St. Sebastian STEM Academy is a Catholic School community that models Jesus’s love, faith, kindness and compassion toward each other while working together to solve problems in order to make a difference in our community and world.
October 31st, 2025
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace".
Hello everyone!
My name is Jordan Thoennes, and I have the honor of being the new principal of St. Sebastian STEM Academy. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful school with such amazing students and staff. In my first week here at the school, I witnessed just how magical this place truly is! I am so excited to work with all of your children and give them new and exciting opportunities to grow in their academics and in their faith, and have fun doing so!
A little about me: I began my teaching career as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher, working with 3K and 4K students at a daycare center in Waterford. After graduating from UW-Milwaukee, I taught English as a Second Language and English at Horlick High School in Racine. As much as I loved working with the high school students, I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to return to my roots and work at the elementary level again. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my wife cooking, hiking, playing music, and watching the Detroit Lions win!
This year is going to be fantastic and I can not wait to see and be a part of all of the fantastic things happening at St. Sebastian STEM Academy!
Jordan
Just a reminder that fall conferences are right around the corner. The date for conferences is Friday, Nov. 7th. There is no school on that day. Please check below to sign up if you haven't gotten a chance to sign up yet.
Ms. Lori
November 3rd - Home and School meeting - 6:00pm - The Lanes - Hwy. 20
November 7th - Conferences
November 26th - 30th - Thanksgiving Break
December 10th - Dine and Donate A & W - 4:00 - 8:00
December 13th - Jingle Jangle Jubilee - More information to come.
January 14th - First Communion parent meeting - St. Lucy's - 6:00pm
March 19th - 1st Reconciliation - After Mass
May 3rd - 1st Communion - St. Sebastian Parish - 9:30 - Mass
November All Souls Prayer Table
One of the greatest gifts we can share with our loved ones who have passed is our prayers. In the Church, the month of November is dedicated to praying for those who have passed away.
We invite each student to share a photo of a loved one who has passed away to place on our All Souls Prayer Table beginning Monday, November 3. Our students and staff will be praying each day in November for your loved ones. Please share a photo and make sure that the name of your student is on the back so we can return it to you at the end of the month.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Please sign up for fall conferences. Mr. Schweiger will be available to meet with you from 7:00 - 10:45 am. It will be at a first come, first serve basis. Thank you.
docs.google.com/document/d/1LaoziB83VT0M9a9lrkXoCFx12hba_um3T706xJdiL4k/edit?usp=sharing
In thanksgiving for our STEM School at St. Sebastian’s, St. Sebastian Parish is kicking off a Wish List Drive for our school staff and students during the month of November.
A flyer with the "wished for" items is included in this weekend's bulletin.
If you choose to participate, collection baskets will be located at the main entrance of the church. I will also have the lists available in the main office.
If you wish to donate, please feel free.
Please support our Second Graders with their service project. They are collecting food for the Veterans Tiny Village Market located in Racine. We will begin to collect non-perishable food items beginning Monday, November 3, 2025. They are learning that we are called to serve others. We are grateful for the veterans who have served our nation. Thank you for your generous support as we are all called to serve.
K3 - Early in the week, our class mixed together blue and red paint to create the perfect shade of purple for our All Saints Day flowers, designed by reusing toilet paper rolls and our imagination. During Centers, students had the opportunity to investigate what was inside the 5 different pumpkins we felt and looked at last week. All of them had seeds inside, but each pumpkin's seeds were different.
K4 - This week in 4K we read a story about catching a witch. The students then had to think about how they could try to catch a witch. They then practiced turn and talk with a neighbor to share their ideas. Next, they took a piece of paper and drew their idea like an engineer draws their plan. We also had fun making spiderwebs with toothpicks and marshmallows!
K5 - This week students have been classifying (sorting) objects into categories during Math class.
In Science, they are pushing and pulling a box. The 3 variables are - empty, 5 rocks, 10 rocks. They are comparing how much force is needed in each case. They also determined whether pushing or pulling required more effort.
1st & 2nd Grade - In stem we have been learning about the different types of apples in the world. We sampled the Lady Apple. The Lady Apple dates back to the 1500's, it's a petite and flavorful type of apple. We are also learning about pumpkins.
Siena Catholic Schools will be hosting an informational Zoom meeting on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84811794494?pwd=Fz7vYGJxeH3Fub5JKmAfRirwKSyedM.1
Here is the breakfast menu.
Here is the lunch menu.
Please try and stick to the meals that you signed up for. You will be charged for what you signed up for unless you notify us the day before for breakfast or the morning of for lunch. At the beginning of each month, I will send you 2 copies of the breakfast and lunch menu. One is to return to school, and the other is for you to keep at home. If you need a copy of your child's menu, please let me know and I will get one to you.
New this year is the option for Chocolate milk at lunch only for grades K5 - 2nd grade. The students will get to pick either chocolate or white milk. Thank you.
Our lunches are all served kid friendly, if it says Orange Chicken, everything will be served in separate sections. So basically it is chicken nuggets unless they choose to dip it in the orange sauce. Hope this helps.
- Ms. Lori
Please take a moment and fill out this survey. Your voice is very important to us.
What is a Room Mom?
At St. Sebastian’s, Room Parents help connect teachers, parents and Home and School to provide engaging experiences for our students. Room Parents work closely with teachers to coordinate holiday celebrations, school events, classroom activities, and gauge classroom needs for these events to arrange parent support. We are excited to introduce this year’s Room Parents:
- Ms. Lori
How do I add money to my child’s lunch account? You can submit payments to your school office secretary or through https://sienacatholic.familyportal.cloud/ .
How do I apply for free and reduced lunch? https://sienacatholic.familyportal.cloud/
Family Portal website: sienacatholic.familyportal.cloud
Family Portal FAQs and instructions: PDF here
Family Portal video instructions link: https://videos.cdn.spotlightr.com/watch/gallery/Mjk4NQ==
I have a friend who is interested in enrolling. Who should I call? Please call 262-812-0155 or email admissions@sienacatholicschools.org. Se habla Español.
Check to see if your address is correct in Meal Magic and PowerSchool!
What are the best ways to communicate with my child’s teachers, principal, etc.? Our elementary school uses Class Dojo, as well as weekly newsletters, emails, and texts. Please make it a habit to check your email!
If I need contact information for my school. We’ve got you!
St. Sebastian STEM Academy, 262-425-0009
Dr. Trudy Giasi, Siena Chief Academic Officer
Jackie Santi, Principal
Lori Prideaux, Secretary
If Your Child Is Sick
If you will be checking out your child early on a school day, please call Ms. Lori at the school office or Dojo her. Thank you.
Please report your sick child to the main office 262-425-0009 before 7:45 a.m. Also, please remember that the school day starts at 7:25 a.m. If you are running late, please bring your child through the main doors and sign them in at the main office. If your child comes to school after 7:45, breakfast will be over. Thank you!
Just a reminder that your child needs to be 24 hrs. fever and/or vomit free before they can return to school.
Emergency School Closure Protocol
Please share this information with anyone who is dropping-off or picking-up your student. Here is a video that explains our drop-off and pick-up procedures. Here is map that shows a visual and here are written directions. Our school hours are from 7:25-2:25. Drop off starts at 7:05. Students who are not picked up by 2:35 will be brought to the office and will need to be picked up from the front of the school.
Home and School will meet Monday, November 3rd at 6:00PM at the Lanes on Hwy. 20.
Please complete this form for our Home and School Directory if you have not already done so. This will help us keep you informed throughout the year and help make this the best year for our students.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Home & School Introduction
Stay Connected
We are in need of volunteers! Our areas of need include lunch, recess, mass, music, art, and physical education. We are also looking for monthly speakers to talk about their STEM-related careers. If you are interested in volunteering please call us at 262-425-0009 or email Lori Prideaux at lprideaux@sienacatholicschools.org.
In order to volunteer in our building or at any school events you need to have a background check and have completed the Safe Environment Training. There are many options available online in our area. If you do not remember if you have had this training in the past please reach out to me and I can look you up in our system. Please share this with anyone you know that is interested in volunteering at the school. I highly recommend doing this if you plan on being involved in any school events.
Here are the directions to sign up:
Create a new account
Choose volunteer
Choose your location as St. Sebastian STEM Academy
Once logged in, complete the curriculum called "Initial Training for Clergy, Volunteers and Employees"
Complete the curriculum and RSVP for an in person training session.
Once class is complete the background check will run and once that is back and clear, you will be certified and can start volunteering.
Upcoming Classes- https://www.archmil.org/offices/safeguarding/Safeguarding-Events.htm
How to make an account-
https://www.archmil.org/ArchMil/Resources/SAFE/CathMutual/Safe_Environment_Program_instructions.pdf
If you are interested in subbing for Siena Catholic Schools, please look at the attached flyer. We would love to see you in our school.
Here's what's new at St. Sebastian Catholic Church!
Mass times at St. Sebastians
Thursday, 8:15 am with students
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday, 9:30 am
There is still time. If you want to be Catholic, if you have not been baptized, received your First Communion, or want to be Confirmed, contact our Faith Formation Minister Eric Antrim at eantrim@stlucychurch.org or text him at 262-498-9028.
Growing your knowledge
Our churches have some great ways to learn more about your faith. If you are looking for something new to grow in your faith life, contact Eric Antrim to learn about the many learning opportunities.
