APRIL 21, 2023

Teachers foster the intellectual, social, physical, and faith development of our students.

"Teaching is more of a sublime art, a highly spiritualized participation in the perfection of creation...an art that helps shapes souls."

–ICLE, Renewing Catholic Schools

Principal's Message

I hope you all had a well- deserved, fun, relaxing escape from the daily grind over Easter break. I was happy to see smiling faces back on campus just as our flowers bloomed out front. It reminds us all that Easter month continues to be a rebirth of our faith. I've heard stories of how students spent time far away in a sunny paradise with friends, as well as, many who spent time at home with family. But I was also moved by students taking this break to volunteer their time and talents to worthy causes. I'm proud of our Sant Mary for our passionate and caring school community.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you on Saturday night for our annual gift gala. This is sure to be a fun way to support our school...and maybe win a prize.

God bless,

Craig Palmer

Principal

Upcoming Events

GIFT GALA

Sat., April 22

SOLD OUT

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

May 7-13

MAY CROWNING

Wed., May 17

12:05 pm dismissal

CLASSICAL LEARNING PILOT–TEST

May 22-25

Grades 3-6

PETER PAN JR.

Wed., May 24 &

Thurs., May 25

ACTIVITY DAY

Fri., May 26

12:05 pm dismissal

SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon., May 29

NEW DATE: Tue., June 6

PreK "Stepping Stones" Ceremony

8TH GRADE GRADUATION

Fri., June 9

12:05 pm dismissal

END OF THE YEAR BBQ

Sun., June 11

NEW DATE: Mon., June 12

Kindergarten "Kinderbration" Ceremony

12:05 pm dismissal

NEW DATE: Tues., June 13

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

11:00 am dismissal

SAINT MARY GREAT FAIR

June 26-July 1

PTA volunteer hours for the money wheel will be available, as well as parish volunteer hours for games and rides. Watch for our SignUpGenius link soon.

PTA EVENT

Raffle 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 tomorrow night!

*Winner need not be present*

If you would like tickets please

email: smsgiftgala@gmail.com

*Cash, check, or Venmo accepted

Checks made payable to Saint Mary PTA

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

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Frank Reash

Math Teacher

Pennsylvania Western University at Edinboro

Bachelor of Arts in Math; Bachelor of Science in Geology

Teachers College Columbia University

Master of Arts in Math Education

I've been a math teacher for more than 35 years. I thrive on helping young students achieve their best. At Saint Mary School, the faculty, staff, and students are incredibly welcoming and helpful. The atmosphere in the hall and classroom is always warm and positive. After retiring from public school I still wanted to help students excel in math. Coming to Saint Mary is my favorite part of the day. I enjoy seeing the kids learn and grow...and find the love of learning math."

STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT

Lights, Camera, Action. What an amazing experience for our theater students! Paramount Pictures invited students to witness a behind the a scene shoot for the upcoming movie “Mean Girls The Musical” this week. More pictures/scenes will be permitted to post after it’s released.

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.

It’s Spring at SMS! The spring 2023 Snapology registration form is attached. Mondays, April 17-May 22, 2:30-3:30 pm.

April Lunch Menu

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

Lunch form here.

April menu here.

The 2023-24 school calendar is here.

The Saint Mary school year ends on June 13 and most summer camps don't start until late June or early July. Highline Arena will be running a SPECIAL camp week for Saint Mary School students the week of June 19. Camp runs daily from 8:30 am-3:30 pm, with before and aftercare offered. Pick and choose your days at a cost of $55 per day. Kids enjoy a fun-filled day of sports and activities. Click here for information regarding the camp. If you have any questions, please contact SMS dad, Chris Gosha, at cgosha21@gmail.com. Click here for registration form.

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.

All 8th graders and high school teens are invited to Join Saint Mary, Mother of God Life Teen for "Slip & Slide Hockey and BBQ" on Sunday, May 7th. All will gather for the 5pm Life Teen Mass followed by a time of food, fun and fellowship t 7:00pm all parents are invited to attend an information session for the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference the will be help July 7-9, 2023. 45 spots are available - email Kenny Falls: saintmary's.lifeteen@gmail.com

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., April 21, 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.