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.
January 22nd, 2026
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29
Hello everyone!
What a cold week it's been! Just a reminder that school will not be in session tomorrow, January 23, due to the extreme cold. We didn't expect this already short week to get even shorter, but these things happen!
We are so excited for the next couple of weeks, as we begin Catholic Schools Week next week and have open house and winter conferences the following week! We cannot wait to see how the students participate in the spirit days. We are also extremely excited that the students will have so many guest speakers coming in to talk with them next week. We'll make sure to take a ton of photos so that you can see how their days go.
One quick thing to note, Mrs. Lori has posted below a few items of need. If any of you could be so kind to take a look or donate, it would be greatly appreciated!
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 .
Stay warm and safe and have a great three day weekend!
Mr. T
Catholic Schools Week - 1/25 - 1/31.
Monday - Dress as your future self.
Tuesday - St. Sebastian Spirit Day - must wear uniform pants.
Wednesday - Red, White, & Blue Day
Thursday - Dress to Impress Day
Friday - Pajama Day
February 3rd - Open House, 5:00 - 7:00
February 6th - No School - Note change of date
February 10th - 100th Day of School, more information to come
February 27th - No School for Elementary Schools
March 13th - No School
March 16th - No School
March 19th - 1st Reconciliation - After Mass
April 3rd - April 12 - 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 - This week, after introducing a new weather song, our class used our imagination to create snowmen out of playdough. A few students rolled out balls, while others flattened theirs into pancakes. The next day, after pretending to be inside of a snowglobe, each student followed directions using paper circles and rectangles, glue, colored pencils, and markers, to design their own "Winter Wonderland" for a snowman. 3K also learned that it can still be cold outside when it is sunny.
4K-
5K- This week 5K began learning about SNOW. We read "The Story of Snow - The Science of Winter's Wonder" on Wednesday. Ask if they remember that a snowflake starts in very, very, cold clouds as speck-tiny particles of dust, pollen, ash, etc. We learned that snowflakes are snow crystals! They are beautiful when magnified! How many sides does a snow crystal have? What shape are they? 6 is the magic number. They are in the shape of a hexagon. Many different snow crystals make a snowflake! WOW! It is literally so cool!
1st & 2nd Grade- We discovered that birds have different types of beaks. These different adaptations allow the birds to eat different types of foods and protect themselves. In the classroom we then created a simulation by using spoons, toothpicks and clothespins to see what beak works best to pick objects up. Then having a discussion about which one worked best. Please, encourage your student to continue to talk about adaptation at home.
We would like to serve the students an ice cream treat on Friday, January 30th for a snack. We are looking for ice cream already packaged in a cup with a lid. If you would like to donate, please call me 262-425-0009 and let me know the amount you would donate for the students. We need a total of 90 ice cream cups. Thank you in advance!
Additionally, we are looking for 28 white 4 x 6 bathroom tiles. If anyone has some laying around the house that aren't being used, we would love to use them for an art project for our students! Thank you in advance!
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
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. 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, January 13th 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.
