SMS News for the Week of 05/04/22

Calendar notes

CHOICE Program

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Check those backpacks!! CHOICE obligation balances are being sent today. Please review and send payments ASAP. 

Contact Tricia Prausa: [tpausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net](mailto:tpausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net) for any questions about the CHOICE program.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

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St. Mary's School Teacher Appreciation Week!!! Thank you so much for all the support!

Please see the attached flyer for the rest of the week plans, encourage your child(ren) to participate and celebrate our fabulous teachers here at SMS!

We still have a couple of spots open to volunteer for lunch and recess coverage. Sign up here.

Knights United Meeting

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Knights United Family & School Association Meeting this Thursday, May 5th at 9:00 am in the Forcucci Faith Formation room (lower church). 

Hard to believe this school year is almost over!  

This is an important meeting as we begin planning events for the 2022-2023 school year, please join us!

SMS 2022 Superhero Scavenger Hunt Survey

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Thank you so much for making this year's scavenger hunt and cookout a super success! 

It was so great to see you all in action, and coming together for the cookout was awesome, what a great community we have! 

Thank you for your enthusiastic support, not just for scavenger but all school year long. 

We would really love your feedback on this event as we start planning for the next year and beyond.  Please take a moment to click on the link and complete this survey. Thank you!! 

Access the survey here.

Mary's Women's Guild Retreat

St. Mary's Women's Guild invites the women of the parish and school to a retreat day at the Sacred Heart of the Lake Retreat Center.

Date:  May 14, 2022

Time:  10 AM - 3 PM

Cost:  N/A (cost is covered by a donor)

Lunch:  Women's Guild will contact participants for their selection; lunch costs will be covered by the Women's Guild.  

Location:  194 Candlewood Hill Rd., Higganum, CT 06441

Theme:  Mary:  the best example of what it means to be a Christian.  Mary has always been titled, The First Christian.

We will journey through Mary's life asking her to help us understand what being a true follower of Christ actually means.  

Retreat Leader:  Retreat Director, Sr Lany Jo, ASCJ

Reservations Needed:  We need a head count minimum of 20 to  make this work so please reserve your spot!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4ea5a723abf49-womens

More information can be found on the St. Mary Church website under the ministries tab/Women's Guild

SMS Spring Concert

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Save the date: Spring Concert is scheduled Monday May 23, 2022 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.

There is a dress rehearsal the same day at 2:00pm. 

May Crowning

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Save the date!! May 27, 2022 at 9:15am, St. Mary's Church. Family, friends and the community, all are invited.

Grandparents & Special Person's Day

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Let's celebrate the bond between grandparents/special person and the children. When: May 27, 2022. Right after the May Crowning ceremony, around 10:15am, grandparents & special persons are invited to enjoy light refreshments and to visit the student's classrooms. 

Announcements

Congratulations Robotics Team!!!

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Help us to congratulate our SMS Robotics team for their successful participation in the Robotics Competition celebrated on Saturday April 30, 2022 at St. Bridget School.

Our team won 1st, 2nd and 4th places!! Wow! 

Thank you so much Mrs. Gina Raymond for all your support and our amazing parent volunteers: Mr. Gaul and Mr. Prausa for all the shared knowledge, guidance and support. 

Mrs. Williamson induction to CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor.

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We have some exciting news to share:

Two years ago our dear Principal, Mrs. Williamson, was selected to be inducted into the CAS­ CIAC Hall of Honor but the pandemic caused that event to be postponed to this spring. 

For those who are interested, here is the information: 

In celebration of exceptional careers of service to CAS-CIAC (CT Association of Schools-CT Interscholastic Athletic Conference), seven distinguished honorees will be recognized as the fifth class in the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor. Earle Bidwell, Harold Goldberg, Art Kohs, Tom Murray, Armand Regalbuti, George Synnott, and Margaret Williamson will be honored at  the induction ceremony being held on Thursday, May 26 at the AquaTurf Club in Southington. This class of honorees was originally scheduled to be recognized in the spring of 2020.

The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor was established to honor individuals who have made significant long-term contributions to CAS-CIAC. Tickets to the  event honoring the inductees are available to the  public and can be purchased at [https://gofan.co/app/school/CIAC](https://gofan.co/app/school/CIAC), and additional information about the Hall of Honor is available at [http://CIACsports.com/hallofhonor](http://CIACsports.com/hallofhonor). 

Margaret Williamson continues to serve CAS-CIAC in a variety of roles, maintaining a long history of work with the organization. The current Principal of St. Mary's School in Simsbury and longtime Principal at Northwest Catholic High School, she is the chair of  the CIAC Girls Basketball and Girls Lacrosse Committees, and has been a member of the CIAC Board of Control, serving as the Vice Chair of that organization. She  received the honor of a CAS  Citation in 2018, a letter of Commendation in 2013 and the Girls Basketball Tournament Dedication in 2009. 

Northwest Catholic High School Summer Sports Clinic 2022

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Looking for a sport camp/clinic this summer? Northwest Catholic High School offers several different options. Visit: www.northwestcatholic.org/athletics/summer-clinic-registration  to review the options. The cost for each camp/clinic is $150.00.

Simsbury Youth Cheer

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Interested in Cheerleading? Look at the info below from Simsbury Youth Cheer.

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 

Instagram: @smssimsburyknights

Twitter: @SMS_Knights

Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

 SMS News for the Week of 04/27/22

2022 SMS Superhero Scavenger Hunt and Cookout

Keep your eyes on the Prize!!

Register by Thursday midnight and get in on the action! You don't want to miss out on all of the fun! 

Register or sponsor today! Use this link: https://my-site-101130-103008.square.site/superhero-challenge

Submit your team captain & team name here: https://forms.gle/hM69nfnW7ETBimGQ8.

Don't forget to come to the cookout on Sunday, May 1st from 4-6. Everyone is welcome to enjoy food, drink, music, and win prizes! Winners of the Scavenger Hunt will be announced! 

Cookout tickets are only $5 each! 

Tie Dye T-shirts & Tote Bags on sale now! T-shirts available in youth and adult sizes. Students can wear their t-shirts on gym days! 

Buy cookout tickets and t-shirts here!

https://my-site-101130-103008.square.site/superhero-challenge

Calendar notes

Spirit Day

Sir Ted has declared this Friday, April 29th an SMS spirit day!! 

Sir Ted wants us to kick off the Scavenger Hunt with a spirit day. Students may wear their Scavenger Hunt Tie Dye T-Shirts with gym uniform bottoms this Friday! 

You do not have to participate in the Scavenger Hunt to purchase and wear the Scavenger Hunt Tie Dye T-Shirt. 

All proceeds go towards the Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser for our school! 

T- shirts are available to purchase in the school office!

CHOICE Program

Saturday, April 30th is the last day to earn towards your Choice obligation or pay your Opt Out Payment.  Online purchases made before midnight, May 1st will be included! The program is mandatory for students enrolled in grades K-8.

Contact Tricia Prausa: tpausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net for any questions about the CHOICE program.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

It's here!! St. Mary's School Teacher Appreciation Week!!!

Please see the attached flyer for our week's plans, encourage your child(ren) to participate and celebrate our fabulous teachers here at SMS!

Additionally, we will be taking volunteers for lunch and recess coverage here.

Knights United Meeting

Join us for our next Knights United meeting, May 5th at 9:00am in the Forcucci Faith Formation Center.

St. Mary's Women's Guild Retreat

St. Mary's Women's Guild invites the women of the parish and school to a retreat day at the Sacred Heart of the Lake Retreat Center.

Date:  May 14, 2022

Time:  10 AM - 3 PM

Cost:  N/A (cost is covered by a donor)

Lunch:  Women's Guild will contact participants for their selection; lunch costs will be covered by the Women's Guild.  

Location:  194 Candlewood Hill Rd., Higganum, CT 06441

Theme:  Mary:  the best example of what it means to be a Christian.  Mary has always been titled, The First Christian.

We will journey through Mary's life asking her to help us understand what being a true follower of Christ actually means.  

Retreat Leader:  Retreat Director, Sr Lany Jo, ASCJ

Reservations Needed:  We need a head count minimum of 20 to  make this work so please reserve your spot!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4ea5a723abf49-womens

More information can be found on the St. Mary Church website under the ministries tab/Women's Guild

Announcements

Instrumental Band Session reschedule

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**Reminder**: No band tomorrow Thursday 4/28/22!

Standardized Testing

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IOWA tests continue for students Grades 3 - 7. 

Please keep in mind that it is very important for students to arrive at school PROMPTLY by 8:40AM on 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.

We also ask you to have students well rested and with a full tummy.

Please contact your teacher or Mrs. Williamson if your child missed a test. 

May Crowning

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Save the date!! May 27, 2022. More details to come soon!!!

Simsbury Youth Football

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Simsbury Youth Football open to St. Mary's Students!! Open to all St. Mary’s students from 3rd to 8th grade. Even if you don’t live in Simsbury, if you go to St. Mary’s you can play football in the league. 

Look at the flyer below and register now!!

Visit: http://www.simsburyyouthfootball.com.leag1.com/

Land's End Uniform Sale

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Looking to get school uniforms ready for the next school year? Today is the last day to save 40% off on uniforms with Lands End. Use our school code: 900132150.

And don't forget to get your CHOICE cards to pay for your purchase! Land's End has a 15% back to your CHOICE obligation!!!

Northwest Catholic High Summer Football Camp 2022

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It's that time of the year again!

Look at the flyer below and register for this summer!

Visit: www.northwestcatholic.org/athletics/summer-clinic-registration to register.

Not interested in Football? Look no further! Northwest Catholic High School offers several different camps. Use the same link to review the options. The cost for each camp/clinic is $150.00.

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 

Instagram: @smssimsburyknights

Twitter: @SMS_Knights

Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

SMS News for the Week of 04/13/2022

 SMS News for the Week of 04/13/2022

 Kind Regards, 

St. Mary's School

SMS News for the Week of 04/06/2022

SMS News for the Week of 04/06/2022

2022 SMS Superhero Scavenger Hunt and Cookout

Keep your eyes on the Prize!!

Register today and get in on the action! You don't want to miss out on all of the fun! 

 Make a team by combining forces with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers there is no limit to the # of team members and no limit to the fun you will have solving puzzles and riddles, accomplishing amazing feats of skill and silliness, locating hidden spots and landmarks in the Farmington River Valley.  

Looking to gain exposure and support a great cause - our SMS students?! 

Become a sponsor! Want to customize your sponsorship? Email or call Toni Chagnon: tchagnon@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net / 860-658-9412.

Register or sponsor today! Use this link: https://my-site-101130-103008.square.site/superhero-challenge 

Submit your team captain & team name here: https://forms.gle/hM69nfnW7ETBimGQ8

Calendar notes

Knights United Meeting

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Joins us tomorrow for our Knights United Meeting April 7 at 9:00am in the Forcucci Faith Formation Center.

Tuition Assistance Deadlines

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There is still time to submit your applications for St. Mary's School tuition assistance. Accepting applications until tomorrow Thursday April 7, 2022.

Find the instructions here.

Spring Vacation

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School will be closed for the Spring Vacation April 11-18, 2022. We will be back Tuesday April 19, 2022. 

Enjoy the break!!

**Reminder**: 

Relaxed Uniforms will begin when we return from Spring Vacation. Click here to review our uniform guidelines and for information about our Used Uniform Exchange. 

Running Club

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Spring Running Club is open to students in grades 1-8. Our club is filled with lap-style running fun. Collect popsicle sticks each lap and turn them in at the end of each session for a gummy bear treat. Running Club will be offered on Tuesday after school from 3:45-4:30pm. The cost of this club is $30 per student ($75 for 3 or more siblings) and will run from Tuesday April 19 to Tuesday May 24.  Interested? Please email Mrs. Williams: lwilliams@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net

Dance Club

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Dance Club is a hip hop based club. Ms. Nicole DiMauro will be joining us again this year to teach us how to move and groove to the music. Dance club is open to students in grades 2-8 and will be held on Thursdays after school from 3:45-4:30pm. The cost of Dance Club is $30 ($75 for 3 or more siblings) and will run from Thursday April 21 to Thursday May 26.  Space is limited to 25 students. Interested? Please email Mrs. Williams: lwilliams@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net

Standardized Testing

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Testing will begin April 26, 2022 for students Grade 3rd - 7th. 

Please keep in mind that it is very important for students to arrive at school PROMPTLY by 8:40AM on 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.

We also ask you to have students well rested and with a full tummy.

Announcements

Rice Bowls

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Last days to collect spare change or earn extra money at home or donate from an allowance to fill up the Rice Bowls. Rice Bowls may be turned in up through Friday, April 8th.

As always, thank you so much for your support. 

Land's End Uniform Sale

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Looking to get school uniforms ready for the next school year?

Land's End will be having a sale on school uniforms April 14-27. Use our school code: 900132150.

And don't forget to get your CHOICE cards to pay for your purchase! Land's End has a 15% back to your CHOICE obligation!!!

CHOICE Program

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CHOICE balances were sent home last week. You have until April 30th, 2022 to earn money towards your CHOICE obligation. The program is mandatory for students enrolled in grades K-8.

Contact Tricia Prausa: tpausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net for any questions about the CHOICE program.

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 

Instagram: @smssimsburyknights

Twitter: @SMS_Knights

Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

SMS News for the Week of 03/30/2022

SMS News for the Week of 03/30/2022!

And scroll down for some 2022 SMS SUPERHERO CHALLENGE SCAVENGER HUNT & COOK OUT updates!!!

Yearbooks deadline extended

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Our friends at Lifetouch have extended the deadline to order Yearbooks! 

Don't miss out this opportunity and order yours today!

Order online - Click here. Our yearbook ID code is 9415322. 

Stations of the Cross

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Grade 8 will be presenting their re-enactment of the Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 1st at 2pm in the Church. ALL are welcome to join us!

The presentation will be also livestreamed via St Mary's Church website.

Click here to the livestream section.

School Mass

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April School Mass is scheduled for Tuesday April 5th, 2022 at 9:00am. 

Please remember that no Physical Education uniforms should be worn to Mass.

April lunch volunteers

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April Lunch Volunteers Needed!

It's already time to sign up to help out with our lunch program for the month of April.  Use the sign up here and choose days that work with your schedule.  It's a great way to support our school and get to see your kiddos, too!  Thanks in advance for your consideration!

Knights United Meeting

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Save the date of our next Knights United Meeting: Thursday April 7 at 9:00 in the Forcucci Faith Formation Center. 

Joins us as we dive deeper into our 2022 Superhero Challenge Scavenger Hunt & Cook Out.

Tuition Assistance Deadlines

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We are still accepting applications for St. Mary's School tuition assistance. Submit your application no later than April 7, 2022.

Announcements

Rice Bowls

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At St. Mary's School we continue to spend time focusing on the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, fasting and prayer. We have chosen to encourage the students to collect their spare change, earn extra money at home or donate from an allowance to fill up the Rice Bowls. In some grades, the teacher keep one Rice Bowl in the classroom to collect the money, in some grades students were given a Rice Bowl to collect their money at home and bring it in. This is a voluntary school-wide activity to help our students with the idea of giving alms during this solemn time. Rice Bowls may be turned in up through Friday, April 8th.

To learn more about Rice Bowls, please click here.

Spring Vacation

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School will be closed for the Spring Vacation April 11-18, 2022. We will be back Tuesday April 19, 2022. 

Reminder: Relaxed Uniforms will begin when we return from Spring Vacation. Click here to review our uniform guidelines and for information about our Used Uniform Exchange. 

Enjoy the break!!

Standardized Testing

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April 24 - May 13, 2022. Students in grades 3-7 will take the IOWA tests during these series of weeks.

Please keep in mind that it is very important for students to arrive at school PROMPTLY by 8:40AM on 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.

Land's End Uniform Sale

----------

Looking to get school uniforms ready for the next school year?

Land's End will be having a sale on school uniforms April 14-27. Use our school code: 900132150.

And don't forget to get your CHOICE cards to pay for your purchase!

CHOICE program balances will be going home next week. Choice Obligations for the 2021-2022 school year are due on April 30, 2022.

Contact Tricia Prausa: tpausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net for any questions about the CHOICE program.

2022 SMS SUPERHERO CHALLENGE SCAVENGER HUNT & COOK OUT

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!!  April 29-May 1st.

Thank you to McKenna Orthodontics for "Saving the Day" with their Superhero Scavenger Hunt Sponsorship! We love having our alum and current parents combining forces for the good of St. Mary's School!
Hooray for Dr. McKenna P'09 & P'17 & Dr. Lashgari P'26! 

Ready to register? Use this link or QR code for registration, cookout passes and sponsorship.

https://my-site-101130-103008.square.site/superhero-challenge

Fill out this form to name your team and team's Captain!!!

https://forms.gle/A43hSiVQCgXY5GMJ8

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 

Instagram: @smssimsburyknights

Twitter: @SMS_Knights

Kind regards,
St. Mary's School

 SMS News for the Week of 03/23/22

And scroll down for some 2022 SMS SUPERHERO CHALLENGE SCAVENGER HUNT & COOK OUT updates!!!

April lunch ordering period

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It's time to order student lunches for the month of April. Take a look at the menu below and log onto Educonnect NOW until March 28th to place your orders.  Instructions can be found here. 

No late orders may be accepted.  Please email tprausa@stmarysimsbury.eduk12.net.

22-23 Enrollment Packet

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The 22-23 school year is almost here. And we are so thankful for the families that have signed their Family Enrollment Agreement and paid the Enrollment Fee. As a reminder for those families that have signed and not yet paid the Enrollment Fee: your enrollment is not complete without this payment! 

Please click here https://square.link/u/WD7VMMbz to pay your fee and complete your enrollment or send a check to the school office ASAP. Don't miss your seat, some classes have a waiting list already!

Tuition Assistance Deadlines

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FACS scholarship applications are due to Mrs. Williamson by March 28, 2022. See your email of March 13 for required forms.

Applications for St. Mary's School tuition assistance are due by April 7, 2022.

Cinderella Enchanted Edition

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Our friends at Northwest Catholic High School are having a magical presentation.

Please look at the flyer below and get your tickets for the "Cinderella Enchanted Edition". March 24-26, 2022 at 7:00pm and March 27 at 2:00pm. Tickets are on sale now! Scan the QR in the flyer or go to: https://www.northwestcatholic.org/the-arts/theater/cinderella

SAVE THE DATE!

==========

Northwest Catholic High School Spring Carnival Open House.** 

For the first time, NWC is inviting younger students (Grades 5th-7th) and their families to a Spring Carnival Open House on campus. They will have a bounce slide, life-sized games, a cotton candy machine and a popcorn machine on the lawn and teachers will be available in the Dining Hall. Tours of the school will be also offered.

Visit: https://www.northwestcatholic.org/admissions/open-house to register.

Announcements

Lifetouch Yearbooks

Order your Yearbooks today!! 

Paper orders were sent home last week, you can also order your Yearbooks online - Click here.  Our yearbook ID code is 9415322. Yearbooks must be purchased by March 28, 2022.

Light of Christ Award.

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Please join us to congratulate Mrs. Gina Raymond (Gr. 6 Homeroom teacher, Mathematics 6-8, Coding 1-7). She recently received the Light of Christ Award sponsored by the Hartford Bishops Foundation.

Mrs. Gina Raymond, who has taught here at SMS for over 10 years, is a wonderful exemplar of what so many Catholic school educators are. Mrs. Raymond is a role model for students, a witness to Jesus, a dedicated educator and a responsible citizen whose life is guided by Catholic principles. We all know Mrs. Raymond as a teacher who says “yes” when asked to tackle a new project whether it is a new Middle School math class, being the grade 6 homeroom teacher, setting up a Robotics Club, teaching coding or leading our grade 8 or teacher retreats! In real life, these are the things that qualified Mrs. Raymond to receive this outstanding recognition.

2022 SMS SUPERHERO CHALLENGE SCAVENGER HUNT & COOK OUT

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!! 

This year's scavenger hunt is back, bigger and better than ever!! April 29-May 1st. Take a look at our video!

Special thanks to our Sponsor of the Week: Mrs. Allyson, Grade 1st. parent (Tink's Magical Vacations with Allyson). Allyson is a vacation planner with Tink's Magical Vacations and is a graduate of Disney's College of Knowledge. If you are thinking about Disney vacations, please don't hesitate to contact her: Allyson@tinksmagicalvacations.com

Ready to register? Use this link or QR code for registration, cookout passes and sponsorship.

https://my-site-101130-103008.square.site/superhero-challenge

Fill out this form to name your team and team's Captain!!!

https://forms.gle/A43hSiVQCgXY5GMJ8

Sir Ted says: follow us on social media!

Facebook: @SMSSimsbury 

Instagram: @smssimsburyknights

Twitter: @SMS_Knights

Kind regards,
St. Mary's School