Dear parents, teachers, alumni, and friends of SSP School,

What a crazy end to our school week yesterday.  Prayers to you and yours; we hope you escaped with minimal to no damage during the interesting weather pattern yesterday.

Due to a power outage from the storm, 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, 5/18, will not take place at IHM. Mass will instead be held at SSP at 10:05 a.m. Handicap parking is available in the lot near the bell tower. Please observe this out of respect for your fellow parishioners.

Additionally, Father Aaron invites all parishioners to offer up some extra prayers for those who were affected by the storm, particularly the individuals who lost their lives and their families.

Hats off to everyone who reacted responsibly and cooperatively during the tornado drill, which was well executed near the end of Music Sharing yesterday afternoon. I was pleased by how well our students behaved and the care and compassion the teachers and aides exhibited to make everyone feel safe and loved! SSP is one phenomenal community; we are the village!

As promised, we are sharing our Educational Issues Commendations (next week we will share the Institutional Commendations):
 The Visiting Team commends St. Stephen Protomartyr for:

Educational Issues

• engaging students in the 4 C’s of education which consist of communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity as evidenced in walk-through observations, hands-on activities, centers, and small group instruction where there is a balance of technology integration.
• providing clear expectations to students both verbally and in writing, including “I am learning” statements.
• committing to supporting all students by providing access to learning consultants and providing individualized and small group support.
• proudly displaying student work throughout the building to showcase their many gifts in art and academic areas.
• committing to differentiating for a diverse group of learners, as evidenced by flexible seating, work spaces around the building, and small group, whole group, and individualized instruction. 
• prioritizing students’ mental health by employing counselors four days a week and providing students with life skills through the social-emotional program.
• creating welcoming and educational classroom environments that include visual learning aids, classroom libraries, and student work that is tailored to each grade level and/or subject area.
• having robust extracurricular activities, such as student council, NJHS, choral club, band, and robotics, to enhance the interests and gifts of all students.