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.