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 -