IOWA Testing Begins Monday, 5/2/16, for students in Grs. 3-7

From Monday, 5/2/16, through Friday, 5/6/16, students in grades 3-7 will be taking the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills. Monday, 5/9 - Wednesday, 5/12, 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.  Students cannot be called out of class during a testing period and no announcements will be made into classrooms during testing.

Open Houses for Prospective Families -   There will  be an Open House especially for families with children getting ready to enter Kindergarten or a primary grade on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30pm in the Primary Unit.

 An RSVP event to Toni Chagnon is appreciated -tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

OPEN HOUSE YARD SIGNS - Please remember that  yard signs should be promptly removed from your yard after the Open House on May 4th, and returned to the school office.  We do reuse the signs.   Thanks in advance for your help publicizing this event.

We will attend the 12:15pm Parish Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 5th.  All are welcome to join us in worship.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

News for the Week of 4/27/16

In May, we will attend the 12:15pm Parish Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 5th.  All are welcome to join us in worship.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.








School Calendar Changes -  Please make note of the following changes to the school calendar:

Primary Grades Field Day has been moved to Monday, June 6th, from 1:30-3pm.  This event was originally scheduled for Friday, 5/20.  Students in Kindergarten - Grade 4 participate in this event and it will take place in the North (playground) parking lot.

Middle School Field Day (Grs. 5-8) will take place on Friday, May 27th from 9am-1pm.

Wednesday, June 8th will be a full day of school with both PreK Enrichment and Aftercare available.

Thursday, June 9th will be our last day of school. There will be an Awards Assembly in the Parish Center at 9:30am.  Parents of students receiving an award will receive notification from the teacher.  This will be a 12:45 early dismissal with NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare available.

Our first day of school for the 16-17 school year will be Wednesday, August 31.  This will be a regular, full day of school with both PreK Enrichment and Aftercare available.

HOT LUNCH HELP URGENTLY NEEDED!  Our school is able to provide a hot lunch program because of the volunteers who come in to serve the lunches.  As we enter the final weeks of our school year, we have lots of gaps in our lunch duty coverage.  If you are Virtus trained, please consider signing up for hot lunch duty.  It is a great way to be part of your child(ren)'s day and helps assure that we can continue to offer hot lunch.  Click here to access the Sign Up Genius for Hot Lunch Volunteers.

Used Uniform Exchange - Click here for the most current inventory from our used uniform exchange.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30TH!

2016-2017 St. Mary's School Trust Scholarship Applications 

Who can apply:

Any family whose children have completed a year's enrollment in kindergarten or above and will be enrolled in grades 1 through 8 at St. Mary's School during 2016-2017 is eligible to apply. There are no requirements regarding parish or religious affiliation.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 30, 2016. Click here for a  helpful reference guide. Additional instructions are provided when you access the application link. The link for the scholarship application is:

http://www.psas.org/1267.aspx

If you have any questions regarding the application process for the St. Mary's School Trust scholarships or about other financial assistance that may be available, please contact the school office.

Additional Tuition Assistance  - Again this year, tuition assistance will be available from funds provided by the Archbishop's Annual Appeal (AAA), the Catholic Schools' Support Program (CSSP) and our school's budget.  These funds are distinct from the scholarships that are available from the St. Mary's Trust.  The application period for the Trust Scholarships is also open now.  Application details for the Trust Scholarships appear above.

To apply for tuition assistance from the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, CSSP and the school budget this year, your application must be submitted via SMARTAID.  SMARTAID is a confidential service provided by SMART, LLC that helps schools to assess a family's need for financial assistance based on the information provided to SMARTAID by the family.  St. Mary's School, with the guidance and advice of our pastor, Father Matera, will continue to be solely responsible for all tuition assistance decisions and the school will notify all applicants of any tuition assistance awards.

The application deadline for tuition assistance requests is May 15, 2016.  There is a $35 fee to apply via SMARTAID.  If this fee presents a hardship for your family, please contact Mrs. Gannatti.

Click here for a set of helpful guidelines for completing your SMARTAID application.  To access the SMARTAID application, click here.

Athletic News -Basketball club will begin 5/4/16, and continue until June 1st . The club will meet on Wednesdays from 3:45-5:00pm.  The fee is $40 for the final session.

Blue Knight Night will be held on Wednesday, May 11th from 6-8:30pm in the Parish Center.   JVA and Varsity basketball players only.  All players should bring their jerseys to Blue Knight Night washed and in a zip-lock bag with their name written on it. They will be collected.  #UKnighted

April Service Project - Donations are still being accepted!  During the month of April, our third grade class will be coordinating the collection of packages of paper napkins to be used at the House of Bread.  The goal is to collect 1,000 packages of napkins!  Thanks in advance for your support!

Open Houses for Prospective Families -   There will  be an Open House especially for families with children getting ready to enter Kindergarten or a primary grade on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30pm in the Primary Unit.

 An RSVP event to Toni Chagnon is appreciated -tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

OPEN HOUSE YARD SIGNS - Please remember that  yard signs should be promptly removed from your yard after the Open House on May 4th, and returned to the school office.  We do reuse the signs.   Thanks in advance for your help publicizing this event.

There will be a Middle School Dance on Friday, May 6th from 6-9pm in the Parish Center.  This dance is open to SMS students in grades 6-8.  Food and dessert will be provided!  The cost is $5 per student.  

NEW!  MOMS in Prayer.  Praying with other moms lightens our burdens and provides hope, strength, and encouragement for our daily lives.  Please join us each week for one hour of conversational style prayer to lift up our children, their teachers, and the school staff before the Lord.  Tuesday mornings 9 to 10am in the Lower Church Meeting Room that was previously our PreKindergarten room - newcomers always welcome.  Please contact Christine Sinopoli at christineds1213@yahoo.com 

Alumni News

Our congratulations to Joe O'Bryan, SMS Class of '12. Joe is a Senior at Simsbury High School and has signed a letter of intent to attend Creighton University, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I university in Omaha, Nebraska. Joe's plans include participating in the cross country athletics program and majoring in business. A special signing ceremony was held on April 19, 2016, at Simsbury High School.

We also congratulate Rebecca Rienow, SMS Class of '12.   Rebecca has been named a "Rising Star" by the Valley Press.  Rebecca is a Senior at The Master's School and will attend Geneva College to pursue a degree in Education.  Rebecca has completed a vigorous literacy-training program and has volunteered as a reading coach for students in whole groups, small groups, and in an individual setting.

News for the Week of 4/20/16

Welcoming Mrs. Williamson --- Our Welcome Reception is this Thursday, April 21!  

We look forward to this special evening and our first opportunity to introduce Mrs. Williamson to our wonderful community. 

HOT LUNCH HELP URGENTLY NEEDED!  Our school is able to provide a hot lunch program because of the volunteers who come in to serve the lunches.  As we enter the final weeks of our school year, we have lots of gaps in our lunch duty coverage.  If you are Virtus trained, please consider signing up for hot lunch duty.  It is a great way to be part of your child(ren)'s day and helps assure that we can continue to offer hot lunch.  Click here to access the Sign Up Genius for Hot Lunch Volunteers.

2016-2017 St. Mary's School Trust Scholarship Applications must be submitted NLT April 30, 2016. 

ST. MARY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS

Who can apply:

Any family whose children have completed a year's enrollment in kindergarten or above and will be enrolled in grades 1 through 8 at St. Mary's School during 2016-2017 is eligible to apply. There are no requirements regarding parish or religious affiliation.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 30, 2016. Click here for a  helpful reference guide. Additional instructions are provided when you access the application link. The link for the scholarship application is:

http://www.psas.org/1267.aspx

If you have any questions regarding the application process for the St. Mary's School Trust scholarships or about other financial assistance that may be available, please contact the school office.

Additional Tuition Assistance  - Again this year, tuition assistance will be available from funds provided by the Archbishop's Annual Appeal (AAA), the Catholic Schools' Support Program (CSSP) and our school's budget.  These funds are distinct from the scholarships that are available from the St. Mary's Trust.  The application period for the Trust Scholarships is also open now.  Application details for the Trust Scholarships appear above.

To apply for tuition assistance from the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, CSSP and the school budget this year, your application must be submitted via SMARTAID.  SMARTAID is a confidential service provided by SMART, LLC that helps schools to assess a family's need for financial assistance based on the information provided to SMARTAID by the family.  St. Mary's School, with the guidance and advice of our pastor, Father Matera, will continue to be solely responsible for all tuition assistance decisions and the school will notify all applicants of any tuition assistance awards.

The application deadline for tuition assistance requests is May 15, 2016.  There is a $35 fee to apply via SMARTAID.  If this fee presents a hardship for your family, please contact Mrs. Gannatti.

Click here for a set of helpful guidelines for completing your SMARTAID application.  To access the SMARTAID application, click here.

April Service Project - During the month of April, our third grade class will be coordinating the collection of packages of paper napkins to be used at the House of Bread.  The goal is to collect 1,000 packages of napkins!  Thanks in advance for your support!

Open Houses for Prospective Families -   There will  be an Open House especially for families with children getting ready to enter Kindergarten or a primary grade on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30pm in the Primary Unit.

 An RSVP event to Toni Chagnon is appreciated -tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

OPEN HOUSE YARD SIGNS - Do you live on a well traveled road?  If so, please consider posting an Open House yard sign for us.  Signs will be available for pick up beginning Friday, 4/22, at the school office.  Signs should be promptly removed from your yard after the Open House on May 4th, and returned to the school office.  We do reuse the signs.   Thanks in advance for your help publicizing this event.

NEW!  MOMS in Prayer.  Praying with other moms lightens our burdens and provides hope, strength, and encouragement for our daily lives.  Please join us each week for one hour of conversational style prayer to lift up our children, their teachers, and the school staff before the Lord.  Tuesday mornings 9 to 10am in the Lower Church "Library" starting April 26^th.  Please contact Christine Sinopoli at christineds1213@yahoo.com for more information.

There's still time to order your SMS Yearbook - 

Yearbooks must be preordered.

The SMS Yearbook is a great way to remember a fabulous school year. Every student is pictured and every special event is captured and captioned. 

Every year our students have great fun having all their friends and teachers sign their yearbooks.  

All yearbooks must be preordered.  Orders are still being accepted. Click herefor a downloadable order form that can be sent to the school office with payment or click here to order online. Our Yearbook ID Code is 9415316.

It's In The Mail!

Fairway to Heaven Golf Tournament invitations are on their way! Get ready for a uKNIGHTed day of swinging, serving and bidding at the The Hop Meadow Country Club on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. For more information please contact Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Congratulations to the Northwest Catholic High School Math team and Gabriela Doskos, SMS Class of '13, on a great performance in the State Math Meet.  Gabriela has also recently been recognized for achieving a silver medal, maxima cum laude status on the National Latin Exam for Latin III. Nationwide more than 150,000 students take this exam each year. We also extend our thanks to Gabriela for her continued role as facilitator of our school's Robotics Club. 

Congratulations to Avery Hatch, SMS Class of '12, on achieving Magna Cum Laude status on the National Latin Exam for Latin IV.  Avery is a senior at Northwest Catholic High School who will attend Elon University as Presidential Scholar and College Fellow in the fall.

We also congratulate Claire Keating, SMS Class of '09, on being named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at Assumption College.

Community News 

Announcing the St. Mary's Parish Adult Service Project—Supporting Birthright of Greater Hartford. Two ways you can help- 1) we are collecting gently worn maternity clothes, pregnancy & child care books, new or gently worn newborn- 2T clothes, blankets, diaper bags & diapers 1 and under year. Drop off is at the Parish Center,April 24th , 8– 11:30am or drop off to Shannon Matyczyk 860-335-7012. 2) Come help sort items and write encouraging notes to these courageous mothers before or after the 9:30am Mass on April 24th in the Parish Center. Let’s show our St. Mary’s spirit and support these mothers in need as we approach Mother’s Day.

Do you know where your fruits & veggies come from?  CSA members do!  Holcomb Farm in Granby invites you to learn more about CSA and to consider purchasing a share or a "picking pass".  Click here for more information or to purchase your share.

Avon Recreation is offering a Flag Football Program for students in Grades 1-12.  Registration will begin on Thursday, April 21 at www.avonrec.com and will continue thru Friday, August 1, 2016; or at Sycamore Hills Pool Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm after June 27.

DESCRIPTION:   This is a NON-CONTACT NFL Flag Program and backed by USA Football. This is a recreation league, so there are no tryouts, cuts, etc. There is a full set of rules for each division developed by NFL Flag and the Rec and Parks Dept. Each player must bring cleats/sneakers (cleats preferred), mouth guard, and their own water bottle. A reversible NFL game jersey and flag belts will be provided.

For more information, click here.

Simsbury Public Library is offering lots of programs for teens and tweens in May.

Xavier High School in Middletown is holding Summer Athletic Camps for young men in grades 6-9 throughout the month of July.  They will also be continuing their Expedition enrichment camp for students entering grades 5-8.  For more information on any of Xavier's summer programs, click here.





iDTech offers Summer STEM camps for students ages 6-18.  Both day and overnight programs are available at a number of Connecticut college campuses including Trinity, Wesleyan, Western Connecticut State University and Yale.  For more information, click  here.  You can save up to 75 when you pay in full during registration by April 28th.  Use promo code:  SCHOOL2016.





Summer Programs are available at Kingswood Oxford.   There is a group sports discount if 4 kids sign up together for one particular sports week.  Registrants will get $100 off making the camp $375 for a full-day camp. Contact Sheri Shea, Camp KO Director at 860-727-5032.  For more information about the many programs being offered at Camp KO, click here.

News for the Week of 4/6/16

Our April school Mass will be held on Friday, April 8th at 9am in the church.  NOTE - This is a change to our original school calendar.  Mass was originally scheduled for April 1st.  Please remember that NO physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass. 

April Calendar Reminders  -As we look ahead to April, please keep the following in mind:

*  Third Quarter Marking Period ends on 4/1/16.  
     Report cards will be sent home on Friday, 4/8/16.

*  School is closed for Spring Vacation from Monday, 4/11/16 - Friday, 4/15/16.

*  Relaxed Uniform begins on Monday, 4/18/15.  Please keep in mind that a belt is required with walking shorts and that school shoes with socks must still be worn. 

2016-17 Enrollment Packets were emailed to all families. Family Enrollment forms & fees were due NLT April 4, 2016. If you have not returned your Family Enrollment Form and fee, the school office will be following up with you via an email or phone call.

The application for the 2016-2017 St. Mary's School Trust Scholarships is now available.

ST. MARY SCHOOL TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS

Who can apply:

Any family whose children have completed a year's enrollment in kindergarten or above and will be enrolled in grades 1 through 8 at St. Mary's School during 2016-2017 is eligible to apply. There are no requirements regarding parish or religious affiliation.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 30, 2016. Click here for a  helpful reference guide. Additional instructions are provided when you access the application link. The link for the scholarship application is:

http://www.psas.org/1267.aspx

If you have any questions regarding the application process for the St. Mary's School Trust scholarships or about other financial assistance that may be available, please contact the school office.

Additional Tuition Assistance  - Again this year, tuition assistance will be available from funds provided by the Archbishop's Annual Appeal (AAA), the Catholic Schools' Support Program (CSSP) and our school's budget.  These funds are distinct from the scholarships that are available from the St. Mary's Trust.  The application period for the Trust Scholarships is also open now.  Application details for the Trust Scholarships appear above.

To apply for tuition assistance from the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, CSSP and the school budget this year, your application must be submitted via SMARTAID.  SMARTAID is a confidential service provided by SMART, LLC that helps schools to assess a family's need for financial assistance based on the information provided to SMARTAID by the family.  St. Mary's School, with the guidance and advice of our pastor, Father Matera, will continue to be solely responsible for all tuition assistance decisions and the school will notify all applicants of any tuition assistance awards.

The application deadline for tuition assistance requests is May 15, 2016.  There is a $35 fee to apply via SMARTAID.  If this fee presents a hardship for your family, please contact Mrs. Gannatti.

Click here for a set of helpful guidelines for completing your SMARTAID application.  To access the SMARTAID application, click here.

BOGO Scholastic Book Fair Open Now! Stop by Wednesday, 4/6,  8:30-3:00, and Thursday-Friday, 4/7 & 4/8, 8:30-3:45. Stock up on spring and summer reading materials with BUY ONE - GET ONE free!

There's still time to order your SMS Yearbook - 

Yearbooks must be preordered.

The SMS Yearbook is a great way to remember a fabulous school year. Every student is pictured and every special event is captured and captioned. Every year our students have great fun having all their friends and teachers sign their yearbooks.  All yearbooks must be preordered.  Orders will be accepted until this Friday, April 8th. Click here for a downloadable order form that can be sent to the school office with payment or click here to order online. Our Yearbook ID Code is 9415316.

April Service Project - During the month of April, our third grade class will be coordinating the collection of packages of paper napkins to be used at the House of Bread.  The goal is to collect 1,000 packages of napkins!  Thanks in advance for your support!

Open Houses for Prospective Families -  We will be hosting an Open House for families interested in learning more about SMS on Wednesday, April 20th from 8:30-11:30am. 

There will also be an Open House especially for families with children getting ready to enter Kindergarten or a primary grade on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30pm in the Primary Unit.

 An RSVP fir either event to Toni Chagnon is appreciated -tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Spring has Sprung! Time to mark your calendar, our annual "Fairway to Heaven" Golf Tournament is fast approaching.  The Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th at the Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. 

Exciting new addition this year, Morning Tennis Round Robin Mixer! Stay tuned for more information... 

CHOICE News - Beginning April 9th, just in time for Mother's Day and upcoming graduations, GL Script has a limited supply of gift cards in smaller denominations perfect for "a little something".  Some of the cards that will be available include:   Amazon.com $10, AMC Theatres^® $10, Barnes & Noble $5, Starbucks $5 and Target $10.  For a complete list, click here.  Please note - these cards are special order.  They will not be "in stock" in the CHOICE box. Great news for stylish shoppers: Nordstrom^® is now available to order in $10 increments, from $20 - $1000, with a 6% profit percentage. 

 If you have any of the plastic envelopes that are used to send home completed CHOICE orders, please return them to the school office.  Thanks!