Thursday, August 25, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 08/25/2022



 SMS News for the Week of 08/25/2022


Calendar Notes

Back to School Paperwork

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Back to School packets went out two weeks ago. Please review and sign your documents no later than August 31st (the fist day of school).

***Important:** Technology Fee - Required for all students K - 8 ($100 X number of students enrolled K-8), this can be paid via Square here. Checks are also welcome!

Sir Ted important dates

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September Lunch Ordering Period.

It's time to order student lunches for September.  Log onto [Educonnect](https://stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net/login) to place your orders. Your will get a notification via Remind text as soon as the Menu goes live. Until the lunch programs begin, all students must bring a lunch from home (nothing that requires heating).

Summer Fun for SMS Families. Aug 28th.

Join us for some fun! SMS Playground! Sunday, August 28th 5-7pm.

PreK-Popsicles & Play. Aug 29th.

PreK families are welcome to come and play! PreK Patio! Monday August 29th, 6-7pm.

Morning Meet & Greet. Aug 30th.

Come and meet your teacher, drop off school supplies!


First Day of School. Aug 31th!!
It will be a full school day. Before and After Care will be available.

Visit our blog: https://stmarysschoolnews.blogspot.com for news, access the calendar and [click here to check out the summer assignments and supply lists.


Traffic ALERT!

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Please note that route 185 (Simsbury Rd/Mountain) is CLOSED to traffic from the intersection with North Main St/Rte 218 in West Hartford all the way to Mountain Rd until at least September 1. So, your day will get off to a much better start if you plan an alternate route. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Take Rte 44 over Avon Mountain and come up either Nod Road or Rte 10.

2. Get over to Mountain Rd in West Hartford and come up that way. You will be able to access Rte 185 from Mountain Rd.

3. Go through Bloomfield Center. You can take Gabb Rd and end up at the intersection of Loeffler Rd and 185. 

Mrs. Williamson has used them all! If you have another favorite, that is great but we do suggest that anyone needing to come over the mountain simply be prepared!

Volunteer Opportunities

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Two wonderful opportunities to volunteer at School:

1. September Lunch Volunteers: This is a great opportunity to see your child(ren) during the day and meet other parents. Feel free to sign up whenever it is convenient for you and for as many or as few days as you'd like.

Sign up HERE!


2. Fall Festival Volunteers: Our Fall Festival needs some help. Take a minute to look at the different activities and sign up!

Sign up HERE!


Field Hockey Clinic

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Simsbury Recreation Center is having a Field Hockey Clinic September 17 - October 22, 2022 for students in Grades 3rd and 4th.

For more information and to register, click here.


Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights
Blogspot: Blog

Thursday, August 11, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 8/11/2022



 SMS News for the Week of 8/11/2022



Calendar Notes

Back to School Packets

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Keep an eye out for your Back to School Packets! expect to receive your packet today by the end of the day via DocuSign. Please complete and sign in a timely way. 

***Important:** Technology Fee - Required for all students K - 8 ($100 X number of students enrolled K-8), this can be paid via Square here. Checks are also welcomed!


New Visitor Protocols

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Help us to stay safe! We are implementing new safety protocols throughout the School. If you are visiting the School/Office please note this new protocol to enter:

Sir Ted important dates

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Summer Fun for SMS Families. Aug 28th.
Join us for some fun! MSMS Playground! Sunday, August 28th 5-7pm.

PreK-Popsicles & Play. Aug 29th.
PreK families are welcome to come and play! PreK Patio! Monday August 29th, 6-7pm.

Morning Meet & Greet. Aug 30th.
Come and meet your teacher, drop off school supplies.


First Day of School. Aug 31th!!

It will be a full school day. Before and After Care will be available.

Visit our blog: https://stmarysschoolnews.blogspot.com/ for news, access the calendar and click here  to check out the summer assignments and supply lists.

Looking ahead

Fall Festival!

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Help wanted - Mother/Special Person - Son event!
Submit your ideas here!


Land's End Uniform Promotion

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Need more uniforms? Land's End is having a sale through August 24th.
Don't forget to get your CHOICE cards to pay for your Land's End order.

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

Thursday, July 14, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 07/14/2022



SMS News for the Week of 07/14/2022


Calendar Notes

Sir Ted important dates

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Calendar updates

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Our school calendar is constantly being updated! Make sure to check it out frequently to get the most accurate information. 

Things to keep in mind:

Columbus Day fall break

School will be closed Thursday 10/6/22, Friday 10/7/22 and Monday 10/10/22 (Columbus Day).

Aftercare availability on  select Early Dismissal days

We will have aftercare available on the following early dismissal days:

1. Thursday October 20, 2022.

2. Friday October 21, 2022.

3. Wednesday November 09, 2022.

4. Friday December 02, 2022.

5. Wednesday February 15, 2023.

6. Thursday February 16, 2023.

7. Wednesday March 08, 2023.

Announcements

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New teacher alert!

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Mrs. Natalie Markuszka, of Unionville, will join us for grade 3. She has earned a Masters Degree in Education from Wheelock College after earning her Bachelors from Suffolk University. Most recently, she has taught in the Hartford Public Schools and in the Canton Public Schools. We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Markuszka and look forward to getting to know her.


Ms. Lauren Mogelnicki, of Wethersfield, will join us for grade 5. She has recently earned her Bachelor's Degree from Regis College where she was a Dean’s List student and an outstanding women’s tennis player. Ms. Mogelnicki is a 2018 graduate of Northwest Catholic High School and is keeping busy this summer teaching tennis at Hopmeadow Country Club. Ms. Mogelnicki is looking forward to becoming involved here at St. Mary’s School!


Mrs. Gore (Previous Gr. 5) is taking on the position of Interventionist.

Uniform updates

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These changes apply to the whole school:

·         Lands End changed the gym short so we had to update our option.

·         We felt that it was time to update the gym pants option to a more current jogger pant.

·         Please note that we have ADDED the opportunity for girls to wear leggings to school but if you choose to purchase black or navy leggings from somewhere besides Lands End, the leggings must be close fitting. Only solid color black or navy leggings will be allowed.

·         In addition, girls must wear socks with leggings and leggings may ONLY be worn with dresses, jumpers and skirts. Leggings may not be worn with gym shorts.


In grades 5-8 there is a more significant change to the relaxed uniform.

·         The shorts, pants and skorts will now be Classic Navy instead of khaki.

·         The polo shirt for boys and girls will now be gray heather instead of navy.

·         There is a grandfather period of one (1) year during which the navy shirts and khaki bottoms may be worn however, please do not mix the old and new items (don’t use a gray shirt with khaki bottoms).


Whole School Items:

 Boys and Girls Mesh Athletic Gym Short in Classic Navy-

                                        Boys: Item # 529177-BP1 

                                        Girls: Item # 529021-BP3

Active Fleece Jogger Sweatpants in Classic Navy - Item #518110BP5                                                                                                      

Girls Tough Cotton Leggings in Black & Navy-  Item #522298BP3  

5th thru 8th grade:

Short Sleeve Interlock Polo Shirt - GRAY HEATHER   Item #529185BP6

Girls Blend Chino Skort Top of Knee (Item #528175BP0) AND the Girls Plain Front Blend Chino Shorts (ITEM #528427BPX) in CLASSIC NAVY

Boys Wrinkle Resistant Chino Shorts (ITEM #529050BPX) AND the Boys Iron Knee Blend Plain Front Chino Pants( ITEM #529034BP0) in CLASSIC NAVY

This information has been updated on the Lands End site and our school website.

PreK uniform guide:

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K-Gr. 4 uniform guide:

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Gr. 5-8 uniform guide:
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Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 06/15/2022

 


SMS News for the Week of 06/15/2022




Announcements

Congratulations to our Fruit of the Spirit recipients

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Each year, this award is given to students in recognition of exemplary and consistent demonstration of those “Fruits of the Spirit” described by Saint Paul in Galatians: Chapter 5, Verse 22-  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”


Report Cards

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Report cards will be available from Friday June 17, 2022 until June 29, 2022, make sure to save a copy!


Car Wash - Eagle Scout Fundraising

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Support the Eagle Scout Car Wash Fundraiser this Saturday June 18, 2022 to benefit the SMS PreK outdoor area.

SMS North parking lot, 8am-12pm. Tickets in the office and at the event.



Buddy Families Program

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Buddy Families are Back! 

We need your help in reaching out to new families and welcoming them to our community over the summer as well as inviting them to events throughout the school year. 

 Please click on this link https://forms.gle/p2vCzDbagtBo7Thn7 to read more and sign up! Thank you in advance for taking on this important and fun volunteer opportunity! 


Looking ahead to summer

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Our first day of school for the 22-23 school year will be on Wednesday, 8/31/22.  It will be a regular, full day of school with both early drop off and aftercare available.

Planning vacations for next year?? Take a look at our PRELIMINARY calendar here.





Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 06/08/2022

SMS News for the Week of 06/08/2022






SMS Class of 2022

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Congratulations SMS Class of 2022. 
We will keep our graduates in our prayers as they begin their high school education. 



Calendar notes

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Kindergarten Prayer Service & Fruit of the Spirit Awards Ceremony

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Our sweet kindergarteners will lead a Prayer Service for the last day of school. This service will take place Monday, June 13, 2022 at 9:30am in the Church followed by the Fruit of the Spirit Awards Ceremony. All welcome to attend.


The service will be livestreamed in the Church's website. Click here.


Field Day: Grades K-5

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Field Day for grades K-5 will be on Tuesday, June 14. Students will get their team colors to wear on Field Day. The color of their team should be the color t-shirt worn. Shorts are either the color of their team or their PE shorts. Please be sure that your child comes to school wearing sunscreen (and has more to re-apply), a towel to dry off as well as plenty of water!

Colors assigned to classrooms:

Kindergarten: orange and yellow. 

Grade 1: pink.

Grade 2: purple and black.

Grade 3: gray and neon.

Grade 4: red and tie-dye.

Grade 5: blue and green. 

Please contact your teacher for specific color your child(ren) has been assigned.

Last day of School

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Reminder: last day of school will be June 15, 2022. It will be half day, dismissal at 12:45 there is no aftercare.


Tuition Reminder

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Reminder to Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Holders who make payments via invoice:  as you begin making payments in June on your 2022-2023 Blackbaud Tuition Management account, please remember to change the school year in your account number from 21 to 22.  Account numbers are broken down as follows:  02300 is the school code; 22 refers to the school year; and the last six digits reflect your individual family’s account.  If you continue making payments using the 21 school year, they will apply to your 2021-22 account, generating an overpayment status.  Your 2022-23 account will then appear delinquent, causing $50 late fees to accrue each month the payments are missing.  If you have any questions about this, please call Blackbaud’s Parent contact center at 1-888-868-8828.

Note that this change occurs automatically for families who have Blackbaud draw their payments from checking, savings, or credit card accounts.


Announcements

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Message from the Advancement Department

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Your support makes it all possible!! Please take a look at all the things you've made possible.

Thank you SMS community!!




Alumni News

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Tim Nolan, SMS class of 2014

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Tim Nolan, SMS class of 2014, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.  Tim is currently a Production Assistant with the Hartford Yard Goats and is pursuing other opportunities in Sports Broadcasting and Journalism.  Tim credits the writing foundation he received at St. Mary’s School for his success at Syracuse.

Fun fact: Tim wrote in his eighth grade St. Mary’s yearbook that he was going to attend Syracuse University and become a Sports Broadcaster.  Congratulations to Tim and his family!!


Help wanted: Room Parent volunteers

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Please consider being a room parent volunteer for the next school year. Let us know if you are able to help. We really appreciate your participation!! Download the form here.


Check out the Room Parent Specific activities by grade here


Buddy Families Program

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Buddy Families are Back! 

We need your help in reaching out to new families and welcoming them to our community over the summer as well as inviting them to events throughout the school year. 

 Please click on this link [https://forms.gle/p2vCzDbagtBo7Thn7](https://forms.gle/p2vCzDbagtBo7Thn7) to read more and sign up! Thank you in advance for taking on this important and fun volunteer opportunity! 



End of year things to keep in mind

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1.    As we get ready to end our school year, please take a moment to look for any SMS library or classroom books that may still be at home and return them. 

2.   All students in Grades K-8 are required to return their school issued iPad charging cord and charging brick.  It is important that the cord/brick combination is THE ONE issued by the school because we need to assure consistency in our school owned equipment.  Please return these items in a labeled Ziploc bag.  Failure to return these items or return of non-school owned items will result in a bill for replacement cost.  Also, please be aware that all iPads and covers are inspected for visual and physical damage upon return.  If a repair or replacement of either the iPad or the cover is necessary, a bill will be generated for the $50 repair for the iPad or the replacement cost of the cover.


Looking ahead to summer

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Summer office hours will begin on Tuesday, June 21.  The school office will be staffed Tuesday - Thursday from 9am-1pm or by appointment.  CHOICE cards will be available during office hours.

Our first day of school for the 22-23 school year will be on Wednesday, 8/31/22.  It will be a regular, full day of school with both early drop off and aftercare available.

Planning vacations for next year?? Take a look at our PRELIMINARY calendar here.

Condolences to Fr. Stephen Sledesky and family

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Last week Father Stephen received the sad news that his brother Anthony ("Tony") had passed away. Please keep Father Stephen and his family in your prayers.

Read the announcement here.

Donations can be made in Tony's name to the American Heart Association at heart.org.


Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School



Wednesday, June 1, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 06/01/2022


SMS News for the Week of 06/01/2022


Calendar notes

Advancement Meeting

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Join is tomorrow Thursday, June 2nd at 9:00am for our Knights United Family & School Association Meeting in the Forcucci Faith Formation room (lower church). We appreciate all the help we get from our wonderful volunteers. Hope to see you there!

SMS Class of 2022 Graduation - School Mass

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Graduation Mass is scheduled June 3rd, 2022 at 10:00am followed directly by the actual graduation ceremony. Class Day begins at 1:15.

Graduation Ceremony and Class Day will be livestreamed.

Grade 8th parents make sure to read all the information coming from Mrs. Work.

Dress code for graduates:

Girls: Sunday best, dress/skirt- please no strapless. No color requirement. Shoes should be ones that are comfortable to walk and stand in for the day (no sneakers).

Boys: Sunday best, collared shirt, tie and dress pants with shoes (no sneakers).

SMS siblings of graduates may wear Sunday best instead of their relaxed uniform.

All other students: full relaxed uniform. 



Field Day: Grades K-5

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Field Day for grades K-5 will be on Tuesday, June 14. Students will get their team colors to wear on Field Day. The color of their team should be the color t-shirt worn. Shorts are either the color of their team or their PE shorts. Please be sure that your child comes to school wearing sunscreen (and has more to re-apply) as well as plenty of water!

Last day of School

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Reminder: last day of school will be June 15, 2022. It will be half day, dismissal at 12:45 there is no aftercare.

Tuition Reminder

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Reminder to Blackbaud Tuition Management Account Holders who make payments via invoice:  as you begin making payments in June on your 2022-2023 Blackbaud Tuition Management account, please remember to change the school year in your account number from 21 to 22.  Account numbers are broken down as follows:  02300 is the school code; 22 refers to the school year; and the last six digits reflect your individual family’s account.  If you continue making payments using the 21 school year, they will apply to your 2021-22 account, generating an overpayment status.  Your 2022-23 account will then appear delinquent, causing $50 late fees to accrue each month the payments are missing.  If you have any questions about this, please call Blackbaud’s Parent contact center at 1-888-868-8828.

Note that this change occurs automatically for families who have Blackbaud draw their payments from checking, savings, or credit card accounts.

Families that chose to "Pay in full", tuition payments are due today. Please send those checks or stop by the office at your earliest convenience. 

Announcements

Mrs. Williamson CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor Induction

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In celebration of exceptional careers of service to CAS-CIAC, seven distinguished honorees were recognized as the fifth class in the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor. Earle Bidwell, Harold Goldberg, Art Kohs, Tom Murray, Armand Regalbuti, George Synnott, and Margaret Williamson were honored at the induction ceremony on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at the AquaTurf Club in Southington. This class of honorees was originally scheduled to to be recognized in the spring of 2020.

The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor was founded in 2015 to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the organization over the course of their careers. The induction event recognizing the honorees will take place at a ceremony each school year.

Mrs. Williamson is still serving CAS-CIAC in a variety of roles, continuing a long history of work with the organization. The current Principal of the St. Mary’s School and longtime Principal at Northwest Catholic, she is the chair of the CIAC Girls Basketball and Girls Lacrosse Committees, and has been a member of the CIAC Board of Control, serving as the Vice Chair of that organization. She received the honor of a CAS Citation in 2018 and a letter of Commendation in 2013.

Watch the induction video here.



Alumni News


Domenico Michele Cirielli, SMS class of 2014

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Congratulations to Domenico Michele Cirielli, SMS class of 2014. Dom graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University. He has accepted a position with AIG in New York City and is looking forward to joining the finance team in July. 

We wish you every success in your future endeavors!



May Crowning Celebration

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Keeping up with the traditions! Second grade reverently and beautifully continued our traditional May Crowning of Mary on Friday, May 27, 2022. They all worked hard and delivered a prayerful ceremony. 

End of year things to keep in mind

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1.    As we get ready to end our school year, please take a moment to look for any SMS library or classroom books that may still be at home and return them. 

2.   All students in Grades K-8 are required to return their school issued iPad charging cord and charging brick.  It is important that the cord/brick combination is THE ONE issued by the school because we need to assure consistency in our school owned equipment.  Please return these items in a labeled Ziploc bag.  Failure to return these items or return of non-school owned items will result in a bill for replacement cost.  Also, please be aware that all iPads and covers are inspected for visual and physical damage upon return.  If a repair or replacement of either the iPad or the cover is necessary, a bill will be generated for the $50 repair for the iPad or the replacement cost of the cover.


Help wanted: Room Parent volunteers

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Please take a look below for our room parent volunteer opportunities. Let us know if you are able to help. We really appreciate your participation!! Download the form here.

Responsibilities by grade can be found here.


Looking ahead to summer

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Summer office hours will begin on Tuesday, June 21.  The school office will be staffed Tuesday - Thursday from 9am-1pm or by appointment.  CHOICE cards will be available during office hours.

Our first day of school for the 22-23 school year will be on Wednesday, 8/31/22.  It will be a regular, full day of school with both early drop off and aftercare available.

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School



Wednesday, May 18, 2022

SMS News for the Week of 05/18/22

 


SMS News for the Week of 05/18/22



Calendar notes

June Lunches

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Ordering period for the month of June is now open. Log onto Educonnect between today, May 18th and May 25th to place your orders. No late orders may be accepted.


Important note: all lunch balances are due June 3, 2022. 

Please email tprausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net with any questions or concerns.



SMS Spring Concert

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Joins us for the SMS Spring Concert Monday May 23, 2022 at 6:30pm in the Church. 

Performances by students in grades PreK to grade 4, and also our Band students and the Middle School Chorus!

All invited to attend the dress rehearsal the same day at 2:00pm. 

Please refer to the email sent by Mrs. Williamson on Monday May 16. Both the Concert and dress rehearsal will be held in the Church. The 6:30pm performance will be livestreamed. Access the livestream here.



School Board Meeting

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Join us for the last School Board Meeting of the 21-22 school year. Wednesday May 25, 2022 at 7:00pm in the Reading Room - Magowan Center.


School Mass

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School Mass is scheduled for Thursday May 26, 2022. at 9:00, the Feast of the Ascension.
Reminder: No P.E. uniforms should be worn to Mass. Students may bring athletic shoes and gym clothes in their backpacks if they have P.E. class that day. 

May Crowning and Grandparents & Special Persons Day

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All students in the school may invite special people to join us Friday May 27, 2022 at 9:15am for Grandparents & Special Persons Day, which will include: May Crowning, additional musical entertainment by grades K-3, classroom visits for all grades, and refreshments for our guests. May Crowning will start at 9:15.

After May Crowning, grade 2 students will process out. Parents and family of grade 2 students are welcome to join the class outside for class photo and individual family photo taking time or stay in the Church if you have students in the other grades. During this time the students in grades K, 1 and 3 will sing a few songs in the Church. 

Special guests will be visiting classrooms from 10:15-11:00. Light refreshments will be available in the Parish Center.

Notes:
Parking: due to a scheduled funeral that day, we are asking visitors to park in the north parking lot. 

We strongly encourage visitors to wear face masks while visiting the classrooms. Thank you for your cooperation.



Memorial Day

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In observance of Memorial Day, school will be closed on May 30, 2022.
Friday 27th, 2022 will be an early dismissal day at 12:45pm. Reminder: there is NO aftercare.




Announcements


Westminster Baseball Clinic

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If you are interested in baseball, then Westminster School is inviting you to the baseball camp held by Tyler Wosleger. July 18-21, 2022.   


Volunteer Opportunity at Walk MS

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If you are looking to volunteer a great cause, look no further!

Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities.



Grade 5 Field Trip to the Simsbury Historical Society

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Today grade 5 visited the Simsbury Historical Society. Students had a historical day of fun!



Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!


Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 
Twitter: @SMS_Knights



Kind regards,
St. Mary's School