Welcome
This Monday (11/2) we enter regular dress code, moving away from the relaxed dress code.
Here are the next two weeks, with their cycle days:
Week 9
Mon 11/9: Day 3; Tue 11/10: Day 4; Wed 11/11: Veterans Day - School Closed; Thu: 11/12: Day 5; Fri 11/13: Day 6
Mon 11/16: Day 1; Tue 11/17: Day 2; Wed 11/11: Day 3; Thu: 11/19: Day 4; Fri 11/20: Day 5
Here is the link to the school handbook:
2026-27 Stepinac Handbook (pdf)
NOVEMBER: A Month of Remembrance and Gratitude
November is a time to remember and give thanks for family, friends, teachers, opportunities, and those who support us. Remembering those who have touched our lives helps us appreciate today’s blessings. May we remember with love, give generously, and value the people God has placed in our lives.
AFTER-SCHOOL HELP
Teachers offer after-school help for students to ask questions, review challenging material, and get support. Please encourage your son to use this resource. Seeking help shows responsibility and a desire to succeed. Students should arrange a meeting with their teacher. A little extra help can make a big difference.
LADY CRUSADERS ONLINE MERCHANDISE
Christmas shopping made easy! Visit the online store to see available items. The dog collars and leashes are adorable! https://crusaderparentsmerchandise.square.site/ (opens in a new tab)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF SENIORS
Please email me your choice for the diploma name selection if you have not already done so.
Senior Yearbook: Family Picture Section
Families may email a photo to Mr. Caramele at acaramele@stepinac.org (opens in a new tab) for the senior yearbook’s family section. Participation is optional and free. This section is separate from paid Tribute Ads.
Final Deadline: January 24, 2027
Submit photos by this date; late submissions cannot be accepted. Thank you for helping create a special keepsake.
STEPINAC STEAM TEAM
The Stepinac STEAM Team is preparing for its rookie season. Members will compete in FIRST Robotics Competition, NYS Science Olympiad, NASA TechRise, and HOSA Future Health Professionals events. Combining science and engineering clubs has strengthened collaboration. To support the team, consider donating through the text-a-thon:
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Elmsford needs classroom assistants for Religious Education on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. Contact gbalbuena@olmc.ws (opens in a new tab) or 914-592-4280.
914CARES CLOTHING DRIVE
Westchester-based 914Cares is collecting gently used boys’ clothing. Donations may be dropped off anytime at its warehouse, 28 Kaysal Court, Armonk.
ANNUAL SCHOOL RAFFLE
Students are asked to sell 100 raffle tickets at $1 each. The raffle ends Tuesday, December 22, with the drawing that day. Prizes are $1,000, $750, and $500.
Students keep the ticket-sale money and return the stubs with buyers’ contact information. The $100 raffle fee will be billed in February through Blackbaud, regardless of ticket sales. Please ensure your son returns sold ticket stubs.
COLLEGE VISITS:
Admissions representatives will meet with interested seniors. Students must sign up and should see their Guidance counselor with questions. Please ensure your son is well-dressed and groomed.
November 9: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 9 a.m. November 10: Iona University Instant Decision, 9 a.m. November 12: Dominican University, 11:30 a.m. November 12: Mercy University Instant Decision Day, 9 a.m. November 19: Manhattanville University Instant Decision Day, 9 a.m.
SAT AND ACT EXAM ONLINE PRACTICE TESTS/SCORE REVIEW
Revolution Prep digital online practice tests
Exam Details
SAT Practice Exam Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Proctored online via Zoom
Digital ACT Practice Exam Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Proctored online via Zoom
3 Simple Steps
- Register for the live practice exam and book a score review: www.revolutionprep.com/partners/archbishopstepinachighschool (opens in a new tab)
Students needing extended time or unable to attend may register for a self-proctored exam anytime:
https://www.revolutionprep.com/sat-practice-tests/#self-proctor (opens in a new tab) https://www.revolutionprep.com/act-practice-tests/#self-proctor (opens in a new tab)
MIDDLE STATES VISIT: 11/8–11/11
The Middle States Association visiting team will be at school November 8–11 for reaccreditation. The visit allows us to demonstrate our work in academics, student life, Catholic identity, leadership, and operations, while reflecting on strengths and areas for improvement.
The team will meet with school community members and review policies, programs, facilities, and educational practices. Reaccreditation supports our commitment to continuous improvement. Thank you for your cooperation.
NOVEMBER 9TH RUGBY PARENTS MEETING, 6PM - AUDITORIUM
Rugby parents are invited to discuss the upcoming season, Portugal trip, and fundraiser.
NOVEMBER 10TH: BOX CITY
Students will build temporary shelters from boxes and blankets and spend the evening outside, gaining a small glimpse into challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Students may bring dinner or eat after school; food can be stored in the third-floor kitchen refrigerators and warmed before the event.
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. Participants who raise at least $100 earn 10 community service hours.
Submit Box City donations here: https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=3cdyynvyamy (opens in a new tab)
Donors should include the sponsored student’s name and donation amount. Students should bring boxes Tuesday, November 10, and store them in the auditorium. At 4 p.m., they will set up on the side field or front lawn. At 4:30 p.m., all students will attend an assembly with the guest speakers.
Freshmen and sophomores will then go outside, while juniors and seniors watch The Pursuit of Happyness. The groups will switch afterward. The event ends at 10 p.m., when boxes will be collected by the White Plains Department of Public Works.
Questions: email pcarty@stepinac.org (opens in a new tab).
NOVEMBER 10TH: Advancement Office Fall Celebration Raffle Pull
Enter to win $10,000 in the 12th Annual Fall Celebration Raffle. Tickets are $50 each or four for $150. For details or tickets, contact Paul Thomas using the original “clicking here” link.
NOVEMBER 11TH: Veterans Day: No classes
School will be closed Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. We honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially veterans and families in our school community.
FALL DRAMA: 11/12, 11/13, 11/14
Join the Drama Club’s performance of Almost, Maine, a humorous and heartfelt play about relationships and unexpected connections.
For tickets: www.stepinac.org/showtickets (opens in a new tab) For sponsorship: www.stepinac.org/theatresponsors (opens in a new tab)
Performances: Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. Friday, November 13, at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at 6 p.m.
NOVEMBER 12TH: Crusader Men’s Club Meeting
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS COMING TO STEPINAC!
Join the Crusader Men’s Club on Thursday, November 12, to watch the Washington Commanders play the New York Giants. Guest speaker Patrick Massaroni will join the evening.
7:00 p.m. Archbishop Stepinac High School – Cafeteria $40 per person; pay at the door Food and beverages provided
Contact Matt Hanley at mhanley@stepinac.org (opens in a new tab) for more information.
NOVEMBER 13TH: DRESS DOWN DAY, Drama Club
Students may support the Drama Club by bringing a $3 donation to their first-period teacher.
NOVEMBER 14TH: SPECIAL OLYMPICS POLAR PLUNGE: Freezin’ for a Reason
Sean Fisca, William O’Brien, and Kieran Ward are organizing the school’s Polar Plunge participation for their Foroige service project. Great work!
NOVEMBER 15TH: TUITION PAYMENT
November tuition is due November 15, 2026. Overdue accounts may result in locked Student Portals, loss of extracurricular participation, and inability to take trimester exams. Contact Dr. Maguire in the Finance Office at extension 2015 with questions.
NOVEMBER 15TH: Early Action II College Applications Due to Counselors
Students applying through Early Action II should submit applications to their counselors by November 15. This gives counselors time to review and submit required school materials. Students should apply promptly and confirm that all materials are received.
NOVEMBER 15TH: HBCU COLLEGE FAIR
The Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church Education Department invites students and families to its 2026 HBCU College Fair. Meet representatives from HBCUs, colleges, universities, and career schools to learn about programs, scholarships, and careers.
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 2:00–5:00 p.m. Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church Education Department 230 S. Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553
Admission is free; registration is encouraged. Search for the HBCU College Fair Registration Form.
END OF TRIMESTER 1: November 20th
As the first trimester ends, we celebrate students’ learning, growth, and accomplishments, and thank teachers, staff, and families for their support. The next trimester offers a fresh opportunity to learn, improve, and make a difference.
SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The senior internship program returns for its fifth year, running April 5–23. We are seeking placements for seniors. Please consider hosting a student to share experience in your field. Contact Mrs. Donahoe at adonahoe@stepinac.org (opens in a new tab).
EUROPEAN TRIP 2028
Students will explore Italy’s history, art, and culture, from Venice and Florence to Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Rome.
For more information and enrollment: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/3085458ev (opens in a new tab)