NOVEMBER: A Month of Remembrance and Gratitude

November invites us to remember and give thanks for our families, friends, teachers, opportunities, and all who support us. Remembering those who have touched our lives helps us appreciate today’s blessings. May we remember with love, give thanks generously, and value the people God has placed in our lives.

THANK YOU

Thank you to the parents who helped at Saturday’s football game: Angela Acevedo, Rhianin Iassogna Roman, Eileen Koraca, Kerri-Anne Librandi, Paddy McGrath, Tricia McGrath, Anika Providence, Drina Singh, Christine Wohl, Kristin Wrona, and Erika A. Joyce Vega. We appreciate your hard work!

AFTER-SCHOOL HELP

After-school help gives students time to ask questions, review challenging material, and get support. Please encourage your son to make an appointment with his teacher. Seeking help shows responsibility and can make a big difference.

LADY CRUSADERS ONLINE MERCHANDISE

Visit the online store for Christmas gifts, including dog collars and leashes: https://crusaderparentsmerchandise.square.site/

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

St. Anthony of Padua Pizza Festa

Ten student volunteers are needed for the Pizza Festa in West Harrison, NY.

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Time: 12:00–5:00 PM Location: St. Anthony of Padua Church, West Harrison, NY

Volunteers will move tables and chairs on wheeled carts, monitor trash, help keep the area clean, and return the tables and chairs after the event. Stepinac apparel is encouraged but not required.

To volunteer, email, call, or text Stepinac parent and alumnus Jeff Mutis: Phone/Text: 914-841-8219 Email: jeffreymutis@gmail.com

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Holy Rosary Church will hold its second Swishes for Wishes event on Sunday, November 8, with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Volunteers will rebound free throws, encourage children, track shots, and help keep the gym clean. Volunteer arrival is at 12:30 PM; service lasts four to five hours.

Contact Mickey Moriarty, Stepinac Class of 1992: Phone: 914-645-0240 Email: Mickey2233@aol.com Location: Holy Rosary, 170 Bradhurst Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532

ANNUAL SCHOOL RAFFLE

Each student received raffle tickets and is asked to sell 100. Tickets cost $1 each. The raffle ends, and the drawing takes place, Tuesday, December 22. Prizes are $1,000, $750, and $500.

Students keep ticket-sale proceeds and return the buyer-information stubs. A $100 raffle fee will be billed to every student in February through Blackbaud, whether or not tickets are sold. Return sold stubs to the Main Office. Students needing more tickets may see me.

MIDDLE STATES VISIT: 11/8–11/11

The Middle States Association visiting team will visit November 8–11 as part of our reaccreditation process. The review covers academics, student life, Catholic identity, leadership, and school operations. It also helps us recognize strengths, identify improvements, and plan for the future.

The team will meet with school community members and review our policies, programs, facilities, and educational practices. Thank you for supporting this important process.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF SENIORS

Please email me your choice for the diploma name if you have not already done so.

Senior Yearbook: Family Picture Section

Families may email a photo to Mr. Caramele at acaramele@stepinac.org for the optional, free family photo section. This section is separate from paid Tribute Ads.

Deadline: January 24, 2027. Photos cannot be accepted after the deadline.

STEPINAC STEAM TEAM

The STEAM Team is preparing for its rookie season, competing in FIRST Robotics, NYS Science Olympiad, NASA TechRise, and HOSA Future Health Professionals events. The team brings science and engineering clubs together to strengthen collaboration. Support the team’s text-a-thon, here.

COLLEGE VISITS

Interested seniors must sign up for visits. Questions should go to the Guidance counselor. Students should dress and groom themselves appropriately.

November 2: University of New Haven, 9:30 AM November 2: University of Hartford, 11 AM November 3: New Jersey Institute of Technology, 9 AM November 3: Eastern Connecticut State University, 9:30 AM November 4: Mount St. Mary College, 10 AM November 5: Lynn University, 9:30 AM November 5: University of Scranton, 10:30 AM November 6: Marist University, 9 AM

REGULAR DRESS CODE: NOVEMBER 2

Regular dress code begins November 2: beige or tan pants, a white or light blue dress shirt and tie, and the school V-neck Under Armour sweater. Other sweatshirts, sweaters, or pullovers are not permitted. Seniors may wear the school golf shirt year-round and the Stepinac sweatshirt instead of the school sweater.

NOVEMBER 6: DRESS-DOWN DAY

Students may support the American Cancer Society’s Makin’ Strides Breast Cancer Program by bringing a $3 donation to their first-period teacher.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL MASS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

The Stepinac community will gather for Memorial Mass at 9:00 AM in the school chapel. The Mass honors deceased members of our community. Names of alumni and friends who passed away this year will be read and entered in the Book of Remembrance.

NOVEMBER 10: BOX CITY

Students will build temporary shelters from cardboard boxes and blankets on campus, learning about challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Guest speakers from the White Plains Police Department and Lifting Up Westchester will discuss homelessness and local services. Stepinac will donate to Lifting Up Westchester.

Students who participate and raise at least $100 earn 10 community service hours. Submit donations using the Buy Now link: https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=3cdyynvyamy

Donors should include the student’s name and donation amount. Students should bring boxes to school Tuesday, November 10, and store them in the auditorium. At 4:00 PM, they will set up on the side field or front lawn. An assembly begins at 4:30 PM.

Freshmen and sophomores will first go to the encampment; juniors and seniors will watch The Pursuit of Happyness in the auditorium. The groups will switch. The event ends at 10:00 PM, when boxes will be collected by the White Plains Department of Public Works.

Questions: pcarty@stepinac.org

NOVEMBER 10: ADVANCEMENT OFFICE FALL CELEBRATION RAFFLE

Enter the 12th Annual Fall Celebration Raffle for a chance to win $10,000 and support Stepinac. Tickets cost $50 each or four for $150. Return tickets and payment by November 6, 2026. Contact Paul Thomas through the school’s raffle information page.

FALL DRAMA: 11/12, 11/13, 11/14

The Drama Club will perform Almost, Maine, a warm, humorous play about relationships and unexpected connections in a fictional northern Maine town.

Performances: Thursday, November 12, at 6 PM Friday, November 13, at 6 PM Saturday, November 14, at 6 PM

Tickets: www.stepinac.org/showtickets Sponsorship: www.stepinac.org/theatresponsors

NOVEMBER 14: NY SPECIAL OLYMPICS POLAR PLUNGE

Kieran Ward, William O’Brien, and Sean Fisca are organizing Stepinac’s “Chillin’ Crusaders” team for the NY Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Playland Beach, Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580. The event runs from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Students who raise the $175 fee and plunge earn 15 community service hours; those who raise the fee but do not plunge earn 10. See the previously emailed flier for registration details. Thank you to the organizers!

SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The senior internship program runs April 5–23. We are seeking placements for students. Please consider hosting a senior to share experience and insight into your field. Contact Mrs. Donahoe: adonahoe@stepinac.org