News for the Week of 5/31/17

Congratulations & All God's Blessings to
SMS Class of '17

Calendar Reminders

Our June School Mass will give us an opportunity to give thanks for this school year and to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2017.  Mass will be on Friday, June 2, at 10am.  All are welcome to join us at Mass and to stay for the graduation ceremony that will follow immediately after Mass. Please remember that no Physical Education Uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Kindergarten invites everyone to an End of Year Prayer Service on Tuesday, 6/13 at 9am in the church.  Please join us in giving thanks for a wonderful school year and in hopeful anticipation of a restful, enjoyable summer.

Field Day for grades K-4 will be held in the afternoon on Tuesday, 6/13.  

Last Day of School - Thursday, June 15th will be our last day of school.  This will be a 12:45pm early dismissal with NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare available.

School will reopen on Wednesday, August 30.  This will be a full day of school with both PreK Enrichment and Aftercare available.  "Meet & Greet" for younger students and "Morning in Middle School" for grade 6 and students new to grades 7 and 8 will be on Tuesday, August 29th.  Additional details will be published as soon as times are finalized.

Hot Lunch Help Needed!  We are down to our last few hot lunches for this school year.  On the following days, one additional volunteer is still needed - Friday, June 2; Monday, June 5; Monday, June 12 & Wednesday, June 14.  If you are Virtus trained and can help, please contact the school office or use the Sign Up Genius to sign up - click here.

Reminder to Smart Tuition Account Holders:  as you begin making payments in June on your 2017-2018 Smart Tuition account, please remember to change the school year in your account number from 16 to 17.  Account numbers are broken down as follows:  02300 is the school code; 17 refers to the school year; and the last six digits reflect your individual family’s account.  If you continue making payments using the 16 school year, they will apply to your 2016-17 account, generating an overpayment status.  Your 2017-18 account will then appear delinquent, causing $50 late fees to accrue each month the payments are missing.  If you have any questions about this, please call Smart Tuition’s Parent help center at 1-888-868-8828.

Is your child looking forward to joining band for the first time next year?  Our FMI instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, will host an informational meeting for parents interested in learning more about first time participation in instrumental music lessons and band on Monday, June 12th in the Music/Art Portable at 7pm.  Please join her to learn more about Future Musicians, Inc. and the Band and Instrumental Music program here at SMS. 




Summer Instrumental Music Lessons - Mrs. Morse will be offering half-hour lessons at St. Mary's School for $25 per lesson on selected Wednesdays this summer.  For more information and to reserve your lesson dates and times, please click here.




iPad News - 

Students in Kindergarten - Gr. 7 will turn in their iPads (and chargers, if applicable) on Tuesday, June 13th.  

All iPads should be turned in "as is" - devices should not be reset.  iPads will be inspected for physical damage.  If there is any visible physical damage, you will be billed $40.  As you know, we are going to be replacing all of our school owned iPads.  Our current inventory of devices is being turned into a "buy back" company.  This company will be paying us $60 for a device in "good" condition and $20 for a device in "busted" condition.  We are requesting the $40 for damaged devices to recoup the loss we will incur on "buyback" rather than requesting the $50 repair fee that would normally be charged.

Next year, all students in grades K-8 will receive a brand new 32GB iPad with a school owned case.  These iPads will be Apple's most currently released version of the standard size iPad.  We are excited about new capabilities that will be available to use using the JAMF Device Management System and to introduce coding as part of our continuing effort to meaningfully integrate technology in our curriculum.

Fourth grade enjoyed an informal PE class with Sister Mary Kolbe
on Tuesday since Mr. Gangloff attended Middle School Field Day.

Moms in Prayer - Moms in Prayer will be meeting on Wednesday, June 7th from 8:30 - 10am in the lower church library. Please join us for sessions of the video presentation “Guarding Your Child’s Heart” by Dr. Gary Smalley, about the importance of grounding our children in faith, through the memorization of scripture. Video sessions will focus on Practicing Humility in the Family and Rejoicing in Trials. Please contact Christine Sinopoli at christineds1213@yahoo.com or (860)558-9868 if you have any questions. Children are welcome.

Alumni News

Our congratulations to Rebecca Rienow, SMS Class of '12, on achieving the Dean's List for the spring semester at Geneva College.

Congratulations to Alexandra Carter, SMS Class of '09 on her Cum Laude graduation from University of Scranton on May 28, 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Counseling and Human Services. She will return for her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Community News

Cub Scout Recruiting - St. Mary's Pack 175 will be recruiting new Cub Scouts at Rocket Day on Saturday, June 3 from 2-4pm at Orkil Field across from the Apple Barn (74 Old Farms Road, Simsbury).  This is open to all boys from Kindergarten to 5th grade.  There will be a free rocket for new recruits to launch!  This is a great opportunity to learn about the program from leaders and cubs.  Email ambrosiochristian@gmail.com for more information.

Kick off Summer with an Annual Tradition - The St. Mary's Carnival!

Carnival Opens Wednesday, June 7th!

This year the carnival will run from June 7-10th.  Click here for more information and to learn how you can help.  Our school receives substantial financial assistance from carnival proceeds so this is a great community activity to support as a volunteer and as an attendee!

Tickets are available in the school office.

News for the Week of 5/24/17

May God bless our second grade and all those making their First Holy Communion this Spring.

Mark Your Calendars!  

Friday, May 26th is a 12:45pm Early Dismissal.  There will be no PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is closed on Monday, 5/29, for Memorial Day.

Our June School Mass will give us an opportunity to give thanks for this school year and to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2017.  Mass will be on Friday, June 2 at 10am.  All are welcome to join us at Mass and to stay for the graduation ceremony that will follow immediately after Mass. Please remember that no Physical Education Uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Calendar Information - 

Due to expected wet weather, Field Day for grades 5-8 has been moved to Tuesday, May 30th.






Field Day for grades K-4 has been moved from Monday, 6/5, to Tuesday, 6/13.  

Kindergarten Prayer Service date has also been changed and is now scheduled for Tuesday, 6/13, at 9am in the church.

Last Day of School - Thursday, June 15th will be our last day of school.  This will be a 12:45pm early dismissal with NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare available.

School will reopen on Wednesday, August 30.  This will be a full day of school with both PreK Enrichment and Aftercare available.  Information regarding "Meet & Greet" for younger students and "Morning in Middle School" for grade 6 and students new to grades 7 and 8 will be published as soon as days and times are finalized.

Looking forward to 2017-18 - Be a part of our school community in a leadership role in our Home & School Association.  We're "starting fresh" and are looking for those who are willing to serve to help us formulate our goals for next year. There will be a preliminary meeting in the Library portable on Thursday, May 25th at 7pm.  Please email Mrs. Williamson if you are able to come - mwilliamson@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net. 

Is your child looking forward to joining band for the first time next year?  Our FMI instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, will host an informational meeting for parents interested in learning more about first time participation in instrumental music lessons and band on Monday, June 12th in the Music/Art Portable at 7pm.  Please join her to learn more about Future Musicians, Inc. and the Band and Instrumental Music program here at SMS.

"Prince of Peace" - Whole School Chorus
Our thanks and congratulations to our FMI Instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse and our Vocal Music Instructor,
Mrs. Raimonda Jalinskas, for a wonderful Spring Band & Vocal Concert.  Our students looked & sounded beautiful!
Click here to enjoy the performance.

LAST CHANCE to Order Your 2016-17 Yearbook - ONLY A FEW COPIES LEFT AVAILABLE!  The SMS Yearbook is a great momento that features a photo of every student, club photos and candids from all our school year activities.  Don't miss your opportunity to own this important keepsake!  Yearbooks are ONLY available by presale. Yearbooks are $28.   ONLINE ORDERING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE BUT YEARBOOK ORDERS MAY STILL BE SENT INTO THE SCHOOL OFFICE.  A hard copy order form was sent home with all students on Friday, 4/28.   If you have questions, please contact Michelle Howard at michellechoward@yahoo.com.

Health Office News -  Click here for a sunscreen reminder from our Health Office.







iPad News -

8th grade students will turn in their school owned iPads and chargers on Tuesday, May 30th.  All other students will turn in their iPads (and chargers, if applicable) on Tuesday, June 13th.  Next year, all students in grades K-8 will receive a brand new 32GB iPad with a school owned case.  These iPads will be Apple's most currently released version of the standard size iPad.  We are excited about new capabilities that will be available to use using the JAMF Device Management System and to introduce coding as part of our continuing effort to meaningfully integrate technology in our curriculum.

Students in Mrs. Keaney's second grade enjoyed a science enrichment lesson about "sink and float" with Mr. Pellino.  Mr. Pellino is one of our Middle School Science teachers

from the Talcott Mountain Science Academy.

Third grade & the rest of our students
enjoyed a visit from Chompers the Yard Goats mascot
on Thursday, 5/18.  

Community News


Child Safety Tips - The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has published a set of Child Safety Tips.  As we begin the busy summer season, it's a great idea to take a few minutes to review these important tips.  Click here.

St. Catherine's Men's Club Invites You to a charity Golf Outing -  To register for the St. Catherine Golf Tournament, click here.

Sunday, 5/21, was a great day for a ball game with the Hartford Yard Goats!  

News for the Week of 5/18/17

Mark Your Calendars!  

Please mark your calendars that we will worship with our Parish family at the 12:15pm Mass for the Feast of the Ascension.  Please keep in mind that no Physical Education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

Friday, May 26th is a 12:45pm Early Dismissal.  There will be no PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.  School is closed on Monday, 5/29, for Memorial Day.

Looking forward to 2017-18 - Be a part of our school community in a leadership role in our Home & School Association.  We're "starting fresh" and are looking for those who are willing to serve to help us formulate our goals for next year. There will be a preliminary meeting in the Library portable on Thursday, May 25th at 7pm.  Please email Mrs. Williamson if you are able to come - mwilliamson@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net. 

Grandparents' & Special Person's Day - We were delighted to welcome many special visitors last Friday to Grandparents' & Special Person's Day and our annual May Crowning.  Many thanks to the volunteers who helped us make this day a success.

This is what learning looks like at SMS!
Why not invite a friend or neighbor to come and learn
more about us during a Walk-In Wednesday?

Walk-In Wednesdays are here!  Do you know someone wondering if SMS is the right place for their family?  Encourage them to drop in to get acquainted during one of our upcoming Walk-In Wednesdays on May 24 or May 31 from 9-11:30am.  

Spring Band & Vocal Concert - This year our Spring Band & Vocal Music Concert will be held on Monday, May 22nd at 7pm in the Parish Center.  There will be a dress rehearsal of the concert at 1:30pm on May 22nd.  Our FMI instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, has provided band students with directions regarding arrival time and concert attire.  Click here for Mrs. Morse's directions for band students. All students in Kindergarten - Grade 8 participate in the vocal music portion of the concert and attendance is considered mandatory since the performance is part of the student's vocal music grade.  If an excused absence needs to be requested, please contact Mrs. Williamson. "Sunday Best" is the dress expectation for the concert unless the teacher has provided other directives for dress.  "Sunday Best" for boys means a collared shirt and dress slacks or walking shorts with shoes and socks.  "Sunday Best" for girls means a dress, skirt, or skort of modest length or dress walking shorts (i.e., knee length) or slacks.  Dresses or tops should be of modest coverage (e.g., no bare shoulders, no open backed dresses).  Girls are expected to wear sensible shoes or sandals.  If "Sunday Best" is not available, the relaxed uniform may be worn.

It's Field Trip Time!  

This week, students in grades 4-8 all enjoyed field trips to destinations including the State Capitol, Old Sturbridge Village, the Connecticut Science Center, Boston and New York City!  While touring the State Capitol, our fourth grade students had the opportunity to spend some time with our favorite State Representative, Mr. John Hampton.  Mr. Hampton is an alumni of SMS and has been a strong advocate for our school and all Catholic schools in matters of educational funding. 

8th grade enjoyed a day in NYC complete with a double decker bus tour
of the city, the musical Anastasia and dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

LAST CHANCE to Order Your 2016-17 Yearbook - LIMITED NUMBER STILL AVAILABLE. The SMS Yearbook is a great momento that features a photo of every student, club photos and candids from all our school year activities.  Don't miss your opportunity to own this important keepsake!  Yearbooks are ONLY available by presale. Yearbooks are $28.   ONLINE ORDERING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE BUT YEARBOOK ORDERS MAY STILL BE SENT INTO THE SCHOOL OFFICE.  A hard copy order form was sent home with all students on Friday, 4/28.   Additional order forms are available in the school office.  If you have questions, please contact Michelle Howard at michellechoward@yahoo.com.

CHOICE News - The purchasing period for CHOICE for our current school year closed on April 30th.  If your family has a balance due for your CHOICE commitment for this year, a statement has been emailed to you.  Please send your balance due into the school office at your earliest convenience- this balance is now considered OVERDUE.  Your CHOICE obligation is part of your tuition commitment.  Purchases made after 4/30, are being credited to your family's CHOICE obligation for the 17-18 school year.  If you have questions regarding the CHOICE program or your family's CHOICE obligation, please contact Tammy in the school office.

Community News

Cub Scout Recruiting - St. Mary's Pack 175 will be recruiting new Cub Scouts at Rocket Day on Saturday, June 3 from 2-4pm at Orkil Field across from the Apple Barn (74 Old Farms Road, Simsbury).  This is open to all boys from Kindergarten to 5th grade.  There will be a free rocket for new recruits to launch!  This is a great opportunity to learn about the program from leaders and cubs.  Email ambrosiochristian@gmail.com for more information.

Community Service Opportunity - The Simsbury Lions Club will hold a car wash from 9am until noon on Saturday, June 3, in the north (playground) parking lot.  They are looking for several 7th & 8th grade volunteers (not more than 6) to advertise the carwash with sidewalk signs on the day of the event.  For more information, contact Richard Kuziak at 860-722-5316 or 860 416-1123.

Kick off Summer with an Annual Tradition - The St. Mary's Carnival!

This year the carnival will run from June 7-10th.  Click here for more information and to learn how you can help.  Our school receives substantial financial assistance from carnival proceeds so this is a great community activity to support as a volunteer and as an attendee!

Tickets are available in the school office until Thursday, June 8th.