Grand Island St. Stephen School

St. Stephen School News Page
2008
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President Bill Ortiz

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St. Stephen’s Girls Basketball Wins Another, Now 7-0 On The Season - Dec. 2008
   Not known for their early starts, St. Stephen’s Varsity Girls basketball played a Saturday morning game on Dec. 20th against DeSales of Lockport. The game was held despite the cold and snowy weather at St. Johns de LaSalle gym on Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls.
   For those who braved the weather, they were treated to a very well played game by St. Stephen’s and a 32-12 victory over the team from Lockport. Two standout players contributed to the win. Early in the game, Stephanie Neville stole the ball twice and converted the turnovers to 4 points in helping her team get on track. This sparked a defensive stand that allowed only 6 first half points by DeSales. Incredibly, St. Stephen’s did not commit a foul in the entire first half.
   In the second half, Carlee Conway overcame being double teamed and dished the ball to other St. Stephen players to score points. She constantly pushed the ball into the offensive zone and found the open player. Erin McConnaghy once again led all players with 10 points as she shot five of seven from the floor. Conway finished with 7 points and numerous assists. Grace Olszewski out-rebounded the taller DeSales players and contributed with 6 points. Ashley Colan and Amanda Bruno who substitute for each other also secured numerous rebounds and scored 2 and 3 points respectively. Although not scoring points, Zaida Smith, Molly Meka and Katie White played well coming off the bench to spell the starters.
   The team is off over the Christmas Holiday and returns to action on January 6th against Stella Niagara. The game is to be held at St. Stephen’s gym starting at 7:30 p.m.
   In other news, St. Stephen’s is trying to work with Art Meany who coaches the Grand Island Modified team and arrange a practice game that would feature the future stars of the GI program. More on this as it develops. Happy New Year to all of our supporters and we hope to see you at our next game!

St. Stephen’s Varsity Girls Basketball Pushes Record to 6-0 - 2008

Grace Olzsewski (33) and Ashley Colon (22) work for position on offense against St. Peters of Lewiston
   Averaging almost 40 points per game, the St. Stephen’s Varsity Girls Basketball Team won three more games in the past five days.
   It began with an extremely lopsided win against St. Peter’s of Lewiston On Thursday, December 11th. Seven of the St. Stephen’s players contributed with points as they won 58-9. Erin McConnaghy led all players with 20 points while Grace Olszewski and Carlee Conway each had 10. Molly Meka had her strongest game of the season with 8 points while Ashley Colon added 7 points.Zaida Smith and Amanda Bruno rounded out the scoring with 2 and 1 point respectively. Although held off the score sheet, Stephanie Neville and Katie White forced numerous turnovers on the defensive side of the ball.
   Saturday December 13th saw St. Stephen’s take on North Tonawanda Catholic (NTC) at Niagara Catholic High School. Balanced scoring was again evident as seven players contributed. Katie White had a career high 4 points and Stephanie Neville had the same from their usual defensive guard position. And it was strong defense that stymied NTC as they were held to only 14 points. Again Erin McConnaghy led all scorers with 11 points while Grace Olzsewski had 7 in St. Stephen’s 34-14 victory.
   Monday December 15th saw a rematch with NTC, this time held at the small court at Stella Niagara’s gym. NTC came out with a very aggressive attitude, working at pressing St. Stephen’s into turnovers. For the first time this season, St. Stephen’s was behind at the end of the first quarter 6-5. But St. Stephen’s put on a defensive clinic in the second quarter, holding NTC to only one point and taking a 17-7 lead at the half. Neville and White shared time at the top defensive slot and assisted with generating numerous turnovers. Erin McConnaghy converted those transition plays into 18 points to lead all scorers. Carlee Conway contributed 11 points and Grace Olzsewski led with several offensive rebounds and 7 points. Conway was able to get the ball inside in the second half with her playmaking ability which led to inside baskets from Ashley Colon who had 4, Amanda Bruno with 2 and Zaida Smith with 2 points. St. Stephen’s won the game by a final score of 44 to 21, pushing their season record to 6-0.
   In their first six games, St. Stephen’s is averaging 39 points per game while holding their opponents to an average of 12.5 points per game. It is their commitment to team defense and quick transitional play that makes them so effective. Their next game is Saturday, December 20th against DeSales from Lockport at St. John’s LaSalle gym on Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls at 10:30 a.m.

St Stephen’s Girls Varsity Basketball Start Season on a Roll - 2008

Game with St. Peters held at DeSales on Dec. 1, 2008. Bottom left and moving clockwise are: #5 Carlee Conway, #22 Ashley Colon, #33 Grace Olszewski, #10 Erin McConnaghy, #15 Stephanie Neville
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   The preseason Tip-Off Tournament for the Niagara District/Diocese of Buffalo Basketball League was held the weekend of November 22 through November 24th. The six-team league played at three different gyms with the finals being held at Niagara Catholic High School. St. Stephen’s won the tournament with a very decisive win over DeSales from Lockport, NY by a score of 32-15.
   St. Stephen’s returns six players from last year’s team and added three more seventh graders to the varsity team. Although not a team with height, it does possess speed at every position and the seventh graders add depth at guard and forward.
    St. Stephen’s was awarded a bye in the first round of the tournament beginning play in the semi-finals. Their first opponent was Stella Niagara in a game played at St. Stephen’s gym on Grand Island. St. Stephen’s scored its first basket by Erin McConnaghy two-seconds into the game on a tip at center by Grace Olszewski. They never looked back as Carlee Conway took over at point guard and led the team to a 35-10 win. Stephanie Neville contributed with tremendous pressure on Stella’s point guard causing numerous turnovers. McConnaghy led all scorers with 15 points followed by Conway with 8, Olszewski with 6, Ashley Colon with 4 and Neville with 2.
   In the finals at Niagara Catholic High School, St. Stephen’s faced a much taller DeSales team so rebounding would be a key. Ashley Colon, Amanda Bruno and Grace Olszewski were called on to use their boxing-out skills to counter the taller DeSales players. They gathered numerous rebounds which led to a quick transition play to Carlee Conway that ultimately led to several fast-break baskets. Olszewski also had several offensive rebounds that contributed to her leading the team in points with 9. Conway had 8 points, followed by Stephanie Neville converting fast-breaks to baskets with 6 points, Erin McConnaghy with 6 points, Colon with 2 and off the bench Molly Meka had one. Zaida Smith and Katie White contributed with playing time off the bench, spelling the starters with much needed rest. St. Stephen's committed only three fouls all game enroute to the tournament win by a score of 32-15.
   St Peter’s of Lewiston was their opponent December 1st to start their regular season. All nine players received considerable playing time and seven players scored points in earning a 32-6 win. Stephanie Neville and Katie White shared time at defensive guard position and created numerous turnovers. Erin McConnaghy led all scorers with 14 points, Grace Olochewski had 5, Carlee Conway had 4, Ashley Colon had 3, Amanda Bruno, Zaida Smith and Katie White each had 2. Bruno and Smith also led the team in rebounds. McConnaghy and Molly Meka played tremendous defense at the guard position. St. Stephen’s next game will be December 11th at the St. Stephen’s gym at 7:45 p.m.

St. Stephen’s 1st Quarter Honor Roll - November 2008
   November 13, 2008 . . . St. Stephen School announces its 1st quarter honor roll:
Grade 3: Mrs. Julia Moretti
1st Honors: Ruby Benz, Priya Bommaraju, Liam Carey, Patrick Curtin, Nicholas Falbo, Nicole Finn, Nicholas Lenz, Dominic Nappo, Michael Pappano, Dominic Pavone, Elizabeth Strott, Gracie Tompkins
2nd Honors: Maddison Burke, Joshua Costolnick, Lauren Curtin, Shannon Klein, Isabella Panepinto, Joseph Pappano, Theresa Wes
Grade 4: Mrs. Ann Samplinski
1st Honors: Lauren LoTempio, Miranda Nemeth, Garrett Robinson
2nd Honors: Sarah Bazemore, Nicole Castiglione, Virgil Castner, Rachel Colan, Andrew Faturos, Adam Frosolone, Jacob Gleave, Jeffrey Goris, Julie Klein, Ireland Kramer, Ronald Loss
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Hoplight
1st Honors: Laura Bierbrauer, William Frank, Grace Fredricks, Hannah Panzica, William Tompkins
2nd Honors: Joshua Bobak, Michael Englert, Alexis Fredricks, Peter Kroetsch, Sabrina Mistriner, Joseph Monaco, Michael Oldman, Charles Panepinto, Luke Strott, Nicholas Terlecky, Ciara Vedella, Brigid White, Elliott Ziolkowski
Grade 6: Mrs. Daniela Schmidt
1st Honors: Nicholas Colan, Justin Figler, Luke McConnaghy, Alanna Mergel, Robert Nappo, Nicholas Ortiz, Griffin Stone
2nd Honors: Michael Bobak, Quinn Carey, Nathan Ciffa, Gabriella Congi, Jacob Frosolone, Thomas Gagola, Zachary Penrose, John Sosnowski, Steven White
Grade 7: Miss Bonnie McDermott
1st Honors: Alexander Kovacs, Kathleen White
2nd Honors: Peter Chopra, Carleen Conway, Alexander Lenz, Molly Meka, Nicholas Panepinto, Helen Tran
Grade 8: Mrs. Carol Buchholz
1st Honors: Jeremy Lazatin, Jeremy Loss, Erin McConnaghy, Stephanie Neville, Alan Wopperer, Anthony Yarussi
2nd Honors: Alec Buffamonte, Ashley Colan, James Gallagher, Matthew Lenz, Zachary Manuszewski, Lura Mazurek, Grace Olszewski, Zaida Smith, Jodie White

St. Stephen School News - Nov. 2008

The St. Stephen Third Grade students started a new unit in Science class. They are learning about animals with a vertebra (spine), and those without. They learned that humans are vertebrates. Each student made a model of a backbone.

St. Stephen students and their families collected hundreds of items to fulfill the Ladies of Charity's 'Wish List' for a local Household Rehab project. The Ladies of Charity accepts new or reusable items in clean, good condition to meet the needs of the poor in the community. In addition to the Household Rehab, their various projects include a store, layettes, and a reading program. St. Stephen parish wishes to thank all who so generously gave to this worthy cause.

Food Bank of WNY Presents Puppet Show - 2008

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Children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 enjoyed a puppet show performance put on by the Food Bank of WNY. 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 how they feed the hungry in four countries. The Pre-K children then went back to their classroom and made a healthy snack.

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.