News for the Week of 3/27/19

Did You Miss Last Week's School Board Meeting?  If so, you can view Mrs. Williamson's annual State of the School powerpoint here.

2019 SMS Parent Survey - Please be sure to complete this important survey which will help us continue to advance our mission to provide challenging academics and opportunities for spiritual growth in a safe, nurturing environment.  Survey responses are requested NLT  this Friday, March 29.  The survey should require approximately 15 minutes to complete.  Your responses are anonymous and all information will be analyzed in aggregate (non-individual) form only.   Click here.

Family Enrollment Packets for 19-20 were sent out via email on Friday, 3/1/19.  Please return your signed Family Enrollment Form and Fee to the school office NLT this Friday, 3/29/19.  If you have any questions or if you believe Family Enrollment Form is in error, please contact the school office. Thank you for your continued partnership with our school.



Originally scheduled for Friday, March 29th, Living Stations of the Cross are now scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th at 2pm in the church.  Please make note of this date and time change.  All are welcome to attend this beautiful SMS Lenten tradition.








Looking Ahead to April -  April is a busy month!  Please take a moment to make note of upcoming events and days school will be closed.  







Our April School Mass will be held at 9am on Tuesday, April 2.  All are welcome to attend.  Please remember that no PE uniforms should be worn to Mass.







Open House for Prospective Families - There will be an Open House for Prospective Families on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.  If you know someone who is wondering if SMS is the right place for their family or perhaps a family with an energetic 3 year old that might enjoy our new 2 morning per week program, please invite them to attend.  Your recommendation is our best advertisement and we are happy to reward your efforts via our Family Referral Program.


There will also be an SMS Info Session at St. Catherine of Siena church this Sunday, 3/31, at 12 noon, in Russell Hall.  Refreshments will be available.



School will be closed from Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 for spring vacation. Relaxed Uniforms may be worn when students return from vacation, beginning Monday, April 15.

Thursday, 4/18, will be a 12:45pm early dismissal for Holy Thursday.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.

School will be closed on Good Friday, 4/19 and Easter Monday, 4/22.

All SMS Superheros Mark Your Calendars! - Our biggest event of the year: The SMS Superhero Challenge & Cornhole Tournament will be held on Friday, 4/26. 

Click here to register for the Cornhole Tournament.

Community Superheroes Needed!  Sponsors for this event are still needed.  All sponsors receive great exposure for their companies and help a great cause, our kids! 

Click here for more information about sponsorship.

Students in Mrs. Gore's fifth grade are learning about the 3 different types of rocks in their Geology unit. Students made sedimentary rocks out of different sands and small rocks using epsom salt to speed up the crystallization process. The samples are sitting in a sunny window to simulate the heating process. Next week, students will observe the samples to see how much hardening has occurred.

Grade 8 Fundraising - 

A Mixed Bag Fund Raiser flyer was sent home with all students on Friday, 3/22/19.  Anyone purchasing from this Fund Raiser will automatically be entered in a raffle featuring some great "mixed bag" prizes.  Extra order forms are available in the school office.  You may also place an order on-line.  Click here. Thanks in advance for supporting our 8th grade as they work to defray costs associated with their graduation.

Information about 529 Education Savings Accounts -  The CT Department of Revenue Services has recently confirmed that 529 Education Savings Accounts, which can now be used for private K-12 school tuition, just as they are currently used for college tuition, will not be subjected to any state tax penalties under current state law.  

This means that parents, grandparents, and other family members can invest in the State of Connecticut’s CHET Program, and apply funds saved in those accounts to K-12 nonpublic Catholic school tuition bills.  They will be able keep their state tax deductions for their CHET contributions, the same as if the funds were used for college tuition.  Many families may benefit from the use of this vehicle for saving and for paying Catholic school tuitions.  Families are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors and/or contact the CHET program directly for more information.   Click here to learn more.

SMS Stars

Pictured from left - Carina, Gil & Rebekah

The Future Musicians All State Concert at CCSU on Saturday, 3/23, was truly amazing!  Students participating were:   Rebekah A., Gil C., and Carina L., all from Grade 8.  All 3 students qualified for FMI's top band, The CT Symphonic Band.  They played with great maturity and represented our school.  Additionally, Carina was named a Damuth Scholarship winner.  Carina will receive $2,000 each year for performing in one or more of the Northwest  Catholic High School bands.  Congratulations, Carina!  Our thanks to our FMI Instructor, Mrs. Debbie Morse, for all her efforts to assist and prepare these students for this concert. 

                        Our Congratulations to Sara O., Gr. 6. 

Last weekend, Sara qualified for The New England Swim Meet at MIT. 

                        Sara swims with the YMCA Tsunamis.

Community News

St. Mary's Parish Invites You -   All are invited this Sunday, 3/31, at 6:30pm, in the Church, to celebrate our faith in Witness and Song.  Several parishioners will give us a witness to their faith, and there will be an opportunity for others to do the same. The parish's combined choirs will present a lively musical program. The evening will conclude with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Granny's Attic 2019 is Coming! Donations Needed Along with Volunteers! The Farmington Valley's best tag sale will be accepting donations from Wednesday, April 3 - Sunday, April 7.  Granny's Attic will be open to the public from Monday, April 8- Saturday, April 15 at the old Wagner's Showroom on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury.  For more information, including items that will be accepted for donation and opportunities to volunteer to help with this event - click here.

  **Your support of Granny's Attic directly helps our school.  While it takes place before the annual carnival, Granny's Attic is considered part of the carnival and SMS receives 50% of the proceeds of the carnival. Many volunteers are needed to setup, staff and clean up Granny's Attic. Please consider donating your time to Granny's Attic along with any other donations you may have.**

Talcott Mountain Announces April Vacation Programs!  Looking for interesting,engaging programs for students in grades K-8 during April vacation.  Check out the offerings at Talcott Mountain Science Center - click here.  You can register with a $20 discount because of our recent participation in the i2i Challenge at the New Britain Museum of Art.  To register, please call Lexi at 860-677-8571 and mention the i2iChallenge/St. Mary's School discount.

Talcott Mountain is also presenting another in their series of "On the Shoulders of Giants" series:  Discovering a "New" Organ: Tales of the Interstitium on Wed., April 3rd, at 6:30pm.  Click here to learn more and register on-line. 

Northwest Catholic Invites You - The Northwest Catholic High School Dramateurs proudly present Godspell!

Prepare ye for this timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. 

March 28, 29 & 30 @ 7:30pm, & March 31 @ 2:00pm

For tickets and information visit www.NorthwestCatholic.org/Godspell

Questions?  Contact the NWC Dramateurs at nwcdrama@gmail.com”

News for the Week of 3/20/19

2019 SMS Parent Survey - Please be sure to complete this important survey which will help us continue to advance our mission to provide challenging academics and opportunities for spiritual growth in a safe, nurturing environment.  Survey responses are requested NLT  March 29.  The survey should require approximately 15 minutes to complete.  Your responses are anonymous and all information will be analyzed in aggregate (non-individual) form only.   Click here.






School Board Meeting Tonight, March 20 - All are invited to the School Board meeting on Wednesday, March 20, at 7pm in the Lower Church.  Mrs. Williamson will present the annual State of the School report at this meeting.

Family Enrollment Packets for 19-20 were sent out via email on Friday, 3/1/19.  Please return your signed Family Enrollment Form and Fee to the school office NLT 3/29/19.  If you have any questions or if you believe Family Enrollment Form is in error, please contact the school office. Thank you for your continued partnership with our school.



Originally scheduled for Friday, March 29th, Living Stations of the Cross are now scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th at 2pm in the church.  Please make note of this date and time change.  All are welcome to attend this beautiful SMS Lenten tradition.






Looking Ahead to April -  April is a busy month!  Please take a moment to make note of upcoming events and days school will be closed.  









Our April School Mass will be held at 9am on Tuesday, April 2.  All are welcome to attend.  Please remember that no PE uniforms should be worn to Mass.









Open House for Prospective Families - There will be an Open House for Prospective Families on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.  If you know someone who is wondering if SMS is the right place for their family or perhaps a family with an energetic 3 year old that might enjoy our new 2 morning per week program, please invite them to attend.  Your recommendation is our best advertisement and we are happy to reward your efforts via our Family Referral Program.





School will be closed from Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12 for spring vacation. Relaxed Uniforms may be worn when students return from vacation, beginning Monday, April 15.

Thursday, 4/18, will be a 12:45pm early dismissal for Holy Thursday.  There will be NO PreK Enrichment or Aftercare.

School will be closed on Good Friday, 4/19 and Easter Monday, 4/22.

All SMS Superheros Mark Your Calendars! - Our biggest event of the year: The SMS Superhero Challenge & Cornhole Tournament will be held on Friday, 4/26. 

Click here to register for the Cornhole Tournament.

Click here to order your Superhero t-shirt.  This shirt may be worn on PE days through the end of the school year and also on Monday, April 1.  The last day to order t-shirts is this Friday, 3/22/19!

The Sweet Signs of Spring! - Aiden H., Gr. 1, is helping
his family with maple sugaring time.

Grade 8 Fundraising -

A Mixed Bag Fund Raiser flyer will be coming home with all students on Friday, 3/22/19.  Anyone purchasing from this Fund Raiser will automatically be entered in a raffle featuring some great "mixed bag" prizes.  Extra order forms are available in the school office.  You may also place an order on-line.  Click here. Thanks in advance for supporting our 8th grade as they work to defray costs associated with their graduation.

Community News

Northwest Catholic Invites You - The Northwest Catholic High School Dramateurs proudly present Godspell!

Prepare ye for this timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. 

March 28, 29 & 30 @ 7:30pm, & March 31 @ 2:00pm

For tickets and information visit www.NorthwestCatholic.org/Godspell

Questions?  Contact the NWC Dramateurs at nwcdrama@gmail.com”

News for the Week of 3/13/19

It's Time for "Moving Up" &  Family Enrollment 

TONIGHT - Wednesday, 3/13/19, is "Moving up Knight" . "Moving Up Knight" begins at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.  

This is your first chance to get a peek at the classroom(s) and curriculum your child(ren) will experience next year.   You are also invited to take a peek in other grades as well in case you are curious about the curriculum at other levels.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

"Moving Up Knight" is for parents.  

Students enjoyed "moving up" activities during the school day today (3/13).

Family Enrollment Packets for 19-20 were sent out via email on Friday, 3/1/19.  You are welcome to bring your signed Family Enrollment Form & Fee to "Moving Up Knight" or return it to the school office NLT 3/29/19.  If you have any questions or if you believe Family Enrollment Form is in error, please contact the school office. Thank you for your continued partnership with our school.


Report cards for students in Kindergarten - Grade 8 will be available via the Educonnect Parent Portal at the end of the school day on Friday, 3/15/19. Please keep in mind that no paper copy of the report card is sent home.

Hot Lunch Ordering for April Open Now- The hot lunch order period for April is open now.  Orders will be accepted through Friday, 3/15.  Please place all orders through the Educonnect Portal and send in your payment once your order is complete.  This is your ONLY opportunity to order hot lunches for April.  No late orders can be accepted.



Walk-In Wednesdays are happening every Wednesday in March!  If you know someone wondering if SMS is the place for their family, please encourage them to stop by on any Wednesday in March between 9 and 11am.  When encouraging friends and neighbors to get to know us, please keep our Family Referral program in mind!





School Board Meeting - All are invited to the School Board meeting next Wednesday, March 20, at 7pm in the Lower Church.  Mrs. Williamson will present the annual State of the School report at this meeting.

2019 Altar Server Training for New Servers: -New altar servers are needed at Saint Mary’s Church and School.  Are you interested in joining this wonderful ministry?  We will be meeting on Saturdays, March 16^th and 23^rd from 9-10am and on Sunday, March 31^st from 12:15-1:15pm.  All children in 4^th grade or above are invited to join us.  Please RSVP to Sheila Garilli Altar Server Coordinator via email at ServerLeader@StMarySimsbury.org. 

Health Office News -   Once again this year, we are starting to see students in our school district who have been diagnosed as having fifth disease.  Fifth disease is a benign viral disease of children usually seen in the winter or early spring. The child with fifth disease appears with bright red cheeks and possibly a rash over arms, legs and trunk. By the time the rash appears the child is no longer contagious. Fever is unusual and mild cold symptoms can be present.  While there is no reason to exclude the child with fifth disease from school, it is important for women who suspect that they may be pregnant to contact their physician. Physicians screen for fifth disease as part of a women’s prenatal blood work.  The CDC has a great web site - click here.

Athletic News -    Blue Knight Night

Monday March 18th 6:30-8pm
Location: Ethel Walker
Teams: Basketball JV and Varsity Grades 4-8

Come join us for a fun evening as we celebrate our successful basketball season. Parents are invited and encouraged to wear their athletic gear as they challenge the teams to a friendly scrimmage. Players should wear their jerseys. While we enjoy their company, siblings and alumni will be asked to remain as spectators and will not be permitted to play in the games.

SMS Stars - 

Congratulations to Nicolas G. and Brennan S. (Grade 6) and their teammates from Simsbury Youth Hockey PeeWee B Blue Team.  They were the runners up in their bracket of the Tier 4 Founders State Championship this past weekend in New Milford, CT.  









Calling all student entrepreneurs! Do you want to learn about business and create a product to sell? Do you want to use your talents to earn money for yourself and for charity? At the Kids in Business Club we will learn about important factors to consider when creating and selling a product. Our items will be for sale to the school community in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Each participant will donate a portion or all of their proceeds to a charity of their choice. Club meetings begin next week! Dates and times are:  Monday, 3/18; Monday, 4/1; Monday, 4/15 and Monday, 4/29.  Each session will be from 3:45-4:45pm in the second grade classroom.  Virtus trained parents are welcome to volunteer with this club. Contact Mrs. Herron (cherron@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net) to register your child or volunteer.  

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 until April 7, using our school code - 9415319 or complete an order form and return it to the school office NLT March 29, 2019.  Order forms were sent home Friday, 2/1/2019, with each student. Extra order forms are available in the school office. 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.