Wednesday, November 27, 2013

News for the Week of 11/27/13




Thursday, 11/21/13, was Principal Appreciation Day and we celebrated our favorite Principal in grand style.  Staff and faculty hosted a luncheon buffet and our students created beautiful murals and banners and poems of appreciation.  There were also lots of hugs and smiles.  We love you, Mrs. Gannatti!


Happy Thanksgiving!   School is closed Thursday and Friday, 11/28-29/13.

Grade 8 students begin formal uniform on Monday, December 2, 2013.

Middle School iPads will remain at school over the Thanksgiving break.  If your child(ren) will not be in school on Wednesday, the iPad should be brought to the office on the last day of attendance before the break.





Mrs. Jehning's First Grade class spent some time counting their blessings and creating beautiful Thanksgiving turkeys.





Our December School Mass will be held on Friday, 12/6, at 9am in the church.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.


Our annual Christmas Prayer Service, Lessons & Carols, will be held on Monday, 12/16, in the church.  There will be a dress rehearsal that is open to the public at 10am.  This is a nice opportunity for young siblings to see the presentation and also a great time to take photos. The evening presentation is at 7pm.  Church doors will open at 6:30pm.  Students sit with their homeroom class.  Grade 8 students report to the lower church. As is customary, the first 6 pews on the right side are reserved for the parents of our 8th grade students.  The first 2 pews on the left side are reserved for the families that had the winning bids at last year's HSA auction. 

All students in grades Kindergarten - 8 are expected to attend and participate in the evening performance.  If a student needs to be excused, a request should be made to Mrs. Gannatti.   Students in grades 1-7 should wear their full formal uniform.  Students in Kindergarten and grade 8 should follow dress directions from their teachers.

The January School Board Meeting has been rescheduled.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 29th instead of January 15th.  The meeting begins at 7pm in the lower church.



A Warm Coat for Everyone!  Again this year we are participating in the Hispanic Health Council of Hartford's Coat Drive.  Please send in new or gently used, clean coats in all sizes.  Coats may be brought to student homerooms now through Tuesday, December 3rd.



Wreaths Across America - Again this year, Mrs. Angie Bautista, mother of Julia, Grade 4, is working with Wreaths Across America to advance their mission to "Remember, Honor and Teach". Wreath sponsorships are now being accepted.  If sponsoring a wreath for a specific veteran, the form is due NLT the last week of November.  The ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, 12/14, at the flagpole at the Simsbury Center Cemetery.  Click here for more information and a sponsorship form. 


Get your School Spirit Wear in time for Christmas Giving!  Final week to order!  Your friendly eighth grade students are selling terrific "school spirit" items to help defray costs associated with their class trip and other expenses related to graduation. Items for sale include nylon-backed fleece blankets perfect for sports outings, baseball caps, tote bags for grocery shopping or packing ski clothes, and SMS "fathead" stickers! Perfect for holiday gift-giving or stocking stuffers! Click here for photos, information and order forms. Please make checks payable to SMS and write "Grade 8 Fundraiser" in the memo line. ORDER DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd. Thanks for supporting our eighth graders!
PLEASE NOTE: FLANNEL PAJAMA PANTS AND BASEBALL CAPS ARE NOT PART OF OUR SMS UNIFORM AND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE DAILY ATTIRE.




Action Alert from the Connecticut Federation of Catholic ParentsGovernor Dannel Malloy has announced $ 5 million in security grants available to public school districts throughout the state.  He intends to ask for an additional $6 million once the legislature is back in session in February.  It is our belief that regardless of where a child attends school they are entitled to monies that will provide greater security for them.


Many Catholic schools, including ours, have worked to improve security at a cost.  Certainly, this cost is one that is not only necessary but vital.  If you believe Catholic school  students throughout the state are entitled to the same funding as our public counterparts, please take a moment of your time to call the Governor's office to let him know that it is your hope that all children receive equitable funding to make every school a safer place to learn.

A phone call has the greatest effect, but if you would prefer to email, please see the link that will allow you to send your thoughts to the Governor.


PHONE:  860 566 4840 or toll free at 1 800 406 1527



If we do not make our voices heard, it will be too easy to ignore our students and their right to security in our schools.  

Home & School Association News



The Parents' Night Out scheduled for Friday, 12/6/13, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.  The event may be rescheduled for later in the year.
Technology Specialist Needed:  Do you have computer skills, a logical mind, organizational skills, and a willingness to solve problems?  The Auction Committee is looking for a technology specialist leading up to and during the night of the auction to be sure the network is working properly and to solve any technical issues that may arise.  Duties will include ordering and testing the credit card terminals, set up the network prior to the auction and support the network during the auction, run reports and check for accuracy, and troubleshoot questions and issues that arise during the event.  If you are willing to take on this role, please contact Michelle Howard at michellechoward@yahoo.com.
Playground Committee:  The HSA and Auction Committee are pleased to announce that the proceeds from this year’s Auction will go toward the purchase and installation of a new playground for our school!  If you are interested in joining the Playground Planning Committee, please contact committee chair Linda Thompson at lindaethompson@earthlink.net.
CHOICE News

Quarterly statements showing CHOICE purchases through October are being sent home Wednesday, 11/27, with your youngest or only child.  Please keep in mind that you have until the end of April 2014 to complete your CHOICE commitment.  This commitment is part of your tuition obligation as defined in your annual family enrollment agreement.  Families that do not complete their commitment via purchase of CHOICE cards or by submitting an "opt-out" payment will be billed in May 2014.

CHOICE cards make Christmas shopping easy and one size fits all!  There are many retailers to choose from. In addition to completing your holiday shopping, you are helping to support our school and working toward completion of your CHOICE commitment without additional out of pocket expense.  A holiday order form is available by clicking here. Please return your order to the school office marked “Choice Order”.  To ensure delivery in time for Christmas, ALL ORDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 11TH.   PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDERS.  ~Thank you for your support!

CHOICE also reminds you that we still have Big Y cards with a 6% profit rate available - stock up now before the profit rate returns to 2%.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

News for the Week of November 20, 2013

Thanks to everyone that helped make this year's Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon a success.  Every bit of help - donations of food, help with setup, service and clean up - all contributed to the event running smoothly and giving our area senior citizen's a lovely lunch.  Many thanks to Mrs. Maribeth Mortillaro who chaired this important event and to our room parents who assisted in soliciting donations.  Our eighth grade students did an outstanding job as hosts and hostesses and our Kindergarten and First Grade students provided fabulous entertainment.

November Calendar Reminders -

School Board will meet on Wednesday, 11/20/13, in the lower church at 7pm.  All are invited to attend.  Click here for an agenda.


School will be dismissed early on Wednesday, 11/27/13, at 12:45pm for Thanksgiving.  There will be no Prekindergarten Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is closed Friday, 11/28/13.


Grade 8 students begin formal uniform on Monday, December 2, 2013.

A Warm Coat for Everyone!  Again this year we are participating in the Hispanic Health Council of Hartford's Coat Drive.  Please send in new or gently used, clean coats in all sizes.  Coats may be brought to student homerooms now through Tuesday, December 3rd.


Typhoon Haiyan Relief -
Your response to our request for non-perishable foods, toiletries, used clothing and toys last week was overwhelming and a true testimony to the generous and Spirit filled nature of our community.  Please continue to keep the people of the Philippines in your prayers as they rebuild their lives after this devastating storm.  Below is a special thank you -
Dear SMS families and friends,
Celina Esteban and the Bautista family would like to personally thank you for the quick response and generosity you have shown this past week in our efforts to contribute to the relief of the worst typhoon in history to have been recorded.  I hope you are able to see the pictures that one of our nieces received from a college friend.  The friend is from Tacloban and shows how a ship "PDDP-1" ended up in their backyard and another picture showing the roof ripped off their home.  Luckily the family was spared physical harm and they have the means to rebuild.  As the news has reported, there are numerous families that were not as fortunate.  Your donations will be well received in these cases.  
We thank you for your compassion and generosity in these direst times.   The survivors of Super-typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda will carry on with the grace of God and the humanity the world has bestowed upon them.







Get your School Spirit Wear in time for Christmas Giving!  Only 2 weeks left to order!  Your friendly eighth grade students are selling terrific "school spirit" items to help defray costs associated with their class trip and other expenses related to graduation. Items for sale include nylon-backed fleece blankets perfect for sports outings, baseball caps, tote bags for grocery shopping or packing ski clothes, and SMS "fathead" stickers! Perfect for holiday gift-giving or stocking stuffers! Click here for photos, information and order forms. Please make checks payable to SMS and write "Grade 8 Fundraiser" in the memo line. ORDER DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd. Thanks for supporting our eighth graders!
PLEASE NOTE: FLANNEL PAJAMA PANTS AND BASEBALL CAPS ARE NOT PART OF OUR SMS UNIFORM AND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE DAILY ATTIRE







 Thanks to everyone that donated to the annual "Turkey Trot" Food Drive!  Students helped load the truck this morning and thanks to your generosity many of our friends and neighbors will have a more enjoyable holiday.













Home & School Association News

HSA Pie Fundraiser:  Thank you to all of the families who ordered pies through the Lyman Orchards fundraiser.  If you have any questions about the pies you received, please call Maggie Domashinski at 860-752-9875.
Technology Specialist Needed:  Do you have computer skills, a logical mind, organizational skills, and a willingness to solve problems?  The Auction Committee is looking for a technology specialist leading up to and during the night of the auction to be sure the network is working properly and to solve any technical issues that may arise.  Duties will include ordering and testing the credit card terminals, set up the network prior to the auction and support the network during the auction, run reports and check for accuracy, and troubleshoot questions and issues that arise during the event.  If you are willing to take on this role, please contact Michelle Howard at michellechoward@yahoo.com.
Playground Committee:  The HSA and Auction Committee are pleased to announce that the proceeds from this year’s Auction will go toward the purchase and installation of a new playground for our school!

CHOICE PROGRAM - The easy answer to Christmas shopping!  Make Holiday Shopping and Gift Giving Easy this Year!

Shop St. Mary’s School CHOICE Gift Cards and get a head start on holiday shopping! There are many retailers to choose from. In addition to completing your holiday shopping, you are helping to support our school without additional out of pocket expense.  A holiday order form is available by clickinghere. Please return your order to the school office marked “Choice Order”.  To ensure delivery in time for Christmas, ALL ORDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 11TH.   PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDERS.  ~Thank you for your support!
CHOICE also reminds you that we still have Big Y cards with a 6% profit rate available - stock up now before the profit rate returns to 2%.

Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade concluded their study of Veterans Day by preparing a care package for Operation Gratitude.  In addition to treats and personal care items, this very special care package included thank you cards to the men and women who are serving in the military now to safeguard our country and help make the world a safer place.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Reminders for the Week of 11/18 - Poinsettias, Senior Luncheon, School Board



POINSETTIA SALE REMINDER
ALL ORDERS & PAYMENTS ARE DUE
WEDNESDAY, 11/20/13

Our 8th grade reminds you that all orders for holiday poinsettias must be turned in no later than this Wednesday, 11/20/13.   Click here for an order form.

 
Home & School Association - Senior Luncheon

The Home & School Association will host its Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon on Wednesday, 11/20/13.  Families have been emailed the links for the Sign-Up Geniuses for food donations.  Help is still needed with setup, serving and clean-up. To access the Sign Up Genius to volunteer, click here or contact Maribeth Mortillaro directly at mortillaroj@comcast.net.

 
School Board Agenda

School Board will meet on Wednesday, 11/20/13, in the lower church at 7pm.  All are invited to attend.  Click here for an agenda.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Typhoon Haiyan Relief - Donation Request

TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF - DONATIONS REQUESTED FOR FRIDAY, 11/15!
 
 
 
As you all know, there has been great devastation in the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan.  Mrs. Bautista, mother of Julia in Grade 4 and Mrs. Esteban, mother of alumni Michaela and Miquel, will be delivering donations over the weekend for shipment to the Philippines.
 
We know it is very short notice, but, please consider sending in a donation tomorrow, Friday, 11/15, using the list below as a guide -
 
Items needed:
 
Gently used clothes, shoes, toys, toiletries,first aid and wound dressing and cleaning kits like alcohol swabs, betadine swabs , antibacterial ointments, as well as canned goods . Over the counter medications are also needed like cold and cough medicine tablets.
Guidelines:
 
Light clothing suitable for the tropical Philippine climate
Easy to open canned goods (as there are no can openers)
no noodles (no clean water)
antibacterial soaps antidandruff shampoo
Mrs. Bautista will be picking up donated items from the School Office at the end of the school day tomorrow - FRIDAY, 11/15/13.
 
Thank you for any items you are able to send in and of course, please continue to remember the people of the Philippines in your prayers.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

News for the week of 11/13/13






Veteran's Day was celebrated at St. Mary's School at community prayer on Monday.  Students decorated the Parish Center with a Wall of Honor composed of red, white and blue stars bearing the names of service men and women. Morning prayer included special intentions for all veterans and the singing of "God Bless America".  Thanks to all veterans, especially those part of our St. Mary's School family, for your service.



As part of their study of Veteran's Day, first grade students were honored with a visit from Mr. Philip Mikan, father of Andrew and Marisa.  Mr. Mikan shared his experiences serving in the Coast Guard.

Mr. Mikan also showed the students momentos of his grandfather's service.  After surviving the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, the elder Mr. Mikan was honored with a Purple Heart and aBronze Star.  Pictured below, Mr. Mikan, Marisa holding her great-grandfather's medals and Andrew with the flag that draped the elder Mikan's casket.  Above, Mr. Mikan shares his Coast Guard experiences with students.

It's getting chilly!  Please be sure your children come to school with the appropriate outdoor gear for the weather.  Please also remind them of your expectation that they will put their outdoor gear on before going out to play. Unless it is below 20 degrees or raining or snowing, students do wait outside at morning arrival until the first bell at 8:40 and do go outside for recess each day.  Girls may wear sweatpants beneath their jumpers or skirts while waiting at morning arrival or out for recess but these do have to be removed during the academic day.  Please remember that once we have snow, students need to bring and wear snow pants and boots in order to enjoy playing in it.  It is also a good idea to put a spare pair of socks into backpacks so everyone can have warm, dry feet after recess.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will continue through Thursday, 11/14. Dismissal will be at 12:45pm on Thursday, 11/14.  There will be PreK enrichment until 3:20pm but there is NO AFTERCARE on conference days.  Friday, 11/15 is a full day of school. Aftercare will resume on Friday, 11/15.  Conference appointments have been assigned for any families that did not complete their own scheduling.  To access the Sign-Up Geniuses for conferences, click here.  If you make a change to your conference day or time, please be sure to alert the teacher.




Grade 8 Fundraising - Order your Poinsettias now! It's time for the annual 8th grade Poinsettia sale.  Click here for an order form.  All orders and payments are due NLT 11/20/13.  Delivery Date - Friday, December 6th, 2:00 to 4:00pm in the Parish Center or after Masses on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th.


Start your Christmas shopping early!  Your friendly eighth grade students are selling terrific "school spirit" items to help defray costs associated with their class trip and other expenses related to graduation. Items for sale include nylon-backed fleece blankets perfect for sports outings, baseball caps, tote bags for grocery shopping or packing ski clothes, and SMS "fathead" stickers! Perfect for holiday gift-giving or stocking stuffers! Click here for photos, information and order forms. Please make checks payable to SMS and write "Grade 8 Fundraiser" in the memo line. ORDER DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd. Thanks for supporting our eighth graders!
PLEASE NOTE: FLANNEL PAJAMA PANTS AND BASEBALL CAPS ARE NOT PART OF OUR SMS UNIFORM AND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE DAILY ATTIRE

Ski & Snowboard Club Update - The registration period for the 2014 season has closed.  However new participants can be added up to the start date of January 8, 2014 by paying a $25 late fee in addition to the participation fees.  Please complete the required forms and submit with payment.  Chaperones and snacks are also needed. Click here for all necessary forms and sign-ups.


Home & School Association News

The links for the Sign-Up Geniuses have been emailed so you can donate food for the senior luncheon. Each class has its own sign up. Please clearly mark donations "SENIOR LUNCHEON" to avoid mixing up the donations with the Turkey Trot donations.  Please keep in mind that perishable donations (e.g., pies, whipped topping, cream) should not be sent in until the day of the luncheon (Wednesday, 11/20/13).  A Sign-Up Genius is also available for volunteering your time to help with the luncheon.


Next month our second grade students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.  These students have been studying about this Sacrament and reflecting on what this Sacrament will mean to them as they continue their faith journey.  One of the bulletin boards in our main hall currently displays some of their reflections about the Sacrament.  Father Santiago met with students to familiarize them with the Reconciliation Rooms in our church and to talk with them about the Sacrament.  Second grade students also met with their fourth grade friends to chat about how to "stay connected" with God.  It was so heartwarming to watch these friends share ideas about staying close to Jesus.



Wednesday, November 6, 2013

News for the Week of 11/6/13


November will be a busy month!  Please take a moment to review all our news.

Report Cards will be distributed to students in grades 1-8 on Friday, 11/8/13.  Kindergarten students will receive their first report cards in January.  Please keep your copy of the report card but please do sign and return the 5X7 envelope the report card comes in so it can be reused all year.





Halloween Memories -  We had a lot of fun on Halloween last week. Click here to enjoy some photos.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held next week on Monday, 11/11 through Thursday, 11/14.  Each of these days will be a 12:45 early dismissal day.  There will be PreK enrichment until 3:20pm but there is NO AFTERCARE on conference days.  Aftercare will resume on Friday, 11/15.  Conference appointments have been assigned for any families that did not complete their own scheduling.  To access the Sign-Up Geniuses for conferences, click here.  If you make a change to your conference day or time, please be sure to alert the teacher.




Last Call for Snowboard & Ski Club Registrations - Registration has been extended until Friday, November 8th. The late fee will be waived for this extension. The number of participants currently stands at 18 versus 32 last year.  Click here for all required forms and additional information.


Please return your Open House Yard Signs - If you were nice enough to take an Open House sign to display on your yard, please return it to the school office at your earliest convenience.  We do reuse these signs.  Thank you for helping us advertise this important event.


Help all our neighbors enjoy Thanksgiving - Again this year, we will be supporting the "Turkey Trot" food drive.  Mrs. Gannatti invites all students to bring a non-perishable food item and wear a hat in school or wear wacky socks this Friday, 11/8.  These accessories should be worn with the uniform of the day.  We will collect food for this drive beginning Monday, 11/4 through Friday 11/8.  Please mark your donations for the Turkey Trot since non-perishable food donations will also be solicited by room parents for our annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving luncheon.





Grade 8 Fundraising - Order your Poinsettias now! It's time for the annual 8th grade Poinsettia sale.  Click here for an order form.  All orders and payments are due NLT 11/20/13.  Delivery Date - Friday, December 6th, 2:00 to 4:00pm in the Parish Center or after Masses on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th.

Start your Christmas shopping early!

Your friendly eighth grade students are selling terrific "school spirit" items to help defray costs associated with their class trip and other expenses related to graduation. Items for sale include nylon-backed fleece blankets perfect for sports outings, baseball caps, tote bags for grocery shopping or packing ski clothes, and SMS "fathead" stickers! Perfect for holiday gift-giving or stocking stuffers! Click here for photos, information and order forms. Please make checks payable to SMS and write "Grade 8 Fundraiser" in the memo line. ORDER DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd. Thanks for supporting our eighth graders!
PLEASE NOTE: FLANNEL PAJAMA PANTS AND BASEBALL CAPS ARE NOT PART OF OUR SMS UNIFORM AND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE DAILY ATTIRE


Men of St Mary’s: We are seeking to build our men’s community and would like you to become involved.   Father Matera is encouraging this effort and has asked the existing Men’s Prayer Group to lead this initiative. Our goal is to enable men to grow stronger in their faith through fellowship.  A stronger faith will allow us to become better leaders at home, at work and within our community.   There will be an organizational meeting on Saturday, 11/9/13, beginning at 7am.  Click here for more information.



Need to purchase some school uniform items?  Lands End is currently offering a 30% discount and free shipping & handling on all items including school uniforms.  Click here.




Home & School Association News - 


 
Last Friday, the Home & School Association hosted Destiny Africa here at St. Mary's.  Their presentation was invigorating, exciting and a wonderfully energetic.  Performers also visited in our classrooms and shared lunch with our students. Thanks to our HSA for this great cultural experience for our students.  A speical thank you Maggie Domashinski for coordinating all the details associated with the visit. Some of the Destiny Africa members are pictured here with our 6th grade class.

Senior Luncheon:  We will be collecting food donations for the senior luncheon starting next week.  Please look for the Sign Up Genius no later than Monday, November 11th.  Non-perishable donations will be due by Monday, November 18th.  We are still looking for volunteers to set up and work in the kitchen.  If you are available, please contact Maribeth Mortillaro at (860) 658-7577.


Auction:  Please consider joining our auction team. If you would like to help, please contact Michelle Howard at michellechoward@yahoo.com.



Minutes from the 10-29-13 H.S.A. meeting are available.  Click here.

Box Tops For Education:  Congratulations to the fourth grade class!  They won the fall collection with a total of 963 Box Tops.  Thank you to everyone who clipped and sent in Box Tops.  We were able to submit over 5000 box tops, for a total of $550.80!  Keep up the clipping so we can exceed that number in the spring.  Remember that you can send in your clipped box tops at any time and have your child place them in their classroom collection box.