SMS Summer News #1

Summer Office Hours Have Begun.  The office will be routinely staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-1pm and by appointment as needed.  Both email and phone messages will be checked regularly.

Summer CHOICE Sales - CHOICE cards will be available for sale on Wednesday, June 29; Wednesday, July 13; and Wednesday, August 10. If you have questions about summer CHOICE sales, please contact Tammy Budnick at the school office.

Getting Ready for a New School Year - Again this summer, the school blog has a "Back to School" Page.  Click here to visit the "Back to School" Page or use the navigation tabs at the top of the blog. Be sure to visit this page frequently for easy access to things like Supply Lists and Summer Assignments. 

Incoming 6th grade students and students new to our middle school will also find a link to a Sign Up Genius for their iPad Deployment meeting with Mrs. Hatch.  Click here to visit the Sign Up Genius. At this meeting,  the required iPad "Big 3" forms (i.e., verify that iPad insurance has been paid, return signed acknowledgements for Parent/Student Handbook and iPad AUP and signed Electronic Use Agreement) should be turned in.  During this appointment, Mrs. Hatch will also review key components of the Acceptable Use Policy, use of the Notability App, school GMail and automatic backup to Google Drive and answer any questions. No incoming sixth grade student, student new to our 7th or 8th grades or student that has been notified that an appointment is required will be given an iPad for school use -even once school begins - until this meeting has taken place. Our goal is to maximize student productivity with the iPad and to better assure appropriate educational use of the device. Questions should be referred to Mrs. Hatch at dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net or 860-658-9412.

There will be Summer Blog Posts as needed. 

Finally, be sure to be on the look out for your "Back to School Mailing" in August.  This year, this "mailing" will be sent to you electronically at the email you have designated as your primary family email address.  If you are not sure that the email address we currently have on file for your family is the "best one to use", please send the email you want used to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Put "Back to School Mailing email"in your subject line and we will be sure to update our school database(s).

Is your family planning summer fun?  Again this year, you are invited to share photos of your family's summer fun and activities with our community.  Summer fun photos can be sent to dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.







Look How They've Grown!

Pictured from left - Matt Sottile, Lauren Mangine, Abby Herron & Avery Hatch
on an FMI Band trip to NYC in their 7th grade year at SMS.
These  SMS Class of '12 alumni graduated from Northwest Catholic High School on 6/8.

If you have an SMS photo memory of a member of the SMS Class of  '12 to share, please
email dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net

Congratulations to the SMS Class of '12 as they graduate from high school.  We are so proud of all your successes and look forward to hearing about all your future accomplishments.

News for the week of 6/8/16

Congratulations & all God's blessings to the SMS Class of 2016!

The Carnival Opens TONIGHT!


Just in time for end of the school year fun!

37th Annual

St. Mary's Carnival

June 8-11, 2016

Carnival Hours: 

Wednesday - Friday
6 - 10 pm

Saturday
5 - 10 pm 

Saint Mary's 37th annual Spring Carnival will be held from June 8^th- 11^th at 34 Hopmeadow Streetin Simsbury (Field North of Eversource Energy formerly Connecticut Light & Power).

50% of the proceeds directly benefit St. Mary’s School!!!

Many volunteers are needed to make the carnival a success! Please join us to make this fun-filled event a success. Click here to access the Sign Up Genius for Carnival Volunteers.

Raffle tickets are officially for sale at $20 per ticket. Tickets are available at the Parish Offices at 3 Massaco Street. 

1st prize - $10,000

2nd prize - $500 Holloways Appliance Store Gift Certificate

3rd prize – Fitbit Surge

4th prize – Cake-of-the-Month for one year at Fitzgerald’s. 

Drawing to be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 8pm at the St. Mary’s Carnival (winner need not be present)

Welcoming the Newest Knight!  Benjamin Thomas Tunsky was born Tuesday evening. He weighed in at 5lbs, 13oz. Everyone is doing well. 

TOMORROW -Thursday, June 9th is our last day of school. There will be an Awards Assembly in the Parish Center at 9:30am.  Parents of students receiving an award have received notification from the teacher.  ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BRING A BROWN BAG LUNCH.  MILK WILL BE SERVED AS  USUAL. 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.

Health Office Reminder -   Thank you for a wonderful school year!  

Please remember to pick up any medications that have been kept in the health office this year.  Our school nurse will be in 8:30am-1:30pm on the last day of school (Thursday, June 9th), please stop in to pick up your student's medications.  Medications cannot be sent home with students.

Second grade scientists at work!  Miss Soucy's class enjoyed a visit from Mr. Pellino from Talcott Mountain Science Academy.  Students talked about density and what makes an object float or sink.Students predicted about and tested out various objects in water to see what would happen. Objects tested included a penny, play dough, aluminum foil, and more! 

Summer Office Hours - Beginning on Wednesday, June 15th, the school office will be on "summer hours".  The office will be routinely staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-1pm and by appointment as needed.  Both email and phone messages will be checked regularly.

Summer CHOICE Sales - CHOICE cards will be available for sale on Wednesday, June 29; Wednesday, July 13; and Wednesday, August 10. If you have questions about summer CHOICE sales, please contact Tammy Budnick at the school office.

Getting Ready for a New School Year - Again this summer, the school blog has a "Back to School" Page.  Click here to visit the "Back to School" Page or use the navigation tabs at the top of the blog. Be sure to visit this page frequently for easy access to things like Supply Lists and Summer Assignments. 

Incoming 6th grade students and students new to our middle school will also find a link to a Sign Up Genius for their iPad Deployment meeting with Mrs. Hatch.  Click here to visit the Sign Up Genius. At this meeting,  the required iPad "Big 3" forms (i.e., verify that iPad insurance has been paid, return signed acknowledgements for Parent/Student Handbook and iPad AUP and signed Electronic Use Agreement) should be turned in.  During this appointment, Mrs. Hatch will also review key components of the Acceptable Use Policy, use of the Notability App, school GMail and automatic backup to Google Drive and answer any questions. No incoming sixth grade student, student new to our 7th or 8th grades or student that has been notified that an appointment is required will be given an iPad for school use -even once school begins - until this meeting has taken place. Our goal is to maximize student productivity with the iPad and to better assure appropriate educational use of the device. Questions should be referred to Mrs. Hatch at dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.nettor 860-658-9412.

There will be Summer Blog Posts as needed. 

Finally, be sure to be on the look out for your "Back to School Mailing" in August.  This year, this "mailing" will be sent to you electronically at the email you have designated as your primary family email address.  If you are not sure that the email address we currently have on file for your family is the "best one to use", please send the email you want used to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Put "Back to School Mailing email"in your subject line and we will be sure to update our school database(s).

Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade enjoyed an educational visit from Riverside Reptiles.  The students had a "hands on" learning experience. The presenter's name is Brian Kleinman. His website is www.riversidereptiles.com.   Our thanks to Mrs. Williams for coordinating this visit.

Alumni News -

Abigail Herron, SMS Class of '12,  Named Northwest Catholic Salutatorian

Abigail Herron of West Simsbury has been named the salutatorian of Northwest Catholic High School’s Class of 2016. The daughter of Peter and Carrie Herron, Abby is an outstanding student-athlete and an active member in the school community.

During her years at Northwest Catholic, Abby was a member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams, serving as a captain of the lacrosse team as a senior. As a senior, she was the sports editor for the school newspaper, Passages. She has also participated in the school’s Ski Club and served as a tutor for ConnectiKids. Abby is a member of the National Honor Society and earlier this year, she was one of seven Northwest Catholic students to be named a “Superintendent’s Summa Scholar,” meaning she was in the top 5% of her graduating class through the first semester of grade 12. She was also named a 2016 CIAC Scholar Athlete. A graduate of St. Mary School in Simsbury, Abby is a parishioner at St. Mary Church in Simsbury. She will attend Boston College, with a major in either biology or chemistry.

Community News

Northwest Catholic Scholarship Scamper 5k - On June 25, Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford will host the 4th Annual Scholarship Scamper 5k Road Race, beginning and ending on the Northwest Catholic campus. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for youths (18 and under) and young Northwest Catholic alums (Class of 2012-2016) through June 21. Race day registration is $30 for adults and $20 for youths and young alumni. Race day registration runs from 8:30-9:30am, with the race beginning at 10am. The family fun and picnic will follow the race and continue until 1pm. The post-race gathering will include free food, beverages and fun for the whole family. All proceeds of the event will go toward scholarships to help deserving students enjoy a Northwest Catholic education. Registration forms are available at www.NorthwestCatholic.org/5kScamper. Contact Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh at 860-236-4221 x138 or pwalsh@nwcath.org with questions or for more information.

News for the Week of 6/1/15

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Michael Griffin as the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools - Archbishop Blair has appointed Dr. Michael S. Griffin as the next Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the archdiocese. Dr. Griffin is currently Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fall River but has a long history in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Click here to read the press release regarding this announcement.

Carnival Week is coming!


Just in time for end


of the school year fun!

37th Annual

St. Mary's Carnival

June 8-11, 2016

Carnival Hours: 

Wednesday - Friday
6 - 10 pm

Saturday
5 - 10 pm 

Saint Mary's 37th annual Spring Carnival will be held from June 8^th- 11^th at 34 Hopmeadow Streetin Simsbury (Field North of Eversource Energy formerly Connecticut Light & Power).

50% of the proceeds directly benefit St. Mary’s School!!!

Many volunteers are needed to make the carnival a success! Please join us to make this fun-filled event a success. Click here to access the Sign Up Genius for Carnival Volunteers.

Raffle tickets are officially for sale at $20 per ticket. Tickets are available at the Parish Offices at 3 Massaco Street. 

1st prize - $10,000

2nd prize - $500 Holloways Appliance Store Gift Certificate

3rd prize – Fitbit Surge

4th prize – Cake-of-the-Month for one year at Fitzgerald’s. 

Drawing to be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 8pm at the St. Mary’s Carnival (winner need not be present)

Please consider a sponsorship, available at varying levels (including a colorful flag with your individual, family or business name to fly at the carnival starting at $50 or $25 if a renewal from a previous year). Deadline has been extended to Friday, May 30, 2015. Click here for sponsorship information. 

School Calendar- It's a very busy time of year!  Please take note of the below, some are changes to our original 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.

The final prayer service for this school year, prepared by our Kindergarten students will take place on Tuesday, June 7th at 1:30pm in the Church.  Please note that this a time change from the original calendar.  The prayer service was originally scheduled for 9am.

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.

Health Office Reminder -   Thank you for a wonderful school year!  

Please remember to pick up any medications that have been kept in the health office this year.  Our school nurse will be in 8:30am-1:30pm on the last day of school (Thursday, June 9th), please stop in to pick up your student's medications.  Medications cannot be sent home with students.

Summer Vacation for iPads -

Grades 6 & 7 - All grade 6 and 7 iPads and school owned chargers and cords must be turned in to the homeroom teacher on Monday, June 6th. Any physical damage or device operational issues should be reported when the device is turned in. There is a $50 repair fee due for any type of repair required. There is a $25 charge for replacement if the school owned charger and/or cord are not returned with the iPad. An invoice will be sent via US mail if a repair or replacement fee is due. If a fee is still due at the start of school, the student will not be issued a device until the fee has been paid.

Grades K-5 - These students will have daily use of their iPads until Wednesday, June 8th. Students will bring their iPad cases home for the summer. ( If a replacement case is being purchased, please keep in mind that the case must be for a 3rd generation iPad. Cases for newer versions will not fit the 3rd generation device appropriately.) All of these devices will be inspected by the homeroom teachers and Mrs. Hatch for physical damage and/or operational issues. There is a $50 repair fee due for any type of repair required. An invoice will be sent via US mail if a repair or replacement fee is due. If a fee is still due at the start of school, the student will not be issued a device until the fee has been paid.

All questions regarding iPad summer collection or iPads in general should be directed to Mrs. Hatch at dhatch@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Mrs. G with Red Team Captains, Jonathan (L)
and Evan (R)

The Field Day for grades 5-8 was a great success.  Everyone enjoyed the spirited softball tournament.

Summer Office Hours - Beginning on Wednesday, June 15th, the school office will be on "summer hours".  The office will be routinely staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-1pm and by appointment as needed.  Both email and phone messages will be checked regularly.

Summer CHOICE Sales - CHOICE cards will be available for sale on Wednesday, June 29; Wednesday, July 13; and Wednesday, August 10. If you have questions about summer CHOICE sales, please contact Tammy Budnick at the school office.

Getting Ready for a New School Year - Again this summer, the school blog will have a "Back to School" Page.  Be sure to visit this page frequently for easy access to things like Supply Lists and Summer Assignments.  Incoming 6th grade students and students new to our middle school will also find a link to a Sign Up Genius for their iPad Deployment meeting with Mrs. Hatch.  There will also be Summer Blog Posts as needed  Finally, be sure to be on the look out for your "Back to School Mailing" in August.  This year, this "mailing" will be sent to you electronically at the email you have designated as your primary family email address.  If you are not sure that the email address we currently have on file for your family is the "best one to use", please send the email you want used to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.  Put "Back to School Mailing email"in your subject line and we will be sure to update our school database(s).

SMS STARS

Congratulations to Maria N., Gr. 8, and her Granby Rovers U14 Soccer Team.  They represented the State of CT in The President's Cup Regional soccer tournament in Reisterstown, MD this Memorial Day weekend and went all the way to the finals.  12 states comprise Region 1.  The Granby Rovers finished second in their age group beating out teams from Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  Great job!

Congratulations to those SMS alumni that were recently inducted into National Language Honors Societies at Northwest Catholic High School.  To qualify for membership, students had to be juniors or seniors carrying a 4.0 average in the language they study, as well as a minimum 3.0 average in all other classes.  All of the following are members of the SMS Class of 2013 -

Latin Honor Society - Brett Baker, Gabriela Doskos, Christopher Poniatowski & Allyson Voelker
Spanish Honor Society - Regina Chappano, Katharine Jessen, & Sarah Jessen




Community News