News for the Week of September 2, 2015

Friday, 9/4 – School Mass at 9am. All are welcome. No physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Monday, 9/7 – School Closed in observance of Labor Day.

Thursday, 9/10 – Cadet (Beginner) Band begins.

Sunday, 9/13 – Back to School Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hartford at 2pm. All are welcome.

Who is SMS? You are! And we need you! - The Advancement Committee invites you to help us promote our school and " grow" our community! We would love to have your ideas, experience and help as we embark on an exciting and busy 2015-16 school year. Please join us for our first meeting on Tuesday, September 8th, in the lower church at 9AM. If you would like more information or would like to join the committee, please contact Toni Chagnon at tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net or call 860-658-9412.

Lifetouch Photography will take individual student photos for children in grades PreKindergarten, Kindergarten - Grade 7 on Monday, 9/14/15. A photo will be taken of each student in these grades even if no portrait package is ordered. This photo is used for our school yearbook. Students in PreKindergarten, Kindergarten - Grade 7 may wear business casual clothing appropriate for school on Monday, 9/14. Portrait package order forms will be sent home with each student in these grades on Friday, 9/4/15. Please be sure to check backpacks. Extra order forms are available in the school office. This year, you may also place your portrait package order online at mylifetouch.com. Our Picture Day ID is EJ495165Q0 (last digit is zero not the letter "o"). If ordering using the paper form, please be sure to enclose exact payment. Group class photos will be taken on a date to be determined in November. Students in 8th grade will have their individual photos and group class photo taken by Paul Cryan Photography on Friday, 9/18. Mrs. Gillen will provide students with guidelines regarding dress for these photos.

CHOICE Program Update - Please be advised that effective immediately, the CHOICE program will no longer have cards for Price Chopper.

We now carry $25 gift cards for Maple Tree Cafe/Attilio's, and we still have $25 cards for the 99 Restaurant. These are the last of the 99 cards that we will be carrying in stock.

Used Uniform Exchange - An updated inventory of used uniform items is available. Please click here.

Click here to download a copy of this flyer and order your mums. Thanks in advance for your support of our 8th grade.

Alisa T. - right

Summer Fun - Alisa T., Grade 7, as "Damsel of the Second Order" and Emily M., Grade 7, as "Lady of the Lake" in the Missoula Children's Theater production of "King Arthur's Quest"

Emily M. - center

Christian Heiden, Class of '13, pictured far right - with other
Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders for Boy Scout Troop 175.

Alumni News - Our congratulations to Christian Heiden, Class of '13. Christian has been selected by members of Boy Scout Troop 175 to serve as one of this year's Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders. We also congratulate Sam Spak and Ethan Meskill, Class of '12. Sam is also serving as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for the troop. Ethan served as the troop's Senior Patrol Leader last year and this year has been named a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

Community News

St Mary's Parish Picnic to Welcome Father Garcia - This year’s Parish Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 20th, from 3 -5PM, rain or shine. Sign-up for the picnic starts this weekend.
This year’s Parish Picnic provides us with an opportunity to welcome our new Parochial Vicar, Father Ramon Garcia. The festivities will be held in the North Parking Lot. In case of rain, we will move to the Parish Center. Kane’s Market will grill hamburgers and hotdogs. We will provide beverages and games for children. We ask you to bring a potluck side dish or dessert to share with others. The deadline for signing up is Wednesday, September 16th. You may sign up on (1) the sign-up sheets located at the exits of the church, or (2) complete the electronic form on the Social Committee Page of the Parish Website. (www.StMarySimsbury.org). Please note that electronic sign up will not be available until September 5th. The picnic is being hosted by the Parish Social Committee. For questions, please call Rhoda at (860) 651-4027.

Simsbury Public Library has lots of exciting programs available for students in Grades 7 and up. Click here for a copy of this calendar that may be downloaded and printed.