News for the Week of 11/14/18

Veterans Day Assembly 2018

We took time on Monday to honor the service of all veterans and to thank some veterans that are part of our school family.  We were so pleased to have these honored guests present at our Veterans Day Assembly.

Mason & Gavin D., Gr. 2 with their
grandfather, Phil LaBrecque, who served
in Vietnam in the Army.

Anna S., Gr. 5,  with her dad, an Air Force Veteran

 Advancement Corner - All Are Welcome! The Advancement Committee will be meeting this Thursday, 11/15/18, in the lower church at 9am. We are getting ready for our winter community events and would love your help! See you there!  Contact Toni Chagnon for any questions or more information 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  ** Please note that our evening meeting at 6:30 pm will not take place due to the winter weather has been forecasted to start late Thursday afternoon! 

Hot Lunch Orders for December will be accepted through this Friday, 11/16/18.  Please place all orders via Educonnect Parent Portal and send payment into the office as soon as your order has been placed.  This is your only opportunity to order hot lunches for December & no late orders can be accepted.

School Board Meeting - The School Board will meet on Tuesday, 11/20/18, at 7pm in Lower Church.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Winter Weather Reminders - With the possibility of a winter storm ahead, please keep in mind that SMS follows the Simsbury public schools in regard to delayed openings, early closings and emergency closings.  If you hear that the Simsbury public schools are altering their school day due to weather SMS will be doing the same thing.  In the event of an early closing, our dismissal time is 12:45pm and there is NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.

 A Remind text will be sent out if the weather alters our school day and a notice will be placed on the home page of the school's website.  Please also keep in mind that students do wait outside at morning arrival and go outside for recess unless the weather is inclement or below 20 degrees.  If there is snow on the ground, students should bring snow gear for outdoor recess.






School will be dismissed early at 12:45pm on Wednesday, 11/21/18, for Thanksgiving.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is also closed on Friday, 11/23/18.

Senior Luncheon - Thanks to everyone who contributed to today's Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon.  This year's luncheon was particularly well attended and as always, it was a wonderful outreach to our local community of seniors.










Special thanks to Mrs. Karen Corriveau for chairing the luncheon this year.  Karen worked tirelessly to assure that we had sufficient donations and that the event would be well organized, festive and enjoyable for all. We also thank all those volunteers who donated time to setup, serve and clean up.


We are proud of our 8th grade students for their service today and thankful for the engaging entertainment provided by students in Kindergarten through grade 3.   Also a special shout out to Mr. G. and the 8th grade students that helped him organize today's parking.  Amazing job!

First Trimester grades close on Friday, 11/30.  Report cards will be available on the Educonnect Parent Portal on Friday, 12/7, at the close of the school day.  Please remember that no paper copy of the report card will be sent home.





Looking Ahead to the Busy Month of December -

Formal Uniform begins for Grade 8 on Monday, 12/3/18.

Our December School Mass will be held on Tuesday, 12/4/18, at 9am in the church.  All are welcome to join us.  Please remember that no PE uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Our Christmas Band & Chorus Concert will be held on Monday, 12/10/18, in the Parish Center.  There will be a dress rehearsal at 2pm and evening performance at 7pm.  Guests are welcome at either performance.  Mrs. Morse will provide concert and dress guidelines to band students.  Mrs. Jalinskas will provide guidelines to chorus members.  All are welcome to come and enjoy an evening of festive music.  The snow date for this concert is Monday, 1/7/19.

Lessons & Carols will be held on Monday, 12/17/18, in the church.  This beautiful retelling of the Nativity story is a beloved SMS tradition involving all students in Kindergarten- Grade 8.  Student attendance is considered mandatory.  If your family has a conflict, please contact Mrs. Williamson.  There will be a dress rehearsal at 10am and an evening presentation at 7pm.  Guests are welcome at either performance and the morning is especially suitable for preschool age siblings since it is much less crowded and easier to see the Nativity story unfold. Students in Grades 1-7 should wear their formal uniform - no sweatshirts or spirit wear.  Students in Kindergarten and Grade 8 follow dress guidelines provided by Miss Ciarcia and Mrs. Work.  The snow date for Lessons & Carols is Tuesday, 12/18/18.

School will be dismissed early at 12:45pm on Friday, 12/21/18.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is CLOSED from Monday, 12/24/18 through Tuesday, 1/1/19.  School reopens for a regular, full day of school on Wednesday, 1/2/19.



Athletic News - Basketball jerseys are being distributed to Varsity players this week and to JV players next week.  Only players with their participation fee paid will receive a jersey.  Please email Mr. G. with any questions.




CHOICE Corner - Gift cards Make Great Holiday Gifts & Charitable Contributions.  SMS Choice can help you get all your shopping done.  Click here to download a Holiday Order Form.

                                                     

Announcing a Great New Storefront - We are excited to share that St. Mary's School now has a Shutterfly storefront thanks to a new partnership between Lifetouch Photography and Shutterfly.  Any purchases made with Shutterfly or Tiny Prints through this storefront will earn 8% for SMS.  So, if you are creating great photo memories or putting together Christmas cards, please shop through our storefront - Click here.

Thank you to all the volunteers for generously giving your time and energy to our Book Fair. Awesome sales set us up for a larger fair next Fall!  There will also be a "BOGO" Spring Bookfair just in time to encourage summer reading.  Our very special thanks to Tricia Prausa for chairing our Book Fair events this year!

Grade 8 Fundraising -  Thanks to all who supported the Lyman Orchard Pie & Cookie Dough sale. There's two more great opportunities to help support our 8th grade.  The annual poinsettia sale is currently underway and the week after Thanksgiving you can enjoy a delicious meal at Puerto Vallarta in Avon.  See below.

Click here to download & print order form.

Click here to download and print a flyer.

Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Gore & Emma M., Gr. 4 started the day early today at 6am bringing some food donations from our Halloween collection to Scot Haney from WFSB.  They also brought along a special Blue Knight card in honor of Scot's 20th anniversary at WFSB.

Thanks again to all that donated to the Jack Bannon
Turkey Trot.  Foodshare arrived today to pick up our donations.

News for the Week of 11/7/18

#uKnightedinPride - Just a reminder that Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. Gore are attending the Blue Ribbon Recognition Ceremony in Washington, DC this week.  This ceremony is the well deserved highlight to being named a 2018 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.  In addition to presentations, networking, and small group discussions, awardees will attend a special awards luncheon. Following the luncheon, school representatives will go onstage, school by school, to be greeted by Program Director Aba Kumi and receive the National Blue Ribbon School flag and an engraved plaque as symbols of their success. There will be a livestream of this event on Thursday, 11/8, from 1:30-3:30pm - click here. We look forward to their return and to seeing the special plaque our school will receive.

Calendar Reminders - 

Hot Lunch Order Period for December opens on Monday, 11/12.  Orders will be accepted via the Educonnect Parent Portal through Friday, 11/16.    Please send payment in as soon as your order is complete. NO late orders can be accepted.

School will close at 12:45pm on Wednesday, 11/21 for Thanksgiving.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is also closed on Friday, 11/23.

There's still one more day (Thursday, 11/8) to shop at our Fall Scholastic Bookfair!  Feel free to stop by and browse the selection.  Students will be able to purchase item at lunch on Thursday before the bookfair closes.  Our very special thanks to Mrs. Prausa for all her work coordinating this year's Fall Bookfair and to the all the other volunteers who helped with the fair.

Veterans Day Assembly - We welcome all parents/guardians and all veterans to join us for a Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, November 12, in the Parish Center beginning with morning prayer at 8:45am.

Group Class Photos & Individual Make-up & Retake Photos -   Monday,  November 12th

Lifetouch will be at school on Monday, 11/12, to take group class photos for PreKindergarten - Grade 7.  All students in grades K-7 should wear their full formal uniform for the group class photo.

If your child(ren) were absent on picture day (9/10) an individual photo will be taken on 11/12 even if no portrait package is being purchased since a photo is needed for the yearbook.  If you were not satisfied with original portrait(s) taken in September, return the complete package to the photographer on retake day.  Students having an individual photo taken may bring clothing to school to change into for the photo.  School uniform should be worn to school.

Any student who did not purchase on the original day and would like to purchase a package. Order forms are available in the school office approximately one week prior to retake day  Or online at mylifetouch.com -- picture day id: EJ418008Q1.  Any questions, please call Lifetouch at 203-735-5933

Lyman Pie & Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough Pick Up is Monday, 11/12.  These products all arrive FROZEN and must be picked up on Monday, 11/12.   The company specifies that pies should be refrigerated within 2-4 hours and the cookie dough should be refrigerated within 4-6 hours. Pick up will be from noon until 3:45pm in the Parish Center.  *If picking up between noon and 1:15pm, please note that you will need to park near the rectory and walk around for admission to school since the playground gate will be closed for recess.  The school does not have freezer space for items not picked up and will not be responsible for thawed items.  If you want your items sent home with your child(ren), please contact Jennifer Miller at jenmiller1002@gmail.com.  If your child(ren) ride the bus, please keep in mind what can be reasonably carried by a child who is also carrying a backpack and possibly a musical instrument. 

Students in Mrs. Gore's fifth grade worked on making models of atoms.

The annual Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held next week on Wednesday, 11/14.  This annual event provides a delicious Thanksgiving meal to over 175 area senior citizens.

Thanks to all that have already signed up to donate or volunteer.  If you have not yet done so, there is still time and your help is important and needed!   Click here to access the Sign Up Geniuses that list the donations needed by grade level.   Please note that NO HOT LUNCH is served on this day since the kitchen is very busy making Thanksgiving dinner!

Athletic News - Is/Are your child(ren) playing basketball this year?  If so, have you signed up for the Athletic Department Remind? 

Please sign up for the Athletic Department Remind to receive all texts regarding the basketball program.  Please note that the Athletic Department Remind is SEPARATE from the school Remind and has to be joined separately.  All cancellations, changes and updates will go out through Remind.  To join the Athletic Department Remind:

Text @smssport to the number 81010
You will receive a welcome text from Remind.
If anyone has trouble with 81010, please try texting @smssport to (301) 200-4763.


CHOICE News -

Are you ready to shop for the most important meal of the year?  Thanksgiving is early this year - November 21!  CHOICE has cards to most area grocery stores including Big Y, Fitzgeralds, Stop & Shop, Shoprite & Whole Foods.  Or - take the family out and no one has to wash a dish!  Cards are available to the Max Group restaurants and if no one cares for pumpkin pie - there's also cards to Peachwave!

It's Time to Order Beautiful Holiday Poinsettias!  Again this year, our 8th grade is selling beautiful poinsettias to help defray costs associated with their field trip and other graduation expenses.   Click here to download & print your order form.

Just in Time for Holiday Celebrations & Giving -- Again this year, Yankee Candle Fundraising is helping us raise money to support our instrumental music program including the FMI Recorder program in grade 3.  Shop now for the best selection of holiday items.  Click here and then enter our group number - 999977285 - where requested under "Start Shopping".  All products will ship directly to your home.




Community News

St. Mary's Parish Christmas Youth Choir -  The Christmas Youth Choir will rehearse on three Thursdays: 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20 from 4:30 - 5:15 inside the church. All children old enough to learn the words to traditional Christmas carols are invited to participate. The choir sings prior to the 6pm Mass on Christmas Eve starting at 5:30pm. Please see Music Director, Gena Sullivan after Mass if you have any questions.

News for the Week of 10/31/18

Here's your Halloween Reminder that formal uniforms begin tomorrow!

Formal Uniforms begin tomorrow - Thursday, November 1, for students in Grades K -7.  Eighth grade students may wear their relaxed uniforms until Monday, December 3.

It's getting chilly, too!  Just a gentle reminder that the weather is feeling distinctly more like late autumn.  Students do wait outside for our opening bell and do go out for recess unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or it is wet and inclement.  Please be sure your child(ren) have outerwear appropriate for the season and encourage them to wear it.  We also request that all outerwear and especially hats, boots, and gloves are clearly labelled.

We will worship with our parish family at the 12:15 Mass tomorrow for All Saints Day.  Please remember that no PE Uniforms should be worn to Mass.  All are welcome to join us.







 

The first New England Catholic Schools Week will be held from November 4th -10th.  We will kick off this week with a Family Mass & pizza dinner on this Saturday, November 3.  

Join us for the 5pm Mass and then come across to the Parish Center to enjoy a casual family pizza dinner and visit the bookfair!  Students are requested to wear their formal uniforms to Mass.  Click here to RSVP via Sign Up Genius.  We do need a head count for dinner and we are requesting donation of some items to help with the setup and serving of dinner. Thanks in advance for your attendance & your donations!

Fall Bookfair will be open after all Masses on November 3 and 4 and then through Thursday, November 8.  See details below.  Virtus trained volunteers are needed!

SMS is OPEN on Election Day on Tuesday, November 6,  for a regular full day of school and we will also host an Open House on that day and in the evening.  See details below.

SMS is OPEN on Veterans Day Observed, Monday, November 12th.  There will be a Veterans Day Assembly - see details below. Group Class Photos and Individual Student makeup/retake photos will be taken by Lifetouch Photography - more details below.  Frozen Pies and cookie dough ordered from the Lyman Pie Fundraiser will be available for pickup. More details soon.

The annual Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, 11/14.  This annual event provides a delicious Thanksgiving meal to over 175 area senior citizens.

 Click here to access the Sign Up Geniuses that will list the donations needed by grade level.  In order for this event to be successful, your donations are really important so please do be sure to sign up to donate a requested item. Please note that NO HOT LUNCH is served on this day since the kitchen is very busy making Thanksgiving dinner!

Fall Bookfair begins THIS Saturday, 11/5/18!  

We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair! Shop after Mass on Saturday or Sunday or check your teacher’s blogs for scheduled class visits.  Remember, all purchases benefit our Home & School Association. Thank you for supporting our readers!

Book Fair dates: Saturday, November 3rd - Thursday, November 8th

There are still opportunities to volunteer.  Virtus training is required. Thanks in advance!  Click here for Volunteer Sign Up.

Blue Knight Spirit!  Our thanks to all that participated in our Spirit Day Fundraiser on Monday.  Over $3,000 was raised in Amazon gift cards and donations for purchase of Amazon gift cards.

We are hosting an Open House for Prospective Families on Tuesday, November 6th.  Interested families are invited to drop in at any time during our school day or to attend our evening event that will begin at 6pm in the Parish Center.  An RSVP to the office is appreciated but not required.

 If you know someone who would like to get to know more about us, please encourage them to drop by that day or attend our evening event and be sure to register for our Family Referral Program!   We appreciate your support of our school.

Veterans Day Assembly - We welcome all parents/guardians and all veterans to join us for a Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, November 12, in the Parish Center beginning with morning prayer at 8:45am.

Athletic News - Basketball season is getting underway!  

Coaches will be contacting families to provide scheduling information.  Participation Fees:  Fee amounts were set up to cover the costs of the program, playoffs, tournaments and referees without the need for fundraisers, tournaments, concession sale, etc.

$150 for grades 4-8
$50 Grades 2-3
Max family cap of $250
Checks should made out to St Mary School with "Basketball" in the memo section.

Please sign up for the Athletic Department Remind to receive all texts regarding the basketball program.  Please note that the Athletic Department Remind is SEPARATE from the school remind and has to be joined separately.  All cancellations, changes and updates will go out through Remind.  To join the Athletic Department Remind:

Text @smssport to the number 81010
You will receive a welcome text from Remind.
If anyone has trouble with 81010, please try texting @smssport to (301) 200-4763.

Have you ever wondered about what it would be like to live in Egypt?  Reem Nouh Omar, School Board member and mother of Sara, Gr. 6 and Kareem, PreK, has lived in Egypt and shared her life experiences with Mrs. Work's grade 6 social studies class.  Her insights brought their recent study of Egypt to life.

Grade 8 Fundraising - 

Thank you to all the parents who have supported the 8th graders and their fundraisers to date. We are most appreciative. Our car wash raised $1,354 and our mum sale raised approximately $1,800! For those who enjoyed eating - Joe Pizza and Peachwave raised $450 profit!  The poinsettia sale begins this week and orders will be accepted until November  30. See details below. Thank you again to all of the families that continue to support the Class of 2019!





It's Time to Order Your Holiday Poinsettias!  Click here to download & print your order form.

Group Class Photos & Individual Make-up & Retake Photos -   Monday,  November 12th

Lifetouch will be at school to take group class photos for PreKindergarten - Grade 7.  All students in grades K-7 should wear their full formal uniform for the group class photo.

If you child(ren) were absent on picture day (9/10) an individual photo will be taken on 11/12 even if no portrait package is being purchased since a photo is needed for the yearbook.  If you were not not satisfied with original portrait(s) taken in September - Return the complete package to the photographer on retake day.  Students having an individual photo taken may bring clothing to school to change into for the photo.  School uniform should be worn to school.

Any student who did not purchase on the original day and would like to purchase a package. Order forms are available in the school office approximately one week prior to retake day  Or online at mylifetouch.com -- picture day id: EJ418008Q1 (site is available for ordering approximately 2 weeks prior to retake day).  Any questions, please call Lifetouch at 203-735-5933

Health Office News 

Regular attendance at school is always encouraged, but it is equally as important that when your child is ill, they should stay at home.  Please click here for helpful guidelines from our Parent Student Handbook in regard to when to keep your child home from school.

Parents are the first, middle and last line of defense against head lice.  Routine screening at home is far more effective in terms of prevention and early identification than mass screenings in school can ever be.  St. Mary’s School and Simsbury School system have followed the lead of the American Pediatric Association and continue to encourage frequent screening at home.  For more details, please click here.

Our congratulations to Adrian Hatch, SMS Class of '09, on being named to BuiltWorld's 2018 Adoption Leaders Top List.  Adrian is #18 on this list of 50 champions of technology within their organizations or leaders who stepped into newly created roles that exist today as the result of increased tech adoption. Click here to view the list.

Community News

Sara, Gr. 6,  volunteered at an interfaith event sponsored by the Farmington Valley League of Light called Embracing the Other. Faith leaders including Deacon Art Miller spoke on a panel and shared their perspectives and inspirations. It was a great  event!

St. Mary's Parish Christmas Youth Choir -  The Christmas Youth Choir will rehearse on three Thursdays: 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20 from 4:30 - 5:15 inside the church. All children old enough to learn the words to traditional Christmas carols are invited to participate. The choir sings prior to the 6pm Mass on Christmas Eve starting at 5:30pm. Please see Music Director Gena Sullivan after Mass if you have any questions.

Halloween Fun!

PreK & K went on a costume parade!