LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

St. Stephen Martyr School (SSM) is located in mid-Louisville near the Louisville International Airport, easily
accessible from I-65 and I-264. SSM has a team of dedicated teachers who get to know their students well
and who are committed to making learning a fun and positive experience. We are a welcoming school to
members of St. Stephen Martyr parish community, our neighborhood, and extended community.
PRE-SCHOOL, AFTER SCHOOL CARE AND SUMMER CARE PROGRAMS
At SSM, we encourage and support the development of each child. It is our goal to provide an atmosphere
which stimulates Christian attitudes and values. Our programs are designed for your child to have fun,
develop new friendships, and enhance their social and creative juices while being taken care of. The overall
development of your child is our priority. A positive self-image through successful educational experiences is
fundamental to our programs.
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
The current enrollment at SSM is approximately 325 students (pre-school8th grade). We have 19 teachers
on staff. Most teachers hold a Masters Degree. Our student teacher ratio is currently 21:1, with an average
class size of 21 students. The curriculum for grade K-8 includes regular instruction in Art, Computer, Music,
Library, Physical Education and Spanish. Our curriculum incorporates the use of our technology center,
enthusiastic volunteers and dedicated faculty, all of which creates a strong and supportive learning
environment.
FAITH CONNECTION
All students participate in classes to help develop their connection with God and their realization of the
place of faith in their lives. Students are also involved in various community outreach programs including:
DARE to CARE, the Franciscan Shelter House, St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Baldrick's Foundation, Hand in
Hand Ministry, Sister Visitor, and other special projects helping national and local charities. Catholic students
are instructed in the Sacraments as directed by Church doctrine. Non-Catholic students are exposed to
instruction in the Catholic faith and are welcomed and encouraged to share their faith. Tolerance for
differences in faith traditions is taught and encouraged.
SSM IS A PEACEBUILDER SCHOOL
PeaceBuilders is a comprehensive community-based program that shifts the school environment into a
peaceful, productive and safe place for students, parents and faculty. All members of the community are
expected to treat each other with respect and solve problems adaptively when conflicts arise.
SSM HAS A COUNSELOR
SSM has on staff a certified social worker trained in marriage and family therapy. Our school counselor is
affiliated with the Archdiocesan Family Ministry Program. Our counseling program addresses a variety
of students needs, including: Social Skills, Good Touch/Bad Touch Program, Conflict Resolution, Discipline
with Purpose, and PeaceBuilders.

SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATOR

The Special Needs Coordinator at SSM works to identify and to serve students who have learning
differences. Some of our students have specifically designed plans developed to meet their learning needs
to allow the necessary accommodations and supports to make learning a positive experience. The Special
Needs Coordinator assists students in obtaining tutoring and specialized services when needed, and
coordinates a peer-mentoring program allowing older students to link up with students who need additional
practice and help to grow in an area of weakness.
TECHNOLOGY
SSM has invested in Power School, an online student data system that allows access to students grades. All
teachers and administrators at SSM have e-mail and a personal web page to facilitate communication
between parents, teachers and school administration. A text alert system is in place as another tool to
communicate with parents as needed. SSM is has Computers in every classroom as well as interactive Smart
Boards. Our computer lab is set up with 32 Dell computers. Also available for classroom instruction is a
mobile lab with 30 wireless notebooks for teachers to move into their classroom for special projects. A class
set of IPads is accessible on each floor to help with teaching in the 21st Century. All classroom are
outfitted with a surround sound system to aid those students with Auditory Deficits. SSM is continuously in
the process of increasing the use of technology to enhance our students 21st learning skills.
HOT LUNCHES EVERY DAY
Hot, balanced and nutritious meals are available for lunch enjoyed by our students and staff.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
SSM offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities open to all students and/or parish members including:
Quick Recall, Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts, Student Council, 4-H, Academic & Fine Art Fairs/Expos, Drama,
Junior Achievement, Art Club and CSAA sportsBasketball, Volleyball, Football, Swimming, Cross Country,
Archery, Cheerleading, Golf, Tennis, Choir, and more.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
SSM has an active PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), which meets regularly during the school year
to support SSM in a variety of ways, keeping parents up-to-date on a variety of issues and sponsoring
projects that help raise funds for the school. In addition, the SAC (School Advisory Council) is active in longrange planning, goal setting and in promoting he school. Committee members are accessible to school
parents.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE is available from a number of sources. Contact the principal or the parish business
manager for information regarding financial assistance.