Archbishop Stepinac High School Weekly Update: October 5, 2026

OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY

October celebrates the Holy Rosary, a form of meditative prayer. Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary frequently during this month, meditating on the life of Jesus Christ through the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. A parishioner from a local parish has donated 100 rosaries made in 1916 for U.S. soldiers that were recently discovered and restored. She has offered to teach students how to clean and repair rosary beads. If you have rosaries that need cleaning or repair, contact the principal to arrange this opportunity.

COMPASSIONATE CRUSADERS AWARD

A new award recognizes students who demonstrate kindness, compassion, and care for others. Teachers and staff nominate students for their thoughtful actions and positive impact. Recipients receive a special certificate, a five-dollar cafeteria coupon, and recognition on school social media. September's award recipients are Pasquale Brancato, Liam Librandi, and Elijah Novotny.

SENIORS: 2ND MENINGITIS VACCINATION

New York State law requires all seniors to have documentation of their second meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination on file with the school. Submit vaccination documentation to Ms. O'Grady, School Nurse, as soon as possible. If your son has not received the vaccination, schedule an appointment with his primary care physician now. Documentation must be received by October 16. Students not in compliance by the deadline will not be permitted to attend classes or participate in school activities.

EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT

Families are encouraged to contact Governor Kathy Hochul to request that she opt in for the Education Tax Credit for New York families. This would provide a one-thousand-seven-hundred-dollar tax credit for families with children in private schools. Visit https://vtr.vc/n9al60 to send your message.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

St. John the Baptist School in Yonkers is seeking Juniors or Seniors to volunteer and assist with their fifth-grade boys basketball team. Interested students should contact Mr. Jason Ford, principal, at nine one four dash nine six five dash two three five six.

EUROPEAN TRIP 2027: Vienna, Munich, Lucerne

Spots are filling up fast. Registration ends October 10. The trip is open to students in grades 9-12 and takes place during February vacation. Visit https://vtr.vc/n9al60 to enroll. A parent meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 6pm in the auditorium to discuss trip information and logistics.

AFTER-SCHOOL HELP

Teachers began after-school help sessions on Monday, September 28. These sessions allow students to ask questions, review difficult material, and receive extra support. Students are encouraged to make appointments with their teachers to strengthen their understanding of challenging subjects.

BOX CITY

On Tuesday, November 10, Archbishop Stepinac High School students will participate in Box City, an event that raises awareness and funds to help families experiencing homelessness in Westchester County and New York City. Students will build temporary shelters from cardboard boxes and blankets and spend the evening outside on campus. Guest speakers will include officers from the White Plains Police Department and representatives from Lifting Up Westchester, an organization that helps people overcome homelessness. Stepinac students have raised over one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars through Box City to support those experiencing homelessness. Students who raise a minimum one hundred dollars earn ten hours of community service. Submit funds using the Buy Now link at https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=3cdyynvyamy. Students will set up their encampment at 4pm on the side field or front lawn. At 4:30pm, all students will attend an assembly in the auditorium. Freshmen and sophomores will then go outside to their encampment, while juniors and seniors will watch The Pursuit of Happyness, a 2006 film starring Will Smith. The groups will switch afterward. The evening ends at 10pm. For questions, email me at: pcarty@stepinac.org.

COLLEGE VISITS

College admissions representatives will visit on the following dates. Students must sign up with their Guidance Counselor and should be well-dressed and well-groomed:

• October 5: Marietta College (9:30am), NJ Institute of Technology (10am)
• October 6: PACE University (9am), Regis University (9:30am), High Point University (10am)
• October 7: RPI (9am), University of Alabama (9:30am)
• October 8: Vanderbilt University (9am)
• October 9: Manhattanville University (9am), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (10am), Villanova (12pm)

ANNUAL SCHOOL RAFFLE

Each student is asked to sell one hundred raffle tickets at one dollar each. Raffle books will be distributed on Thursday, October 8. The raffle ends on Tuesday, December 22, with the drawing that day. Prizes are one thousand dollars (1st place), seven hundred fifty dollars (2nd place), and five hundred dollars (3rd place). Keep the money from ticket sales and return only the portion with the buyer's name and contact information. The one-hundred-dollar raffle fee will be billed to your February tuition. Incentives for selling more than one hundred tickets include: seniors receive five additional graduation ceremony tickets with premier seating; juniors receive a named parking spot for senior year; sophomores receive a free parking spot for junior year; freshmen receive a fifty-dollar cash gift.

OCTOBER 7: NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY

Stepinac alumni and current parents in law enforcement will meet students interested in law enforcement. The event starts at 9am in the cafeteria.

OCTOBER 7: SENIOR PARENTS COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT

Senior Parents College Information Night runs from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Major Bowes Auditorium. Elizabeth Simmes, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Siena University, will present information about the college financial aid process. Stepinac counselors will review final steps of the college admissions application process.

OCTOBER 9: DRESS DOWN DAY—FOOTBALL

Support the Football program with a dress down day. Participating students bring a three-dollar donation to their first period teacher.

OCTOBER 12: COLUMBUS DAY

School is closed.

OCTOBER 22: EUROPEAN TRIP 2027 PARENT MEETING

All parents of students going on the 2027 trip to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are invited to meet at 6pm in the auditorium to discuss important trip information and logistics.

TYLER RUSH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Rush family is sponsoring a Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show on Sunday, October 18, with all proceeds benefiting the Tyler Rush Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship helps a student attend Stepinac each year. Tyler and his family attended Stepinac. The car show is the family's main fundraiser. Everyone is invited to bring a vehicle or simply attend. The Rush family is also seeking trophy sponsors for one hundred dollars, with sponsor names displayed on trophies and announced during the presentation. Visit https://tylerrushmemorialfund.com slash for more information and to register or become a sponsor.

OCTOBER 25 & 27: OPEN HOUSE

Stepinac welcomes visitors considering the school for their high school choice. Open House dates are Sunday, October 25, or Tuesday, October 27. Encourage family and friends with seventh and eighth grade sons to attend. If you know families whose sons may benefit from Stepinac, invite them to learn more about the school and consider a transfer.

REMEMBRANCE PRAYER LIST

During November, the school will pray for all deceased family members, friends, alumni, and staff of the Stepinac community. A list will be printed at the end of October and placed on the altar in the Chapel for all November liturgies and prayer services. Add names of family and friends to pray for at https://forms.gle/nk3R9gbEqYxVX1dc6.

WINTER SPORTS: NOVEMBER 1

Email coaches for information about tryouts, practices, and schedules. All winter sport athletes must be registered and cleared on Arbiter Sports to tryout, participate, practice, and play.

REGULAR DRESS CODE: NOVEMBER 2

The regular dress code begins November 2. The regular dress code consists of beige or tan colored pants, a white or light blue dress shirt and tie, and the school V-neck Under Armor sweater. No other sweatshirt, sweater, or pullover may be used. Seniors have the privilege of wearing the school golf shirt year-round and wearing the Stepinac sweatshirt in place of the school sweater.

SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The school offers an internship program to senior year students. Now in its fifth year, the program has been well-received by students and mentors. The program runs from April 5 to April 23. The school is seeking internship placements for seniors. If you can mentor a senior, contact Mrs. Donahoe at adonahoe@stepinac.org.