Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Art Truck is Offering Summer Drawing Camps!



Happy Summer!

Looking for a creative outlet for your children during July & August?

The Art Truck is offering 2 three day drawing programs that will be conveniently located at St. Mary's School.  See below for more information.  Please note that registration for these programs needs to be done directly with Morgan Fippinger of The Art Truck.  Contact information appears below.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Summer CHOICE Sales


SUMMER CHOICE SALES
CHOICE cards will be available for sale at the school office between the hours of 9:00-11:00am on the following Fridays:
 
June 29
July 12 & 26
August 9 & 16

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summer Instrumental Music Lessons will be available beginning July 3rd


2013 Summer Music Lessons at SMS

          After a successful year filled with school concerts, and CFM Regional and All State concerts,

many parents have expressed an interest in Summer instrumental lessons for their child(ren).  The summer is an excellent time for students to make tremendous progress on their instruments without the pressures of school.  Last summer, many students studied privately and made great progress:  many even passing into the next level book.  This progress also directly benefits our school band as we are able to start the fall “up and running”.   Summer lessons are essential if your child is interested in auditioning for the CFM Eastern Regional Band in the fall.

     This summer, I will be offering half-hour lessons for $22 per lesson on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  The lessons will be held at St. Mary School in the 8th grade classroom.  Observing Virtus regulations:   a guardian is required to stay either outside of the classroom or inside.  Students may study privately or with another student if they are currently at the same level.  If you are interested, please fill out the tear-off below and return it to me by mailing it to my home:

                                                                                    70 Seymour Street    Windsor, Ct  06095

Or e-mail it to:  dsharpclef@sbcglobal.net.
 
For a printable pdf, click here.

~Please be sure to CIRCLE ALL DATES ATTENDING

~Please mark 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice of lesson time (since your time many vary week to week)

~Lesson times will be given on a first come/first serve basis (with priority being given to those

  students who study the most weeks).  St. Mary Alumni are also welcome back.

~All Lessons must be paid for in advance: due at the very first lesson to hold your time.

 

I will submit a schedule prior to the first lesson for your approval.  PLEASE mark your calendar at this point as there will be NO REFUNDS FOR MISSED OR CANCELED LESSONS. 

Thank you!

Debbie Morse (dsharpclef@sbcglobal.net)  Cell phone:  860-202-0273

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student’s name__________________________ Phone Number_____________

E-mail address____________________________________________________

Please circle All Available Wednesdays: (8:30-2:30)/          Thursdays:  9:00-4:30

 July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31,                                July 11, July 18, July 25,    

Aug. 7                                                                                            Aug. 1, Aug. 8

Please Circle ALL Available times:   8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30,

                                                                1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00

Please mark 1st, 2nd & 3rd choice for lesson times:

 

1st choice_______________ 2nd choice __________________  3rd choice______­­­­­_________
 
 
 
 
Congratulations to Regina Chappano, Class of 2013!  Regina has been named this year's recipient of the Jane Week's Memorial Scholarship.  To qualify for this scholarship a student must be an Avon resident that has played soccer who will be attending a Catholic high school.
 
 
 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

News for the week of 6-19-13


Summer office hours begin Thursday, 6/20/13.  In general, the school office will be staffed daily from 9am-1pm.  Voice mail and email will be checked regularly.  A "Back to School" mailing will be sent out to all enrolled families during the month of August.










Back to School Schedule - The following "Back to School" events are currently on our school calendar.  If there should be any changes they will be announced via the school blog, a website posting & Remind 101 text messaging.


Tuesday, August 27th - "Meet & Greet" for students in K-3 from 10:30-11:30am.
                                         "Morning in Middle School" for students entering grade 6 from 9-11:30am

Wednesday, August 28th - School begins for all grades including Prekindergarten.  It will be a full day of school.  Prekindergarten Enrichment & Aftercare will be available.

Monday, September 2 - Labor Day - School is closed.

Bus Transportation Reminder for 2013-14 - If your child(ren) will use the bus to/from a daycare arrangement (at a private residence or a day care facility), you must advice the town's transporation coordinator before August 1, 2013 to ensure the proper school bus stop is established. Arrangements made for this school year are not automatically renewed for next year.  You must make a request each year for the arrangements.  The contact information for these requests is:  Susan Caccamo, Transporation & Enrollment Coordinator, Simsbury Public Schools, 933 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury - Ph -860-651-3361, Fax-860-651-4343, Email - scaccamo@simsbury.k12.ct.us







Summer Instrumental Music Lessons - Again this year, our FMI instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, will be offering instrumental music lessons on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  We anticipate that they will begin the week of July 1.  She will be sending out more information via email soon.  These lessons are open to all students entering grades 4-8.

Athletic News



There will be a free summer field hockey camp for students entering grades 4-8 on August 20-22 from 9-11:30am.  For more information, click here.









Who is your favorite President? Why did this person impress you? State Senator Kevin Witkos sponsored an essay contest for sixth graders in his district to respond to these questions. Congratulations go to Olivia Chappano and Lauren Melanson who were selected for first and second place winners representing St. Mary's School in Simsbury, CT. All participating first and second place winners from Senator Witkos's district were honored at an Awards Ceremony in Simsbury, CT on June
12th. Congratulations for a job well done!










Frosty Fun in Kindergarten - Kindergarten explored the mathematical concept of combinations and the scientific method last week by making ice cream in a bag. Students were delighted when Father Santiago came to join in on their fun!

As an introduction to the topic, students used the Smartboard to determine how many Sundae combinations could be made using vanilla and chocolate ice cream, hot fudge and caramel sauce and nuts and sprinkles.  Students then separated into groups and combined milk, sugar and vanilla in a plastic bag.  This sealed bag was then added to a larger plastic bag containing ice and salt.  Lots of vigorous shaking took place and the result was a delicious frozen treat.  Students used a scientific method worksheet to document the steps they took and the changes they observed.  Science has never been more delicious!





Second Grade explored biographies.  Students wrote a biography about someone they admired and either dressed up as this person or created a decorated cereal box or potato head to depict this person.


Maggie as Wilma Rudolph & Faith as Helen Keller

Michael K. as FDR

Nebi as Igor Sikorsky

Nora with cereal box depicting Abraham Lincoln
Grade 2 Biographies


Friday, June 14, 2013

SMS School Calendar - Additional Event Change for the week of 6/17/13


Please make a note that there will be no Physical Education Awards assembly on Tuesday, 6/18.  It has been decided that the physical education awards will be presented at our general awards assembly on Wednesday, 6/19 at 9:30am in the Parish Center.

SMS School Calendar - Correction to Last Day of School Events

Please note the highlighted change below - 

June 13, 14, 17 and 18 are all full days of school.  Prekindergarten enrichment and aftercare are available.

Wednesday, June 19 is our last day of school.   This is a 12:45pm early dismissal day.  There is no Prekindergarten enrichment or aftercare available.  There will be no prayer service in the Church but morning prayer in the Parish Center will be extended and everyone is most welcome to join us.  Morning prayer begins promptly after our 8:40 bell.  The Academic Awards Assembly will take place at 9:30am (this is a change, originally it was slated to begin at 9:45am) in the Parish Center.  Parents will be notified if students are receiving an award.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

News for the Week of 6/12/13


Congratulations to the Class of 2013 - We wish all God's blessings and success in all their future endeavors to our graduating class of 2013.  Last Friday's Class Day and Graduation were beautiful events that showcased the many gifts and talents of these fine students.  Our graduates will be moving on to high schools including Northwest Catholic, Simsbury High, Granby High, Avon Old Farms, Westminster, the Master's School and Northwestern Regional High School.

School Calendar Review -

June 13, 14, 17 and 18 are all full days of school.  Prekindergarten enrichment and aftercare are available.

Wednesday, June 19 is our last day of school.   This is a 12:45pm early dismissal day.  There is no Prekindergarten enrichment or aftercare available.  Everyone is welcome to join us for an end of year prayer service at 9am in the Church.  The Academic Awards Assembly will take place at 9:45am in the Parish Center.  Parents will be notified if students are receiving an award.

Summer office hours begin Thursday, 6/20/13.  In general, the school office will be staffed daily from 9am-1pm.  Voice mail and email will be checked regularly.  A "Back to School" mailing will be sent out to all enrolled families during the month of August.


A Word about iPads - All iPads will be stored at school over the summer.    All  iPads and chargers must be turned in at the end of the day on Monday, June 17.

Prior to turning in iPads for summer storage, all students should be sure to back up any content that is stored on the iPad.  One good example is any notes that are saved in Notability.  These notes should be backed up to a "cloud" storage solution like Evernote or Dropbox or even emailed to the student.  Over the summer, all iPads will be "refreshed" to apply App updates and new apps.  Any iOS software updates that may become available will also be applied. Most of the time, no loss of content will occur during this process but it is a real risk and backup of important information is advised. When school begins, your student will be given back the same iPad they used this year.




Health Office Reminder - Please come in no later than Wednesday, June 19th at 12:45pm and pick up any prescription medications you may have at the school's Health Office.  Medications cannot be sent home with students and leftover medications will be discarded.


Yearbooks are in!  Teachers will be distributing the yearbooks over the next few days. There are a few extra books and they are available for sale, first come, first serve.  If you would like to purchase one, the cost is $28.00 and you can send in cash or a check made out to St. Mary's School with "yearbook" on the memo line.  When yearbooks are distributed, we'd be happy to add your child to the list!   
                                                      Thank  you!


Community News

The inaugural NWC Scholarship Scamper 5k Road Race will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 10:00 am, beginning and ending on the Northwest Catholic High School campus. With all of the proceeds going to support scholarships for deserving NWC students, this chip-timed event is planned to be competitive for serious runners, welcoming for casual runners and walkers, and fun for the whole family. The race/walk will be followed by a picnic and activities for children of all ages.
Participant registration is available securely on-line here or printable registration forms are available here. Pre-register by June 18 to guarantee you'll receive a race t-shirt and to take advantage of early bird pricing for adults.  Registration is also available on race day starting at 8:30 am. We hope you will consider this opportunity to support NWC while enjoying family fitness and fun!
Questions? Contact NWC 5k Chairperson Patrick Williamson at pwilliamson@nwcath.org or Patricia Walsh, NWC Dir. of Advancement at pwalsh@nwcath.org.




Art Truck Visit!  Give your child a taste of the 13-14 art program that coming to SMS!  The Art Truck is offering a complimentary session on Wednesday, June 26th from 1-2pm in the North parking lot.  The program is open to students from PreK-Grade 8 and is being offered at no cost.  Space is available to 16 children - first come, first served.  For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Donna or Tammy at smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  

Thursday, June 6, 2013

News for the Week of 6-6-13





Kindergarten got a visit from our newly assigned Parochial Vicar & School Chaplain, Father Santiago.
Welcome, Father Santiago!  We are so happy to have you as part of our community!


Calendar Review - It's one of the busiest times of the year!  Please take a moment to review upcoming events.

 St. Mary's Spring Carnival is underway.  See below for more information about this family friendly spring tradition.

Friday, June 7 - Celebrating the Class of 2013.  Join us for Mass at 10am in the Church.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.  There will be a Class Day Assembly celebrating our graduates at 1pm in the Parish Center.  The Graduation ceremony will take place in the Church at 7pm.

June 13, 14, 17 and 18 are all full days of school.  Prekindergarten enrichment and aftercare are available.

Wednesday, June 19 is our last day of school.   This is a 12:45pm early dismissal day.  There is no Prekindergarten enrichment or aftercare available.  Community prayer will be extended in the Parish Center and there will be no prayer service in the Church - This is a change from the original school calendar.  The Academic Awards Assembly will take place at 9:30am (this is also a change, original start time was 9:45am) in the Parish Center.  Parents will be notified if students are receiving an award.

Summer office hours begin Thursday, 6/20/13.  In general, the school office will be staffed daily from 9am-1pm.  Voice mail and email will be checked regularly.  A "Back to School" mailing will be sent out to all enrolled families during the month of August.


A Sweet Treat!  In response to the wonderful get well cards our students prepared for him after his recent surgery, Father Michael Whyte, Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in West Simsbury, provided every student at school with one of the season's best treats:  a visit from the ice cream truck!  Every student (and every adult that wanted to join in on the fun) was allowed to select the ice cream treat of his/her choice.


Our thanks to Father Michael for his generous and fabulous treat and to Rebecca Jaoui, owner of "Ice Cream on Wheels".  If your summer event needs an ice cream truck, you can reach Rebecca at rebjaoui@yahoo.com.







A Word about iPads - All iPads will be stored at school over the summer.  Gr. 8 students have turned in their iPads.  We are still waiting for a few of their chargers to be returned.  All other iPads and chargers must be turned in at the end of the day on Monday, June 17.

Prior to turning in iPads for summer storage, all students should be sure to back up any content that is stored on the iPad.  One good example is any notes that are saved in Notability.  These notes should be backed up to a "cloud" storage solution like Evernote or Dropbox or even emailed to the student.  Over the summer, all iPads will be "refreshed" to apply App updates and new apps.  Any iOS software updates that may become available will also be applied. Most of the time, no loss of content will occur during this process but it is a real risk and backup of important information is advised. When school begins, your student will be given back the same iPad they used this year.

Student Directory Update - Please update your student directories with a new address for the Gomez-Nieto family.  The new address is:  2 Litchfield Drive, Simsbury, 06070.  There is no change to phone number or family email.

Reminder to SMART Tuition Account Holders - As you begin making payments in June on your 2013-2014 SMART account, please remember to change the school year in your account number from 12 to 13.  Account numbers are broken down as follows:  02300 is the school code; 13 refers to the school year; and the last six digits reflect your individual family's account.  If you continue making payments using the 12 school year, they will apply to your 2012-13 account, generating an overpayment status.  Your 2013-14 account will then appear delinquent, causing $45 late fees to accrue each month the payments are missing.  If you have any questions about this, please call SMART Tuition's Parent Customer Care at 1-888-868-8828.

Connecticut Legislative Alert - Mission Accomplished!  Transportation saved!  Thanks to the action taken by so many of you, Connecticut's legislative leaders have restored the funds needed to provide safe bus transportation to Catholic school students. Please take a moment to read an update from Dr. Dale Hoyt, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford:

Dear Catholic School Administrators, Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Students, and Friends of Catholic schools:
Thank you for your extremely hard work during the past few weeks, the General Assembly and Governor Malloy decided to fully restore the funding for buses (they also restored virtually all of the funding for public school  buses -- $24M).
Below is the text of line T625 of the Budget Bill, HB 6704, that shows $3.5M has been restored.  The House of Representatives enacted the budget at 12:20am on Sunday, and the Senate will enact the Budget on Monday morning.  I think that it is now safe for you to pull the alerts from your school websites.  There is no need to make any more phone calls to the State Capitol at this time.  
T625
Non-Public School Transportation
3,595,500
3,595,500
This is great news at the start of a new week.
Peace and blessings-
Dale R. Hoyt, Ed.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Office of Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Hartford
www.catholicschoolshartford.org




Yearbooks have been distributed to grade 8 students. The rest of our student body will receive their yearbooks next week.  If you did not preorder a yearbook, there are a few extra available for purchase in the School Office.  Please call or email smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net for more information.

Home & School Association

Spring Book Fair:  Thank you to everyone who helped make the Spring Book Fair a great success, especially Jennifer Pavlonnis, Laura Williams, Karen McKenna, Amber Hall, Bridget Shanley and everyone who spent time helping our students pick out some great summer reading material.  Our volunteers worked early in the morning, throughout the day and over the weekend to make the Book Fair happen.  Parishioners were happy to be able to purchase some summer reading as well at the Coffee and Doughnut hour after the Sunday Masses.

Community News -









St. Mary's Spring Carnival is underway and continues through June 8th. For more information, click here.  To  St. Mary's School receives 50% of funds raised by the carnival, so let's show our support by volunteering! Your help, even for an hour or two, would really be appreciated and it's a lot of fun!  The Spring Carnival is one of the most family friendly traditions in the Farmington Valley!  Click here or contact Peg Mancarella at Margaret.Mancarella@gmail.com.








Would you like a chance to win $10,000?  Raffle tickets are now available at $20 each.  The annual St. Mary's Spring Carnival is underway from June 5-8, and the raffle will be held Saturday, June 8th at 8 pm.  Winner need not be present.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets, simply kidmail a check payable to "St. Mary's Spring Raffle", and include the name, address and phone number.





Altar Server Recognition - During the past year, the altar servers of our parish have contributed to the beauty and devotion of our worship by the reverent and careful way in which they have served at the Altar. During the 11:00 AM Mass on June 9th, their service will be recognized.  Novice servers will be promoted to the rank of “acolyte.” Many of the present acolytes will be promoted to the rank of “crucifer.” And some of the “crucifers” will be promoted to the rank of “master server.” Please join us in thanking our altar servers on Sunday, June 9th.





Avon Soccer Club Announces Fall Clinics - Click here for information about Fall recreational clinics open to Avon residents.

 







Prekindergarten went on a field trip to the Simsbury Fire Department.