News for the Week of 4/25/18

Tuition Assistance is Available!  

Application Deadline is THIS FRIDAY, 4/27/18. 

SMS offers families several opportunities for tuition assistance each year.  In order to be considered for any type of assistance, you must complete a SmartAid application no later than Friday, April 27, 2018.  Click here for additional information about tuition assistance.  Click here to complete a SmartAid application. 

Spring Spruce Up is Handled!  Thanks to those who considered volunteering.  We know what a busy time of year it is.  Final tidying of the grounds will be complete in time for our reaccreditation visit.

Fiesta like there is no tomorrow! 

Buy your tickets today for our Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Hartford Golf Club on Saturday, May 5th at 7pm. 

This is our largest fundraiser of the year, with all monies raised going directly to our school.

Come dine, dance and bid the night away! 

Contact Toni Chagnon to purchase tickets 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net 

Check out these ASOMBROSO items up for bid: 

* 6 Tanglewood Tickets to see Harry Connick Jr. on June 23rd with a Red Lion Restaurant Gift Card. 

* Family Grass Passes to the Talcott Mountain Music Festival your choice of concert!

* 4 New York Giants Tickets, MetLife Stadium - Section 133, 2nd Row, - with VIP parking!! 

* Hartford Golf Club Foursome 

Don't forget our exclusive event purchase of Ted's Ten Tickets for the kids! This coupon book will be MUY BIEN, filled with homework passes, uniform exchanges, free ice cream, crazy sock 7 accessory day and much more!!  

Stay tuned for more FABULOSO items!

IOWA Testing begins for students in grades 3 -7 on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. 

From Wednesday, 5/2/18, through Tuesday, 5/8/18, students in grades 3-7 will be taking the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills. Wednesday, 5/9/18 and Thursday, 5/10/18, 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.

CHOICE News - The 2017-18 CHOICE program concludes on 4/30/18. Participation in the CHOICE program is a mandatory part of your family's financial commitment to SMS if your children are in grades K-8.  CHOICE statements have been provided to all families with an outstanding balance.  CHOICE purchases made beginning 5/1/18 will be credited to the 18-19 CHOICE program.

Grandparents' & Special Person's Day & May Crowning will be held on Friday, May 11th.  Again this year, we are looking forward to welcoming special guests for a visit.  We hope many grandparents and people special to our students will join us for morning prayer at 8:45am in the Parish Center.  After a continental breakfast and some student entertainment, guests will be free to visit classrooms until 10:30am when the school community will transition to the church for our traditional May Crowning.  Guests will be free to depart after May Crowning as students return to school for the remainder of the academic day. 

It’s Almost Book Fair time!  Kids love picking out their own books to read, and this is the perfect opportunity. Everything is Buy One - Get One Free!  Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair or send your child with payment (cash, check to St. Mary’s School, or credit card) and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.  Please check teacher blogs for information regarding days and times for class visits.

Book Fair dates: Tuesday, May 29th - Thursday, May 31st

Shopping hours: Tuesday: 11:00 - 3:30

Wednesday: 8:30 - 3:30

Thursday: 8:30 - 3:30

We need your help! Please use this sign up link to volunteer: Book Fair Volunteers
Thank you so much!

7th Grade Students - Northwest Catholic Invites You to Their Pre-High School Placement Test. Northwest Catholic High School requires all applicants to take an Entrance Exam, the HSPT (High School Placement Test), as part of the application process. This year Northwest Catholic will be offering the Pre-HSPT for 7th graders interested in attending Northwest Catholic in the Fall of 2019. This exam offers students a way to prepare for the HSPT. Some of the benefits to taking the Pre-HSPT are:

*  Students take the Pre-HSPT under similar conditions as the HSPT.

*  The exam assesses strengths as well as areas of improvement needed.
*  Provides early feedback to identify performance gaps. 
*  Familiarizes students with HSPT content and structure.
*  Students receive the same scoring services offered as the HSPT. 

If you are interested in signing up for the Pre-HSPT, which will be given on Saturday, May 12th from 8am-11am, click here. Check-in will begin at 7:30am and the cost for the exam is $15.

Alumni News

Our congratulations to Northwest Catholic seniors, James Sullivan and Aaron Belletsky, both SMS Class of '14, on having attained High Honors every semester at Northwest Catholic High School.

We also congratulate Avery Hatch, SMS Class of '12, on being named one of 15 Elon University Lumen Scholars for 2018.  As a recipient of the Lumen prize, Avery will receive a $20,000 scholarship to support and celebrate her academic achievements and research proposal. Avery will work closely with her mentor over the next two years to pursue and complete her project:   “Assessing the Transformation and Bioaccessibility of Metal Nanoparticles in Synthetic Biological Fluids: Implications for Human Health”. 


SMS Family Day with the YardGoats!  Click here to download this flyer and complete your ticket order.  All orders and payments should be sent into the school office NLT May 4th.

News for the Week of 4/18/18

Hot Lunch Order Period for May Now Open!  Please use the Educonnect Parent Portal to order hot lunches for May.  The order period will close on Friday, 4/20.  Please send in your payment as soon as your order is placed.  No late orders can be accepted.

Spring Spruce Up Continues!  Your Help is Needed!

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers last weekend, a lot of beautification has already happened around the school and church.  As we prepare for our NEASC reaccreditation visit, we could really use some more help next Saturday.  Work will start at 9am on Saturday, 4/28, and our objectives will be to spread some additional mulch, sweep and hopefully plant some hardy annuals.  Please click here to volunteer and indicate what gardening equipment you will be able to bring.  Students are welcome and encouraged to come but adult supervision must be provided.

Every student received a flashing Cinco de Mayo button today at dismissal!
Be sure to check backpacks and bring your button(s) to our Cinco de Mayo celebration
for special pricing on Ted's Ten Tickets -
homework passes, uniform exchange passes, treats & more!

Tuition Assistance is Available!  SMS offers families several opportunities for tuition assistance each year.  In order to be considered for any type of assistance, you must complete a SmartAid application no later than Friday, April 27, 2018.  Click here for additional information about tuition assistance.  Click here to complete a SmartAid application. 

Moms in Prayer will be meeting in the lower church library on Wednesday, April 25 between 8:30 AM and 10 AM for prayer.

CHOICE News - The 2017-18 CHOICE program concludes on 4/30/18. Participation in the CHOICE program is a mandatory part of your family's financial commitment to SMS if your children are in grades K-8.  CHOICE statements have been provided to all families with an outstanding balance.  CHOICE purchases made beginning 5/1/18 will be credited to the 18-19 CHOICE program.

7th Grade Students - Northwest Catholic Invites You to Their Pre-High School Placement Test. Northwest Catholic High School requires all applicants to take an Entrance Exam, the HSPT (High School Placement Test), as part of the application process. This year Northwest Catholic will be offering the Pre-HSPT for 7th graders interested in attending Northwest Catholic in the Fall of 2019. This exam offers students a way to prepare for the HSPT. Some of the benefits to taking the Pre-HSPT are:

*  Students take the Pre-HSPT under similar conditions as the HSPT.

*  The exam assesses strengths as well as areas of improvement needed.
*  Provides early feedback to identify performance gaps.
*  Familiarizes students with HSPT content and structure.
*  Students receive the same scoring services offered as the HSPT.

If you are interested in signing up for the Pre-HSPT, which will be given on Saturday, May 12th from 8am-11am, click here. Check-in will begin at 7:30am and the cost for the exam is $15.

The 6th grade class is organizing a donation drive to benefit the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park. They are currently studying Marine Science, with a focus on the Long Island Sound. The nature center provides a wonderful resource to educate the public, and care for local wildlife. The students are hoping that families and friends can check their homes for items they may be able to donate. Items will be accepted old (if in good condition) or new. There is a donation box near the main office at SMS.  Click here for a list of items being collected.

SMS Stars

Congratulations to Mrs. Williamson, who has been honored for her service to CAS-CIAC (Connecticut Association of Schools - Interscholastic Athletic Association). Mrs. Williamson will be receiving the CAS Citation, the association's highest honor, at the organization's Annual Membership Reception on May 15. In the words of Superintendent, Dr. Michael Griffin, "Margie, Congratulations on being named to receive a CAS Citation - the highest award given by CAS-CIAC! This recognition truly reflects your exceptional leadership and service to the schools and athletic programs of the state of Connecticut! You are a wonderful representative of our Catholic schools in this important Association of Schools and Interscholastic Athletic Association. Congratulations again on this great honor!"

Nate, left, pictured in Pignon, Haiti
during a volunteer experience.

Nate Heiden, SMS Class of '10, has been named a Fulbright Scholar! He’ll spend the 18-19 academic year doing plant biology research in Spain. Congratulations, Nate!

Is your child great at explaining math or science concepts? They could win a $250,000 scholarship!  Khan Academy is  proud to support the Breakthrough Junior Challenge video contest again this year. To enter, your child should create a short (under three minutes) video explaining a challenging concept in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences in an engaging, illuminating, and creative way.  You have until July 1, 2018 to submit the video.  In addition to awarding a college scholarship to the winner, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge will give the winner’s teacher a $50,000 prize and the winner’s school a new $100,000 science lab.  Click here to learn more and register. Click here to watch last year's winner's video.

SMS Family Day with the YardGoats!  Click here to download this flyer and complete your ticket order.  All orders and payments should be sent into the school office NLT May 4th.

Community News

Granny's Attic & Boutique is Open!  Don't miss this year's best tag sale that also features fine collectibles, clothing and antiques.  Convenient location at the old Wagner Ford showroom, 1285 Hopmeadow Street.  Click here for hours of operation.  Volunteers are needed and this is an opportunity for middle school service hours.  Click here for more information regarding open shifts and Sign Up Genius. Middle School students, please be sure to use the "teen link" when signing up.

Simsbury Public Library is hosting programs from April - June.  Click here for their newsletter.

Looking Ahead to Summer Fun!

Simsbury Recreation Department Summer Brochure is now available!  Lots of great summer programs are available again this year.  Click here to view the brochure.

The Simsbury Arts Academy in association with the Simsbury Department of Continuing Education will be offering a Visual Arts Academy, a Musical Theater Academy and a Strings Academy to students entering grades 4-12 from July 9 - July 27.  Click here to register on-line or pick up an SAA Registration Form from the school office.

Camp KO at the Kingswood Oxford School will also have lots of great opportunities this summer.  Click here to learn more.  Additionally, use Code FB50 for a discount.

News for the week of 4/4/18

School will be closed from Monday, 4/9/18 - Friday, 4/13/18 for Spring vacation.  The relaxed uniform may be worn when school reopens on Monday, 4/16/18.  Please remember that a belt is required with walking shorts and school shoes are required with the relaxed uniform.  Please take a few minutes ahead of 4/16, to assure that the relaxed uniforms worn in the fall still fit appropriately and are in good condition so that there is time to purchase replacements if needed.

Used Uniform Exchange - Click here to view a list of available uniform items from the exchange.  You may find the Relaxed Uniform items you need!

A Reminder Regarding School Policy on Recreational Absences - We understand that many families may choose to extend a vacation for various reasons.  Please keep in mind school policy when you are making this choice.  Our Parent/Student Handbook clearly explains the policy regarding missed tests and pending assignments - Teachers are not required to give make-up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations. No assignment will be given in anticipation of the vacation.  Teachers are not expected to reteach work or to tutor individual students for make-up work when a student returns from a recreational absence.

Tonight - Wednesday, 4/4, is our Spring Open House for Prospective Families.  Open House will begin at 6:30pm. It will be a great opportunity to visit classrooms, meet our faculty and staff and learn more about the the advantages of a Catholic education.  Your invitation could help you pay your tuition - click here to learn more about our New Family Referral Program!

For more information, please contact Toni Chagnon, 860-658-9412 or tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net 

2018-19 Family Enrollment Agreements & Fees were due Monday, 3/26/18.  If you have not returned your enrollment material yet, please do so ASAP.  Reminder courtesy calls are being made to those families who have not returned their enrollments.  If you have questions about your enrollment packet, please contact the school office.

Tuition Assistance is Available!  SMS offers families several opportunities for tuition assistance each year.  In order to be considered for any type of assistance, you must complete a SmartAid application no later than Friday, April 27, 2018.  Click here for additional information about tuition assistance.  Click here to complete a SmartAid application. 

CHOICE News - The 2017-18 CHOICE program concludes on 4/30/18. Participation in the CHOICE program is a mandatory part of your family's financial commitment to SMS if your children are in grades K-8.  CHOICE statements will be provided to all families with an outstanding balance.  CHOICE purchases made beginning 5/1/18 will be credited to the 18-19 CHOICE program.

Spanish Speaking Countries Exhibition - Parents are invited to come and view our Middle School students' Spanish Speaking Countries Exhibition on Wednesday, 4/18/18, from 10-11am.

Our April School Mass has been rescheduled for Friday, April 20th at 9am.  All are welcome to join us.  Please remember that no P.E. uniforms should be worn to Mass.  The Relaxed Uniform is acceptable for Mass.

School Board News - Do you know someone interested in serving our school as a member of our School Board? Would you like to be a part of our School Board? There will be 2 openings on our board for the 18-19 school year. Please contact Sarah Mutarelli, SMS School Board Chair, if you want to learn more or would like to be considered for nomination.

2017-18 State of the School Report - If you were unable to attend Tuesday's School Board meeting, but are interested in viewing the 2017-18 State of the School Report presented by Mrs. Williamson, click here.

Save the Date! Join Us for Cinco de Mayo!  Book your babysitter for Saturday, May 5th and join us at the Hartford Golf Club at 7pm for an evening of festivities including dinner, dancing, margaritas, raffle, auction and more!  Your invitation should arrive in next week's U.S. mail.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available, too!  A sponsorship form was sent home with each family's youngest or only child on 3/28/18.  You can also click here to download a copy.

SMS Stars - 

We are proud to share that Isabel P., Gr. 8, has selected
Milton Academy in Milton, MA for high school.
#daretobemilton

Our congratulations to Sara O., Gr. 5, on her recent swim meet accomplishments!

Community News

St. Mary's is planning a Spring “Clean Up Day” at all of our properties, (parish, rectory, and school) on Saturday April 14th, beginning at 9am. Ending time is open ended for now based on how many volunteers are available to help. We will be raking, blowing, trimming, sweeping, spreading mulch, and possibly planting (weather forecast dependent) so we will also need all tools and equipment associated with these activities you might be willing to bring with you. If you do bring tools please be sure to have some distinguishing marks, family crest, or name on them. We are an equal opportunity volunteer group so you are welcome to bring any of your family and friends who would like to join us. Supervised children are welcome and this would be a great opportunity for middle school students to attain service hours.  If you are interested in helping or would like to learn more, please contact Dennis Duff at  d3duff@gmail.com.