News for the Week of November 25, 2015

Talking Turkey in Grade 1!  Last week, students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade class received a different word family. They had to compose a list of 5 words and then created a word family turkey! 

Calendar Reminders - December will be a busy month.  Please remember to check the school calendar often so you stay up to date in regard to school happenings.

Lifetouch Group Class Photos for Grades PreK, K-7 are being sent home today - Wednesday, 12/23.  Please be sure to check backpacks.

School is closed on Friday, 11/27.

 Formal Uniform begins for grade 8 students on Tuesday, December 1.

Poinsettia Sale Pick up is Friday, December 4th from 2-4pm in the Parish Center and after Masses on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th.  Thanks to everyone who supported our 8th grade by purchasing poinsettias.

In December,  we will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with our Parish family at the 12:15pm Mass on Tuesday, December 8th.  All are welcome.  Please remember that no Physical Education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Lessons & Carols, our annual Christmas Prayer Service, will be held in the church on Monday, 12/14 (snow date, Tuesday, 12/15).  There will be a dress rehearsal at 10am that is open to the public and an excellent opportunity for photos.  The evening prayer service begins at 7pm in the Church.  Every student in Kindergarten - Grade 8 participates in this beautiful retelling of the Nativity Story.  Absence from the prayer service is permitted only for illness or with permission from Mrs. Gannatti.  Students in Kindergarten and 8th grade should follow the dress guidelines provided by homeroom teachers.  All other students should wear their full formal uniform - no sweatshirts, please.

Christmas Band Concert will be held in the Parish Center on Monday, 12/21 (snow date, Tuesday, 12/22) .  There will be a dress rehearsal at 2pm and guests are welcome.  The evening performance will begin at 7pm.  Musicians should follow dress and arrival guidelines that will be provided by Mrs. Morse.  All are welcome to attend this festive concert and enjoy the "sounds of the season".

Christmas Break begins with a 12:45pm early dismissal from school on Wednesday, 12/23.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School reopens and we begin our celebration of Catholic Schools' Month on Monday, 1/4/16.

Fifth Grade Service Project - Collection of new socks for the House of Bread continues until Monday, November 30th!

Students in Mrs. Gore's fifth grade class are collecting NEW socks for the House of Bread.  New, adult and youth socks are being collected until Monday, November 30th. 

Thanks in advance for your support!

CHOICE Cards for Christmas Giving - Gift cards make wonderful gifts and donations and the CHOICE program has a wide variety of gift cards available. In addition to the cards normally stocked in the office, many other cards are available by special order via GL Script. Click here and at the bottom of the displayed page select "Retailer List" under Quick Links to view a complete list of available vendors. If placing a special order for Christmas giving, please keep in mind that the last date for assured gift giving availability is Wednesday, 12/16/15. Please contact Tammy Budnick with any questions - 860.658.9412 or tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

 #Knightly News is here! Follow The Scoop@SMS_Knights for breaking school news and up to the minute basketball schedules,scores and highlights! 

SMS SPIRIT WEAR MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT! Be the "Knight Before Christmas".  Orders are now being accepted to be delivered in time for Christmas. 

These NEW spirit wear items are NOT uniform items, they are designed for casual wear outside of school.  The only exception is that Middle School students MAY wear the spirit wear hooded sweatshirt as part of their school uniform.

 GO BLUE KNIGHTS!

 Any questions please call or email Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Click here for more information and to download an order form.

Community News

Wreaths Across America - Wreaths Across America will be celebrated for the 7th consecutive year on December 12th, in Simsbury Cemetery on Plank Hill Rd. This ceremony, hosted by the Abigail Phelps Chapter NSDAR, with participation from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War, will begin promptly at 12 noon followed by a cookie reception in the Simsbury Library and all are welcome. Click here for a wreath sponsorship form and payment information.  If you would like to donate a photo/obituary or holiday photo of a deceased Veteran for our Simsbury WAA scrapbook, please send it along as well (COPIES ONLY). Wreath cost is $15 with $5 of each wreath forwarded to local veterans causes. Deadline to order is November 27th, as all wreaths are shipped from Maine directly to cemeteries nationwide. Orders for any Veteran’s grave located nearby but outside of Simsbury, are accepted on a pickup basis. A pickup time, after December 12th, should be coordinated with Angie Bautista at abautista@me.com.

Friday News & Reminders - 11/20/15

St. Mary's Church is hosting this year's Simsbury Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 22nd at 7pm. Following the service there will be a reception in the parish center. All are welcome!

The combined choirs and musicians from area worship communities will be performing during the service.  We hope many of you will join us as we count our blessings during this season of abundance.

We are excited to announce that our school is now part of the Amazon Associates program. A

What does this mean for St. Mary's School?

It means that if you shop with Amazon, a percentage of your purchase will come back to St. Mary's School if you navigate to the Amazon home screen via the Amazon banner on our blog's homescreen - http://stmarysschoolnews.blogspot.com/.  Once you have "clicked through" to Amazon via the banner, there is nothing extra for you do to for St. Mary's to benefit.  The banner is an active link that identifies you as a shopper affiliated with our Amazon Associates' account.

When can you start participating?  

Right now!  The banner is available on the school blog and will also appear on our school's website soon.  On the blog, find the banner on the top right side. 

Is there anything else you can do to benefit SMS via this program?  

Yes, there are two more ways for you to help. 

1.   Purchase Amazon gift cards from the CHOICE program via GL Scrip and use those CHOICE cards to pay for your Amazon purchase's.  You will then "earn" a 3% profit toward your family's CHOICE obligation.

2.  Share this information with your friends and family that shop with Amazon.  Encourage them to navigate to Amazon via the Amazon banner on our school blog - http://stmarysschoolnews.blogspot.com/.  When the Amazon homescreen is accessed via our banner, all their purchases will also benefit SMS.

Questions?  Contact Mrs. Hatch or Mrs. Chagnon in the school office.

Calendar Reminders

School will be dismissed at 12:45pm on Wednesday, 11/25, to begin our Thanksgiving holiday. There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is also closed on Friday, 11/27.

 Formal Uniform begins for grade 8 students on Tuesday, December 1.

In December,  we will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with our Parish family at the 12:15pm Mass on Tuesday, December 8th.  All are welcome.  Please remember that no Physical Education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

News for the Week of November 18, 2015

Thanks to everyone who sent in a non-perishable food donation for the annual Turkey Trot.  Our 8th grade students helped load up the truck with our donations this morning.

Calendar Reminders

This Friday, 11/20, our 7th & 8th grade students invite you to enjoy the culmination of their Shakesperience Residency at 2pm in the Parish Center.  Several scenes from Shakespeare's comedies will be presented.  Under the guidance and direction of the Shakesperiene staff and Mrs. Gillen and Mrs. Elliott, students have experienced the full process of theatrical production including casting, set design and, of course, dramatic portrayal. All are welcome.

School will be dismissed at 12:45pm on Wednesday, 11/25, to begin our Thanksgiving holiday.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.

 Formal Uniform begins for grade 8 students on Tuesday, December 1.

Things are "Appening" in Kindergarten!  Students in Miss Bedard's Kindergarten are using the app, Book Creator, to write their very own books about Pilgrims. Students below are creating and illustrating their cover pages.

Afternoon Carpool Reminder - Please keep in mind that the north parking lot security gate is kept closed until 3:10pm each day.  Please try to arrive for pick up no earlier than 3:10pm.  Early arrivals can cause traffic to back up onto Hopmeadow Street.  This creates a dangerous situation.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade recited an acrostic poem they created as part of our Veteran's Day Prayer Service.  We were so pleased that Father Garcia, our school chaplain, could be with us at this prayer service.

On Veteran's Day, our student body paused to remember and honor all of the veteran's who have served our country and safeguarded our freedoms.  As a community, we are inspired by their valor and humbled by their sacrifices.

Fifth Grade Service Project - Collection of new socks for the House of Bread 

Students in Mrs. Gore's fifth grade class are collecting NEW socks for the House of Bread.  New, adult and youth socks are being collected until Monday, November 30th. 

Thanks in advance for your support!

GET YOUR SMS SPIRIT ON! We are pleased to offer a NEW Spirit Wear Shop! Orders are now being accepted to be delivered in time for Christmas. 

These NEW spirit wear items are NOT uniform items, they are designed for casual wear outside of school.  The only exception is that Middle School students MAY wear the spirit wear hooded sweatshirt as part of their school uniform.

 GO BLUE KNIGHTS!

 Any questions please call or email Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Click here for more information and to download an order form.

Students in Miss Kane's PreK , along with parents and/or caregivers, enjoyed a special Thanksgiving story and craft after their regular school day ended on Monday.  After hearing about Pete the Cat's First Thanksgiving, the students created a Thanksgiving headband using feathers and beads.

CHOICE Cards for Christmas Giving - Gift cards make wonderful gifts and donations and the CHOICE program has a wide variety of gift cards available.  In addition to the cards normally stocked in the office, many other cards are available by special order via GL Script.  Click here and at the bottom of the displayed page select "Retailer List" under Quick Links to view a complete list of available vendors.  If placing a special order for Christmas giving, please keep in mind  that the last date for assured gift giving availability is Wednesday, 12/16/15.  Please contact Tammy Budnick with any questions - 860.658.9412 or tbudnick@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Senior Luncheon - Thanks to all  that helped to make today's Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon such a wonderful success.  Each year, over 200 area senior citizens enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal.  This year was no exception! We were so happy that Father Metzler, our previous pastor, was able to join us as a guest this year.  Again this year, the Parish Center was beautifully decorated and the meal lovingly prepared by dedicated parent volunteers.  Our guests were welcomed to school and served by our 8th grade students with help from parent volunteers.  This year, our guests were warmly welcomed by Lily B. from Grade 1 and entertained by our Kindergarten and First Grade students singing a selection of seasonally appropriate songs.  Father Matera and Father Garcia enjoyed visiting with our guests and Father Matera said grace before the meal.  Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the success of this day's event - your donations of food, your gifts of time and talent, your warm, welcoming smiles and your support for our community's efforts all make this wonderful event possible year after year.

Lily B., Grade 1, welcomes our guests.

Kevin W., Left & Sean O., Gr. 4, celebrate their team's victory.

SMS Stars - St Mary's had a great showing of players in the NFL Flag Football Regionals in Peabody MA on  11/14. Unfortunately the Farmington Valley League did not advance to the Nationals in San Francisco but it was a fun day for everyone.

Pictured:Sean O. and Kevin W.. Not pictured: Mike K., Matthew G., Jack D. and Reed P.

Players were chosen for a youth 9/10 and 11/12 all star team from the Farmington Valley NFL Flag Football league. The league has 10 teams representing all Farmington Valley towns. For more information about this group, click here or to register for next year go to Avon Parks and Rec website. Our special congratulations to Kevin W. and Sean O. from grade 4.  On Sunday, their team won the Farmington Valley NFL Flag Football SuperBowl. 

Knitting Club Starts Soon! Students in grades 4-8 are invited to learn to make 2 cozy hats - one to keep and one to donate to an upcoming winter coat and hat drive.   

Knitting Club moderator is Mrs. Diana Kalamarides, mother of David, Gr. 4 & Hannah, Gr. 6.  Questions?  Contact Mrs. Kalamarides at Kalamarides@comcast.net.  The club is open to students in grades 4 -8.  Space is limited to 15 participants.

Club will meet in the Grade 5 classroom on Tuesdays – 12/1, 12/8 & 12/15 from 3:45-4:45pm

To register,  click here to download a sign up form and return it to the school office with $15 check made payable to St. Mary’s School with “Knitting Club” in the memo section.  The materials fee will provide all needed project materials.

Community News

News for the week of November 11, 2015

Parent/Teacher Conferences conclude tomorrow, Thursday, November 12. Tomorrow is a 12:45pm early dismissal for grades K-8.  PreKindergarten Enrichment is available but there will be NO AFTERCARE.  Please use the Sign Up Genius to register for your conference(s).  Click here.  Friday, November 13th, is a regular, full day of school with both PreK Enrichment and Aftercare available.

Robotics Club will NOT meet on Thursday, 11/12,

 due to the early dismissal.

Cadet Band Open House is this Thursday, 11/12/15, from 11:30am-12:15pm in the Music Portable.  Parents of Cadet Musicians are invited to this Open House to see the progress their musicians have made since the start of the year and to hear more about the program's techniques and requirements.

Thinking ahead to a new year school year - Applications for the 2016-17 PreKindergarten and Kindergarten for siblings not currently enrolled at SMS are now being accepted! If your child has a younger brother or sister that would like to join us for PreKindergarten or Kindergarten next year, now is the time to apply!  Please note - students currently enrolled in our PreKindergarten program DO NOT have to reapply for Kindergarten. PreKindergarten students that are chronologically eligible (i.e., will be 5 before 12/31/16) will automatically be promoted to our Kindergarten for 2016.  Questions about readiness? Please contact Toni Chagnon, 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.org. Click here to download an application.

 #Knightly News is here! Follow The Scoop@SMS_Knights for breaking school news and up to the minute basketball schedules,scores and highlights! 

GET YOUR SMS SPIRIT ON! We are pleased to offer a NEW Spirit Wear Shop! Orders are now being accepted to be delivered in time for Christmas. 

These NEW spirit wear items are NOT uniform items, they are designed for casual wear outside of school.  The only exception is that Middle School students MAY wear the spirit wear hooded sweatshirt as part of their school uniform.

 GO BLUE KNIGHTS!

 Any questions please call or email Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Click here for more information and to download an order form.

The Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held next Wednesday, 11/18!  Each year, over 200 area senior citizens enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving luncheon served by our 8th grade students and parent volunteers.  This event relies on the participation of our whole school community to make it a success - many food donations are needed and we appreciate the help of many volunteers with food preparation, setup, serving and clean up. 

Your donations & volunteer time are still needed!  There is a Sign Up Genius link for each homeroom class for food donations needed and also one to sign up to volunteer.  Please take a moment to see what is needed in your child(ren)'s grade(s) - we are still looking for a donations from a number of classes and extra helping hands are always needed and welcomed! Click here for these Sign Up Genius links. 

Please be sure to send in your donations by the due date listed for the item(s). The due dates allow time to purchase supplies if adequate donations are not received. There are three due dates: Friday, November 13th; Monday, November 16th and Wednesday, November 18th NLT  9AM.  Each item has it's due date listed on the sign up genius. 

If you are able to help with setup, serving and/or cleanup, please note that a separate volunteer sign up will also be sent  out to all classes and will be posted on the website.

 Please note -  NO HOT LUNCH IS SERVED ON 11/18 DUE TO THE SENIOR LUNCHEON.

Fifth Grade Service Project - Collection of new socks for the House of Bread 

Students in Mrs. Gore's fifth grade class are collecting NEW socks for the House of Bread.  New, adult and youth socks are being collected until Monday, November 30th. 

Thanks in advance for your support!

Grade 8 Fundraising -  It's time for the Poinsettia Sale!  Again this year, our 8th grade will be selling beautiful poinsettias perfect for holiday decorating or as gifts.  All orders and payments are due NLT Wednesday, November 18th.  Poinsettias will be available for pick up on Friday, December 4th from 2-4 in the Parish Center and after Masses on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th.   Click here for an order form.

CHOICE News - For a limited time, we have $25 Gap/Old Navy cards stocked in the box for sale at 7% profit.

Ski & Snowboard Club Update 11-11-15:   The Ski and Snowboard Club has gotten sufficient participants to do the planned activities at Ski Sundown. The group will be skiing or snowboarding five consecutive Wednesday afternoons starting January 6 and lessons will be available.

However, bus transportation will not be available.

The regular registration period has closed. However, students and parents can still be added via a late registration process. Late registration would need to include a $25 per person late fee.

Please contact group leader Jim Shanley if you have any questions or would like to late register. He can be reached at 239-989-6206 or jhs01@charter.net.

Annual Turkey Trot Non-Perishable Food Collection - Help SMS fill the truck! - Again this year, our school will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the Turkey Trot food drive.  Donations may be sent in until Thursday, 11/12.  Please be sure all donations are clearly marked "Turkey Trot" so they do not get confused with Senior Luncheon donations.  Please see information below if you would also like to contribute a monetary gift or turkey to the Turkey Trot.

Northwest Catholic Invites You to Anne of Green Gables  - Performances are this weekend and will feature SMS Alumnas Lauren Mangine as Anne Shirley and Avery Hatch as Rachel Lynde, both SMS Class of '12.  Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.

Wreaths Across America - Wreaths Across America will be celebrated for the 7th consecutive year on December 12th, in Simsbury Cemetery on Plank Hill Rd. This ceremony, hosted by the Abigail Phelps Chapter NSDAR, with participation from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War, will begin promptly at 12 noon followed by a cookie reception in the Simsbury Library and all are welcome. Click here for a wreath sponsorship form and payment information.  If you would like to donate a photo/obituary or holiday photo of a deceased Veteran for our Simsbury WAA scrapbook, please send it along as well (COPIES ONLY). Wreath cost is $15 with $5 of each wreath forwarded to local veterans causes. Deadline to order is November 27th, as all wreaths are shipped from Maine directly to cemeteries nationwide. Orders for any Veteran’s grave located nearby but outside of Simsbury, are accepted on a pickup basis. A pickup time, after December 12th, should be coordinated with Angie Bautista at abautista@me.com.