Archbishop Stepinac High School Office of the Principal October 2026 Monthly Newsletter

OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY

October honors the Holy Rosary, a form of meditative prayer. Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary frequently, reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ through the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries.

SENIORS: 2ND MENINGITIS VACCINATION REQUIRED

New York State law requires all seniors to have documentation of their second meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination on file. Submit a copy to Ms. O'Grady, School Nurse, immediately. If your son hasn't received the vaccination, schedule an appointment with his physician now. Documentation is due by October 16. Students without compliance cannot attend classes or activities until documentation is received.

EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT

Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul to support the Education Tax Credit, which would provide a $1,700 tax credit for families with children in private schools: https://vtr.vc/n9al60

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

St. John the Baptist School in Yonkers seeks Juniors or Seniors to volunteer with their 5th grade boys basketball team. Contact Mr. Jason Ford at 914-965-2356.

EUROPEAN TRIP 2027: VIENNA, MUNICH, LUCERNE

Spots are filling fast! Open to grades 9–12 during February vacation. Experience Central Europe's cultural heritage, from Munich's Glockenspiel to Lucerne's Alpine mountains and Vienna's musical legacy. Enrollment: www.eftours.com/3079361CM

AFTER-SCHOOL HELP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 28

Teachers offer after-school sessions for students to ask questions, review material, and strengthen understanding. Encourage your son to attend—asking for help shows responsibility and commitment to success.

SENIOR PORTRAITS AND ID CARD PHOTOS: SEPTEMBER 28

Seniors will have portraits taken by Irving Simon. Ensure your son is well-groomed. Underclassmen and transfer students without photos from May will also be photographed.

CLUB FAIR: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

During D and E lunch periods, club moderators and members will share information and help students get involved. Encourage your son to explore clubs and make new friends.

EUROPEAN TRIP 2028 PARENT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 29, 6PM

EF Educational Tours hosts an interest meeting in the auditorium for an Italy tour. Register at https://rsvp.eftours.com/4veksdx. Registered parents may be eligible for trip scholarships. Learn how your son can earn academic credit.

COLLEGE VISITS

Admissions representatives visit throughout October. Students must sign up with their Guidance counselor. Ensure your son is well-dressed and well-groomed. [Complete schedule of dates and colleges listed in original]

OCTOBER 2: DRESS DOWN DAY – GAELIC FOOTBALL CLUB

Support the GFC with a $3 donation to your 1st period teacher.

OCTOBER 2: LADY CRUSADERS PAINT & SIP PARTY

All moms and friends invited for a guided Sunflower painting activity, 7–9pm. Bring your own food and beverages; supplies provided. See previous email for registration details.

OCTOBER 3: SAT EXAM

Interested students should speak with their counselor.

OCTOBER 7: ANNUAL SCHOOL RAFFLE

Each student sells 100 raffle tickets at $1 each. Raffle books distributed October 8; deadline is December 22. Prizes: $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd). The $100 fee is billed in February. Incentives for top sellers: Seniors earn extra graduation tickets with premier seating; Juniors earn a named parking spot for Senior year; Sophomores earn a free parking spot for Junior year; Freshmen receive $50 cash.

OCTOBER 7: COFFEE WITH A COP

Stepinac alumni and current parents in law enforcement meet interested students at 9am in the cafeteria. Enjoy coffee and treats.

OCTOBER 7: SENIOR PARENTS COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT

7–8:30pm in Major Bowes Auditorium. Elizabeth Simmes, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Siena University, presents college financial aid information. Stepinac counselors discuss final college application steps.

OCTOBER 9: DRESS DOWN DAY – FOOTBALL

Support the Football program with a $3 donation to your 1st period teacher.

OCTOBER 12: COLUMBUS DAY

School closed.

OCTOBER 13: LADY CRUSADERS MEETING, 7PM

Mr. Helber, School Social Worker, and Mr. Griffith, Coordinator of Clubs & Activities, are guest speakers.

OCTOBER 13–16: STUDENT GOVERNMENT SPIRIT WEEK

Free, themed dress-down competitions with prizes. Only students following the designated theme may dress down; others wear the relaxed uniform. Details announced by Student Government.

OCTOBER 15: TUITION PAYMENT DUE

October tuition, general activity fees, and sport fees (Football, Fall Baseball, Fall Track) are due. Accounts in arrears result in locked Student Portals and no extracurricular participation. Contact Mrs. Arrichiello, Finance Office, extension 3015, with questions.

OCTOBER 15: COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DUE

Applications with November 1 deadlines must reach counselors by 10/15 to ensure timely processing.

OCTOBER 16: BAKE SALE

Student Government sponsors a bake sale during lunch. Details to follow.

OCTOBER 16: ST. COLUMBANUS SCHOOL VISIT

Students from St. Columbanus School, Bangor, Ireland, will tour the school, have lunch with GFC members, and play a friendly Gaelic Football match.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND: OCTOBER 17

Welcome alumni back for homecoming events, including the Varsity football game against St. Peter's at 1:30pm Saturday.

OCTOBER 17: ACT EXAM

Interested students should speak with their counselor.

OCTOBER 17: VARSITY FOOTBALL SENIORS BREAKFAST

Celebrate at 9am in the cafeteria.

TYLER RUSH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Rush family hosts a Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, October 18, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship that helps a student attend Stepinac annually. Tyler and his family attended Stepinac. Support the show by bringing a vehicle or attending. Trophy sponsors ($100) will have their name displayed and announced. Visit https://tylerrushmemorialfund.com for details.

OCTOBER 20 & 22: WESTCHESTER COUNTY COLLEGE FAIRS

Southern fair: October 20 at County Center, 6pm. Northern fair: October 22 at Jefferson Valley Mall, 6pm.

OCTOBER 21: STEPINAC COLLEGE FAIR

9–11am in the gym. Parents encouraged to attend. College list emailed previously.

OCTOBER 22: BLOOD DRIVE

Donate at the gym, 8:30am–2:30pm, to support the New York Blood Center. See previous email for registration.

OCTOBER 23: DRESS DOWN DAY – LADY CRUSADERS

Support the Lady Crusaders with a $3 donation to your 1st period teacher.

OCTOBER 25 & 27: OPEN HOUSE

Welcome prospective families considering Stepinac. Invite friends and family with 7th and 8th grade sons. If you know families whose sons may benefit from a transfer, encourage them to visit and learn more about Stepinac's academic, personal, social, and spiritual opportunities.

OCTOBER 26: OPEN HOUSE HOLIDAY

School offices closed; no classes.

OCTOBER 28–29: STUDENT ASSEMBLIES AND JCK PARENT PRESENTATION

The JCK Foundation addresses student mental health and well-being. Students attend assemblies and small group discussions. Parents attend a presentation at 7pm on October 28 to identify signs of mental illness, discuss mental health with teens, and locate local resources.

OCTOBER 30: COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DUE

Applications with November 15 deadlines must reach counselors by 10/30.

OCTOBER 30: HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRESS DOWN

Students may dress in costume or regular dress down. Donate $3 to your 1st period teacher. Cash prizes awarded for best costumes. Ms. Pozo provides prize competition details.

OCTOBER 30: LADY CRUSADERS HANDBAG BINGO

Sold out. Thank you for supporting programs benefiting Stepinac students, faculty, and facilities.

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE PRAYER LIST

During November, we pray for deceased family members, friends, alumni, and staff. Add names by October 31: https://forms.gle/nk3R9gbEqYxVX1dc6

WINTER SPORTS: NOVEMBER 1

Email coaches for tryout, practice, and schedule information. All athletes must register and clear on Arbiter Sports.

REGULAR DRESS CODE BEGINS: NOVEMBER 2

Beige or tan pants, white or light blue dress shirt and tie, and school V-neck Under Armor sweater. Seniors may wear the school golf shirt year-round and the Stepinac sweatshirt instead of the sweater.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL MASS: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 9AM

The Stepinac family gathers in the Chapel to honor deceased community members. Names of alumni and friends who passed this year will be read and entered into the Book of Remembrance.

SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Now in its 5th year, this successful program runs April 5–23. Mentors provide seniors invaluable experience in their fields. If interested in hosting a senior, contact Mrs. Donahoe at adonahoe@stepinac.org

Best, Paul Carty