november newsletter 2016 - st. mary catholic...
TRANSCRIPT
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NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2016
St. Mary Catholic School
Challenging the Mind—Living the Faith
www.stmarycatholicschool.org
Dear Parents,
Happy November! Thanksgiving Break is only about three weeks away and our November school days are packed with many SMCS traditions that you will not want to miss. Please join us on Tuesday, November 1, for our All Saints Day Mass. Each of our sixth graders chose a saint to research in order to learn how an ordinary person spent his or her life trying to grow in holiness to be closer to God. The students dress in costumes as their chosen saints and share the sufferings and triumphs of these faith-filled people. During this special Mass, we will also honor Sister Corda, who is celebrating her ninetieth birthday later in the month. Sister Corda is very humble and does not want a lot of fanfare, but we do want to take this opportunity to say Happy Birthday and thank her for all she means to SMCS. Then on Friday, November 4, we come together again for our First Friday school liturgy.
Also in November, our HSA plans and offers two special community building events. First as a school community, we are invited to share a special Thanksgiving lunch together on November 8. 28 South is catering this delicious turkey event. Reservation forms were sent home last week. It is a nice way to give thanks and enjoy the comradery of family and friends. Also, that same week, on Saturday, November 12, the HSA is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year, the fabulous SMCS Casino Night & Silent Auction. Sarma McCafferty and Aggie Cantave, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, have been working for months to make this fundraiser a huge success. Please be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. It is sure to be a fun-filled evening for adults that truly benefits our children!
As the trimester comes to a close, we take the opportunity to celebrate our SMCS Keys for Success. Our students strive each day to be kind and gentle, to be respectful, and to be responsible in all their daily encounters. As a school we want to provide affirmation to our students that these expectations are important. Plans are in the works for something special.
And finally, November gives us the opportunity to give thanks for our many blessings. Being part of a school community where students, parents, faculty, and priests believe in Catholic education is definitely a blessing! On behalf of the SMCS faculty and staff, I want to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and a relaxing mini-break!
As always, I ask for your prayers to the Holy Spirit to give me the guidance and
wisdom needed to serve as principal of Saint Mary Catholic School.
May God Bless you! Patricia A. McDermott
MISSION STATEMENT
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 1 All Saints Day—10:30 Mass
November 2 Read-a-Thon
November 4 First Friday Mass
November 8 Thanksgiving Lunch
November 11
Noon Dismissal—Teacher Professional Afternoon
November 12 Casino Night
November 14-16 Archdiocesan Accreditation Visit
November 22 Trimester I ends
November 23-November 27 Thanksgiving Break
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FAITH
SCHOOL LITURGIES
Please join us on Tuesday, November 1, at 10:30 A.M., for our
school Mass. Our sixth graders will be making a special appearance
as SAINTS. Our students look forward to this special Mass each
year. This is a holy day of obligation for Catholics.
Please join us again on Friday, November 4, at 10:30 A.M., for our First Friday
Mass. Father Cibelli will be the celebrant.
NOVENA FOR OUR NATION
Father Cibelli is extending an invitation to families to join him in
praying the Rosary for Our Nation as we approach the general
election on November 8. At 6:30 P.M. each evening in St. Mary
Church from October 30 to November 7, the Rosary will be prayed for the
upcoming election, for the rejection of intrinsic evils, and for the Catholic Church.
Please join us in prayer. SMCS students will be leading the Rosary on November
1, at 6:30 P.M.
TRIMESTER NEWS
ACADEMICS
The first trimester of the 2016-2017 school year ends on Tuesday, November 22. Progress Reports will be distributed on Wednesday, December 7.
ST. MARY PARISH NEWS
SACRAMENTAL NEWS
Eighth graders who are members of St. Mary Parish have their Confirmation Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on November 7. Students are to meet at 8:00 A.M. in Fatima Hall. Students are to bring their own lunch money. Cell phones are not permitted, but students may bring a camera. Students will return to campus at 3:30 P.M.
ST. MARY PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY
The St. Mary Parish Music Ministry is looking for more voices to enrich the sound of the various Parish choirs at weekend masses. If interested, please contact Trevor Rowland, [email protected].
CATHOLICISM FOR ADULTS
For more information, contact Fr. Larry Adamczyk, [email protected]
Second Sunday of the Month Bible Study -meets Second Sunday of the month in Parish Conference Room -Topic: St. Paul’s Letters to the Romans -No registration required Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults If you would like to become Catholic and be able to share in the Sacramental Life of the Church, RCIA is the place for you. (7:00 PM on Thursdays in Fatima Hall)
KNIGHTS OF
THE HOLY TABERNACLE
-Young Catholic Men, grades 8-12 -First Sunday of the Month -6::30-8:30 PM -St. Mary Parish Center - For more information, contact Fr. Larry Adamczyk, [email protected]
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A GENTLE REMINDER
The Trimester I progress reports are scheduled to be distributed on Wednesday,
December 7. Please make sure that all your financial obligations (tuition through
November, health & art fees, late fees, Phase I fundraiser, after-school care
through October, classroom fees, cafeteria expenses, etc.) are paid in full by that
time. Otherwise, progress reports will be held until all financial obligations are
met. Please refer to pages 49-50 of the handbook. Notifications will be sent
home during the week of November 14 if you are still in arrears with anything at
that time.
FAMILY COMMITMENT HOURS
The SMCS faculty and staff want to thank all our parents and grandparents who
have been putting in their volunteer hours. The extra help we are receiving is
truly amazing and very much appreciated! Please remember to log your hours in
HELPCOUNTER. (http://helpcounter.org/main/index.php) A minimum of ten hours
must be completed and logged in by midnight on Thursday, November 17.
Invoices for unfulfilled hours will be sent in December.
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS—H.S.A.
HSA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Co-President: Mrs. MJ Sommerville Co-President: Mrs. Jennifer Harman
Vice-President: Mr. Thomas Witt Corresponding Secretary: Mr. Jay Zuspan
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Lisa Muto Treasurer: Mrs. Nicole Rappaport
Associate Treasurer: Mrs. Crystal Strother
SMCS CASINO NIGHT AND SILENT AUCTION
Tickets are on sale for the SMCS Casino Night and Silent Auction on November 12 at Beaver Creek Country Club! A fabulous evening is planned for adults, including food stations, cash bar, live music, fabulous prizes, raffles, and silent auction items. Professional gaming tables, pit boss, and dealers set the mood for a lucky night of Texas
Hold’Em, Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Money Wheel, Video Horse Racing, with dozens of raffle prizes including theater tickets, museum passes, overnight stays, spa packages, and more. Enjoy a night out and help support SMCS! This is the most important HSA fundraiser of the year—please show your support by attending!
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The SMCS Volunteer Program is off to another wonderful start. 999.04 volunteer hours have been logged as of October 25! It is great having so many parents and grandparents participating in the endless volunteer opportunities that exist at SMCS and that are vital to the mission of our school. Thank you!
Our Top Ten Volunteers per Hours Logged are:
Sarma & Tom McCafferty—77.94 Jennifer & DJ Smallwood—63.50
April Nitzell—49.25 Marisa & Vince Kenney—40.00
Stacey & Kevin Stine—32.75 Crystal Strother—32.50
Stacey & James Renken—30.00 Heidi & Greg Maciulla—29.00
Bella Barron—28.60 Justin & Suzanne Harbert—22.75
Remember to log into HelpCounter (http://helpcounter.org/main/index.php) to track your hours. You will receive a monthly summary from HelpCounter at the end of each month. Trimester I ends on November 22, so a minimum of 10 hours must be logged by midnight on November 17, or notify the principal of your plan to complete the required hours. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].
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MARTINS A+ REWARDS
Please sign up for this great program that generates money
and costs nothing to participate! Once you register, all you
need to do is shop and swipe your BONUS card every time you
shop.
RUMMAGE SALE
The Rummage Sale was a huge success, earning
$5,848.75. SMCS families logged 207.75 volunteer hours
for this event. We appreciate Mrs. Mary Grove’s
continued dedication to SMCS. All the volunteers who
made donations, assisted with sales, worked in the
kitchen, monitored our hallways, or helped with set-up
and clean-up should be commended. This event not only earns money for our
school but provides the community with a great service. If you were unable to
help with October’s sale, please mark your calendars for our spring rummage
sale on May 4, 2017, and become one of the rummage sale enthusiasts.
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
Our Thanksgiving Lunch is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8. Families are welcome to join in this SMCS tradition as we come together as a community and give thanks for all our blessings. The deadline for reservations is November 1. Many thanks are
extended to Jay Zuspan of 28 South for catering this special event.
Lunch Shift Schedule by last name:
11:00 A TO G 11:45 H TO O 12:30 P TO Z
SCRIP
Last year St. Mary families saved over $12,000 in tuition by
participating in the SCRIP Program. SCRIP dates this month
are November 14 and 28 .
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL
Middle School Social will be held from 3:00 to 4:30 on
November 4. A dollar donation is required to help offset
the cost of drinks and snacks.
SHIELD THE VULNERABLE
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and Saint Mary Catholic School are committed to providing a safe environment for children. Our procedures for volunteering in schools require that a volunteer who will have substantial contact with children must complete screening and training procedures that are outlined on the www.archbalt.org website.
The current and effective version of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures, including the Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children &Youth and the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which incorporates any revisions to the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Child and Youth Protection Policies and Procedures that may be made from time to time, is available on the Child and Youth Protection page of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s website and on the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s online compliance management system, Shield the Vulnerable.
Please register as a St. Mary Catholic School Volunteer, at http://www.shieldthevulnerable.org/. All new volunteers should complete the process as soon as possible. Please contact Jan McCarter, our screening coordinator, at [email protected], or (301)739-0390, ext. 129, with any questions or concerns.
Shield the Vulnerable training IS NOT complete until all parts of the process are fulfilled including the background check. Just completing the online training itself DOES NOT fulfill the requirements for Shield the Vulnerable.
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RESTAURANT NIGHT
HSA would like to thank all our families who participated in the restaurant night
at Western Sizzlin. We also appreciate the Romsburg family for hosting this
fundraiser in support of SMCS.
BAKE SALES
November 9: Eighth Grade
November 30: Fifth Grade
BOX TOPS
Thanks to Sister Corda, SMCS is able to profit from
your BoxTops. Just send in the actual BoxTops to
Sister Corda and she will take care of the rest.
Remember to write your name on the envelope.
Thank You!
PIXIE SHOP
With Christmas around the corner, Mrs. MJ Sommerville and
Mrs. Jennifer Harman, assisted by many wonderful parent
volunteer elves, will host the Pixie Shop on December 7, 8, and 9.
Students from all grades will be invited to shop for those special
people on their lists. Our students (and staff) are always
amazed with the way the Monsignor Passarelli room is
transformed into a Christmas boutique filled with really cool gifts
at really low prices. A flyer is forthcoming.
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS & HOMEROOM REPRESENTATIVES
President: Anne Balog Vice-President: Gabrielle McCafferty
Secretary: Mason Reed Treasurer: Logan Flanagan
Parliamentarian: Jackson Pentony
OCTOBER TAG DAY
TAG Day is scheduled for Friday, October 28, to support the American Cancer
Society. Students are able to choose from a variety of colors in support of finding
a cure for different forms of cancer.
NATIONAL JUNIOR
HONOR SOCIETY
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 are partnering with the American Red Cross to wrap presents at Valley Mall on Wednesday, December 14, from 3:30 to 6:00 P.M. Our NJHS members enjoy helping others!
Executive Board members are:
Caroline Dillard – President
Daniel Duncan – Vice-President
Madelyn Ortiz – Secretary
Morgan McMahon – Treasurer
Matthew Stine – Parliamentarian
Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.
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READ-A-THON
On Wednesday, November 2, St. Mary Catholic School faculty
and students will read for 100 minutes in order to earn money
to purchase Christmas gifts for needy families. Through total
school participation in this READ-A-THON, this worthy endeavor
will enable our students to earn money that will be used to make this Christmas
a happier time for families adopted by each grade through the Salvation Army
Angel program. Students will be receiving more information directly from their
homeroom teachers. For now, just help your child gather enough good books to
read for 100 minutes!
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Our student council is collecting cans of food for the Hagerstown Food Bank from November 14 through 16. Students who
donate 3 canned goods will be able to come out of uniform on Tuesday, November 22. The theme for the TAG DAY is wear your favorite sports team jersey or shirt.
OTHER NEWSWORTHY ITEMS
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE
We are preparing for our sixth annual SMCS Middle School Spelling Bee. Students were given a written test. From this test, eight to ten students from each grade (6th, 7th, and 8th) with the top scores will move on to compete in the SMCS Spelling Bee, which will take place on the afternoon of November 21, at 1:15 pm. From this contest, the top two students from each grade will move on to compete in the Washington County Spelling Bee. In addition, from the SMCS Spelling Bee, the top 6th, 7th, and 8th grade spellers will be named, plus an overall school champion will
be crowned, with prizes awarded to the top spellers in each grade and to the
overall school champion! Thank you is extended to Mrs. Karn for organizing this
contest!
6th Grade Spelling Bee Contestants: Phillip Aguila, Gabriel Bachtell, Zachary Frey,
Noah Karn, Jesse Mangalapati, Spencer Pentony, Sofia Qaum, Jillienne Smith,
Lucy Strama, and Evan Weaver
7th Grade Spelling Bee Contestants: Ty Ambush, Daniel Duncan, Logan Flanagan,
Noah Hall, Saif Khan, Gabrielle McCafferty, Finn McGreevy, Krystal Nogales, Anna
Rohan, and Zachary Zanetti
8th Grade Spelling Bee Contestants: Anne Balog, Caroline Dillard, Brandon Kijowski, Havilah Mangalapati, Morgan
McMahon, Joseph Mele, Jackson Pentony, Yousuf Qaum, Adam Rappaport, Stephen Reiter, and Tyler Tran
SMCS OPEN HOUSES
SMCS will be hosting Open Houses during Catholic Schools Week:
Saturday, January 28
9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Monday, January 30
9 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Tuesday, January 31
9 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Wednesday, February 1
9 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, February 2
9 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
If you know of any families who might be interested in learning more about St. Mary Catholic School, please encourage them to come and “check us out.” Prospective students are encouraged to spend a day shadowing. Be sure to also share our Open House Events on your Facebook
OPEN HOUSE YARD SIGNS
Thank you is extended to all the families who advertised in their front yards with Open House signs last week.
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday,
November 6, at 2:00 A.M. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour.
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
The SMCS Cross Country Team is comprised of Samantha Ellis, Nicholas Smallwood, Chloe Dellaposta, Jacob Kijowski, Leah McCafferty, Sonia Qaum, Raniya Shahid, Lauren Stine, Jack Flint, Sullivan McGreevy, Henry Ortiz, Brianna Ellis, Sofia Qaum, Lleyton Foster, Finn McGreevy, Matthew Stine, Emma Flint, and Yousuf Qaum! These
students are truly displaying a love of running!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2016
Pancake Breakfast—January 28 Career Day—January 30
Parent Visitation— January 31 Talent Show—February 1
Grandparent Visitation—February 2 CSW Mass—February 3
PICTURE RETAKES
Lifetouch will be at SMCS on Friday, November 18, for
picture retakes. If you would like your child’s picture
retaken, please return the entire picture package on that
day. Students being photographed may come out of
uniform following the guidelines in the handbook.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
St. Mary Catholic School follows the announcement for
Washington County Public Schools. Please listen to your local radio
stations or NBC25 for possible school cancellations, late openings,
or early dismissals. In the case of a two-hour delay, Pre-K will not
have school. An email/text through Alert Solutions will be sent.
POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
SMCS students have been earning keys throughout the month of October. We are truly blessed to have students who care about each other, who strive to excel in their academics, and who greet each school day with a smile.
As of October 24, the Key Count for students by grade level is as follows:
Pre-Kindergarten: 129 Keys
Kindergarten: 113 keys
First Grade: 148 keys
Second Grade: 106 keys
Third Grade: 175 keys
Fourth Grade: 131 keys
Fifth Grade: 307 keys
Sixth Grade: 237 keys
Seventh Grade: 141 keys
Eighth Grade: 126 keys
A total of 1,613 keys have been earned by SMCS students!
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CHRISTMAS SHOW DATES
7:00 P.M. on December 15—Grades 2 through 5 Christmas
Show
9:15 A.M. on December 16—Pre-Kindergarten Christmas
Show
1:45 P.M. on December 16—First Grade Christmas Alphabet Play
1:45 P.M. on December 19—Kindergarten Christmas Show
PRESCHOOL STORY & CRAFT TIME
Mrs. Jeanie Stark and Sister Aloysius are offering a story
and craft time for 3 to 5 year olds on November 16 at
12:00 P.M. Please contact Mrs. O’Connor if interested.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
After-School Care is in need of another After-School Care Attendant. If
interested, please contact Paula Radley, [email protected].
HEALTH NEWS
If you have any health-related questions, please contact Ms. Paula Radley at (301)733-1184, ext. 104, or by email, [email protected].
PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL
NEW ADORERS are needed for the Perpetual Adoration Chapel located at St. Maria Goretti High School. "The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament...will help
bring about an everlasting peace on earth.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) Call Mr. or Mrs. Ott for more information at 301-739-4167.
IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please remember Maria P. Roxas (grandmother of Daniel Duncan),
Doris Cannon (grandmother of Amelie Augustine), and Lillian Soya
(great-grandmother of Nathaniel and Gabriel Bachtell) who
passed away this past month.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
OCTOBER GOOD SAMS
I want to congratulate our Good S.A.M.s for October:
Kindergarten – Kaylee Kinna
First Grade – Anna Capobianco
Second Grade – Corrina Byrne
Third Grade – Crystal Magonya
Fourth Grade – Quincy Swett
Fifth Grade – Anthony Corsi
Sixth Grade – Paige Smith
Seventh Grade – Lleyton Foster
Eighth Grade – Liam Harbert
Thanks for your Service, Attitude, and Manners!
PHASE I RAFFLE TICKET WINNERS
Thank you is extended to Mrs. Jackie Swarner for coordinating this fundraiser and to Sister Aloysius for faithfully picking the winning ticket each week.
Congratulations to the following October winners:
($50) Week 1: Karen Sweet
($50) Week 2: Tina Cameron
($50) Week 3: Denise Smith
($50) Week 4: Chris Hendershot
($100) Week 5: TBD