May 3, 2023

SALUTING THE CLASS OF 2023

We are incredibly proud of our Saint Mary Class of 2023! Our school community will be reading about these inspiring young scholars over the next few weeks in our 8th Grade Spotlight section of the newsletter. Congratulations to our Saints as they move on to high school.

Principal's Message

Last night our 2nd graders completed a major milestone in their spiritual journey–the Sacrament of Penance. This is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. They have been studying and learning about this sacrament all year. Our students placed themselves in His presence and honestly acknowledged their sins. We congratulate and pray with them.

Next week is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. I can't say it enough–we absolutely love the commitment of our Saint Mary teachers and staff. We could not provide outstanding education and spiritual support without our faculty and staff. Highlighting them one week out of the the year is not enough. We hope you read the teacher highlight in our weekly newsletter so you can learn a little bit more about why they choose to teach at Saint Mary School. We have a weeklong celebration planned to say thank you for all they do for our community. I encourage you to take the time and thank your children's teachers for all they do.

I also want to thank our community for their patience while we pave the lot outside Saint Mary Mother of God Church. We know it has been tricky at times, but you have all risen to the occasion. The project should be completed this weekend, weather permitting.

God bless,

Craig Palmer

Principal

Upcoming Events

TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

May 7-13

PTA MEETING

Wed., May, 10, 6 pm; Cafeteria

MAY CROWNING

Wed., May 17; 12:05 pm dismissal

DINE TO DONATE

Wahoo Tacos; Wed., May 17

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

PREK CEREMONY

Stepping Stones; Tues., June 6

DINE TO DONATE

Frozen Flavors; Wed., June 7

8TH GRADE GRADUATION

Fri., June 9; 12:05 pm dismissal

END OF THE YEAR BBQ

Sun., June 11

KINDERGARTEN CEREMONY

Kinderbration

Mon., June 12; 12:05 pm dismissal

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Tues., June 13

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.

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

2nd graders had a very special evening this week, as they made their First Penance at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine at St. Mary's. God bless them and their wonderful parents, who are doing an amazing job raising their children in our Catholic faith. Mary, Mother of God...pray for us.

COMING SOON: A NEW LIBRARY

Last year, Saint Mary School entered into a three-year renewal plan to transition to a Catholic Classical Liberal Arts philosophy. This Catholic intellectual tradition has been the gold standard of education for centuries, creating some of the finest minds our world has known. God is at the very heart of everything our students learn. We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Saint John Paul II Classical Library opening at Saint Mary School in September 2023. Every book will be carefully chosen to include timeless children's classics and modern literature. The library's shelves will be filled with exciting books based on Catholic virtues and morals that teach as well as entertain.

With a contribution to the Saint John Paul II Classical Library you can help construct, furnish, and maintain the library. Any donation, large or small, would be greatly appreciated. With your $40 donation to our book collection, we will select a book and inscribe in honor of your loved one (living or deceased). With Mother’s Day around the corner, this would be a great way to honor our moms! Make your donations here: https://stmaryes.org/classicallibrary

Hitting it out of the park!

Our Saint Mary Baseball and Softball teams are off to a great start. Make sure to show your Saint Pride and come out to cheer them on!

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.

Calling all SMS families with children from preschool through rising 2nd graders. If you are interested in our Summer Camp, please fill out this form and return it to the office.

May Lunch Menu

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

Lunch form here.

May 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 or use this link.

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 7. All will gather for the 5 pm Life Teen Mass followed by food, fun, and fellowship. At 7 pm all parents are invited to attend an information session for the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference, will be held 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.

We had a great first practice! Next one is Friday, 2:30 pm–3 pm.

• 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., May 5, right after school in the cafeteria. We know many of our girls are participating in Marathon Kids. This will not be a badge meeting. 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.