News for the Week of 1/30/18

Our Celebration of Catholic Schools Week Continues!

Thursday, 1/31 - Family Lunch  Again this year, all families are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and join their favorite students at lunch.  Times for Family Lunch Day are:

11:00-11:35 PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2

11:40-12:15 Grades 3, 4 & 5

12:20-12:50 Grades 6, 7 & 8

Friday,  2/1, we will offer free Freezer pops at lunch time!

Looking Ahead to February -

Our February School Mass will be held at 9am on Tuesday, 2/5, in the church.  All are welcome to join us in worship.  Please remember that no PE Uniforms should be worn to Mass.

School will be closed on Monday, 2/18 & Tuesday, 2/19, for the long winter weekend.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held from Wednesday, 2/20 - Friday, 2/22.  Each of these days will be a 12:45pm early dismissal.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare on these days.  Click here to schedule your conferences.  Please note that if your middle school student has Mrs. Gina Raymond for Math, you should select a conference on Thursday or Friday.  Please also note that if you do not schedule a conference, none will be scheduled for you.

Sir Ted's KIDS ONLY Party!  Click here to register your child(ren) for this evening of fun.

Thanks to All Who Made Our Art Show A Success!  Last Saturday's school Mass was followed by our Student Art Show.  The evening was a wonderful success and we want to thank all who attended and took home their child(ren)'s leaf creations by making donations to our Annual Appeal.

If you were unable to attend or simply overlooked your child(ren)'s leaf/leaves, there's still time to make a donation and "rake in" your foliage!  Just send a check (suggested donation is $25) to the office with your child(ren)'s name and "art show" in the memo section.  Your leaf/leaves will be sent home with your child(ren).

We also want to thank the parent volunteers who worked so hard to assist Mrs. Sirianni with setup of the art show and provide delicious refreshments and beverages for the evening.  Finally, our special thanks to our Art Teacher, Mrs. Mary Sirianni.  Mrs. Sirianni's positive, creative spirit is evident in her curriculum and her enthusiasm and support have helped our students excel in their artistic endeavors.

Extra! Extra! Read all the SMS News! 

Click here to view the latest edition of the SMS Times.

Spelling Bee - All are invited to attend our annual Spelling Bee for grades 4-6 on Wednesday, February 6 after morning prayer (9am) in the Parish Center. It's bound to be exciting - e x c i t i n g - exciting!

It's Time to Order Your 2019 Yearbooks - The SMS Yearbook is a great way to preserve and enjoy all of this school year's great moments and memories.  The yearbook features photos of every student and of all important school activities, sports and clubs.  You may order online using our school code - 9415319 or complete and order form and return it to the school office NLT March 29, 2019.  Order forms will be sent home this Friday, 2/1/2019, with each student.  The price per yearbook is $35.  Yearbooks are distributed in June immediately prior to 8th grade graduation and must be pre-ordered.  Please call the school office with any questions.

Used Uniform Exchange -  In need of a few updated items, please click here to view current inventory of the used uniform exchange.

Legislative Alert - Your Action is Needed!  Two bills have been proposed in the Connecticut General Assembly that would eliminate school bus transportation for Catholic schools.  Please follow this link and urge your state legislators to oppose HB 6611 and HB 5241.  

These types of things affect everyone because it can lead to other services being curtailed such as nursing and special services. As tax paying citizens who are exercising your right to choose the school for your children, your voice matters. So please contact your legislators.

Lost & Found - Our Lost & Found bin is overflowing!  There are lots of Lands End sweaters and sweatshirts.  If you child(ren) are missing items, please encourage them to look in the Lost & Found.  The bin is located right outside the PreK classroom.  You are also invited to stop in at any time to look for missing items.  At the end of this week, we will be donating all leftover items to either the Used Uniform Exchange or charity.

Alumni News

Lindsay Voelker, SMS Class of '15, pictured with
NWC Jazz Choir Director, Dan Avery.

Our congratulations to Lindsay Voelker, SMS Class of '15, on receiving a Judges Award at the Berklee Jazz Festival!  Our students got to enjoy a performance by the  NWC Jazz Singers this Tuesday.

Tim Nolan, SMS Class of '14, pictured with mom & dad
at Syracuse University.

We are also happy to share that Tim Nolan, SMS Class of '14 has been named to the Dean’s list at The Newhouse School, Syracuse University,  for the Fall Semester 2018.

Finally, our congratulations to Maria Nolan, SMS Class of '16!  Maria has been named to the 2018 All Conference team, the 2018 All State Team and Honorable Mention to the All Courant Team for 2018.

Community News

Looking for some fun indoor activities during this long winter?  The Simsbury Public Library is hosting many interesting events in February.  Click here.  You may also enjoy browsing their winter newsletter.

News for the Week of 1/23/19

Looking forward to Winter Family Fun THIS WEEKEND at the Start of Catholic Schools Week!

Saturday, January 26th from 5-8pm ~ Family Mass & our Student Art Show Gallery. 

Our annual art show will be presented after the 5pm Mass on 1/26/19.  Students should wear their uniform to Mass. Families are then invited to come across to the Parish Center to enjoy the art show along with a selection of snacks and appetizers.  Enjoy a cozy cup of cocoa from our hot cocoa bar while touring the "gallery".  The art show theme this year is in keeping with our Laudato Si initiatives.  Students are working hard and creatively to design and produce artistic pieces that will evoke taking care of our environment through recycling. Every student, PreK thru 8th grade, will have a piece of artwork on display for our community to enjoy.

Please click here to RSVP.  

Your RSVP helps us be sure we have enough food for this family event, so thanks in advance! 

More Catholic Schools Week Fun!

Again this year, we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with several fun activities for both our students and our faculty/staff.  

Sunday, January 27th - Open House for Prospective Families from 2-4pm beginning in the Parish Center.  Additional details appear below.

Teacher Appreciation Week - Your help is needed! Click here to learn more about the activities that are planned and how you can help with a donation!

Student Appreciation Activities -  Students are an important part of Catholic Schools Week and we have some special events planned!  

On Monday, 1/28, students who attended Mass on Saturday, 1/26, are allowed to wear their PE clothes to school!

On Tuesday, 1/29, the Big Band and Jazz Singers from Northwest Catholic HS will perform for the students and conduct vocal and instrumental workshops. Students who are in band will be asked to bring their instruments so they can have the opportunity to work with the Director and high school students.

Wednesday, 1/30, is Blue Ribbon picture day! Students may wear their PE uniforms to school and we would especially ask that everyone wear the spirit tee shirt that has the knight on it. Mrs. Chagnon has various sizes available for $15. We want to take our “official” Blue Ribbon School photo.

Thursday, 1/31 - Family Lunch  Again this year, all families are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and join their favorite students at lunch.  Times for Family Lunch Day are:

11:00-11:35 PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2

11:40-12:15 Grades 3, 4 & 5

12:20-12:50 Grades 6, 7 & 8

Friday,  2/1, we will offer free Freezer pops at lunch time!

Other things going on include: extra recess, a “no homework” coupon and Teacher Choice!

Winter Weather Reminders - Just a reminder that if the opening of school is delayed, there is NO Early Drop Off.
Please also keep in mind that unless the temperature/wind chill is less than 20 degrees students do wait outside in the morning and do go out for recess.  In order to play in the snow, students need boots and snowpants along with hats, coats and gloves.  Please be sure to label all outerwear with names.  We also encourage sending in a dry pair of socks so everyone has warm feet in the afternoon!

Advancement News 

Well, last week, there was a giant swan....and rubber ducks....
Trust us - Jumbled Fairy Tales are a LOT of fun!

How Much Fun are Jumbled Fairy Tales?

Join us this Friday (1/25) for our final Jumbled Fairy Tale! Please join us with your little one (all children under the age of 5 are welcome!) for Story Time & Craft - 9:00 -9:30am   ~RSVP to Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or sign up at  http://bit.ly/ftjumbled

Encourage friends or neighbors who are wondering about SMS to come to meet our faculty, staff, parents and students. From cursive to coding, we'll be sharing what has made us a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! Contact Toni Chagnon for more information or to RSVP 860-658-9412 or  tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net .  Don't forget about our Family Referral Program!  Click here to learn more.

Spelling Bee - All are invited to attend our annual Spelling Bee for grades 4-6 on Wednesday, February 6 after morning prayer (9am) in the Parish Center. It's bound to be exciting - e x c i t i n g - exciting!

Lost & Found - Our Lost & Found bin is overflowing!  There are lots of Lands End sweaters and sweatshirts.  If you child(ren) are missing items, please encourage them to look in the Lost & Found.  The bin is located right outside the PreK classroom.  You are also invited to stop in at any time to look for missing items.  At the end of January, we will be donating all leftover items to either the Used Uniform Exchange or charity.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE USING VERIZON FOR CELL PHONES - Please take a moment to read this very important information that may affect your ability to receive our Remind texts.  NOTE - THIS APPLIES ONLY TO THOSE WITH VERIZON SERVICE.

We have received information from Remind that effective Monday, January 28th, those with Verizon will NO LONGER receive Remind text messages.  This is because Verizon will be charging Remind a new fee that makes it impossible for them to continue free service with this carrier.

IF YOU ARE  VERIZON CUSTOMER - you can continue to receive your messages if you download the Remind Mobile app or email enable email notifications - both of which are free of charge. 

Click here to read additional information.  We would also like to encourage you to contact Verizon and request that they exclude Remind from this new fee so that you can continue to receive your text messages from the school office & athletics.  Verizon Customer Service: 1-800-922-0204

We are sorry to have to share this news but want to STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL VERIZON CUSTOMERS TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO CONTINUE RECEIVING REMIND COMMUNICATIONS.

Alumni News - Congratulations to Amelia Toscano, SMS Class of '14!  Amelia has been named to the Dean's List at Emerson College for the fall semester. 

SMS Alumni Reconnect in Panama!
Declan Wlochowski, SMS Class of '16, Conall Hughes, SMS Class of '11,
&  Aiden Wlochowski , SMS Class of '17 had an impromptu reunion
at World Youth Day in Panama.

Community News

Give Kids a Smile Day - Avon Wellness Center Dental Associates will again be participating in the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile Day.  This year's event is on Friday, March 29, 2019.  Appointments begin at 8am.  Free services include:  exam, cleaning, x-rays, flouride, sealants, fillings (if needed) and extractions (if needed).  Qualifications for services:  children up to age 18 of uninsured or under-insured families.  Children who qualify for assisted lunch and children who are on the CT HUSKY program.  Please call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment - 860-606-0066.  

News for the Week of 1/16/19

Mark Your Calendar for some Winter Family Fun at the Start of Catholic Schools Week!

Saturday, January 26th from 5-8pm ~ Family Mass & our Student Art Show Gallery. 

Our annual art show will be presented after the 5pm Mass on 1/26/19.  Students should wear their uniform to Mass. Families are then invited to come across to the Parish Center to enjoy the art show along with a selection of snacks and appetizers.  Enjoy a cozy cup of cocoa from our hot cocoa bar while touring the "gallery".  The art show theme this year is in keeping with our Laudato Si initiatives.  Students are working hard and creatively to design and produce artistic pieces that will evoke taking care of our environment through recycling. Every student, PreK thru 8th grade, will have a piece of artwork on display for our community to enjoy.

Please click here to RSVP.  

Your RSVP helps us be sure we have enough food for this family event, so thanks in advance! 

More Catholic Schools Week Fun!

Again this year, we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with several fun activities for both our students and our faculty/staff.  Look for additional details next week, but please take a moment to review what's in store!

Sunday, January 27th - Open House for Prospective Families from 2-4pm beginning in the Parish Center.  Additional details appear below.

Teacher Appreciation Week - We hope to pull together some small gestures of appreciation for our very dedicated faculty.  If you would like to help - please contact the school office. A committee is being formed to plan the details for these activities.

Student Appreciation Activities -  More details coming soon, but, we promise there will be plenty of fun for our very special students!

Thursday, January 31st - Family Lunch  Again this year, all families are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and join their favorite students at lunch.  Times for Family Lunch Day are:

11:00-11:35 PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2

11:40-12:15 Grades 3, 4 & 5

12:20-12:50 Grades 6, 7 & 8

Calendar Reminders-

School Board Meeting - The School Board will meet tonight, Wednesday, 1/16/19, at 7pm in the lower church.  All are welcome to attend.

School will be closed on Monday, 1/21/19, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Carpool Pick Up Reminder - Please keep in mind that the first two parking spaces in the carpool lot are reserved for last year's auction winners.  These spots should always be left vacant for those that paid for the privilege of parking in them.  Thank you.

Winter Weather Reminder - It looks like some snowy or slippery weather may be on the way.  Please keep in mind that SMS follows the Simsbury Public Schools in regard to delayed openings, early dismissals and closures due to weather or other emergencies.  A Remind text will be sent when the weather affects our daily schedule and an announcement will appear on the school's website. 

IMPORTANT P.E. CLUB NEWS -  Thursday P.E. Club (Grs. 5-8) is on hold until the end of basketball season.  The plan is to resume Thursday P.E. Club the first week of March.  Wednesday P.E. Club (Gr. 1-4) continues as usual.

Students in grades 6-8 hosted their exhibition of Los Paises de Habla Hispana (Spanish Speaking countries)
today in the Parish Center.  It was great to see so many parents and grandparents.  Pictured here, Sara, Gr. 6,
with her mom.

Advancement News - 2019 Is Off to a Great Start!

Jumbled Fairy Tales Continue All Month at St. Mary's School! Please join us with your little one (all children under the age of 5 are welcome!) on Friday mornings for Story Time & Craft - 9:00 -9:30am   ~RSVP to Toni Chagnon at 860-658-9412 or sign up at  http://bit.ly/ftjumbled

*If winter weather forces a delay on Friday, 1/18, Jumbled Fairy Tales will be cancelled but we will look forward to seeing you on 1/25!

Encourage friends or neighbors who are wondering about SMS to come to meet our faculty, staff, parents and students. From cursive to coding, we'll be sharing what has made us a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! Contact Toni Chagnon for more information or to RSVP 860-658-9412 or  tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net .  Don't forget about our Family Referral Program!  Click here to learn more.

We Need your Superhero Powers! 
Enter your best superhero themed drawing  by Thursday, January 24th and your design could win our contest to be featured on our t shirt for our biggest fundraiser and family event of the year, St. Mary's School Superhero Challenge! 

The winner will be announced at the Art Show on Saturday, January 26th and will receive a free t shirt! For rules and more information,click here .

Looking Ahead to 2019-2020 - Wondering how to sign up for PreKindergarten or Kindergarten at SMS? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1.  Applications are now being accepted for PreKindergarten.  Our PreK program is designed for an older 4 or a young 5 year old. This includes children will be 4 or who will not turn 5 until after 12/31/19.  Exceptions are occasionally made to allow a younger student to attend our PreK, please just call the office to discuss.

* Children who will turn 5 no later than 12/31/19, are eligible for Kindergarten next year.  

2.  Kindergarten admission for our current PreK students is "seamless" - there is NO need to apply for Kindergarten if your child is attending our PreK.  Unless we are notified of other plans, an enrollment packet for Kindergarten will be sent to you automatically.

3.  Kindergarten admissions for a student attending another area preschool or for a student will begin their first school experience in Kindergarten is as easy as filling out an application form and returning it to the school office with the application fee.  If your application is received prior to early March, you will receive a Kindergarten enrollment packet during our normal spring enrollment period.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE USING VERIZON FOR CELL PHONES - Please take a moment to read this very important information that may affect your ability to receive our Remind texts.  NOTE - THIS APPLIES ONLY TO THOSE WITH VERIZON SERVICE.

We have received information from Remind that effective Monday, January 28th, those with Verizon will NO LONGER receive Remind text messages.  This is because Verizon will be charging Remind a new fee that makes it impossible for them to continue free service with this carrier.

IF YOU ARE  VERIZON CUSTOMER - you can continue to receive your messages if you download the Remind Mobile app or email enable email notifications - both of which are free of charge. 

Click here to read additional information.  We would also like to encourage you to contact Verizon and request that they exclude Remind from this new fee so that you can continue to receive your text messages from the school office & athletics.  Verizon Customer Service: 1-800-922-0204

We are sorry to have to share this news but want to STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL VERIZON CUSTOMERS TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO CONTINUE RECEIVING REMIND COMMUNICATIONS.

Time for a Fresh Uniform?  If your child(ren) need a "mid-season" replacement or if you want to get a jump on relaxed uniforms for the spring, Lands' End is offering free logos until 1/29/19.  Logos are an optional addition on our polo shirts, athletic pants, crew necked sweatshirts and cardigan sweaters.

CHOICE News - Winter weather's on the way!  Do you have all the necessities?  Bread, milk, hot cocoa, soup, a good book, cough drops, a movie, warm socks, mittens, ice melt, a shovel????  CHOICE has gift cards to every store you need to visit to be storm ready - Big Y, Stop & Shop, Shoprite, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, CVS and many more! 

Avery Hatch, SMS Class of '12, is spending
Elon's winter term studying the works of
Dante in Florence, Italy.  When not
immersed in study, she is consuming
 all the pasta and bread she can!

Alumni News - Congratulations to Avery Hatch, SMS Class of '12, on being named to the Dean's List at Elon University for the Fall 2018 semester.  

We love to hear about our alumni's accomplishments and life experiences.  Please send your stories to smsoffice@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.