MARCH 29, 2023

PALM SUNDAY

Engage the Mind. Feed the Soul.

At Saint Mary School, our students encounter God on a daily basis. Through

engaging academics and joyful prayer, we create confident learners with loving hearts.

Saint Mary teachers facilitate lively classroom discussions that encourage children to

explore, think, and find their voice—critical skills for high school, college, and life. Most

of all, Saint Mary students discover that God is present in all people and things, inspiring

them to help shape a more fair and just world. That’s a message that can guide all of our

lives, during Holy Week and beyond.

Principal's Message

As we are prepare to enter Holy Week, I ask you to reflect on Saint Mary School's vision–to help every student get on their path to heaven. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of American Catholic schools, wrote that forming students as Christians did not just take place in religion class and Mass. A Catholic vision of education demands the complete integration of life inside and outside the classroom into developing religious understanding of students. Our students often go home and talk to parents or family members about their encounters with Christ, religion, or church. Please, take the time to engage your children in conversation–hear what they have to say and answer their questions. We look to our parents and community members to uphold the same Catholic vision in their homes.

"It is a path to joy in this world and the next."–ICLE

God bless,

Craig Palmer

Principal

PTA EVENT

SOLD OUT! Thank you to all who purchased tickets.

This will be a night to remember.

Tickets on sale now!

Louis Vuitton

Odeon Tote MM

Value: $2,230!

Tickets are $20 each. This bag will be raffled off at the Gift Gala on April 22!

*Winner need not be present*

If you would like tickets please

email: smsgiftgala@gmail.com

*Cash, check, or Venmo accepted*

Checks made payable to St. Mary PTA

Venmo @StMarys-PTA (please include # of tickets and phone number)

2023-2024 SCHOOL CALENDAR

We wanted to get the 2023-24 calendar out sooner rather than later. As you will see, we are using the first traditional start week for teacher training next year. Some of our PTA events are not yet scheduled, but they are placed in the month they typically run. We look forward to an exciting year! Download PDF here.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Thomas Bender

Latin Teacher

University of Scranton

Bachelor of Arts in Classics

Rowan University

Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

(summa cum laude)

New Jersey City University

Certification in Special Education

I am extremely delighted to be a member of the Saint Mary faculty this year. I've taught for 35 years in both public and private schools after spending 10 years in music performance which took me to many places, including Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Canada, Goose Bay Labrador and three trips to Europe. My wife, Janet, and I are the proud parents of four boys, two of whom attended Mater Dei Prep. We love living and working in the same town. We actually maintain an active music studio right here in Middletown."

Parent Homework

The Diocese of Trenton is hosting two job fairs for their member schools on May 9 and 11. If you, or someone you know, is interested in teaching or working in Catholic schools, please send them this link. Saint Mary School will be represented!

March Lunch Menu

The cafeteria will be closed on pizza day. You must pack a lunch if you are not participating.

March menu here.

Lunch form here.

April menu here.

Scrip is now RaiseRight. Below are a few videos that explain how the program works and how Saint Mary School benefits. There's no selling, no extra time, and no extra money. Just purchase gift cards to pay for everyday (and not-so-everyday) expenses. The Amazon Smile program has been discontinued for all companies. Scrip is another great way to donate to the school.

Simply the Right Way to Fundraise

https://youtu.be/BZNu-ftcPKo

Getting Started with RaiseRight

https://youtu.be/c-v65F0xr2c

Saint Mary School enrollment code is F741E6AB15L6.

Call or email Loretta Rivera, bursar, anytime with questions.

lrivera@stmarychurchnj.org

Phone: 732-671-0071 ext. 244

Tuition Assistance Program 2023-24

For families with children attending Catholic schools

The second round of diocesan aid for next year is now open to our families through FACTS. Applications are available online at https://online.factsmgt.com For Grades K-8: The deadline for round two is May 12, 2023. For more information, click here.

After School Activities

SAINTS AFTERCLUB

Aftercare is available. Please read our brochure for more information. For the morning, children can be dropped off as early as 7:15 am and gather in the cafeteria.

Make sure you follow Saint Mary Athletics on Facebook here.

Varsity baseball, varsity softball, and tennis schedules will be updated on Facebook once they become available.

Practices start Mon., April 24, and culminate with the Spring Into Summer 1-mile race on Sat., May 20, at 8:10 am. The practice schedule is below and time is 2:30 pm–3 pm.

• Mon., April 24

• Fri., April 28

• Mon., May 1

• Fri., May 5

• Mon., May 8

• Fri., May 12

• Mon., May 15

• Fri., May 19

• Race day, Sat., May 20, at 8:10 am!

Important Information, click here.

Girl Scouts

Our next meeting is Fri., March 31, right after school in the cafeteria. Visit our Troop's Facebook page here.

Saint Mary offers a wonderful assortment of music programs for grades 1 and above. Have your child try an instrument and enrich their learning of the arts.

1st grade and above can start on piano, ukulele, or drums.

3rd grade and above can start on voice, guitar, trumpet, trombone, strings, bass, flute, clarinet, and saxophone.

5th grade and above can start on all the instruments, including bagpipes, and learn music recording and production.

More information here.

SOLD OUT! Thank you to all who purchased tickets.

﻿This will be a night to remember.

Thomas Bender

Latin Teacher

This will be a night to remember.