Grand Island St. Stephen School

St. Stephen School News Page
2008
School Website

St. Stephen Family School Association
President Bill Ortiz

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St. Stephen’s 4th Quarter Honor Roll - June 2008
July 3, 2008 . . . St. Stephen School announces its 4th quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Mrs. Julia Moretti
1st Honors: Sarah Bazemore, Nicole Castiglione, Andrew Faturos, Adam Frosolone, Lauren Lotempio, Miranda Nemeth, Garrett Robinson, Geoffrey Webb
2nd Honors: John-Paul Bobak, Virgil Castner, Rachel Colan, Jeffrey Goris, Julie Klein, Ireland Kramer, Ronald Loss, Angela Smith, Brian Smith
Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Laura Bierbrauer, William Frank, Hannah Panzica, William Tompkins, Brigid White
2nd Honors: Joshua Bobak, Michael Englert, Alexis Fredricks, Peter Kroetsch, Sabrina Mistriner, Joseph Monaco, Charles Panepinto, Luke Strott, NicholasTerlecky, Ciera Vedella, Elliott Ziolkowski
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Michael Bobak, Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Robert Nappo, Nicholas Ortiz, Griffin Stone
2nd Honors: Quinn Carey, Nathan Ciffa, Gabriella Congi, Jacob Frosolone, Zoanne Gebhard, Alanna Mergel, John Sosnowski
Grade 6: Mrs. Daniela Schmidt
1st Honors: Carleen Conway, Alexander Kovacs, Nicholas Panepinto, Katie Grace White
2nd Honors: Marielle Buffamonte, Peter Chopra, Kristin Kalman, Alexander Lenz, Molly Meka, Zoë Reda, Helen Tran
Grade 7: Miss Amy Goerss
1st Honors: Ashley Colan, James Gallagher, Jeremy Lazatin, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Alan Wopperer, Anthony Yarussi
2nd Honors: Alec Buffamonte, Matthew Gagola, Matthew Lenz, Lura Mazurek, Grace Olszewski, Alyssa Pizzuti, Zaida Smith, Jodie White
Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors: David Conboy, Jenna Saltzman, Victor Sarmiento
2nd Honors: Ariana Alizadeh, Katie Bierbrauer, James Bobak, Maura Bobak, Alex DeRosa, Jessie Knab, Emilie Kovacs, Rebecca Meyer, Jacqueline Sosnowski, Margaret White

67% of Graduating St. Stephen 8th Grade Awarded Academic Scholarships - 2008

Scholarship Winners (top, left to right): Rebecca Meyer, David Conboy, Brendan Stone, Seth Carey, James Bobak, Katie Bierbrauer, (bottom, left to right): Victor Sarmiento, Jackie Sosnowski, Jesse Knab, Maura Bobak, Ariana Alizadeh, Alex Derosa
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Over two-thirds of St. Stephen's 20 graduating eighth graders have been offered academic scholarships to local private high schools, totaling $69,500. Scholarships are based on entrance exam results, overall grade averages, and application requirements that include the students' participation in sports, the arts, volunteer activities, civic organizations, and proven leadership skills.

Entire Eighth Grade St. Stephen Class Attending First Choice High School - 2008

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Every student will be attending his or her 'first choice' in September: Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart (3), Buffalo Seminary (1), Canisius High School (2), Grand Island High School (2), Holy Angels academy (3), Mount St. Mary Academy (4), and St. Joseph Collegiate Institute (5). Twelve students received Academic Scholarships totaling $69,500. Eleven have also been awarded membership into the National Junior Honor Society.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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St Stephen’s Pre-K and Kindergarten children enjoyed Twilight Production’s Janice Spagnola’s magic, balloon animals and imagination puppet show on Monday, June 16. This special event was part of the Pre-K and Kindergarten picnic. There will be a magic camp and juggling camp offered by Twilight Productions in the St. Stephen’s summer camp; visit www.ststephensgi.org for dates.

St. Stephen School Spring Concert - 2008

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Among the highlights of activities in May was the Spring Concert, presented by the St. Stephen students. The event included performances by the school's Concert Band, as well as class and individual vocal performances. The audience really enjoyed the evening concert held in the main church. Thank you, Mrs. Tompkins and Mrs. Motyka for a wonderful concert well done.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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The children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 enjoyed a puppet show performance put on by the Food Bank of WNY on Friday, May 16th. Before the show, each child brought in a donation of pennies in the amount of their age. The puppet show is officially sponsored by the Buffalo Bills, and has been performed for more than 10,000 students, parents, and teachers. The puppet theater teaches children about the Food Bank and hunger. The show also includes child-friendly information about healthy eating. The Pre-K children then went back to their classroom and made a healthy salad for a snack.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

Brandon Vadella and Ronald Loss
Two students from St. Stephen School were selected as winners in the "Be Aware of New York Agriculture" Contest. The contest was for students in grade Pre-K to grade 6. Only three students across New York State are chosen as winners for each grade level. Two students were also awarded Honorable Mention at each grade level. Brandon Vadella, a first grade student, was awarded third place for his poster. Third grader Ronald Loss was awarded first place for his poster. Winning entries will be exhibited in the Youth Building at the Great New York State Fair in the summer of 2008.

Celebrating Mom's Day together are Deanna Pavone and sons, Victor and Dominic Pavone
Pre-K, kindergarten, first, and second grade students from St. Stephen School treated their moms to a special celebration, thanking them for all their love and all they do. The children sang songs for their moms, and gave them a card, a placemat (that each child made themselves), and a flower. The moms enjoyed a slide show featuring all the children and the many activities they participate in at St. Stephen School.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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Father Paul Nogaro was honored by the students of St. Stephen School for his many great attributes on Pastor Appreciation Day. He was greeted with a special bouquet made by the children highlighting his many virtues. The students prayed for his continued successful leadership of the parish. We thank you Father Paul for all your hard work in St. Stephen parish, and your service to the Grand Island community!

St. Stephen School May Activities - 2008

(left) The graduating class of 2008 led the opening procession for the Mass; (right) During the May Crowning Ceremony, Mary was crowned by James Bobak and Ariana Alizadeh.
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(left)The third grade class came to the celebration having recently received their First Holy Communion.
(right) Grandparents of the students in kindergarten through second grade were honored after the Mass. Pictured here are the Carey family with proud grandparents.

Spring is a very special time of year, especially at St. Stephen School. On May 1st, a beautiful mass was celebrated at the parish church, followed by a breakfast honoring students' grandparents.

Grace Olszewski - 2008

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Auxiliaries sponsored a writing contest this past fall titled "Why I Am An American Patriot." Grace Olszewski, a seventh grader at St. Stephen School, was the third place winner in the Seventh Grade division.

Ashley Colan - 2008

Ashley Colan, a grade 7 student at St. Stephen School, was the second place winner in the 14th Annual Fire Prevention Essay Contest for New York State. Ashley will receive a plaque and a check for her outstanding effort. St. Stephen School will also receive a plaque.

St. Stephen School SPCA Poster Contest Winners - 2008

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The following St. Stephen School students excelled in this years SPCA Poster Contest. Nicole Finn, Grade 2 (left) received second place in Division 1-2. Katie-Grace White, Grade 6 (center) received the Anderson/Lowe Award for exceptional creativity and artistic ability. She received a special plaque for this honor. Rachel Colon, Grade 3 (right) received first place in Division 3-4. Each student received medals and monetary gifts at an awards reception at the SPCA on April 2, 2008. Their posters will be on display for one year.

St. Stephen’s 3rd Quarter Honor Roll - April 2008
April 10, 2008 . . . St. Stephen School announces its 3rd quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Mrs. Julia Moretti
1st Honors: Sarah Bazemore, Andrew Faturos, Adam Frosolone, Ronald Loss, Lauren Lotempio, Miranda Nemeth, Garrett Robinson, Geoffrey Webb
2nd Honors: John-Paul Bobak, Virgil Castner, Rachel Colan, Jeffrey Goris, Julie Klein, Ireland Kramer, Angela Smith, Brian Smith
Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Laura Bierbrauer, William Frank, Grace Fredricks, Peter Kroetsch, Hannah Panzica, William Tompkins
2nd Honors: Michael Englert, Alexis Fredricks, Zachary Lenz, Sabrina Mistriner, Joseph Monaco, Charles Panepinto, Nicholas Terlecky, Luke Strott, Ciera Vedella, Brigid White, Elliott Ziolkowski
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Michael Bobak, Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Nicholas Ortiz
2nd Honors: Quinn Carey, Nathan Ciffa, Gabriella Congi, Jacob Frosolone, Alanna Mergel, Robert Nappo, Zachary Penrose, Griffin Stone
Grade 6: Mrs. Daniela Schmidt
1st Honors: Carleen Conway, Alexander Kovacs, Molly Meka, Nicholas Panepinto, Zoë Reda, Katie Grace White
2nd Honors: Marielle Buffamonte, Peter Chopra, Kristin Kalman, Alexander Lenz, Richard Shanor, Helen Tran
Grade 7: Miss Amy Goerss
1st Honors: Ashley Colan, James Gallagher, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Alan Wopperer
2nd Honors: Alec Buffamonte, Jeremy Lazatin, Grace Olszewski, Anthony Yarussi
Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors: Ariana Alizadeh, Maura Bobak, David Conboy, Jenna Saltsman, Victor Sarmiento
2nd Honors: Katie Bierbrauer, James Bobak, Emily Cardullo, Alex DeRosa, Richard Englert, Jessie Knab, Emilie Kovacs, Rebecca Meyer, Jacqueline Sosnowski, Margaret White

Volcano Experiment At St. Stephen School - 2008

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The third grade students at St. Stephen School were led by Mrs. Ann Samplinski in creating volcano effects in Science class. The students observed how the "lava" would flow from the volcano as the ingredients were added to cause the eruption. Each student created his/her own volcano for demonstration to the class.

St. Joseph's Day Table At St. Stephen School - 2008

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The students, faculty, and parents of St. Stephen School worked together to prepare a St. Joseph's Day Table on March 19, 2008. With many thanks to all who helped, a beautiful array of meatless dishes were prepared, and Father Paul Nogaro blessed the bountiful spread.

St. Stephen School - "St. Patrick" - March 2008

(left) Pre K students; (right) kindergarten students - Click photos for larger view
March 2008. . . St. Stephen's Pre-K class learned about some of the Irish fables and lore as they celebrated St. Patrick's Day. Among all the green decorations and their cut-out four leaf clovers, they enjoyed a treasure hunt looking for gold coins around the classroom. St. Stephen's Kindergarten classmates learned about St. Patrick and how the shamrock was used to teach the people of the "Emerald Isle" about the Trinity. The children also found "footprints" left behind by "leprechauns" in their room.

PI Day At St. Stephen School - March 2008

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March 2008. . . St. Stephen School 7th and 8th grade students in Mrs. Goerss and Mrs. Anne Wild's math classes recently celebrated PI Day. PI Day is a day to celebrate the mathematical constant (PI). PI is an irrational number approximately equal to 3.14, and is therefore observed on March 14th (3-14). During math classes, the students measured various everyday circular items, and then the diameter. When dividing the circumference by the diameter, students found that no matter what size the circle was, they got PI, or approximately 3.14 as the resulting quotient. Students brought in some circular treats, including cookies, and of course....pie!

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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March 2008. . . The students in the fourth grade class at St. Stephen School were assigned to read a book about a famous person for a February book report. Each book highlighted a character trait that helped that person achieve their success. The students decorated a T-shirt telling about the person and the valued character trait. Students wore their shirts for a day at school and were prepared to answer any question about the famous person.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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February 2008. . . Saint Stephen School Mission Club project was to make cookies and sell them in order to buy men's socks for people who live on the streets of Buffalo. Students rolled cookie dough, cut out shapes, baked and frosted over 800 cookies. Grades 1-8 helped in this project. The cookies were sold during Catholic School's week and during the lunch periods that week at school. The Mission Club made $130.00 with about 30 pairs of socks donated towards its goal. The money and socks will be used by an organization called "Heart for the Homeless." This ministry has a mobile soup kitchen which provides meals for the homeless in the Buffalo area. St. Stephen's donation will assist those homeless. A special thank you to all the people who donated the cookie dough, frosting, sprinkles and their time. It is greatly appreciated.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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February 2008. . . St. Stephen School Pre-K and Kindergarten students got a real treat from a special storyteller Tom Burger. He has been storytelling and teaching for over 30 years. The children enjoyed actively participating in his presentation.

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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The Pre-K, Kindergarten, first and second grade students at St. Stephen School celebrated the 100th day of school this year with many fun activities including: 100 exercises in the gym, decorating hats with 100 items, reading 100 books for Scholastic Classroom Care, making 100th Day crowns, and sorting 100 Gummie Bears!

St. Stephen School News - 2008

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The students at St. Stephen School were given an extra special opportunity to show their love for their principal, Mrs. Ende on Valentine's Day. February 14th also happens to be Mrs. Donna Ende's birthday! The children were very excited to express their love and gratitude for their beloved principal on her special day.

St. Stephen Pre-K News - 2008

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February 2008. . . The Pre-K children at St. Stephen School did a unit about "Mittens." As a culminating activity, the childern made mitten sandwiches using various toppings to make the sandwiches extra yummmy!!

St. Stephen Students Enjoy Cooking Club - 2008

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February 2008. . . Saint Stephen School Cooking Club members are learning to prepare many delicious dishes. This month they learned to make meatloaf which they brought home to share with their families.

Catholic Schools Week At St. Stephen School - 2008

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February 2008. . . St. Stephen School began the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week with a special Sunday mass at St. Stephen Church. When the children returned to school on Monday, they began a weeklong series of exciting and fun activities. Catholic Schools Week ran from Sunday, January 27 to Saturday, February 2nd.

St. Stephen Basketball Team Wins Championship - 2008

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February 2008. . . The St Stephen Boys J.V. basketball team won the Niagara County Catholic League championship. They captured the title by beating St. Dominics in a hard fought game. Pictured are (front) Zach Cooney, Nathan Chiffa, John-Paul Bobak, Griffin Stone, Peter Chopra; (2nd row) Justin Figler, Quinn Carey, Colin Carey, George Smith, Branden Costolnick, Michael Bobak; (3rd row) Coach Figler, Alex Kovacs, Joey Beauchamp, Coach Carey. Missing from the photo are Steven White and Coach Bobak.

St. Stephen Students Make Penguins - 2008

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   February 2008. . . St. Stephen School Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and Second grade classes recently made their own stuffed penguins. Each child received a kit, then stuffed and personalized each one with their new name and "birth certificate."

St. Stephen’s 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - January 2008
   January 31, 2008 . . . St. Stephen School announces its 2nd quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Mrs. Julia Moretti
1st Honors: Sarah Bazemore, Andrew Faturos, Adam Frosolone, Julie Klein, Lauren Lotempio, Miranda Nemeth, Garrett Robinson
2nd Honors: John-Paul Bobak, Virgil Castner, Rachel Colan, Jeffrey Goris, Ireland Kramer, Ronald Loss, Angela Smith, Brian Smith, Geoffrey Webb
Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Laura Bierbrauer, William Frank, Peter Kroetsch, Joseph Monaco, Hannah Panzica, William Tompkins, Brigid White
2nd Honors: Michael Englert, Alexis Fredricks, Grace Fredricks, Zachary Lenz, Charles Panepinto, Luke Strott, Ciera Vedella, Elliott Ziolkowski
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Michael Bobak, Nathan Ciffa, Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Alanna Mergel, Robert Nappo, Nicholas Ortiz
2nd Honors: Quinn Carey, Gabriella Congi, Jacob Frosolone, Thomas Gagola, Zoanne Gebhard, John Sosnowski, Griffin Stone
Grade 6: Mrs. Daniela Schmidt
1st Honors: Carleen Conway, Alexander Kovacs, Molly Meka, Nicholas Panepinto, Katie Grace White
2nd Honors: Marielle Buffamonte, Peter Chopra, Kristin Kalman, Alexander Lenz, , Zoë Reda, Richard Shanor, Helen Tran
Grade 7: Miss Amy Goerss
1st Honors: Ashley Colan, James Gallagher, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Alan Wopperer, Anthony Yarussi
2nd Honors: Alex Buffamonte, Matthew Gagola, Jeremy Lazatin, Matthew Lenz, Grace Olszewski, Zaida Smith, Jodie White
Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors: Ariana Alizadeh, David Conboy, Alex DeRosa, Jesse Knab, Victor Sarmiento
2nd Honors: Katie Bierbrauer, James Bobak, Maura Bobak, Emily Cardullo, Emilie Kovacs, Rebecca Meyer, Callan Piazza, Jenna Saltzman, Jackie Sosnowski, Brendan Stone, Meggie White

Lenten Fish Fry Begins At St. Stephen's - 2008
   The St. Stephen Lenten fish fry dinners begin February 8th in St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road, and will run each Friday through March 14th. Dinners are served from 5-7 p.m. with early bird admission for senior citizens beginning at 4:30 p.m. Dinners include fried or broiled haddock, shrimp and scallops, French fries, and homemade potato salad and desserts. Discount dinners for senior citizens. Take out menu available from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. by calling 773-4347.
   Due to the participation of so many dedicated and enthusiastic workers (consisting mainly of the school's parents, but this also includes the current 8th grade class, relatives, parishioners, and past students), the St. Stephen's fish fry is a greatly anticipated community event as well as a way to raise money for St. Stephen School.

St. Stephen's Campaign to Prove that 'Reading is Giving' - 2008
100 Books To Be Donated To Children In Need

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Kindergarten students from St. Stephen School are helping others while they help themselves this school year by participating in Scholastic Book Club Classrooms Care, a philanthropy-based literacy campaign designed to teach children about the joys and importance of reading and giving. From the beginning of school through December 31, 2007, students in Mrs. Ortiz's classroom read 100 books and in turn, Scholastic Book Clubs, a division of Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company, will donate 100 books to disadvantaged children nationwide.

St. Stephen School Writing Contest Winners - 2008

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Each year the St. Stephen Parish Holy Name Society sponsors a writing contest to encourage youth to focus on the sprititual meaning of Christmas. Writing participants in this year's contest were asked to express their thoughts regarding their family's Christmas traditions. Congratulations to the winners of the contest from St. Stephen School, (shown above top left to right) Mrs. Daniela Schmidt, Anthony Yarussi, Ricky Englert, Rebecca Meyer, James Bobak, Alex Kovacs, Mr. Pete Kuszczak, (bottom left to right): Grace Olszewski, Kristin Kalman, Stephanie Neville, and Katie Grace White.

Lions Club Names St. Stephen School Poster Winners - 2008

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Members of the Grand Island Lions Club recently announced the winners of their International Peace Poster Contest. The winners from St. Stephen School are Carly Conway, grade 6, who won a second place $100 savings bond for her grade level. Other St. Stephen School winners are Katie Grace White, grade 6; Callan Piazza, grade 8; and James Bobak, grade 8. Each of those winners were awarded a third place $50 savings bond for their entries. Congratulations to all for a job well done!

St. Stephen School Christmas Concert - 2008

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January 3, 2008 . . .An exciting Christmas concert was presented to the Grand Island community by all students at St. Stephen School. The event began with a series of holiday favorites by the students' concert band. The packed house was then treated to "ELFis and the Sleigh Riders," a short musical with a message about forgiveness. The evening concluded with the heart warming presentation of the Nativity. Many thanks to the students who shared their wonderful talents, and to all those who assisted in pulling together this excellent concert.

St. Stephen School Pre-K Students Wear PJs to School - 2008

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January 3, 2008 . . .Just before the Christmas holiday, the Pre-K students at St. Stephen School lived out the dream of going to school in their pajamas. They enjoyed breakfast together including doughnuts, french toast, and orange juice. PJ Day also included making fun holiday crafts.

If you are a member of this organization we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together". Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE webpage, listing: meeting times location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.