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.
February 13th, 2026
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Hello everyone!
I don't know if you know, but we had a bunch of 100 year olds in the building this week! In all seriousness, the kids did a wonderful job and the costumes were extremely clever and creative! It was my first 100th day celebration, and it was marvelous! We also had the chance to celebrate Valentine's Day a little early! Each of the classes looked like they had a ton of fun!
Next week will be busy for our 1st and 2nd grades! They will be heading down to MSOE for a STEM lab visit Monday and to the Golden Rondelle on Wednesday!
Just a quick reminder that the time is upon us for you to register your students for the upcoming 26-27 school year. The open registration date timeline runs from Feb. 2nd - Feb. 20th. If you have any questions, please call Ms. Lori. For the non-choice parents, please remember to still sign your students up! You can send Lori a WE Energies bill or a 2025 W2 form.
As always, thank you all for being such a huge part of this school and we are eternally grateful for each and every one of you.
Have a great weekend!
Mr. T
February 26th - Monthly Popcorn Sale begins (more information below)
February 27th - No School for Elementary Schools
March 10th - Home & School Meeting - 6:00pm - The Lanes
March 13th - No School
March 16th - No School
March 19th - 1st Reconciliation - After Mass
March 27th - Popcorn Sale
April 3rd - April 12th - Easter Break
April 13th - Classes resume
May 3rd - 1st Communion - St. Sebastian Parish - 9:30 - Mass
May 25th - Memorial Day - No School
June 5th - Last Day of School - 1/2 Day- Dismissal at 11:00
3K - We began the week by using water and paint to finish our "Thank You's" for the upcoming Catholic Schools Supporter dinner. Our class did a great job following the 3 steps; water, paint, then paper. During our morning recesses we were able to see and feel the changes to the snow as it became warmer throughout the week. The snow was still flaky on Monday, but by Tuesday we were finally able to pack it together as it started to melt. We ended the week celebrating Valentine's Day and sorting some conversation hearts by color.
4K- This week in STEM, 4K had fun using their imagination to make things with Play-Doh and 100 popsicle sticks on the 100th day of school. We also created floating hearts in water with dry erase markers for Valentine's Day. Lastly, we tested which liquid dissolved the candy hearts the fastest by putting them in cups with water, salt water, and vinegar.
5K- Last week, we followed a code to make a snowflake with glue and salt. This week, we did some intro coding to make a path to a building. On day100, we predicted how high 100 drops of water would fill the glass. (It was way less than most of us predicted). We also made some 6 pointed/sided snowflakes using marshmallows, toothpicks, and glue. Finally, we worked in small groups to code using the Vex robots (4K) to move from point A to point B.
1st & 2nd Grade- In our class we investigated two different birds of prey. One the hawks and the American bald eagle. We discussed the wingspan and talens of each bird of prey. Then we switched gears and talked about our fingerprints. Students learned that each person has a different pattern on their fingerprints. There are similarities but not the same. Through this process of doing their research and making prints they were able to see this.
Please join St. Catherine's High School for a fun event - Highlighting Black History Month.
We will begin having a Monthly popcorn sale. The sale will be held the last Friday of every month. Except this month, as there is no school on Feb. 27th. We will hold our first sale on Thursday, Feb. 26th, the cost is $1.00. I will be sending a note home the Monday prior. If your child would like a bag, just fill out the form and send it back to school. They will receive their bag of popcorn at the end of the day.
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 as kid friendly as possible. For example, if the menu says Orange Chicken, everything will be served separately. Basically it will be served as chicken nuggets with the option of dipping it in the orange sauce. We hope this helps.
- 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
Jordan Thoennes, 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 to let her know. 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 Tuesday, March 10th 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.
Start Lent off right with "Food for the Journey: A Journey to Conversion". February 19, 6:00 PM, at St. Richard.
Featuring: Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Lenten Reflections, Confessions, And More!
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.
