MARCH 14, 2023

Lenten Day of Renewal–HOPE

The Saint Mary School community is invited to Saint Mary, Mother of God Church on Sat., March 18, for a Lenten Day of Renewal. Register today at www.DOTCCR.org.

Principal's Message

"In a Catholic school, faith cannot be added on. It must be woven through. 'Christ is the Teacher in Catholic schools.'"–Archbishop of Vancouver J. Michael Miller, CBS

Johan van Parys from The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis has captured my sentiments this third week of Lent perfectly–remember to be patient with yourself and others. Lent is neither an endurance test nor a time to prove our Christian heroism. Rather, Lent is a time to slow down and ponder what is essential to our faith and thus to our lives as Christians. So please pace yourself. Give yourself and others the necessary space. And above all, be patient with yourself and others. If you are looking for a place to sit and be at peace with Jesus, I urge you to consider adoring our eucharistic Lord at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine on the campus of Mary, Mother of God Church. I'm asking for each family to think about taking one spot in the adoration schedule. You can sign up to be an adorer here: www.stmarychurchnj.org/adoration.

God bless,

Craig Palmer

Principal

PTA EVENT

This event will sell out. If you are interested in attending, purchase your tickets right away. Cash or check are accepted. Your RSVP must include payment to register.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Jennifer Szotak

Fifth Grade Math & Science Teacher

University of Scranton

Bachelor of Science in Human Services

I have been a teacher for 28 years, 22 of which I have taught at Saint Mary School. We truly have a special school in that there is a strong feeling of a close community: students, parents, and teachers alike. I have four children, all who have attended Saint Mary School starting with the preschool and continued through eight grade. My youngest is currently in seventh grade. I care greatly for my students, wanting not just to educate them to the best of my ability, but in supporting their mental and spiritual growth. Going the extra mile is the norm for so many of our teachers. We don't just see teaching at Saint Mary's as a job, but as our mission. Getting to know my students, and often times their families, on a personal level is not uncommon as there are many opportunities for us to come together. Every student is important and has something to contribute to the classroom community. As children of God, mutual respect is taught and expected as we go on this journey together. Teaching and sharing in the lives of my coworkers and students has been such a blessing!

FAMILY INFORMATION

Saint John Vianney is providing Saint Mary students with free youth cardiac screenings in conjunction with Nicole’s Heart Foundation. If you would like your child to have a free cardiac screening, please join us at SJV on Sat., Mar., 18, from 9 am–noon. This cardiac screening is being held in conjunction with Nicole’s Heart and Alpert, Zales, and Castro Pediatric Cardiology. All appointments must be made (and are time specific) by contacting Assistant Principal Mr. Richard Lamberson at lamberson@sjvhs.com. Parents/guardians, please bring the completed waivers. All female students should wear a sports bra under their top. All appointments are time-sensitive and no “walk-ins” are allowed.

Parent Homework

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.

Important Information, click here.

• Mon., April 24

• Fri., April 28

• Mon., May 1

• Fri., May 5th

• Mon., May 8th

• Fri., May 12th

• Mon., May 15th

• Fri., May 19th

• Race day, Sat., May 20, at 8:10 am!

February Lunch Menu

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

March menu here.

March second half menu here.

Lunch form here.

The GIFT GALA is coming up fast. A vast majority of the prizes for the gala are generously donated by the parents of SMS students, as well as local businesses. Please consider donating an item from our wish list here. Items can be shipped to the school or dropped off to the main office. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity!

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.

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

We have rescheduled the parade for April 1. If you or your children want to march, please fill out the permission slip that was sent home. If your organization would like to be a vendor at our St. Patrick's Day Parade, please reach out to Maryanne at 732-671-0129.

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.

Baseball, softball, and track schedules will be announced soon.

5th-8th grade students who are interested in joining the Chess Club should join Mr. Pat Melosh on Mon., Mar. 13. The club will be held in room 113 from 3:15-4:45 pm. All needed chess materials will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Melosh at pmelosh@stmaryes.org Students can also see him during the school day in room 109.

Girl Scouts

We will be hosting our booth cookie sales this Sun., March 19, at Saint Mary Mother of God church, at all masses while supplies last. Stop by if you are craving cookies. Our next meeting is Fri., March 17, right after school in the cafeteria. If you plan on marching in the parade on Sat., April 1, you must hand in your school and Girl Scout permission slips. 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.