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