News for the Week of 2/24/21

 

Looking Ahead to March -  

March School Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 9th.  As has been our custom this year, some students will attend Mass in the Church with the remainder participating via livestream.  At this time, parents may not attend school Mass to comply with health and safety guidelines.

Second Trimester report cards will be available on the Educonnect Parent Portal at the end of the school day on Friday, March 12. Please remember that no paper copy of the report card will be sent home.

School will be CLOSED on Wednesday, 3/24/21.

Moving Up Day & Knight - As we look ahead to next year, we are excited to share that we will be hosting a series of Moving Up Knight virtual sessions to give parents a chance to learn more about next year's curriculum.  Each session will be hosted by Mrs. Chagnon and the homeroom teacher and will include a brief presentation and a chance for Q&A.  Each session will be 30 minutes long and zoom links will be emailed prior to the sessions.  Mark your calendars for the following:

Monday, March 8th: Kindergarten - 6:30pm 

                                  1st Grade -      7:10pm 

Tuesday, March 9th: 2nd Grade- 6:30pm

                                 3rd Grade - 7:10pm 

Wednesday, March 10th: 4th Grade- 6:30pm

                                         5th Grade- 7:10pm 

Thursday, March 11th: 6th Grade- 7:20 pm

                                     7th Grade- 6:40 pm 

                                     8th Grade- 6:00 pm 

Monday, March 15th: PreKindergarten - 6:30 pm

Moving Up Day activities for students will also take place during the school day this year in the coming week.  Plans are currently underway to adjust our traditional activities to accommodate health & safety guidelines.

A Knight in Middle School for Prospective Families - On Thursday, March 4, 2021, prospective families are invited to learn more about the SMS Middle School experience.  This virtual information session will give families the opportunity to meet current St. Mary's School faculty, staff and parents to learn more about our middle school, grades 6th through 8th.  Click here to register.

21-22 Family Enrollment - Family Enrollment Packets will be sent out via email NLT Friday, February 26th.  Those planning to re-enroll are requested to return the signed Family Enrollment Agreement, the $250 Family Enrollment Fee and next year's iPad Coverage Agreement and $50 fee NLT Friday, March 19th.  This year, given current health and safety guidelines, we must firmly adhere to the return dates specified in order to plan for seating for next year.  Failure to return your signed Family Enrollment Agreement and Fee by 3/19/21, will indicate that your family is not planning to return to SMS for the 21-22 school year and that your child(ren)'s seat(s) are available to another applicant(s). Families that may have special circumstances affecting their ability to re-enroll by the requested date should contact Mrs. Williamson.

Tuition Assistance - Again this year, all requests for tuition assistance from any of the available sources must be made via SMARTAID.   Click here to view the types of tuition assistance available. Additional information regarding the application process this year and the link for application will be sent out in an email and will also be accessible via the Family Enrollment email.  All SMARTAID applications must be completed NLT Wednesday, April 7, 2021.  Families will received information regarding their tuition assistance package in early May.

Supporting SMS -

Thanks to the 71 families that have supported SMS via the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Program. Since August 2020, our school has earned $465.20 because they designated SMS as their program choice. This year's program concludes on March 13, 2021. If you did not participate this year, please keep an eye out for enrollment information early in the summer of 2021.

Community News 

Simsbury Youth Lacrosse aims to provide a fun and exciting lacrosse experience for boys and girls of all skill levels in grades K-8. Registration is now open for the spring 2021 season and will close at midnight on 3/1/21. For more information and for registration, click here.

If the weather and pandemic cooperate, we’re hoping to start the season the first week of April.

COVID Considerations: This season will be unprecedented as we navigate potentially dynamic COVID related requirements and restrictions. You have our commitment that the safety of players, parents, coaches, officials, etc. will be of paramount importance. To that end, we’re working with our leagues (CT Valley Youth Lacrosse and CT Valley Girls Youth Lacrosse), the Town of Simsbury, and the Farmington Valley Health Dept to ensure we understand and are in compliance with all COVID protocols. We'll be relying upon the entire SYL community to ensure a safe environment once we take the fields. Click here for more information.

News for the Week of 2/17/21

 

SMILE!  "Make Up/Retake" Day has been rescheduled!   Lifetouch Photography will be here on the morning of Monday, February 22, from 9-10:30 to take Make Up & Retake Individual Student Photos for students in PreKindergarten, Kindergarten - Grade 7 (PK3 and Grade 8 photos were taken by an alternate photographer).  Students that need a retake photo should bring their original photo package.  Students that were not present on picture day, (Monday, September 14, 2020) should have their picture taken even if no portrait package is being ordered since every student is featured in our annual yearbook and in this year's composite group photo that will be comprised of thumbnail photos of each student since social distancing protocol precludes traditional group photos this year.  Students having their picture taken may wear their uniform of the day for the photo or bring an outfit to change into for their picture.  Uniform of the day should be worn for the rest of the day.   

If ordering a package because student did not have a photo taken in September, click here and use Picture ID EVTMBJ4QC

21-22 Family Enrollment - Family Enrollment Packets will be sent out via email NLT Friday, February 26th.  Those planning to re-enroll are requested to return the signed Family Enrollment Agreement, the $250 Family Enrollment Fee and next year's iPad Coverage Agreement and $50 fee NLT Friday, March 19th.  This year, given current health and safety guidelines, we must firmly adhere to the return dates specified in order to plan for seating for next year.  Failure to return your signed Family Enrollment Agreement and Fee by 3/19/21, will indicate that your family is not planning to return to SMS for the 21-22 school year and that your child(ren)'s seat(s) are available to another applicant(s). Families that may have special circumstances affecting their ability to re-enroll by the requested date should contact Mrs. Williamson.

For a sneak peek at next year's curriculum and to get acquainted with next year's teacher(s), plan to join us the first week of March for Moving Up Knight - Details regarding the format and schedule for Moving Up will be coming soon!

Tuition Assistance - Again this year, all requests for tuition assistance from any of the available sources must be made via SMARTAID.   Click here to view the types of tuition assistance available. Additional information regarding the application process this year and the link for application will be available soon.  All SMARTAID applications must be completed NLT Wednesday, April 7, 2021.  Families will received information regarding their tuition assistance package in early May.

Looking Ahead to March -  

March School Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 9th.  As has been our custom this year, some students will attend Mass in the Church with the remainder participating via livestream.  At this time, parents may not attend school Mass to comply with health and safety guidelines.

Second Trimester report cards will be available on the Educonnect Parent Portal at the end of the school day on Friday, March 12. Please remember that no paper copy of the report card will be sent home.

School will be CLOSED on Wednesday, 3/24/21.

CHOICE News

GL Scrip's two-day ThankScriping Day is almost here!  On Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19: Earn up to 19% with 60+ bonuses on eGift cards and reloaded gift cards ordered online or through your Raise Right app.  Some of the featured bonuses include 19% at Bath & Body Works, 18% at Old Navy, and 13% at DSW.  Check your app today for the complete list of bonus earning opportunities.  If you have any questions regarding your CHOICE contributions, please email tprausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

Community News 

Simsbury Youth Lacrosse aims to provide a fun and exciting lacrosse experience for boys and girls of all skill levels in grades K-8. Registration is now open for the spring 2021 season and will close at midnight on 3/1/21. For more information and for registration, click here.

If the weather and pandemic cooperate, we’re hoping to start the season the first week of April.

COVID Considerations: This season will be unprecedented as we navigate potentially dynamic COVID related requirements and restrictions. You have our commitment that the safety of players, parents, coaches, officials, etc. will be of paramount importance. To that end, we’re working with our leagues (CT Valley Youth Lacrosse and CT Valley Girls Youth Lacrosse), the Town of Simsbury, and the Farmington Valley Health Dept to ensure we understand and are in compliance with all COVID protocols. We'll be relying upon the entire SYL community to ensure a safe environment once we take the fields. Click here for more information.

News for the Week of 2/10/21

 

Calendar Reminders 

Tomorrow, Thursday, 2/11/21 & Friday, 2/12/21 are both 12:45 early dismissal days with No Aftercare due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.  If you have not scheduled a conference yet, it is not too late!  For students in PreK - Grade 5, please call the school office.  For students in grades 6-8, please email Mrs. Work.

School will be closed on Monday, 2/15/21 & Tuesday, 2/16/21 for our Long Winter Weekend.  Please keep all travel restrictions, testing and quarantine guidelines in mind.

Students will attend Mass on Wednesday, 2/17/21, to begin the Holy Season of Lent.  As has been our practice this year, some students will attend in the Church and others will participate via livestream.  All students will receive ashes.  At this time, due to health and safety guidelines, parents may not attend the school Mass.

Remote Learning Due to Inclement Weather - Last Friday, 2/5/21, Mrs. Williamson sent out an important announcement regarding a change to our snow day policy for the rest of this year.  On Tuesday, 2/9/21, we successfully completed our first day of remote learning due to inclement weather.   Our plan is to continue to use remote learning in lieu of traditional "snow days" for the remainder of this year.  This should preclude the need for additional makeup days and allow us to conclude our school year on Friday, June 11th with a 12:45pm dismissal.  Click here to read this announcement.  If/when student iPads come home because a remote learning day may occur, please be sure that the devices are plugged in to charge during the overnight hours.  Please do keep in mind our strong recommendation that iPads should be charged in a "public area" of the home rather than in a child's bedroom.

New Afterschool Activities Will Be Starting Soon!  Mrs. Williams, our PE Teacher, has been able to arrange 2 new afterschool activities.  There are limited spots available for both on a first come/first served basis.  To learn more about the beginner style karate camp for students in grades K-4, click here.  To learn more about Intro to Hip Hop for students in grades 2-8, click here. 

Looking Ahead to 2021-22 - Important! Your Attention Is Needed! 

Please click here to answer one required question as to your plans for re-enrollment. This will help us determine the families that will receive re-enrollment paperwork. 

Please be sure to read the email that was sent out by Mrs. Chagnon on Monday, 2/8/21, as to what to expect as we head into re-enrollment for the 2021-22 school year. This email contains important time sensitive information regarding all aspects of re-enrolling. Seats are limited for the upcoming school year.  

Questions? Email or call  Mrs. Williamson - mwilliamson@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net or Mrs. Chagnon - tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net  - 860-658-9412

Mrs. Janaskie's 4th grade class has worked hard to learn the Lord's Prayer in American Sign Language.  Click here to view their excellent efforts.

Future Lego Engineer spotted in Grade 5!

Ethan Z. created this amazing Sir Ted entirely out of Legos

as part of his CSW Vocations Day ensemble.

Winter Weather resulted in a lot of Catholic Schools Week activities being rescheduled BUT none of the fun or excitement was cancelled!  Please enjoy some additional photos below!

Faculty & staff loved the t-shirts made for us by Mrs. Miller & Keira, Gr.2.

Mrs. Pabich-Phillips celebrated Student Appreciation Day

with personalized desks!

All the red & pink shirts and accessories warmed our 
hearts on Teacher Appreciation Day!

Thanks for all the really colorful
and creative posters!

Thanks to all who contributed to the Teacher Supply Bar!

We were very excited to see all the  future 
vocations of our students!

There was even a future unicorn hunter!

News for the Week of 2/3/21

 

#uKnighted in Celebration!  A Special Theme Every Day! Please note snow day rescheduling!

Thursday, 2/4/21 - Celebrating Vocations - Sir Ted is proud to be preparing you for a bright future!  Show us by dressing up in planned future vocation!  Careers may be secular or religious but must represent a positive role model.

Friday, 2/5/21 - Celebrating Faculty & Staff - Sir Ted says show your love and appreciation for faculty and staff by wearing red or pink accessories and/or tops with your PE uniform bottoms.

On Friday afternoon, please be sure to check student backpacks for a special CSW momento for each family!

                                         ⛄ CSW Snow Day Makeups Next Week ⛄

❆Monday, 2/8/21 - Celebrating Our Community - Sir Ted's School Spirit Day!  Wear your PE uniform and/or your favorite spirit wear and show how much you love your school community!

❆Tuesday, 2/9/21 - Celebrating Our Students - Sir Ted loves SMS students!  To show his appreciation for all your hard work, Sir Ted has declared a Pajama Day!

SMILE!  "Make Up/Retake" Day has been rescheduled!   Lifetouch Photography will be here on the morning of Monday, February 22, from 9-10:30 to take Make Up & Retake Individual Student Photos for students in PreKindergarten, Kindergarten - Grade 7 (PK3 and Grade 8 photos were taken by an alternate photographer).  Students that need a retake photo should bring their original photo package.  Students that were not present on picture day, (Monday, September 14, 2020) should have their picture taken even if no portrait package is being ordered since every student is featured in our annual yearbook and in this year's composite group photo that will be comprised of thumbnail photos of each student since social distancing protocol precludes traditional group photos this year.  Students having their picture taken may wear their uniform of the day for the photo or bring an outfit to change into for their picture.  Uniform of the day should be worn for the rest of the day. 

If ordering a package because student did not have a photo taken in September, please use the information below:

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held next week from Wednesday, 2/10/21 - Friday, 2/12/21.  Each of these days will be a 12:45 early dismissal.  There will be no aftercare on conference days.   Please read the information that appears below carefully since conferences will use multiple formats this February.

All conferences will be held via Zoom sessions with teachers providing you with a meeting invitation for your requested day and time. 

Sign Up Genius links for PK3 & PreK, Kindergarten - Grade 5 are available until midnight, Sunday, 2/7/21.  After that, you will need to call the School Office to schedule a conference or make a change to a conference day/time.  Please note that if you do not schedule a conference, none will be scheduled for you.

Middle School (Grades 6, 7 & 8) will publish Progress Reports with comments via the Educonnect Parent Portal on Friday, 2/5/21.  If, after reviewing the Progress Report, you would like to schedule a conference, please send an email to Mrs. Work.  She will respond to you with scheduling information. 

`

Click here to schedule your Parent/Teacher Conference(s).

More February Calendar Reminders - 

ONE MORE SNOW DAY CHANGE - The Knights United Meeting scheduled for today, 2/3/21, has been rescheduled for tomorrow -Thursday, 2/4/21, at 10:30am.  A Zoom link will be sent out prior to the meeting. Hope you can join us as  we look forward to our spring events!

School will be closed on Monday, 2/15/21 & Tuesday, 2/16/21 for the long winter weekend.

Ash Wednesday - 2/17/21 - Students will attend Mass at 9:15am as we begin the Holy Season of Lent.  In accordance with health and safety guidelines, some students will attend Mass in the Church with the rest attending via livestream.  Ashes will be distributed to all students. We regret that, at this time, we cannot welcome parents' attendance at this Mass.

Looking Ahead to Summer Vacation - End of School Year Update - At this time, we have had 3 snow days.  Our new projected last day of school is Friday, 6/11/21.  The last day of school will be a 12:45pm early dismissal with no aftercare available.

Looking Ahead to Next Year!   

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES WITH STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED AT SMS.

1.  If your child(ren) is/are already attending SMS, you DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY for next year.  You will receive enrollment paperwork in March for the coming school year that will reflect the appropriate grade for the new year.  Your timely return of the signed Family Enrollment Form and Family Enrollment Fee is your "confirmation" that seats will be available for your child(ren) for the 2021-22 school year.  If your Family Enrollment Form and Fee are not returned by the requested date, it will be assumed that your children are not returning to SMS for the 2021-22 school year. 

2. If your child(ren) is/are currently enrolled in our full day PreK program, you DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY for Kindergarten.  Unless we are notified of other plans, we assume that students in our PreK will be part of the following year's Kindergarten class.  We also assume that students in our PK3 program will be a part of the following year's PreK4's.

3.  If you have a child(ren) NOT currently enrolled at SMS that you would like to have join their sibling(s) at school next year - especially if entering PK3, PreK or Kindergarten - 

Please submit your applications by Friday, 2/5/21.  You can complete the online application here.  In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, we are waiving the application fee through February 5th!  

* Please note, submission of your application does not guarantee enrollment, but if submitted by 2/5/21, allows us to prioritize your application in accordance with our Admissions Policy.  

Used Uniform Exchange is OPEN!  Everyone is reminded that our Used Uniform Exchange is a free service that provides families with a place to donated clean, gently used uniform items that have been outgrown or to obtain uniforms "new to you".  Click here for more information and to contact the Exchange's volunteer coordinator.