News for the Week of 4/29/15

Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade came back from spring break ready to finish the year strong.  Last week, they enjoyed a presentation by Nurse Kim Tyrrell's daughter, Sarah, about Earth Day.  They extended the activity by writing about how they can take care of our earth and all of God's creations.










Application for St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships - The on-line application for the St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships is now available.  Click here.  The deadline for applications is THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. For more information regarding these scholarships and the qualification parameters, click here.   For a helpful guide from the PSAS about completing the on-line application, click here. 

IOWA testing continues through Monday, 5/4, for students in Grades 3 -7.  Tuesday, 5/5 and Wednesday, 5/6 are reserved for "make-ups" due to illness. Please also keep in mind that it is very important for students to arrive at school PROMPTLY by 8:40AM on IOWA testing days.  Late arrivals will not be permitted into a classroom if the testing has begun until there is a break.  Additionally, we ask that you try to avoid scheduling doctor and dentist visits during the testing period.  Parents are encouraged to send a healthy, protein rich snack (e.g., a cheese stick or small yogurt) with their children each testing day.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Kindergarten is  learning about farms. They have talked about what they already know about farms, farm animals, and why we have farms. Yesterdays activity involved pigs and tens frames. The children added two tens frames together starting with ten to find numbers 11-19. They also wrote the corresponding number sentence on their iPads.

2015-16 Family Enrollment Forms & Fees are now overdue!  If you have not yet returned your Family Enrollment Form and Fee for 2015-16, please do so ASAP.  In order for your Smart Tuition Account to begin in June, it is important that renewals are processed in a timely way.  In addition, waiting lists do exist in several grades.  If seats are going to be available, we would like to be able to begin to welcome new families to our community.  If you have mislaid your enrollment packet or have questions regarding family enrollment, please contact the school office. 

"Fairway to Heaven" Golf Tournament - Enjoy the beautiful spring weather on Monday, May 18th at the Hopmeadow Country Club in Simsbury.  Golf Tournament Registration is OPEN!  Click here to register. Visit "SMSFairwayToHeaven.com" and "/facebook.com/SMSFairwayToHeaven" for more information and updates. 

Sneak Peek - Join us for coffee and a “SNEAK PEEK” at the items for teacup and silent auction prior to "Fairway to Heaven" Golf Outing! Come to the parish center after ALL Masses  during the weekend of May 9^thand 10^th! You can bid on any items of your choice or just get a glimpse of what’s to come!

Grandparents' & Special Person's Day is coming!  One of SMS' most important events, Grandparents" & Special Person's Day, will be held on Friday, May 8th.  Guests are invited to join us for community prayer in the Parish Center at 8:45am followed by light refreshments and student entertainment.  There will also be time to visit in classrooms before the day's events conclude with May Crowning in the Church.  May Crowning will begin at 10:45 and should be complete by about 11:15 to allow our guests to depart and students to return in time for lunch.

Art Show Help Needed!  Our annual art show will be held in conjunction with our Spring Vocal Concert on Tuesday, May 12th.  Our art teacher, Mrs. Raposo, needs some help with labeling student art work and then getting it hung up in the parish center.  If you can help her on 4/29 or 5/1 with labeling or 5/6 or 5/8 (after Grandparents' & Special Person's Day) with the hanging up of art work or 5/13 with taking down art work, please email her at eraposo@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

CHOICE News - Just a reminder that you have until April 30th to complete your 2014-2015 CHOICE commitment. This may be done by purchasing CHOICE cards or by writing a check for the amount of your obligation still due to the school.  

April Choice statements will be prepared and sent home the first week of May.  Final payment of your obligation is due by May 10th.  

CHOICE purchases made after 4/30/15, will be credited to your 2015-16 CHOICE obligation.  If you have questions regarding your family's CHOICE obligation, please contact Tammy Budnick - tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Jump Rope Club - The Jump Rope Club has two shows lined up for the end of the year.  The first show will be held at the McLeanHome on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00 pm, with a rain date of June 10th. The second show will be held at River Ridge in Avon on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:45 pm. We encourage all families to come support our jumpers.

Home & School Association News

It's BOGO Time!!! Scholastic Book Fair is coming May 26-31, 2015! We are looking for volunteers to help set up, run and break down the fair. Please contact Karen McKenna at kdsm1120@comcast.net or Bridget Shanley (860-738-8965) bashanley@charter.net or if you are available to help.

Emily M (Left, front) & Lily P (Right, front) along with our FMI
Instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse and parent chaperones had a great day
despite the rain!

St. Mary's Stars - Congratulations to our All State Musicians!  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for this year's planned performance outside of Lincoln Center in NYC but students showed their SMS spirit and had a great day in the city anyway!  There will be another opportunity for these students to shine at the Old State House in Hartford on May 22nd.

Vacation Fun!

Megan S. on Opening Day in Pennsylvania.
No need for a "fish tale"- that's a 3lb. rainbow trout!

Community News

Do you enjoy library books from towns other than the one where you reside?  Most of us do and now's the time for us to speak up to save Connecticut Library Funding!  Valuable Library Services are threatened with elimination. If the proposed state budget passes ONLY your hometown library will honor your card.  You will no longer be able to use your library card to borrow materials at any other Connecticut public library.  Libraries will lose thousands of dollars in cooperative savings leading to fewer materials available for borrowing.  For more information and to email your state representative, click here.  Do what you can to restore funding to Connecticard, Connecticut Library Consortium Cooperating Library Service Units and grants to public libraries.

Everyone is invited to a Benefit Pizza Dinner on Saturday, May 2, 6:00 PM in the Parish Center to help raise funds for a St. Mary's parish family.  Melissa Sartori and her daughter, Katie, are both undergoing treatment for cancer. There will be a silent auction and music by Simsbury High School Choir and Band members.Proceeds from the dinner will assist the Sartori family and support cancer treatment in their honor.

Cost for the dinner is $10.00 per person and $20.00 per family. Payment will be accepted at the door on the night of the dinner. Additionally,if you cannot make it to the dinner but would like to contribute, there are red "donation" envelopes that already have postage on them available at all entrances of the church.

Checks for the supper and/or contributions should be sent to St. Mary’s Church. Please make your check payable to “St. Mary’s Church” with “Sartori Family Health Fund,” noted in the memo section of the check.  All contributions are welcome. If paying for the dinner, please note the number of people attending. If you are just sending a donation, please note "Donation only" in the memo section as well.

If you have questions or wish to volunteer contact Meg Keating at 860-651-3993 or email her at Mkeating.4@comcast.net

Talcott Mountain Science Center Invites You to an evening with Dr. Brian Helmuth.  His research focuses on the effects of climate change on the physiology and ecology of marine organisms. Dr. Helmuth is a veteran Aquanaut and has visited the Aquarius Underwater Research Station in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary numerous times. He will show elements of his research and present the implications to our global oceans.  Click here for more information and to register to attend.  









Summer Fun Available on the Campus of Kingswood Oxford - 

News for the Week of 4/22

Vacation Fun - The New Britain Rock Cats' Opening Day was last Thursday and the game got underway thanks to Zia S., Grade 3!  Zia delivered the game ball to Rock Cats pitcher Carlos Hernandez.  If you have a vacation photo you'd like to share, send it along to Mrs. Hatch - dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Letter from Mrs. Gannatti - Please be sure to check your email for a letter from Mrs. Gannatti containing important information regarding the 2015-16 school year.





Application for St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships - The on-line application for the St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships is now available.  Click here.  The deadline for applications is April 30, 2015.  For more information regarding these scholarships and the qualification parameters, click here.   For a helpful guide from the PSAS about completing the on-line application, click here. 

IOWA testing begins Monday, 4/27, and continues through Monday, 5/4, for students in Grades 3 -7.  Tuesday, 5/5 and Wednesday, 5/6 are reserved for "make-ups" due to illness. While these tests are one important indicator of a student's academic progress, we do strongly encourage you to help your child(ren) approach these tests with a positive outlook of relaxed confidence.  Unlike many regular assessments, these tests cannot be "studied" for and the best preparation for them is a good night's rest and a healthy breakfast.  Students that may feel anxious should be reminded that these tests are just one measure of progress. Please also keep in mind that it is very important for students to arrive at school PROMPTLY by 8:40AM on IOWA testing days.  Late arrivals will not be permitted into a classroom if the testing has begun until there is a break.  Additionally, we ask that you try to avoid scheduling doctor and dentist visits during the testing period.  Parents are encouraged to send a healthy, protein rich snack (e.g., a cheese stick or small yogurt) with their children each testing day.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

"Fairway to Heaven" Golf Tournament - Enjoy the beautiful spring weather on Monday, May 18th at the Hopmeadow Country Club in Simsbury.  Golf Tournament Registration is OPEN!  Early Bird tickets are available now. Click here to register. Visit "SMSFairwayToHeaven.com" and "/facebook.com/SMSFairwayToHeaven" for more information and updates. 

Sneak Peek - Join us for coffee and a “SNEAK PEEK” at the items for teacup and silent auction prior to "Fairway to Heaven" Golf Outing! Come to the parish center after ALL Masses  during the weekend of May 9^thand 10^th! You can bid on any items of your choice or just get a glimpse of what’s to come!

Grandparents' & Special Person's Day is coming!  One of SMS' most important events, Grandparents" & Special Person's Day, will be held on Friday, May 8th.  Guests are invited to join us for community prayer in the Parish Center at 8:45am followed by light refreshments and student entertainment.  There will also be time to visit in classrooms before the day's events conclude with May Crowning in the Church.  Look for additional details next week.

Athletic News -  

Running Club will begin this Thursday, 4/23/15, and will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays. The club will meet at 7:50am in the Parish Center.  Coach Bonk will lead the team in stretching and running.  The program is offered to grades 3-8th. Please send in a check for $15 to St. Mary Booster club if you would like to participate in this years running club.

Art Show Help Needed!  Our annual art show will be held in conjunction with our Spring Vocal Concert on Tuesday, May 12th.  Our art teacher, Mrs. Raposo, needs some help with labeling student art work and then getting it hung up in the parish center.  If you can help her on 4/29 or 5/1 with labeling or 5/6 or 5/8 (after Grandparents' & Special Person's Day) with the hanging up of art work or 5/13 with taking down art work, please email her at eraposo@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Used Uniform Exchange - Just in time for our change into the relaxed uniform, an updated inventory of used uniforms is available.  Click here.

Lands' End is also having a uniform sale from 4/22 -4/26. Our school code is 9001-3215-0.

CHOICE News - Just a reminder that you have until April 30th to complete your 2014-2015 CHOICE commitment.  This may be done by purchasing CHOICE cards or by writing a check for the amount of your obligation still due to the school.  CHOICE purchases made after 4/30/15, will be credited to your 2015-16 CHOICE obligation.  If you have questions regarding your family's CHOICE obligation, please contact Tammy Budnick - tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.




Home & School Association News

Trail Run/Walk Club  

Are you ready to come out from hibernation? The Trail Run/Walk Club is meeting every Wednesday morning at 8:50am at Stratton Brook State Park. Please note the change of venue. All are welcome and encouraged to come for a nice morning of exercise and friendship. We hope to see lots of people there! If you have any questions, please contact Amy Lillis at amylillis73@gmail.com.

Adrian Hatch, SMS Class of '09 & Lokil co-founder, Josiah Macdonald

Alumni News - Congratulations to Adrian Hatch, SMS Class of '09, on his recent success at the RvD (Raymond von Dran) Idea Awards and the Invention Creativity Competition at Syracuse University.  Both competitions provide funding for student start-ups.  Adrian's app company, Lokil, which he cofounded with a classmate, was awarded $3,750 by the RvD and $1,000 by the ICC.  It's the start of a great "app"ortunity!

Students considering Northwest Catholic High School can thank Abby Herron, SMS Class of '12 for a great new video documenting "A Day in the Life of a NWC Student".  This video is shared with all of Northwest's prospective students and provides a great overview of daily life at Northwest.  Take a moment to share Abby's day, get acquainted with Northwest and be wowed by the creativity of our alumni! Click here.




Community News

Heather Goetz, mother of  Greyson in our PreK, has written a  children's book, The Magical World of You.  The book is available for preorder on Barnes and Noble's website at a discount until April 28th. It is a wonderful book for the little ones.  Click here.

Talcott Mountain Science Center invites you to a presentation by Dr. / Lt Cmdr Shawn Soutiere, US Navy.  Dr./Lt. Cmdr. Soutiere has done research into how different light wavelengths can change your circadian rhythms and reset your body's clock for jet lag - and how to prepare soldiers / sailors / marines / airmen for deployment across time zones, and prepare astronauts for space flight!

Please RSVP to (860) 677-8571

The Northwest Catholic Dramateurs will present the musical, Once on this Island, on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at 7:30pm and on Sunday, April 26th at 2pm.  Tickets are $12 each -click here. The musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl, who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life.

The show features several SMS alumni including Lauren Mangine, SMS Class of ’12 as Ti Moune, John Sullivan, SMS class of ’14 as Daniel.  Also appearing in the cast will be Matt Sottile, SMS Class of '12, Avery Hatch, SMS Class of  '12, Ally Voelker, SMS Class of '13, James Sullivan, SMS Class of '14, Mimi Connors, SMS Class of '14.  Lindsay Voelker, currently in our 8th grade, will also appear in the production.

Sylvan Learning Center in West Hartford invites families with students in grades 1-6 to a National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Bash on Saturday, April 25th from 1-4pm.  Click here for more information.

National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 7, 2015 - Everyone is welcome to gather at noon on May 7th outside the Simsbury Town Hall for the National Day of Prayer.  There will be a brief ceremony but all are welcome to come and go as their time permits.

Summer Sports Opportunities - The U.S. Sports Institute in conjunction with the Simsbury Recreation Department have some great opportunities for summer sport camps.  Click here for more information.

News for the Week of 4/8/15

Thanks to everyone who took the time to attend our community meeting on Monday, 4/6.  It was exciting to be able to share the results of our parent survey and we are committed to moving forward in a way that best meets the needs of our community.   Look for an email today (4/8) that will include a copy of  VOC Analytics Group's presentation of the survey results. 


Congratulations to the following lucky winners of our Family Enrollment Give-Away:

*   The Zordan Family - Winners of $250 worth of CHOICE cards!
*   The Gaul Family - Winners of a complimentary dinner at our upcoming golf tournament.
*   The Poniatowski Family - Winners of $50 iPad insurance for 15-16.

Of course, we think everyone that promptly returns their 2015-16 Family Enrollment Agreement and Fee are winners!  Your response is requested NLT April 24th.

Our April School Mass will be held on Friday, April 10th at 9am in the church.  Please remember that no Physical Education uniforms should be worn to Mass.  A R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday shirt may be worn with the formal uniform as on all other Fridays.

School will be closed from Monday, 4/13 - Friday, 4/17 for April Break.  When we return to school on Monday, 4/20, students may wear the Relaxed Uniform.

Relaxed Uniform Reminders - Click here for Relaxed Uniform Guidelines.  Some general reminders include:

*  School uniforms should be purchased from Lands End.  Our school code is:  90001-3215-0

*  The Used Uniform Exchange can be a helpful resource to outfit students that are growing quickly.   Click here for the most current inventory.
*  A black, brown or navy belt must be worn with walking shorts or trousers.

*  School shoes, not sneakers, should be worn with the relaxed uniform.

* R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Fridays will continue with the Relaxed Uniform.

Easter is Blooming in Kindergarten!
Students in Ms. Cole's Kindergarten created beautiful flowers
in celebration of the risen Christ.

Application for St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships - The on-line application for the St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships is now available.  Click here.  The deadline for applications is April 30, 2015.  For more information regarding these scholarships and the qualification parameters, click here.   For a helpful guide from the PSAS about completing the on-line application, click here. 


7th Grade Munson’s Chocolates Fundraiser for Mother’s Day! 
This year the money we raise will help subsidize the 7th Grade Class Trip to Boston.  Buy some chocolate for that special Mom, Grandmother, Godmother, Aunt, Like-a-Mother, Special Someone, or yourself and support Saint Mary’s students at the same time!  The cost of the chocolate is the same price as at the local Munson’s retail shop.


Order forms have been sent home -Please be sure to check your students' backpacks?  Please return your order to the school office by Monday, April 20th  Please make checks payable to: “St. Mary’s School” and note “Munson’s” in the memo section of your check.  Your order will be ready for pickup at school during the week before Mother’s Day, May 4th – May 8th, the exact date/time to be announced.  The 7th grade class thanks you in advance for your support!

"Fairway to Heaven" Golf Tournament - Enjoy the beautiful spring weather on Monday, May 18th at the Hopmeadow Country Club in Simsbury.  Golf Tournament Registration is OPEN!  Early Bird tickets are available now. Click here to register. Visit "SMSFairwayToHeaven.com" and "/facebook.com/SMSFairwayToHeaven" for more information and updates. 

Sneak Peek - Join us for coffee and a “SNEAK PEEK” at the items for teacup and silent auction prior to "Fairway to Heaven" Golf Outing! Come to the parish center after ALL Masses  during the weekend of May 9^th and 10^th! You can bid on any items of your choice or just get a glimpse of what’s to come!

SMS Annual Fund - Just a friendly reminder….The Annual Fund is still accepting donations!

As stated in the tuition announcement letter last week, the Annual Fund is one of the school's major factors in our financial stability. SMS is grateful for your financial commitment and donations.  We are 70% of the way to our goal! Not to mention, that many corporations will match your donation! Please consider if you have not done so already!Click here to make your donation on-line or click here for a pledge card.

Third grade just finished four weeks of an after school Science Club.  The children enjoyed performing experiments in chemistry, biology, and physics.  Participants learned about what happens when we mix an acid and a base; students got their hearts racing and measured  vital lung capacity; and the grand finale was building catapults.  Our thanks to Mrs. Rayissa Armata and Mrs. Amy Lillis for organizing the club and facilitating these fun experiments!  Both Mrs. Armata and Mrs. Lillis had a great time sharing science with our inquisitive and happy third grade students.

Do you know someone who is wondering if SMS is the right place for their family?  Invite them to our Open House for Prospective Families on Wednesday, April 22nd from 8:30-11:30am.  Visitors will have a chance to see a regular school day and visit with our faculty and students.  An RSVP to the school office is appreciated at smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net or 860~658~9412.

Looking Ahead to 2015-16!  Do you have a child who is eligible for Kindergarten in 2015-16 that is currently attending a Preschool other than St. Mary's?  If so, please let us know and we will send you an application form so that this child is included when you receive your Family Enrollment Packet early in April.  Please note - Students attending SMS PreK DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.  SMS PreK students are automatically "promoted" to Kindergarten unless we have received other instructions from your family.

Not Quite Ready for Kindergarten in the Fall?  St. Mary's PreKindergarten program has openings for the 15-16 school year.  Our PreKindergarten is a 5 day per week program designed for an older 4 or young 5.  Students in PreKindergarten follow normal morning arrival with drop off anywhere between 8:20 and 8:40am.  The program ends at 1:00pm and includes participation in specials like PE, vocal music, Spanish and library.  PreKindergarten Enrichment is available until 3:20pm and PreKindergarten students may also participate in Aftercare until 6pm.  Students that participate in our PreKindergarten program do not need to reapply for Kindergarten in the following year.

SMS Stars - Congratulations to the students that performed in the FMI 2015 All State Band Concert on Saturday, 3/21/15, at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. The FMI All State bands are composed of selected students from 52 Catholic schools from all over the state of Connecticut. Many of these students will also perform outside of Lincoln Center in New York City on April 20th and outside the Old State House in Hartford on May 22nd.

Participation in the All State bands require participation in the Regional Band and an audition and attendance at several Friday night and Saturday morning rehearsals. Depending on their experience, audition performance and musical instrument, students may participate in the Jazz Band, Gala Band, Flute Choir, Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band. We commend these students for their dedication to practice and also their parents for the sacrifices they make so that these students can attend the necessary rehearsals. We also want to take an opportunity to thank our FMI Instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, for all her help preparing our students for their auditions and then with the required musical selections. Click here for a list of the All State participants.

CHOICE News -   April Choice Statements were sent home to families with youngest & only children on Tuesday, 4/7.  If you had already received your final statement, you did not receive a statement this time.  If you have not yet met your obligation for this year, you have until April 30th to do so by purchasing CHOICE cards or sending in an "opt-out" check for the amount still owed.  CHOICE purchases made after 4/30/15 will be credited to your family's CHOICE obligation for 15/16.  If you have questions about your family's CHOICE obligation or the CHOICE program, please contact Tammy at the school office at tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net or 860~658~9412.

Home & School Association News -

SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for the first annual "Skeleton Scramble
5K and Kids Fun Run". It is scheduled for October 24,
2015 at Stratton Brook State Park. You can also follow
us for more information on the following:
http://skeletonscramble5k.weebly.com/


https://www.facebook.com/skeletonscramble5k?ref=bookmarks






Trail Run/Walk Club  Are you ready to come out from hibernation? The Trail Run/Walk Club will restart following April break. We will meet every Wednesday morning at 8:50am at Stratton Brook State Park. Please note the change of venue. All are welcome and encouraged to come for a nice morning of exercise and friendship. We hope to see lots of people there!


                                                                                                              Gardening Club - The St. Mary’s School HSA Gardening Club will meet on Earth Day, Wednesday,
April 22nd at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to help beautify the outside of the school. We will meet outside by the Parish Center. No gardening expertise is necessary.




Community News

Northwest Catholic invites you to an important program - TONIGHT, 4/8/15 - This evening, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. parents of middle and high school aged children in our community are invited to a presentation by Mr. John Halligan titled “Bullying, Technology, and Teen Depression” aimed at educating parents on bullying and cyberbullying.  Mr. Halligan will cover current social media teen issues, depression and suicide statistics, as well as recommendations on monitoring our children in these difficult times.  Mr. Halligan lost his son, Ryan, to suicide on October 7, 2003 at the age of 13. At the time of his death, Ryan was a student at a middle school in Vermont. It was revealed in great detail after Ryan’s death that he was ridiculed and humiliated by peers at school and on-line.  In memory of his son and in just a few months after Ryan’s death, Mr. Halligan spearheaded the Vermont Bullying Prevention law in 2004. He also led the passing of a law in 2006 pertaining to suicide prevention education in public schools.  Mr. Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America. 

If you would like more information about Mr. Halligan or his presentation please visit www.ryansstory.org.

Thinking about summer? We are! Registration for Vacation Bible School is OPEN! Children entering grades Kindergarten - 5 are invited to join us as we journey to Hometown Nazareth where Jesus lived as a kid. There will be live music, crafts, outdoor games, and stories from His mom, Mary. You won’t want to miss this! Vacation Bible School will run from Monday, June 22 through Thursday, June 25. The program runs from 8:45am-12:15pm at St. 

Mary's School.  Cost is $40pp.  Click here to register. Questions? Contact VBS Coordinator, Kathleen Keating VBS@stmaryssimsbury.org   

The Northwest Catholic Dramateurs will present the musical, Once on this Island, on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at 7:30pm and on Sunday, April 26th at 2pm.  Tickets are $12 each - click here. The musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl, who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life.

The show features several SMS alumni including Lauren Mangine, SMS Class of ’12 as Ti Moune, John Sullivan, SMS class of ’14 as Daniel.  Also appearing in the cast will be Matt Sottile, SMS Class of '12, Avery Hatch, SMS Class of  '12, Ally Voelker, SMS Class of '13, James Sullivan, SMS Class of '14, Mimi Connors, SMS Class of '14.  Lindsay Voelker, currently in our 8th grade, will also appear in the production.

Save the Date! Saturday, May 2nd after 5PM Mass at St. Mary's - Benefit Pizza Dinner

Everyone is invited to a Benefit Pizza Dinner on Saturday, May 2, 6:00 PM in the Parish Center to help raise funds for a St. Mary's parish family.  Melissa Sartori and her daughter, Katie, are both undergoing treatment for cancer. Proceeds from the dinner will assist the Sartori family and support cancer treatment in their honor.

Cost for the dinner is $10.00 per person and $20.00 per family. There will be a silent auction and music by Simsbury High School Choir and Band members. 

Checks for the supper and/or contributions should be sent to St. Mary’s Church. Please make your check payable to “St. Mary’s Church” with “Sartori Family Health Fund,” noted in the memo section of the check.  All contributions are welcome. If paying for the dinner, please note the number of people attending. If you are just sending a donation, please note "Donation only" in the memo section as well.

If you have questions or wish to volunteer contact Meg Keating at 860-651-3993 or email her at Mkeating.4@comcast.net

Simsbury Public Library - Additional programs for teens have been added for April.  These include a Teen Coffeehouse featuring Paper Radio - the 2015 winner of the Simsbury High School Battle of the Bands.  Click here to view all the additional programs.

 First Grade has the "Write Stuff" - Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade are always finding opportunities to embrace the role of author.  Recently, students extended their understanding of a religion lesson about creation by authoring books on their iPads about their favorite gifts of creation.  The class has also authored a book of "Big Words" that shares some of the amazing vocabulary they have developed this year.  First Grade - Write On!