News for the Week of 11/30/16

Hot Lunches for January 2017 should be ordered now! Effective with this ordering period, there are brand new procedures for ordering hot lunches.  Click here to learn more and then place your January hot lunch order.  Your payment may be sent in as soon as your order is completed.  The total amount due will appear right at the top of the screen.  The last day that January lunch orders will be accepted is Wednesday, 12/14.  This is also the final date for payments.  

If your lunch order has already been submitted but you have not yet sent in a payment, a statement will be sent home today (11/30) with your youngest/only child so that your balance can be cleared before January lunches begin. Statements will be sent home whenever payment is not sent in at the time the order is submitted as a reminder that payment is due.   If there is an unpaid balance in January, lunch will not be served to your child(ren).  The Signup Genius for lunch volunteers for January and the remainder of the year will be available soon.

Your help is needed with NEASC Accreditation - Parent Survey - As you know this year the school is working on its self-study as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation process. As we undertake this effort, we seek your input and a survey has been created to surface your thoughts on many aspects of life here at St. Mary's School.  Please take a few minutes and complete the survey.  Click here.  Survey responses are requested NLT 12/4/16.  Thank you!

Formal Uniform begins tomorrow - December 1 - for 8th grade students.  Please also be reminded that no later than December 1, it is expected that all girls will be attired in the uniform oxford button down blouse that is part of our Lands End uniform code.  Thank you for your cooperation.

PE Pants Alternative Available from Vincents Sport Shop in Simsbury - Thanks to those that have reported to us that there is a frustrating backlog at Lands End on boys and girls athletic pants for physical education.  We understand your frustration and are happy to provide an acceptable alternative that is available locally.  Solid navy athletic pants with a side zipper at the open hem are available in youth and adult sizes from Vincents Sport Shop in Simsbury.  Located at 776 Hopmeadow Street, Vincents has assured us that these athletic pants are easy to obtain in the full size range and the price is $24.99 for both youth and adult sizes.  Please note that these are the only "uniform approved" alternative to the Lands End athletic pants.

Report Cards will be available on the Educonnect Parent Portal to families with students in grades 1-8 on Friday, 12/2/16.  An email will be sent out to all families when the report cards are available on the portal.  Please note that NO paper copy of the report card will be sent home with students.  You will need your Educonnect User ID and Password to access the report cards. If you have mislaid this information, please send an email to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net to request this information.   Kindergarten students will receive their first report cards on January 13, 2017.

 Advent Activities - Students in Mrs. Jehnings' first grade class created their own manger scenes as the first week of Advent got underway.  The first candle of the Advent Wreath was also lit at morning prayer this week.

Hot Lunch Help is Needed in December!  We know it's a very busy time of year but if you are Virtus trained and would like to enjoy part of your child(ren)'s school day, we need help with hot lunch service on the following dates:

Mon., 12/05  - 1 volunteer needed

Weds., 12/07  - 2 volunteers needed

Fri., 12/09   - 1 volunteer needed

Mon., 12/12  - 1 volunteer needed

Weds., 12/14   - 2 volunteers needed

Mon., 12/19   - 1 volunteer needed

Weds., 12/21   - 2 volunteers needed

Fri., 12/23   - 2 volunteers needed

To sign up to volunteer, click here.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - In December, we will worship with our Parish family at the 12:15 Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday, 12/8/16.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Thanks to all that have supported the 8th grade's Poinsettia Sale.  Poinsettias will be available for pickup in the Lower Church on Friday, 12/9, from 1-5pm.  Questions? Please contact Jen Pavlonnis at jpavlonnis@yahoo.com.

Our annual Christmas prayer service, Lessons & Carols, will take place on Tuesday, December 13 in the church.  There will be a 10am dress rehearsal.  This is a perfect opportunity to take photos.  The prayer service will begin at 7pm. Church doors will open at 6:30pm.  All students in grades Kindergarten - grade 8 actively participate in this prayer service and attendance is expected.  If your child(ren) will not be able to attend, please contact Mrs. Williamson.  All students except Kindergarten and 8th grade wear their full, formal uniform for Lessons & Carols.  Kindergarten & 8th grade students will receive dress guidelines from their teachers.  The snow date for Lessons & Carols is Tuesday, 12/20.

Couldn't make it to the Holiday Spirit Shop? No worries, limited quantities and sizes of Pajamas, Athletic Socks, Fleece Jackets,T Shirts, Sweatshirts, Blankets & more, are still available just in time for Christmas! Please contact Toni Chagnon or drop by the office, tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net 

Gift Cards from CHOICE are Great for the Holidays!  Whether you are doing your weekly grocery shopping, filling your oil tank or shopping for all those special someones in your life, the SMS CHOICE program is here for you!  In addition to the many cards for area grocery and department stores and restaurants we keep "in stock", many, many gift cards are available by special order via GL Scrip.  All of these cards can help you meet your family's CHOICE commitment and get your holiday shopping done in record time!  For a complete list of GL Scrip vendors, click here. TO BE SURE YOUR CARDS ARRIVE IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY GIVING, special orders must be placed NLT Wednesday, 12/14.

Christopher A., Gr. 2, has successfully integrated technology!

Students in Mrs. Keany's second grade class are beginning a social studies unit regarding their heritage.  Students will be interviewing a family member to learn more about their heritage and creating a posterboard project with the information they gather.






Alumni News

Our congratulations to Domenic Cirielli, SMS Class of '14, on his induction into the National Honor Society at Simsbury High School.  Domenic has also achieved high honors for the first term of his junior year.








Community News

Simsbury Public Library has programs for Teens & 'Tweens in December.  Two of the programs are open to younger students.  These are:  Scratch - Grades 4-8 and Cartoon Anatomy Drawing Classes - Grades 4-12. 

News for the Week of 11/23/16

Please be sure to check your email for a Thanksgiving message from Mrs. Williamson.

School is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, 11/24, and Friday, 11/25.  School reopens for a full, regular day of school on Monday, 11/28/16.

Students in Mrs. Pabich-Phillips' third grade created
Thanksgiving turkeys out of pineapples!

Hot Lunches for January 2017 should be ordered now!  Effective with this ordering period, there are brand new procedures for ordering hot lunches.  Click here to learn more and then place your January hot lunch order.  The Signup Genius for lunch volunteers for January and the remainder of the year will be available soon.

It's time to get in the "spirit" for the holidays! Stop in to our Holiday Spirit Shop!

Monday, 11/28, through Wednesday, 11/30. 

Our shop is open 8:30am to 10:30am and

 2 pm to 3:15pm each day. 

Monday, visit us in the school library portable. 

Tuesday & Wednesday drop in to the lower church. 

SMS spirit wear, including exclusive items just for Christmas will be available!

Exciting Addition! Choice Gift Cards will also be available to purchase and order just in time for Christmas! It's one stop shopping!   For a limited time, $5 cards to Starbucks & Panera are available along with $25 Amazon gift certificates!

Group Class Photos from Lifetouch - Group Class Photos of students in PreKindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-7 are being sent home with students today (Wednesday, 11/23).  Please be sure to check backpacks for these photos.

An attitude of gratitude!  Students in Mrs. Jehning's first grade created "Gratitude Trees" as part of their Thanksgiving activities.

NEASC Accreditation - Parent Survey - As you know this year the school is working on its self-study as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation process. As we undertake this effort, we seek your input and a survey has been created to surface your thoughts on many aspects of life here at St. Mary's School.  Please take a few minutes and complete the survey.  Click here.  Survey responses are requested NLT 12/4/16.  Thank you!

Formal Uniform begins for 8th grade students on Thursday, December 1.  Please also be reminded that no later than December 1, it is expected that all girls will be attired in the uniform oxford button down blouse that is part of our Lands End uniform code.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Report Cards will be available on the Educonnect Parent Portal to families with students in grades 1-8 on Friday, 12/2/16.  Please note that NO paper copy of the report card will be sent home with students.  You will need your Educonnect User ID and Password to access the report cards.  If you have mislaid this information, please send an email to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net to request this information.   Kindergarten students will receive their first report cards on January 13, 2017.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - In December, we will worship with our Parish family at the 12:15 Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday, 12/8/16.  Please remember that no physical education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

PreKindergarten students enjoyed spending time
with friends in third grade for a special storytime.
Amelie (second from left) had several friends
interested in her read aloud!

Our annual Christmas prayer service, Lessons & Carols, will take place on Tuesday, December 13 in the church.  There will be a 10am dress rehearsal.  This is a perfect opportunity to take photos.  The prayer service will begin at 7pm. Church doors will open at 6:30pm.  All students in grades Kindergarten - grade 8 actively participate in this prayer service and attendance is expected.  If your child(ren) will not be able to attend, please contact Mrs. Williamson.  All students except Kindergarten and 8th grade wear their full, formal uniform for Lessons & Carols.  Kindergarten & 8th grade students will receive dress guidelines from their teachers.  The snow date for Lessons & Carols is Tuesday, 12/20.

Cold Weather Reminder!  We are seeing MANY students without proper outdoor clothing for the colder weather.  We know that many children resist wearing warm coats, hats and gloves but please do your parental best to encourage your children to dress appropriately for the weather outside.  Even though we all know that cold does not "cause colds", being dressed for the weather does make time outside more enjoyable and students do wait outside in the morning and go outside for recess unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or inclement.

It's "Turkey Time" in Miss Ciarcia's Kindergarten!

Grade 8 invites you to brighten your holidays with beautiful poinsettias!

Click here to download a poinsettia sale order form.

Grade 8 Thanks You!  Thanks to all who supported the 8th grade's  gift card raffle.  The winning tickets for the three $1,000 American Express Gift Cards were drawn on Monday.  Congratulations to the lucky winners:  Beth Scully, mother of James, Gr. 7  & Aidan, Gr. 5; Aftercare's own & SMS Alum, Lauren Henzler, SMS Class of '03 & Tiffany Noonan.

Help Our School & A Chance to Win a $500 Gift Certificate to Fitzgeralds!

Click here to download your entry form.
Please note that your Fitzgerald's receipts should be placed in the St. Mary's container located near the exit door at Fitzgerald's.

SMS Stars - 

Our congratulations to our 7th & 8th grade students on their performance of Twelfth Night.  The performance was the culmination of their Shakesperience residency.

Chess Club Tournament Results - After weeks of chess practice, the St. Mary's Chess Club held its third chess tournament at St. Mary's ending on November 18th, 2016. Also, it was the first year that girls participated in the chess club and kudos to Eve P., Gr. 3;  Addy O. and Salla K, Gr. 2! The tournament was divided into 2 groups of 14 participants: the Beginner Group and the Advanced Group. Winners who received trophies are:

Beginner Group

1st place - Ryan G., Gr. 4

2nd place - Landon S., Gr. 4

3rd place - Michael C., Gr. 5

Advanced Group

1st place - Danylo M., Gr. 3

2nd place - Maxim M., Gr. 4

3rd place - Joseph K., Gr. 5

Congratulations to all the winners and great job to the rest of the students who participated and received chess pins!  In addition, a special thank you goes out to Tammy Budnick for providing updates to the parents about the chess club.

Again, I want to thank St. Mary's school and the parents for giving me the opportunity to teach the game of chess to your children. I really enjoyed seeing the students improving their chess skills and having fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Omelan Markiw and Family

"It was a dark & stormy night...."  Young authors
in Mrs. Keany's second grade class are working on
"story hooks".  Looks like a cliffhanger in development!

News for the Week of 11/16/16

Today was one of the most important and happy days of our school year - we hosted our annual Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon!  Over 160 area senior citizens enjoyed student entertainment and a traditional, delicious Thanksgiving meal served by our 8th grade students.  Thanks to everyone that helped make this luncheon a success.  Every single act of kindness and service, whether a donation of time or food or talent, was an important contribution and was greatly appreciated.  Special thanks to luncheon coordinator, Mrs. Mary Clark, and the many parent volunteers who assisted her with setup, cooking, serving and clean up!

One of our special guests, Ethel Melanson, was served by 2
of her grandsons, Connor M. and Aidan W., both Gr. 8.

Wednesday, 11/23/16, will be a 12:45 early dismissal.  There will be NO PreKindergarten Enrichment or Aftercare.  First Trimester Grades close on 11/23.

School is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, 11/24, and Friday, 11/25.  School reopens for a full, regular day of school on Monday, 11/28/16.

NEASC Accreditation - Parent Survey - As you know this year the school is working on its self-study as part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation process. As we undertake this effort, we seek your input and a survey has been created to surface your thoughts on many aspects of life here at St. Mary's School.  Please take a few minutes and complete the survey.  Click here.

Thanks to all who ordered from the Lyman Pie & frozen cookie dough fundraiser!    Frozen pies and cookie dough will be available for pickup tomorrow -  Thursday, November 17, from noon until 3:30pm in the parish center kitchen. Volunteers are needed beginning at 9am on 11/17, to sort and label pies and cookie dough and to monitor pickup in the afternoon.  Click here to sign up to volunteer.

Join us for Twelfth Night - Our 7th & 8th grade students have been working hard and enjoying their Shakesperience residency.  We hope many of you will join us on Friday, 11/18, at 2pm in the Parish Center to enjoy their production of Twelfth Night.  Stage crew and performers should follow the dress guidelines provided by Mrs. Elliott.

Grade 8 Fundraising - Class of 2017
American Express Gift Card Raffle

The 8th Grade is excited to announce their American Express Gift Card Raffle! There are only 350 tickets being sold. We are giving away three prizes of $1,000 American Express Gift Cards. The tickets are $20.00 each. Tickets will be available in the school office until the end of the school day, Friday, 11/18.  From 3:30-5pm on Friday, you may also purchase tickets at Fitzgeralds Grocery.  The drawing will be on Monday, Nov. 21, at 2:45pm.  Buying a ticket and having a chance to win a $1,000 gift card would a great way to kick off your holiday shopping season!

Grade 8 invites you to brighten your holidays with beautiful poinsettias!

Click here to download a poinsettia sale order form.

It's time to get in the "spirit" for the holidays! Stop in to our Holiday Spirit Shop!

Monday, 11/28, through Wednesday, 11/30. Our shop is open 8:30am to 10:30am and 2 pm to 3:15pm each day. Monday, visit us in the school library portable. Tuesday & Wednesday drop in to the lower church. SMS spirit wear, including exclusive items just for Christmas will be available!

Exciting Addition! Choice Gift Cards will also be available to purchase and order just in time for Christmas! It's one stop shopping! 

Cooperative Groups in Kindergarten - Students in Miss Ciarcia's Kindergarten are discovering that learning in cooperative groups helps everyone achieve.

2017 Ski & Snowboard Club Registrations are Still Being Accepted! 

The regular registration period for Ski and Snowboard Club has closed. Late registrations will be accepted until 1/1/17, but they will incur a $25 late fee. Please contact Group Leader Jim Shanley at jhs01@charter.net or 239-989-6206 (mobile) for instructions.

Students are also welcome to participate on any of our planned sessions on a drop-in basis. Lift tickets are $34 per 4-hour session. Please contact Group Leader James Shanley prior to the activity for details. Click here for new information, FAQ and registration forms.

SMS Stars

Our congratulations to Christopher L., Gr. 1.  Christopher's football team has made it to the semi-finals game. Next Sunday at 11am they play in the semi's and if they win, they immediately play in the Superbowl at 12 noon.

Community News

FREE: Spinet Upright Betsy Ross Leister piano.

Great for beginner student, if interested, please contact Deborah Soucier (860) 673-4401 or cell phone: (860) 888-2599.

Foodshare Volunteers were here bright & early on Wednesday, 11/16, to pick up our school's Turkey Trot food donations.  Mr. Stokes was on hand to help with the heavy lifting.  Thanks to all who donated non-perishable to help a neighbor in need!

St. Mary's Parish Christmas Youth Choir -  The Christmas Youth Choir will rehearse on three Thursdays, 12/8, 12/15, and 12/22 from 4:30 - 5:15 inside the church. All children old enough to learn the words to traditional Christmas carols are invited to participate. The choir sings prior to the 6pm Mass on Christmas Eve starting at 5:30pm.  Please see Music Director, Gena Sullivan, after Mass if you have any questions.

Sylvan Learning in West Hartford is offering programs in Robotics & Game Design -