News for the Week of 1/29/14

IT'S TIME TO ORDER YOUR AUCTION TICKETS!

Auction Tickets Now Available!  The HSA Annual Auction is next Saturday - February 8th! Ticket orders and payments are due NLT this Friday, 1/31/14.  Visit the auction's website for a preview of the evening's events and delicious menu, by clicking here.  The auction committee does recommend paying for your tickets by check to avoid credit card fees.  To do this, you may send your ticket request into school.  Click here for an order form like the one appearing to the left.

The Auction Committee invites you to join in the fun of this year's Olympic theme and feature a photo of your child demonstrating their "Olympian" skills.  Click here for more information.

Family Pizza Lunch is scheduled for Friday, 1/31/14.  Everyone is welcome and invited to come and eat lunch with their favorite SMS student(s).  Student pizza lunches were ordered via the regular hot lunch menu.  The order period for guest lunches has now closed but you are welcome to join us with a brown bag lunch.

The lunch schedule for Family Pizza Lunch is as follows:

Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2:  11-11:35am
Grades 3-5:  11:40am-12:15pm
Grades 6-8:  12:20-12:50pm


Upcoming School Masses - 
 February 7th at 9am
Ash Wednesday, March 5th at 12:15 - We will worship with our Parish family as the holy season of Lent begins.
April 4th at 9am
May 16th at 9am

Retelling the story of Rosa Parks - Learning came to life when First Grade  acted out the story of Rosa Parks. They did a fabulous job of retelling the events that happened in history so long ago. Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd and 6th grade friends enjoyed the performance. 

St. Mary's School Playground Fundraiser "Dining for Dollars" - As you know, this year's HSA auction proceeds will be used for a new playground.  There is now another way to help raise funds for this important project.  The Avon location of Bertucci's is hosting 2 "Dining for Dollars" benefit nights.  Patrons presenting the "Dining for Dollar" coupon on Wednesday, January 29th and February 5th from 11am - 10pm will have 15% of their purchase donated to the St. Mary's School Playground Fund.  This coupon may be used on both Dine In and Carry Out purchases but is only valid at the Avon location - 380 West Main St (Route 44).  Click here for a "Dining for Dollars" flyer that contains 4 coupons. Enough for your family to enjoy two delicious dinners and also 2 to share with friends to help us have a fabulous new playground!


Head lice are an unpleasant reality that can affect students of all ages and genders.  All schools have established procedures for helping families manage an infestation of head lice.  Click here to learn about our school's procedures.  Our procedures are the same as those used by the Simsbury Public School system.   Click here for a helpful fact sheet about head lice and management of an infestation.

Athletic News - It's time to think about Jump Rope Club!  Click here for more information.

Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed!  We are still in need of lunch volunteers.  Click here for the Sign Up Genius.



Home & School Association News

In keeping with our mission this year to keep the Simsbury food bank stocked this year, please consider donating instant coffee -regular or decaf, hot chocolate, tea, regular coffee, decaf coffee, canned fruit, low sugar canned fruit and individually wrapped or toilet paper in a 4 pack.

HSA is currently forming a nominating committee to find candidates for our outgoing treasurer and president. Please consider joining the committee and have a say in your representation.

The HSA budget report from 1-26-14 is now available for review on the Parents Only secure page of our school website.  Click here to access the login screen.

Christine Kornacki shared insights into the illustration process

Last Friday, SMS Alumna and professional illustrator, Christine Kornacki, met with our students in grades 3-8 to chat about her most recent project, The Sparkle Egg.  To enjoy the presentation she shared with our students, click here.

Today (1/29) students in Prekindergarten - grade 2 met with local author, Fern Michonski. 

Fern Michonski provided an engaging presentation.

Both of these visits were part of our Catholic Schools' Month celebration.

As we finish our celebration of Catholic Schools' Month, don't forget that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Don’t forget to tell your teachers how much you appreciate all they do for you!




Box Tops for Education:  The next Box Tops collection will end on Friday, February 7^th.  Please send all Box Tops to your child’s classroom collection box.  Happy clipping!

CHOICE Program News - Family CHOICE participation statements were sent home with youngest or only students on Monday, 1/27/14.  If you have not already done so,  please check the back packs. This statement reflects CHOICE earnings through December 31st. As indicated on your Family Enrollment Agreement, participation in CHOICE is a mandatory part of your tuition obligation.  Families have until 4/31/14 to raise the required amount of money via CHOICE or to complete the obligation via an "opt-out" payment.  If you have questions about your CHOICE obligation, please contact Tammy Budnick at the school office or via tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

News for the Week of 1/22/14

We are excited to celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 26th - February 1st. St. Mary’s School is an amazing gift to our children, our families and our community. At St. Mary’s School, our children grow and learn their faith daily. St. Mary’s School provides educational excellence, helping students succeed through challenging classes, creative and innovative instruction and modern technology.

An exciting addition to our Catholic Schools Week celebration is outreach to our surrounding parishes. On Sunday, January 26th, St. Mary’s School will be highlighted at six local parishes. We will be at the following parish masses:

Immaculate Conception in New Hartford - 11:30 AM Mass

St. Ann in Avon – 9:30 AM Mass

St. Bernards in Tarriffville -10:45 AM Mass

St. Catherine’s in Simsbury -11:00 AM Mass

St. Mary’s in Simsbury – 9:30 AM Mass

St. Therese in Granby – 10:30 AM Mass

We are asking all of families to help with this outreach. If you are a parishioner at one of these parishes, please try to attend that Mass. We would like students to wear their uniforms to that Mass so parishioners can recognize St. Mary’s students. Please answer any questions people may have about St. Mary’s and encourage any interested families to attend the Open House on Tuesday, January 28th at 6:30. We will also have flyers, pencils and note pads to hand out at Mass.



 Open House for Prospective Families - Tuesday, 1-28-14 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.  Please encourage anyone that you know that might be interested in our school to come to this friendly, informative Open House.  Please ask that they RSVP to the school office - it helps us plan if we know how many guests we are expecting.

It’s time to start thinking about warmer weather. Save the date for the St. Mary’s School Fairway to Heaven golf outing on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Hopmeadow Country Club. We are planning a great day so start getting your foursome together! Look for more information to register to play or sign up for a sponsorship opportunity in the coming weeks!



Author & Illustrator Visits -

Author, Fern Michonski

 




 The HSA is pleased to announce two special visits in celebration of Catholic Schools' Month.  Author, Fern Michonski will visit with students in PreKindergarten through grade 2 on Wednesday, 1/29.  Please note that this is a change to the program's original date.

Illustrator, Christine Kornacki

Christine Kornacki, SMS Aluma and Illustrator, will be at

St Mary’s School on Friday, January 24th to share apresentation about the illustration process of her new book The Sparkle Egg with grades 3 through 8.

St Mary’s Church will be hosting a book signing for Ms. Kornacki

on Sunday, March 9th, just in time for Easter!

 
 
 
 







Family Pizza Lunch is scheduled for Friday, 1/31/14.  Everyone is welcome and invited to come and eat lunch with their favorite SMS student(s).  Student pizza lunches were ordered via the regular hot lunch menu.  The order period for guest lunches has now closed but you are welcome to join us with a brown bag lunch.

The lunch schedule for Family Pizza Lunch is as follows:

Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2:  11-11:35am
Grades 3-5:  11:40am-12:15pm
Grades 6-8:  12:20-12:50pm


Upcoming School Masses - 
 February 7th at 9am
Ash Wednesday, March 5th at 12:15 - We will worship with our Parish family as the holy season of Lent begins.
April 4th at 9am
May 16th at 9am


 Home & School Association News

The next H.S.A. meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 1/23/14.  Click here for an agenda.

Auction Tickets Now Available!  It's less than a month to our HSA Annual Auction.  Visit the auction's website for a preview of the evening's events and delicious menu, by clicking here.  The auction committee does recommend paying for your tickets by check to avoid credit card fees.  To do this, you may send your ticket request into school.  Click here for an order form like the one appearing to the left.

The Auction Committee invites you to join in the fun of this year's Olympic theme and feature a photo of your child demonstrating their "Olympian" skills.  Click here for more information.

Box Tops for Education- The next Box Tops collection will end on Friday, February 7^th.  Please send all Box Tops to your child’s classroom collection box.  Happy clipping!

Alumni News - Congratulations to Alex Carter, Class of '09!  Alex has been named to the Dean's List at the University of Scranton for the fall semester.  Click here to read more about Alex and other alumni with notable accomplishments.  To share alumni news, please email dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.




What's the buzz in grade 4? 

The relationship between producers and consumers and a chance to look at a bald faced hornets' nest up close!

Tuesday, 1/21/14 - 12:45pm Early Closing

 

 

Due to expected winter weather - Tuesday, 1/21/14

School will be dismissed early at 12:45pm. 

 

No PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.

 

 

Calendar Update - The author visit with Fern Michonski that was scheduled for Wednesday, 1/22/14, for students in Prekindergarten through Grade 2, has been postponed at Mrs. Michonski's request.  The visit is now scheduled for Wednesday, 1/29/14, from 9:20-10am in the Parish Center.

News for the Week of 1/15/14

Celebrating Catholic Schools' Month - Mrs. Jehning's First Grade Students took some time to write about why  St. Mary's School is special.  Their thoughts appear on some adorable Teddy Bears that they designed and that have been displayed on the door to first grade.  We think St. Mary's is special because of our wonderful students!  Thank you for sharing your children with us!

January - It's "snow" much fun!  Kindergarten and First Grade enjoyed some time together reading the book Snow Day.  Each student then their choice of a readers' response written activity to be displayed on a shared bulletin board.  Great work, Kindergarten and First Grade friends!

Parent/Student Directory Updates -  Please join us in welcoming Jack Hall back to our fifth grade class.  Please also extend a warm welcome to Gregory and Alejandro Moreno in Kindergarten and grade 3 and to Mary Elizabeth Stanziale who has also joined our Kindergarten.  Please keep in mind that updated directory information is always available to you via the Educonnect Parent Portal.

Campus Security Update - Beginning this week, our monthly routine will include a "Stay in Place" drill.  The "Stay in Place" drill allows us to practice our  procedures when it is necessary to remain safely in the classroom during an emergency.  Students will be advised as to the "safe place" in the classroom and what steps to follow if they are out of the classroom when a "Stay in Place" is initiated. These drills will be practiced in a routine, matter of fact way like our fire drills with an emphasis on safety as opposed to the possible nature of potential threats or emergencies.

Hot Lunch News - There will be a "hot lunch make-up day" on Tuesday, February 11th.  If your child(ren) was/were scheduled to get a pizza hot lunch on Friday, 1/3/14 (a snow day), this lunch will be served on Tuesday, 2/11.  PLEASE NOTE - This lunch will be served ONLY to those that had an order placed for 1/3.

Family Pizza Lunch is scheduled for Friday, 1/31/14.  Everyone is welcome and invited to come and eat lunch with their favorite SMS student(s).  Student pizza lunches were ordered via the regular hot lunch menu.  If you would like pizza or if your SMS student did not have a pizza lunch ordered for 1/31 but would like one, please click here for an order form.  All order forms and payments are due NLT this Friday, 1/17/14.  You are also welcome to join us with a brown bag lunch.

The lunch schedule for Family Pizza Lunch is as follows:

Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2:  11-11:35am
Grades 3-5:  11:40am-12:15pm
Grades 6-8:  12:20-12:50pm

Home & School Association News

The next H.S.A. meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 1/23/14.  Click here for an agenda.

Auction Tickets Now Available!  It's less than a month to our HSA Annual Auction.  Visit the auction's website for a preview of the evening's events and delicious menu, by clicking here.  The auction committee does recommend paying for your tickets by check to avoid credit card fees.  To do this, you may send your ticket request into school.  Click here for an order form like the one appearing to the left.

The Auction Committee invites you to join in the fun of this year's Olympic theme and feature a photo of your child demonstrating their "Olympian" skills.  Click here for more information.

Box Tops for Education- The next Box Tops collection will end on Friday, February 7^th.  Please send all Box Tops to your child’s classroom collection box.  Happy clipping!

Community News

Northwest Catholic High School invites parents to attend a presentation on January 21, 2014. the NWC Parents’ Club is sponsoring a well known speaker from The University of St. Joseph.  Dr. Marialice Curran will be speaking about Technology: “Transforming Education and Social Life”.  The presentation is at7pm . This event is geared for adults.








Tickets are now available for Simsbury High School's production of the musical, Les Miserables. This year's show will feature SMS Alumna, Emily Bautista, Class of '11 in the role of Eponine.

The show will be presented at 7pm on January 31 and February 1, 7 and 9 and at 2pm on February 2 and 9. For more information and ticket ordering, click here.

Kate & Sarah Jessen, Class of '13, pictured front row, left side.

Alumni News - Sarah and Kate Jessen, Class of '13, are among several students at Northwest Catholic High School that have been selected to participate as members of the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s Northern Region ensembles.  Click here for more information.  If you have alumni information to share, please send it to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  We love to hear about and share our alumni's successes!

Third Grade is sliding into the New Year full of good intentions.  Each student wrote their New Year's resolution on a penguin.  The bulletin board is a great reminder for all of us as we endeavor to stay on track in the new year.

In Fourth Grade, students were flexing their muscles after a mini reenactment of the Revolutionary War, (colonists defeating the English)! They animatedly discussed strategy, purpose, and the grit needed to succeed.  Looking at the photo, it surely looks like they all have the "right stuff" to succeed!

Kindergarten had some good, clean fun with sight words and shaving cream.

Fri., 1/10/14 - opening of school is DELAYED 90 MINUTES - Mass postponed until 1/15

Friday, 1/10/14 

The opening of school is DELAYED 90 MINUTES. 

Travel safely.

The January School Mass which had to be postponed this morning due to our delayed opening will be held on Wednesday, 1/15/14, at 9am.  All are welcome to join us.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

News for the Week of 1-8-14

January Calendar Reminders

Our January School Mass will be held on Friday, 1/10/14, at 9am in the church.  All are welcome to join us.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Upcoming School Masses - 
February 7th at 9am
Ash Wednesday, March 5th at 12:15 - We will worship with our Parish family as the holy season of Lent begins.
April 4th at 9am
May 16th at 9am

School will be closed on Monday, 1/20/14, for Martin Luther King Day.


Upcoming Catholic Schools' Month Celebrations

Author & Illustrator Visits -

Author, Fern Michonski

1-22-14, Author, Fern Michonski will visit with students in PreKindergarten through grade 2.

Illustrator, Christine Kornacki

1-24-14, SMS Alumna and Illustrator, Christine Kornacki will meet with students in grades 3-8.

Thanks to our Home & School Association for arranging these programs.

Open House for Prospective Families - Tuesday, 1-28-14 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.  Please encourage anyone that you know that might be interested in our school to come to this friendly, informative Open House.  Please ask that they RSVP to the school office - it helps us plan if we know how many guests we are expecting.

The Mikan family enjoying last year's Family Pizza Lunch

Family Pizza Lunch - This annual event is always a highlight of our month long celebration. Moms, dads, grandma's, grandpa's, aunts, uncles, cousins and special people are ALL invited! This year's Family Pizza Lunch will be held on Friday, 1-31-14.  All pizza lunches must be pre-ordered.  Student lunches for Friday, 1-31-14, were already ordered via the hot lunch order form.  To order a pizza lunch for yourself or other guests OR for a student that has not already had a hot lunch ordered, please click here for an order form.  All orders and payments are due NLT 1-17-14. Don't care for pizza?  Bring a lunch of your choice and join us!  Brown baggers are always welcome!  Our Home & School Association will be providing a special dessert - our thanks for their generosity!

SMS Community News - Mrs. Gannatti has sent out an email containing important information.  Please be sure to check your email inboxes.  If you do not receive her email, please contact the school office.

Hot Lunch Reminder - There is NO "Cash & Carry" pizza available on Fridays anymore.  Only students that have pre-ordered pizza lunch will be served.

Aftercare News - We are pleased to share SMS Alumna, Lauren Henzler, will be joining our aftercare staff.  Her first day will be Tuesday, 1/14/14.  She will then begin her regular aftercare schedule of Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays on Tuesday, 1/21/14, since school is closed on Monday, 1/20/14.

Home & School Association News

The annual HSA Auction is coming soon! This year's event, A Knight at the Olympics will be held at the Riverview in Simsbury on Saturday, February 8, 2014.  With just under 5 weeks until the St. Mary’s School Auction, it’s time to start getting serious!   If you have a donation, please fill out a donation form and send it to the school. Click here for the Sponsorship/Donation Form.  


Wondering what to donate?

Do you have a vacation home you are willing to donate for a weekend or a full week? 

Do you have season tickets to a sporting or theater venue?

Do you have a special talent that you are willing to share? 

Not sure what to give?  How about CHOICE cards?  You can donate any card in any amount.

This year’s auction proceeds will be put toward the purchase and installation of a new playground for our school.  The more items we have for auction, the more money we can make.  The more money we make, the better the playground our children will have!

We look forward to seeing you for A Knight at the Olympics!

January HSA Meeting - The meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, 1/16 has been moved to Thursday, 1/23 at 6pm in the Grade 4 classroom.  Please note the earlier start time.

The March HSA meeting will also begin at 6pm.  This meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 3/6, and will also be in the 4th grade classroom.

The Spring "Buy One - Get One" Scholastic Bookfair will be delivered and setup on Wednesday, 5/14.  Bookfair sales will begin on Thursday, 5/15.  The final day of sales and bookfair cleanup will be on Monday, 5/19.  If you are interested in helping with this fun event that promotes summer reading, please contact Jen Pavlonnis at jpavlonnis@yahoo.com.

St. Mary Church Youth Choir - Make a joyful song!  Young people in grades 2 through 8 are welcome to join in singing with The St. Mary Youth Choir!    Rehearsals are Fridays from 3:45 to 4:30 on the following days: 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/28, 4/11.  The choir will sing on 2/9, 3/9 ad 4/13.  Please note that students participating in the choir must have supervision crossing the lot between the school and the church.  St. Mary's School staff and faculty ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO ESCORT STUDENTS.  Please make arrangements for your child(ren) to have adult supervision when crossing from school to the church for this choir practice.  Please email Patty Lepak at lepakfamily@gmail.com if you would like to join the choir!  Click here to see pictures of the Youth Choir at the Cathedral last spring.

Northwest Catholic High School invites you to a special evening of Latin Jazz.  The NWC Big Band & Jazz Ensemble will be performing with Ed Fast & Congo Bop on 1/11/14 at 7pm at Northwest Catholic High School.  Ed Fast is the Director of the Latin Jazz Ensemble at the Hartt Community Division of the University of Hartford.  For more information including ticket pricing, click here.