ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Volume 5 Issue 1

Alumni Newsletter

Winter 2016/2017

CHALLENGING THE MIND – LIVING THE FAITH

Message from the Principal May the spirit of Christmas be with you now and throughout the New Year! It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing. Students are well into their second semester studies. Hopefully, as an alum, you are able to recall just how festive December is at SMCS. Students and their families have enjoyed the Pixie Shop, four beautiful Christmas shows focused on the birth of our Lord, Jesus, door decorating contests, Adopt-a-Family, the student council sponsored initiative, which spreads kindness and hope to families who otherwise would not experience a happy Christmas, and lots and lots of Christmas cheer that filled the hallways. This is also a time that reaffirms why parents make the necessary sacrifices so their children enjoy the benefits of a Catholic education.

The 2016-2017 school year is an important year in the Accreditation Process for schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore (AOB). An external review team from AdvancED interviewed the Archbishop, the Superintendent, various

department heads for the Archdiocese, principals, parents, teachers, and students, as well as visited twelve schools in the Archdiocese in November. The external review team has recommended to AdvancED Accreditation Commission that the Archdiocese of Baltimore earn the distinction of accreditation by AdvancED. The commitment to continuous improvement is embraced by all AOB schools.

Maintaining and improving our facilities is another area that receives attention. For the third year in a row, the Maryland’s General Assembly passed legislation providing funding to nonpublic schools who currently participate in the Maryland Nonpublic Student Textbook Program for renovations and security-related upgrades to existing nonpublic school buildings. The program is administered through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). St. Mary Catholic School was awarded $27,525 in grant money from the Nonpublic Aging Schools Fund toward improvements in our facilities. The windows in the Msgr. Passarelli Room, the kitchen, and the primary hallways were replaced. Also, the bathroom stalls on the middle school floor were replaced. The Church and School Facilities Committee continues to

plan and schedule needed maintenance for our campus. Thanks to proceeds from the 2015 Auction, sixth graders enjoy the cool comfort of air conditioning in their homeroom classroom during warm months.

Technology is always at the forefront at Saint Mary Catholic School. As part of our technology plan, twenty-eight Apple iPad Air 2 devices and a charging cart were purchased to begin the refresh for our middle school iPad program. Sixth graders are utilizing these devices. Fifth graders have access to iPads on a daily basis as a charging cart with twenty-five iPad 2’s is housed in their classroom. K-4 students still have access to a mobile iPad lab. The purchase of new iPads will continue as our one-to-one computing initiative extends to the lower grades. Through proceeds from the Scholastic Book Fair, a SMART Board was added in the Spanish classroom. This SMART Board is used for Spanish class as well as being available for art classes. Saint Mary Catholic School has remained steadfast in its commitment to provide students with a technology-rich environment in which they have opportunities to develop their skills in collaboration, digital literacy, critical

Saint Mary Catholic School empowers children in their faith journey and promotes academic excellence and life-long service inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a nurturing community.

2

Newsletter

St. Mary Catholic School welcomed the Rev. Ernest Cibelli at the beginning of the school year as the new full-time pastor taking over for Rev. Collin Poston. Father Cibelli seamlessly embraced his new role. In addition to his presence during daily Masses, Father Cibelli can be found out in the school yard. His voice greets students and faculty on the loud speaker each Wednesday during Morning Prayer and announcements. He has even helped our wonderful cafeteria staff serve lunch and enjoyed the fellowship this informal setting provided.

Growing up in Howard County, Father Cibelli attended Mount St. Mary’s College. After finishing his time at Mt. St. Mary’s, he was assigned to the North American College in Rome. Coming home from Rome, he served as the associate pastor of St. Joseph, Cockeysville. He was also a priest- secretary to Cardinal O’Brien while in Rome. That is where he started his doctoral studies.

SMCS Art Teacher, Mrs. Stacey Renken (Class of 1987) continues to grow the partnership between the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and St. Mary. All art classes visit the museum throughout the year. In the spring, the museum showcased art work that SMCS students created during Mrs. Renken’s artistic studies. All of our K-8 students had a piece of their original artwork on display. A special reception was held. Over two hundred guests attended the show and reception. What a fabulous opportunity for our students (and art teacher) to shine!

thinking, and problem-solving, which are key to thriving in today’s world. Although there are changes in technology and cosmetic upgrades to our facilities, our mission, Saint Mary Catholic School empowers children in their faith journey and promotes

academic excellence and life-long service inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a nurturing community, remains constant. Please plan a visit to your Alma Mater during Catholic Schools Week, January 28 through February 3, 2017. Catholic Schools Week is rooted in so much tradition, beginning with the Pancake

Breakfast on January 28 and ending with our First Friday Mass at 10:30 A.M. on February 3. Tours are given daily that week between 9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Please join us!

May God Bless you! Patricia A. McDermott

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Volume 5 Issue 1

SMCS Teachers Recognized for

Years of Service in Catholic Education

H.S.A. Casino Night & Silent Auction

Class of 2016

Stay connected with other SMCS Alumni and friends. Join our newly established St. Mary Catholic School Alumni Facebook Page to keep up with current student events, see what’s going on, and hopefully provide a new platform to keep in touch with old friends.

SMCS Home & School Association revamped their Live and Silent Auction as a Casino Night and Silent Auction. A special invitation was extended to Alumni. The food, band, games, and comradery helped make the night a great success! We hope you can join us next year for this incredible event.

Our graduates are attending the following high schools, by number:

St. Maria Goretti H.S.: 8

Other Private Schools: 2

North Hagerstown High School International Baccalaureate Program: 7

Barbara Ingram School: 1

Public High School: 1

Other: 1

4

Newsletter

National Junior Honor Society

Each year the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools recognizes educators and staff throughout the Archdiocese who are celebrating a significant anniversary for their number of years in Catholic education. Congratulations and thank you are extended to the following SMCS teachers for their dedication to Catholic education.

Celebrating 15 years

Cheryl Hammond

Celebrating 25 years

Mary K. Barger

Celebrating 55 years

Sister Aloysius Norman

Students in grades 7 & 8 may apply to be in the National Junior Honor Society. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of education: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Our NJHS students have already jumped into service and leadership roles again! Ten members assisted in stuffing items in the St. Mary Church bulletins. Many seventh and eighth grade members assisted in setting up and cleaning up the rummage sale after school. Noah Hall, Owen O’Connor, and Zachary Zanetti served as student ambassadors for our evening Open House. NJHS students partnered with the American Red Cross to wrap presents at Valley Mall.

Student Council Officers 2016-2017

SMCS Teachers & Staff Recognized for Years of

Service in Catholic Education

5

Newsletter

Twelfth Annual Fund Campaign

Honor Roll of Donors 2016

Goal: $50,000

by [Article Author]

Pastor’s Circle

Gifts of $1,000 & up Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. Beck (in memory of

Mary Beck) Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bockrath Mr. Howard B. Bowen Dr. & Mrs. J. Ramsay Farah Mr. Vincent Groh Reverend George A. Limmer (in memory of Aaron & Dorothy Limmer) Monsignor Joseph S. Lizor, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Satya Mangalapati Mr. & Mrs. James Marshall Mr. & Mrs. Michael Morrell Dr. & Mrs. Neil O’Malley (in honor of unborn babies) Mr. Raymond P. Niner Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rankin (in memory of Margaret Rankin) Mr. & Mrs. A. Wells Ridenour Dr. & Mrs. Gary W. Smith St. Michael Mission Church Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Wilson (in memory of Monsignor Passarelli)

Saints

Gifts of $500 to $999

Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Becker Mrs. Candi Byrne (in honor of Corrina & Jillian Byrne) Mr. & Mrs. Frankie Corsi, III Ms. Cynthia Garland Mr. & Mrs. Frank Giordano (in memory of Frances M. Giordano) Mr. & Mrs. Monte Hilmoe Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Jones Mr. & Mrs. Sam Leslie (in memory of Mary Beck, grandmother of Lauren and Michelle) Mr. & Mrs. Michael McDermott Mr. & Mrs. David Moats (in memory of deceased family) Mr. James Sellgren Dr. & Mrs. Gary Sherman Mr. & Mrs. Peter Spellar (in honor of Owen & Claire O’Connor)

Archangels

Gifts of $250 to $499

Mr. Joe Breslin (in honor of Sister Corda)

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Field Mr. Joseph Jacques (in memory of Jean Jacques) Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Joliet (in

memory of Milton & Joyce Steifel, parents of John and Patrick) Mr. Michael Kamas Mr. & Mrs. Carl Moats Monument Landscpaes, Inc. Ms. Marie Nowakowski Mr. Jeffrey Ortiz Ms. Lois Potter (in memory of William

Potter) Dr. & Mrs. Shahin Rahimian Mrs. Helen Walla (in memory of Dick Walla)

Guardian Angels

Gifts of $100 to $249

Ms. Teresa Angle (in memory of Helen Karn) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowers (in memory of Debra Ann Bowers) Mrs. Martha Canning Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Capone Ms. Loretta Carpenter (in honor of Concetta Susi) Mr. & Mrs. William J. Collins Mr. & Mrs. Silvester De Thomasis (in

honor of the De Thomasis Family and Tina Kumar) Ms. Deanne J. Garver (in honor of Madeline Stonebraker) Mrs. Cheryl Hammond (in memory of Jack Weaver) Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Keller Mrs. Debbie May Sisters Corda Mullenix & Aloysius Norman Ms. Julie Murphy (in memory of James Bussard) Mr. Roger Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. Craig O’Connor Mr. Connor O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Kathleen O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Mary K. O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Tara O’Malley (in memory of Jean

Jacques) Mr. & Mrs. William O’Mara

Ms. Dorothy M. Palla (in memory of Robert L. Palla & Ron Kinsey) Mrs. Sarah Pentony Mrs. Paula Radley Mr. & Mrs. John Reiter (in honor of Peter, Phillip, Stephen, Cathy, & John Reiter) Ms. Suzanne Rickard (in honor of Mia

Nitzell) Ms. Patricia Ridenour Mrs. Christine Shives (in memory of Ralph & Mary Hovis) Mr. & Mrs. Mike Swarner Ms. Charity Sweeney Ms. Dolores J. Weaver (in memory of Joey and Allen Weaver) Mr. & Mrs. Brad Webster

Cherubs

Gifts up to $99

Mrs. Mary K. Barger Mrs. Sarah Bond Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Butts Mr. Gary Divelbiss Mr. & Mrs. Eric Ellis (in memory of Joan Durand) Mrs. Frances M. Eves Mr. Robert Eves Mrs. Kristy Gross Ms. Rita Jane Hartnett (in memory of Mary Ann Hartnett Miley) Mrs. Jennifer Karn (in memory of Christopher Jon Kufera) Mr. & Mrs. Frank Malejko Mr. & Mrs. John Martin (in honor of

Sister Mary Margaret Glick, SSND) Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Martin Mr. & Mrs. Mark Meany Mr. Ernest L. Mellot, Sr. (in honor of Fr. George LImmer) Mr. & Mrs. Boyd J. Michael, III (in memory of Joan Durand) Mrs. Pamela Miller (in memory of Bill Hurley) Ms. Julie Murphy (In memory James Bussard) Mrs. Bonnie Poffenberger Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shelbert (in honor of

Father Limmer) Mrs. Jeanie Stark Mrs. Andrea Vietri Ms. Pamela Ward (in memory of Jim

McKenzie)

6

Newsletter

Service Spotlight:

Eighth-grader, Olivia Craver, is like any other typical teenager. She enjoys goofing around with friends, playing on her phone, and listening to music. What you might not know about Olivia is that she has also been a very busy young lady lately organizing a community food drive in her neighborhood. Olivia designed flyers, which she distributed to neighbors, asking for donations of canned and boxed goods. She planned to donate them to a local food bank and the response she received was overwhelming! Olivia and her parents wound up collecting over 200 pounds of donations to Hagerstown’s Community Action Council, and the employees there were incredibly thankful for her vision and generosity. Service to others is always an incredible gift, but service in which someone inspires others to give is truly commendable.

SMCS is committed to promoting academic excellence in its students. The goal of academic excellence, supported by the collaborative effort of teachers, instills the love of learning and creates lifelong learners. SMCS challenges students academically with a structured, well-rounded course of study and provides a technology-rich environment for students to develop skills in collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. There are SMART Boards in all classrooms, a one-to-one computing system in the middle school, a mobile lab for elementary grades, touchscreen computers in the lab, and 3-D printers to engage students in learning. Students are challenged to create multimedia projects in all curricular areas. Professional development provides teachers necessary support to engage students in twenty-first century learning.

This spring our Walk-4-Success will be refocused as our 2017 Race-4-Technology. This special event will raise money for the school’s technology fund, in particular the purchase of IPads for the next grade of students. Information about this event and how you can contribute will be on our website shortly.

Consider joining us for one of our special Catholic Schools Week events. Call the front office at 301-733-1184 or email info@stmarycatholicschool.org for details.

Pancake Breakfast – January 28

Career Day – January 30

Parent Visitation – January 31

Talent Show – February 1

Grandparent Visitation – February 2

Catholic Schools Week Mass – February 3

St. Mary Catholic School continues to compete technologically

Catholic Schools Week - 2017

7

Newsletter

SMCS students receive yellow, pink, and green keys as acknowledgement for good behavior. Yellow keys acknowledge

being responsible. Pink keys acknowledge kind and gentle behavior. Green keys indicate a student is being respectful. Last

year we received the Bronze Award from PBIS Maryland. This year we received the Silver Award. Our students continue to

receive keys for their efforts on a daily basis. Once certain goals are met, grades also have individual classroom

celebrations such as electronics day, P.E. games, ice cream treats, etc.

This fall, three students selected from

grades 2, 5, and 7 each participated in

the Washington County Free Library

Preschool Story Time Program. Our

students each read a book on the

theme: Apples! Afterwards, the

students helped the preschoolers work

on an apple-themed craft. The

preschoolers participating in the

program range in ages 3 - 5. These

children were captivated by our young

students running this program.

Keys for Success Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Volume 5 Issue 1

Alumni News

Ben (son of Mrs. Tina Forsythe) and Stephanie Forsythe are proud to announce the birth of beautiful Brooklynn Renee on May 5, 2016.

Jason Rocco married his wife, Amy, since last year. They live together in the Washington, D.C. area.

Jessica Stojak gave birth to her son, Wyatt, this year. She and her family live in Western Cecil County, MD.

Let us know what is happening in your life; catch up with your St. Mary classmates. Send us a note by mail, call us at 301-733-1184, or email us at cstumpf@stmarycatholicschool.org. If you prefer to receive the newsletter by email, please let us know.

Alumni Newsletter

218 W. Washington Street Hagerstown, MD 21740