News for the week of September 5, 2012

Our first school Mass will be on Friday, 9/7/12, at 9:30am in the Church.  Everyone is welcome to join us.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

iPad Update - We are happy to announce that our iPad "deployment phase" has been completed.  All students in grades K-8 have received their iPads and taken them for a "test ride".  Each and every student is to be commended for the care and respect they have shown for their new devices and for the patience and persistence they are demonstrating as they master this new tool.  Our entire community deserves a round of applause for bringing this ambitious project to fruition.  This project has truly "advanced our mission" by giving us a huge opportunity to "work in partnership".  The generous support shown by all of you at the H.S.A. auction gave life to this initiative and your continued support and trust have allowed it to grow.  Now, we begin to reap the harvest as we watch our students embrace mobile device technology and expand their learning horizons!

"Back to School Night" for Parents is next Wednesday, 9/12/12.  This is your opportunity to see your child(ten)'s new classroom(s), get acquainted with teachers and learn about the daily routine.  This evening is geared toward parents, so line up your babysitter!  Program begins at 6pm in the Parish Center.  An agenda will be posted soon.

Simsbury Residents - Important Bus Transportation Information -  Each year, there are several days when the Simsbury Public Schools either have an early closing or a day off for professional development or other reasons that are regular full school days for St. Mary's School.  When this happens, the afternoon buses are available to us sooner than usual and as a result, the buses load and depart SMS more quickly than usual.  This means that students may arrive home substantially sooner than usually expected (e.g., 10 to 20 minutes sooner).  Please make  note of these dates so that you will be home to greet your children or have made arrangements for them to have for safe care.  The dates this may occur for this school year are:

*  September 17
*  September 19
*  September 26
*  October 24
*  November 6
*  November 27-29
*  January 23
*  February 13
*  May 22

The school's master calendar has been updated to include reminders for these dates.

Individual Student Photos for Grades Prekindergarten, Kindergarten - 7 will be taken by Lifetouch Photography on Monday, September 17th.  All students in these grades will have their photo taken on this day for our yearbook but you do not have to order a photo package unless you would like one.  An order form from Lifetouch will be coming home with each student in the next several days.  Completed order forms and payment (if you are purchasing a photo package) should be brought to school on September 17th.  Please do not send the order forms to school before picture day on 9/17/12.  Students purchasing photo packages may wear school appropriate casual clothes to school on picture day.  All other students are to wear the correct uniform for the day.  Grade 8 individual photos will be taken by Paul Cryan Photography on October 19th.  At this time, there is no one coordinating after school appointments for Paul Cryan Photography so this photographer will only be available for grade 8 students.

Athletic News -  Field Hockey will begin on 9/5.  Practice is from 3:45-5:00pm at Meadow Field (if it is raining, practice will be in the parish center).  Cross Country will start 9/6, practice is at 8:00am and meets at the parish center.  Soccer will begin 9/14 from 3:45-5:00pm at Meadow Field. 


Home & School Association News - 


The first Home & School Association meeting for the 2012-13 school year is tonight at 7pm in the gr. 4 classroom.  Click here for an agenda.  Click here for access to the secure "Parents Only" web page for the most current financial summary.
The Fall Festival is coming!  Mark your calendars for an evening of family fun on Friday, September 14th.  Click here for more information.

Calling all cars! Calling all cars!!  - The 8th grade class is calling all cars to their CAR WASH!!  This event is the first of our 8th grade fundraisers to help offset expenses for the various activites throughout the year such as the Holy Family Retreat, High Meadows Catholic Schools event, etc.  Please show your support of our 8th graders and drive your car to the North Parking lot on Saturday, September 15th anytime from 8:00 am  to 1:00 pm and give your car the TLC is deserves!  Donations are $5.00 and can be purchased in advance or the day of the car wash. Email Chris Doskos (cmdoskos@comcast.net or Ray Mancarella (our3pumpkins@gmail.com)  for further details.