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 20th, 2026
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Hello everyone!
It's been a pretty great week here at St. Sebastian STEM Academy! The weather allowed for students to spend some time outside at their recess, which was a blessing in itself. This week, the students began their Lenten journey and attended Ash Wednesday mass. They did such a great job in mass and we're so proud of them as always.
I was ahead of myself last week, apparently when I said that this week had field trips! 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! I apologize for the mix up!
Just a quick reminder that the time is upon us for you to register your students for the upcoming 26-27 school year. The next open registration date timeline runs from March 2nd - March 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.
A couple of quick reminders about next week!
-Our monthly popcorn sale starts on Thursday, February 26th! Bags will cost $1.00.
-There is no school on Friday, February 27th!
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 learning during PLTW that Eye Doctors help keep our eyes healthy in the story, "Douglas, You Need Glasses". Later that day, we each used our healthy eyes to sort a box of conversation hearts by color. The next day we put our eyes to work again, creating ABA patterns and sorting hearts by size and color. To visualize "Growing closer to God throughout Lent", each student planted marigold seeds that they will be caring for and observing over the next 40 days. To take advantage of our unusual weather, we went on a walk Wednesday to make observations using our healthy eyes, ears, and bodies. It was difficult for us to remember that it is still winter:)
4K- This week in 4k, students went on a walk around the school to look at living and nonliving things and then identified if it was human-made or natural. We also examined Sweetheart candies in class. Students counted how many were in their box and they were surprised that not every box had the same amount. They also noticed that the boxes only had 1 to 3 purple hearts in them. For extra fun we put some of the yellow hearts in blue juice to see if the juice would turn green. The juice did turn a fun green color!
5K- This week for Technology students practiced programming the Vex robots to move Rosie (the dog) to her dog house. We are also getting introduced to the programming app "Scratch Jr." this week.
In Math, we are looking for patterns to make and find the parts of numbers 11-19.
1st & 2nd Grade- We continue to explore animal adaptations. We have been following several animals on an app called Fahlo. There are manatees, gorillas, giraffes and polar bears. Students are able to see the patterns in which the animals move. They are also able to see how these animals are tracked. Later this week we will be exploring the solar system and life cycles of animals. In particular the butterfly.
The Home and School Association has created a survey regarding the need for an after school program for next year. Please take a moment and fill out this survey. Thank you.
https://forms.gle/AEWpr5cv1nqHwEMW9
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.
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.
