical Education. Each class converted physical activity to miles over a 16-week period. Grade 8 traveled over 8,000 miles and earned a sports night in the gym! Grade 7 did well and earned many mileage “feet” to wear on their shoes. The program was a great success and the students’ effort was outstanding!

St. Stephen Students Selected For Honor Band - 2006

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   St. Stephen School parents, teachers and staff congratulate the following students who were selected to participate in the 2nd Annual 2006 Catholic School Honor Band Concert on Sunday, April 2: Ashley Colan, Erin McConnaghy, Nathaniel Beyer, Alex DeRosa, David Conboy, and Jonathan Voyzey. These students represent the “Best of the Best" musicians from area's Catholic schools. Special thanks to band teacher, Mrs. Motyka.

St. Stephen Students Celebrate The Rainforest Tree - 2006

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   The St. Stephen School fourth grade class has been learning a great deal about the jungle from the Rainforest Tree that “grew” in Mrs. Samplinski’s classroom. The “Tree” which was built with the hard work of many of the students, allows them to come inside, learn about its habitat, and even enjoy eating their lunch inside!

St. Stephen Students' Essays Chosen For Publication - 2006

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   The following St. Stephen School students had essays chosen for publication in Creative Communications Spring 2006 Contest:
Grade 4 Winners (Miss O’Laughlin) - Joseph Beauchamp, Bridget Cauley, Peter Chopra, Quinn Corrao, Hannah Corrao, Kara Hazelet, Julia Kelly, Alexander Kovacs, Molly Meka, Timmy Utz, and Stephanie Voyzey
Grade 5 Winners (Miss O’Laughlin) - Bethany Balette, Alec Buffamonte, Amber Carroll, Donald Kilian, Christopher Komin, Lura Mazurek, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Matthew Siegel, Alan Wopperer.
Grade 6 Winners (Miss Lazewski) - Arian Alizadeh, Katie Bierbrauer, Emily Cardullo, Seth Carey, Emilie Kovacs, Rebecca Meyer, Callan Piazza, and Jacqueline Sosnowski
   Once again this year, St. Stephen’s received a "Writing Achievement Award" given to schools whose students’ entries to the essay contest were of exceptionally high merit.

St. Stephen’s 3rd Quarter Honor Roll - April 2006
   St. Stephen School announces its 3rd quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Miss Jennifer O’Loughlin
1st Honors: Mathew Balette, Michael Bobak, Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Alanna Mergel, Nicholas Ortiz, Griffin Stone
2nd Honors: Jenna Bruno, Colin Carey, Quinn Carey, Nathan Ciffa, Gabriella Congi, Anna DeMartin, Jacob Frosolone, Zoanne Gebhard, Robert Nappo, Justin Palamuso, Zachary Penrose, John Sosnowski, Alexandra Sponn

Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Bridget Cauley, Quinn Corrao, Julia Kelly, Alexander Kovacs, Molly Meka, Stephanie Voyzey, Katie Grace White
2nd Honors: Marielle Buffamonte, Peter Chopra, Carleen Conway, Hannah Corrao, Kara Hazelet, Kristy Kalman, Nicholas Panepinto, Zoe’ Reda, Timothy Utz

Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Bethany Balette, Ashley Colan, Lura Mazurek, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville
2nd Honors: Alec Buffamonte, James Gallagher, Jeremy Lazatin, Grace Olszewski, Alyssa Pizzuti, Alan Wopperer

Grade 6: Miss Sarah Lazewski
1st Honors: David Conboy, Alex DeRosa
2nd Honors: Ariana Alizadeh, Katie Biebrauer, James Bobak, Emily Cardullo, Emilie Kovacs, Brendan Mergel, Rebecca Meyer, Jackie Sosnowski, Brendan Stone, Jonathan Voyzey

Grade 7: Mrs. Laurel Gibbs
1st Honors: Justine Lazatin
2nd Honors: Kevin Gibas, Heather Smith, Catherine Sponn, Patrick White

Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors:Reba Conway, Alexandra House, Sarah Neville, Mary Scherrer
2nd Honors: Evan Carey, Jeremy Figler, Michael Mucci, Louis Panzica, Thomas Ray, Amanda Stessing, Adrian Tanguay

St. Stephen’s Students Compete In Math Contest - 2006

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   Five St. Stephen School 7th grade students participated in the annual Math Contest for Seventh Graders at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute on April 4, 2006. The contest consisted of problems requiring ordinary arithmetic and simple geometry knowledge that were a challenge for the students. Approximately 280 students from Western New York schools participate each year. The students shown above made up this year's team: (left) Brian Bobak, Patrick White, Brennan Carey, Justine Lazatin and Kevin Gibas. Congratulations goes to Brennan Carey who received an Honorable Mention Trophy.

St. Stephen’s Teachers Named To Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers - 2006

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   St. Stephen School teachers, Mrs. Julie Moretti, Miss Rebecca Cacciatore, and Mrs. Donna Ende, have been named to this year’s edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. These teachers were nominated by former students who are listed in Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students, or because they are held in the highest regard by their communities and peers. This is the fourth time Mrs. Ende has received this honor.

2006 Western New York Honor Band Concert - March 2006
   Band members from the St. Stephen School Band will participate in the 2006 WNY Honor Band Concert 1 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2006 at Immaculata Academy, 5138 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY. This concert features 100 of WNY's top Catholic school musicians, who will perform a collection of patriotic, classical, traditional, and popular favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact School Band Director Kim Motyka at (716) 472-6354.

St. Stephen’s Students Enjoy St. Joseph Table - 2006

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   The children at St. Stephen School enjoyed a traditional St. Joseph table during their lunch periods on Thursday, March 16, 2006. Parents sent in all of the delicious meatless dishes.
   The Solemnity of St. Joseph is celebrated in a variety of ways all over the world. The most well-known tradition is the St. Joseph Table or St. Joseph Altar, started in Sicily.

St. Stephen 4th Graders Participate In Science Fair - 2006

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   St. Stephen School fourth grade students took part in the Science Fair held during Catholic School’s Week Open House beginning began Sunday January 29, displaying Body Systems. The students used creative materials to show the various systems. The fourth graders recently concluded a unit on Electricity and enjoyed this unit of study very much. Several of the students presented special projects to their classmates using their new knowledge of circuits and batteries.

St. Stephen Students Celebrate Birthday Of Dr. Seuss - 2006

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   Thursday, March 2nd marked the birth date of Dr. Seuss, author of many children’s classic storybooks. St. Stephen School Principal Mrs. Donna Ende highlighted the event by reading a Seuss story to the Pre-K and Kindergarten students. The students' excited responses at the end showed how they love their time with Mrs. Ende.

St. Stephen’s Sixth Graders Read 100 Books For Hurricane Katrina Victims - 2006

Sixth graders shown front left are Brendan Mergel, Callan Piazza, Meggie White, Alex DeRosa, James Bobak, Jenna Saltzman, Jackie Sosnowski, Ricky Englert; (back) Miss Sarah Lazewski, David Conboy, Emily Cardullo, Ariana Alizadeh, Emilie Kovacs, Rebecca Meyer, Brendan Stone, Seth Carey, and Jonathan Voyzey. Missing from the photo are Maura Bobak, Katie Bierbrauer and Tyler Cooney
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   The sixth grade students at St. Stephen’s School participated in the Scholastic Classroom Cares program last month. When a class read one hundred books, Scholastic Book Clubs, in return, would donate one hundred books to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It took the sixth graders a little over two months to read the hundred books. The students read three and four books each to accomplish this task.

St. Stephen School Students Attend "Mockingbird" Performance - 2006

Patrick White - Click photo for larger view
   St. Stephen School students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades attended a performance of excerpts from the play, To Kill A Mockingbird on February 9, 2006 at Niagara County Community College in observance of Black History Month. The Towne Players of Ken-Ton reprised their roles from a production last fall. The cast included St. Stephen School seventh grader, Patrick White as Dill.

St. Stephen School Celebrates Catholic Schools Week - 2006

(left) Blessing of the Throats - Bingo - Mini-Olympics
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(left) Cookie Sale - Carnival - Pajama Day
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   February 2006 . . .St. Stephen Catholic School joined the recent nationwide celebration of Catholic Schools week, with a program of special events for students and staff for each day of the week. Events began Sunday January 29th with an 11 a.m. Liturgy with student participation at the church. The celebration ended on Saturday, Feb 4th with a carnival at the school. In between there was an Open House, Science Fair, Bingo Day, Quiz Bowl, and Mini-Olympics.
   St. Stephen Parish offered the traditional blessing of the throats to the children from St. Stephen School on February 3rd, the Feast of St. Blaise, during Catholic Schools Week.
   “Givers and Winners” were highlighted on Friday, Feb 3rd, as the entire student body participated in Bingo. The winners received large size packs of their favorite candy.
   Keeping with the theme of the day, “Strengths,” K – 8 grade students competed together as teams, through various obstacle courses and challenges. Everyone had a great time.
   During Catholic Schools Week, the third, fourth, and fifth grade classes were busy preparing, baking, and selling cookies and brownies. The three classes also constructed a winter mural showing all the different activities that may be enjoyed during the season.
   St. Stephens School doors were opened on Saturday Feb 4th the school's famous Carnival.
   On Pajama Day, all children were permitted to wear their pajamas to school.

St. Stephen School Carnival Day Fun For All - 2006

(left) Carolyn Ginsburg takes a break from the action to enjoy a snow cone; (center) St. Stephen School 2nd grader Cody Kowal tries his hand at "Tic Tac Toe"; (right) St. Stephen School kindergartner Kate Riniolo enjoys picking ducks for prizes!
Fred Claus Photos - Click for larger view
February 2006 . . .St. Stephen’s Family School Association's Carnival Day on Saturday, February 4, 2006 was a good time for all with kids of all ages taking advantage of a bounce house, games, prizes, and refreshments. This year's carnival chairman was Bill Ortiz.

St. Stephen School Honor Roll - February 2006
   St. Stephen School announces its 2nd Quarter Honor Roll. Click for 2nd Quarter Honor Roll for complete list.

St. Stephen School Students Enjoy Fun 2 B Fit Program - 2006

Gina Passantino (left) and Sandy Mannella.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
   St. Stephen School's third, fourth and fifth grade students were some of the first in Western New York to participate in Univera Healthcare's new Fun 2 B Fit program, presented at their school on Thursday, February 2, 2006. Fun 2 B Fit is a school-based initiative focusing on increased physical activity and healthy food choices for students and their families.
   Seventy-seven students followed fitness instructor Sandy Mannella of "Body Shaping By Sandy" and her assistant, Gina Passantino, in a 20-minute workout developed especially for kids, that incorporates easy, fun dance moves and stretches. Virginia McAuliffe, coordinator of the Fun 2 B Fit program, discussed with the students what it means to be fit, and the fact that it includes both physical activity and healthy food choices. The students and teachers had a wonderful time exercising and learning.

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Mike Randall Brings More Than Puppet Show To St. Stephen School - 2006

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January 2006 . . .Mike Randall, Chief Meteorologist at WKBW-TV, revealed some of his many talents as he treated the children at St. Stephen School to a very special presentation. The kindergarten through 4th grade classes were enchanted by his amazing skills with puppets and magic. Students, with eagerly raised hands, volunteered to participate in the show, which focused on the importance of reading.

Catholic Schools Week Begins With Prayer - 2006

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St. Stephen Church community began the celebration of Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, January 29th with a special mass featuring the children leading the assembly in the reading of Scripture and petitions. On Monday, January 30th a Prayer Service offered in the morning included a special distribution of wrist bands to all the children and teachers to remind them of the Catholic School virtues of “Character, Compassion, Values.” Upon receipt of the wrist band, the following prayer was offered:
“Dear Lord, continue to bless our Catholic Schools. Help them to continue to be a source of wisdom to learn about your love for us. May all who enter their classrooms be filled with the gift of your Holy Spirit and come to know You in a more meaningful way.
May Catholic education grow so that good news can be taught to children from all around the world. Amen.”

St. Stephen School Open House
      St. Stephen School Registration - 2006
    St. Stephen School's Open House and Science Fair will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2006 to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The school will be open from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be served in the cafeteria. Come and see St. Stephen's School: "Character, Compassion, Values." Everyone is welcome.
Registration News:
   St. Stephen School will begin to accept open registration for grades Pre-K through 8th on Sunday, January 29, 2006. To be eligible for Pre-K, the child must be four by October 1st of that year and for Kindergarten the child must be five by December 1st of that year. The following documentation is needed for registration:
NON-PARISHIONER - $70.00 per child
PARISHIONER
Registration fee
one child: $70.00
2 children: $125.00
3 or more children: $145.00
• Birth Certificate
• Immunization Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
   These documents are mandatory for your child to be registered and there will be no exceptions.
   There are also forms to be filled out in the school office, which will be handed to you when you register.

St. Stephen's Carnival Set for February 4 - 2006
Come For A Day Of Fun - St. Stephen’s Family School Association is sponsoring a Carnival Day from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2006. The event will feature a bounce house, games, prizes, face painting, food, drinks and fun for all. Admission is free. Tickets for games will be available at the door and all are welcome. "Come see what a great school St. Stephen's is," Carnival chairman Bill Ortiz said this week.

St. Stephen Boys Basketball Team Wins Championship - January 2006

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Members of the St. Stephen Boys JJV Basketball Team completed their undefeated season by winning the league championship after beating Mt. Carmel Thursday night, January 19, 2006. Pictured are Peter Chopra, Timmy Utz, Jimmy Gallagher, Don Killian, Joey Beauchamp, Alex Kovaks, Matt Lenz, and Coach Bob Utz.

If you are a member of this organization we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together". Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE webpage, listing: meeting times location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.